Brainstorming Session #mfbsconf –Why I am Filled with Jubilation

Next week in Houston Texas, Tami Siewruk (@multifamilypro) will be hosting Brainstorming Sessions: Stellar Solutions.  Within the multifamily industry there has been so much positive chatter about this event, hence the reason why I decided to write this today.

This year has been an amazing learning curve for me as I made a huge career transfer from 12 years as a general manager of floral import company to the multifamily industry to this.  The general business concerns are much the same, marketing, customer service, ROI, NOI etc.  However the direct application was far different.  As my boss Mechelle Flowers put it, I will have to learn the lingo.  How true that was!  Learning expressions such as curb appeal, ILS, CPM, Fair Housing, Leasing Professional and many others was an intriguing educational challenge. (Side note I was an assistant property manager for a shopping mall at age 16 J )

If I was to even try and list all of the professionals who have helped me this year, this blog would never end.  What I can broadcast to you is this simple statement: You know who you are, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!  Thank you for recognizing where I needed help and answering my questions and being there for me. 

So as I prepare for this event next week the key word I thought of this morning was Jubilation!  I am very much looking forward to personally meeting everyone and getting that face to face connection.  I am looking forward to listening to the various sessions that will provide insight and ideas on many of the key topics that the multifamily industry wrestles with.  Most of all I am looking forward to my continued growth as a professional in the multifamily industry as a result of next week’s event.

One of my learning curves in blogging is writing in a way that inspires people to comment.  I know I have a ways to go!  What I would like to hear from my readers is what they are looking forward to at next week’s conference.  I can’t wait to meet everyone!  See you soon.

Written by Jonathan Saar - The Training Factor

Fair Housing: Landmark Judgment Passed for Multifamily Company

A landmark decision was handed out by the Justice Department yesterday.  This is something that everyone in the multifamily industry needs to pay attention to.  Here is the link to the article and also the full article from the Justice Department.

http://www.portfolio.com/views/blogs/capital/2009/11/03/justice-department-hits-la-apartment-owner-with-record-fine/

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/November/09-crt-1187.html

A couple of key excerpts are as follows: “Tuesday, the Department of Justice announced that a Los Angeles apartment-building owner had agreed to pay $2.7 million to settle allegations that he discriminated against blacks, Hispanics, and families with children. It’s the largest penalty ever obtained by the department in a housing-discrimination case involving apartments.

“The magnitude of this settlement should send a message to all landlords that we will vigorously pursue violations of the Fair Housing Act,” said Thomas Perez, assistant attorney general for the department’s civil rights division.”

In addition, an independent contractor will test Sterling’s compliance with fair-housing laws at his Los Angeles properties for three years and provide training to his apartment managers and leasing agents on fair-housing rules.”

This judgment should strike a chord with all of us the importance of making sure our companies are fully educated in the Fair Housing Act.  I found it quite sad after reading this article yesterday and then reflecting on a recent conference I attended.  Here is why.  One of my usual questions to everyone who came by our booth was, “What does your company do for training?”  It was unfortunate to hear from some, “Training! We don’t need training.” 

I wonder how this landlord feels about multifamily training now.  The Fair Housing Act is in place for a reason.  In order to work without fear of a violation, it’s important to be educated properly and have clear documentation on how each staff member is in compliance. 

This judgment could be the first of many to come.  Let’s be proactive and not reactive.  Being reactive could cost us dear.

Written by Jonathan Saar - The Training Factor