Pros
This will be lengthy, my apologies.
My story begins in the NW suburbs of Chicago, while I was managing a 732-unit property for a smaller, IL based company. I was severely unhappy working with a company that did not value their talent. An industry friend reached out and said he was going to be leaving his Property Manager post at a nearby location, would I be interested? But one thing, the property will be listed for sale within two years (part of a close-ended fund that had an expiration date).
My wife and I had wanted to move out of IL for a while but hadn't worked hard yet at finding opportunities. I began researching Berkshire Communities, and they had portfolios is every major market the missus and I had discussed calling our new home. Everyone I spoke to that was affiliated with Berkshire had this strange, positive affection for the company so I decided to take a leap of faith.
My mindset; I can carry the asset through the disposition and be super successful and hopefully get transferred, OR if my performance is not top-notch we could use the stay bonus to relocate and part ways amicably.
I fell in love. The company culture is amazing. Berkshire Communities has the right people in the right positions. The benefits are outstanding. They value everyone in each role, mentor them, develop them, and actually care about them.
I began to get nervous about the disposition and worry what would happen if I could not stay on with them. Amazingly we had an acquisition in the pipeline in Austin, TX, that lined up closely with the sale. The amazing regional management team worked with me to acquire the PM role there and they also assisted with relocation.
Happy Ending time, still with the company after 3.5 years. I feel appreciated, I feel accomplished, I feel happy. I've built strong relationships all over the country with other PM's, Regional Managers, and VP's. Our annual leadership conference is an absolute joyous gathering of like minds that is fun to watch.
If you are mulling over an opportunity to join Berkshire Communities, please reach out to any current or former employees to get feedback before making the final decision. You will be impressed.
Cons
Nothing that stands out considerably.
