Real Estate News and Market Moves Week 58

For this week’s blog post, we have an interview with the Auben Market Director over our Columbia, Greenville, and Kansas City offices, Brandie Mejia.

Who was your first business/ real estate mentor?

-Donald Caster: Donald was the first corporate leader to visit the property where I worked and acknowledge my presence. Despite our brief time working together, he quickly recognized my potential in a way no one had before. He took the initiative to inquire about my career goals and actively assisted me in developing a strategic plan to achieve them. Donald’s mentorship was characterized by patience and a commitment to nurturing my leadership abilities, teaching me to approach challenges with a focus on detail and solutions. Despite not working together for 12+ years, Donald remained a huge mentor throughout my career and has played a huge role in my success and where I am today. 

How did you get into the real estate profession?

-My husband and I were in search of a rental home. After an extensive search, I contacted a local property management company. Following a discussion with their management team, I not only secured a home but also embarked on a new career.

How is it working with Investors in real estate?

-Working with investors in real estate can be both rewarding and challenging. Investors often have specific goals and strategies, which can influence the dynamics of the relationship and the approach to real estate transactions. Overall, working with real estate investors requires a combination of market expertise, analytical skills, strong negotiation abilities, and a client-centric approach. When done effectively, it can lead to successful long-term relationships.

What trait do you see most successful investors have?

Trust: When working with investors from across the country, trust is paramount. Although they may not always be familiar with the local market, they can rely on us to act in the best interest of their investment.

What is the best lesson you have learned in real estate?

-Teamwork! With so many moving parts and not one day ever being the same, it takes a great team to succeed. 

I first heard about Auben..?

-During a catch-up conversation with a mentor that had recently joined the Auben team.

What led you to your market director role at Auben?

-Later in 2023, Donald Caster, President of Auben Realty, contacted me regarding a potential opportunity. Following my attendance at Auben’s company Christmas party, where I had the pleasure of meeting Tyson, the Founder of Auben, Alex Becker, and Erica Barraza, my counterpart, I became convinced that Auben was the right fit for me. The company’s culture and its commitment to growth presented the ideal environment I had been seeking for quite some time.

Describe a day in the life of Market Leader at Auben?

-Every day in property management brings new challenges and opportunities. As a Market Director, I begin my day by reviewing my schedule and addressing any outstanding tasks from the previous day. I prioritize regular communication with all markets under my oversight, offering support and assistance, as necessary.

I maintain my scheduled daily and weekly meetings with department heads, leadership teams, and property owners to ensure alignment and address any operational issues promptly. Dedicated time is allocated daily to enhance our policies and procedures, striving for continuous improvement.

At the end of each day, I prepare a new task list to ensure readiness for the following day’s responsibilities.

What makes a good leader?

-A good leader embodies a combination of qualities and skills that inspire, guide, and support their team towards achieving common goals. A good leader must always be a team player and never forget where they started. 

How do you embody that as a leader yourself?

-I am huge on elevating and providing support to my teams. I also strive to be the best example I can of teamwork. 

What is your favorite book?

-Teamwork—How to Build a High-Performance Team by: Natalie Dawson. This book talks about how important company culture is to attract and create an exciting work environment.

What is the best advice you have received?

-If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else believe in you?

What is the best advice you could give someone else?

-Don’t let the situations you have been through define who you are. 

If I were to start over?

-I would be a motivational speaker and or a private investigator.

Any Hobbies?

-I love event planning and hosting get-togethers with family and friends.

Where is a place where time slows down?

-When I have my husband and five children together in one place just talking about life.