It isn’t out of the ordinary to dream of picking up your things and moving to a brand new city. We have all had that thought at some point in our lives, even if just for a moment. Wouldn’t it be daring, impulsive, and so extremely rewarding to start fresh?
It is easy to think about it all, but when it is said and done, it can truly be a tough decision to make for yourself. Luckily, for us, we have the opportunity to apply for positions anywhere in our company, with ample openings around the country to pursue this curiosity if we so choose to. However, only a few will be brave enough to make the commitment!
We sat down with three of our own employees who chose to take the risk and move to take on a position in a completely different state and city. Their experiences are extremely valuable to learn about and read from if you have ever considered making this change in your own life!
Kenneth Rivera
I started off my interviews by sitting down with Kenneth Rivera, who started his time with the Preiss Company as a Leasing Consultant at Arden Villas in Orlando, FL. He worked in this position for two years, but ultimately decided it was time to grow personally and professionally. “I wanted my life set up and to get the ball rolling,” Rivera said. He decided that a golden opportunity arose when a new job opening was posted internally to be the Leasing Manager at Signature Hartwell Village in Clemson, SC.
Dawson Hilfiger
Next I spoke with Dawson Hilfiger, who kick-started his career as a Leasing Agent at Plato’s Lofts at Randall in Wilmington, NC. He took a very large step by moving and starting a new life in the state of Indiana as the new Leasing Manager at the Park on Morton in Bloomington, Indiana.
My first thought (along with probably quite a few of you), was….Indiana, huh? What drew you to Indiana? When I expressed my curiosity, Dawson did not disappoint with his answer. “I was also unsure about going to Indiana,” he said. “But it is an early market, and I wanted to try something really different and challenging. Bloomington is definitely an underrated city!” We then went in to discuss the experience of shifting positions within the same company. Dawson was sure to explain that while moving is always stressful, the family culture at Preiss was what made it easy to settle in and made it even more enjoyable to make friends in a new city.
I typically ask what was the most challenging obstacle one experienced and what was the most rewarding experience one had in these situations, but Dawson expressed that the challenge WAS the reward. “Moving in a pandemic was difficult,” he said, “but the challenge of filling up beds around the pandemic gave me first-hand experience that helped me learn and grow where I wouldn’t have otherwise. Going in head-first is the best way to learn in any position you take on!” How inspiring, right?
Moving up progressively the way Dawson did not only helped him grow professionally, but independently and personally as well. “If you have the means, it is a great experience to relocate and meet new people and learn. Just DO IT!”
Shomari Watford
Finally, I had the pleasure of talking with Shomari Watford, who started her student housing career with another management company believe it or not! She became a part of the Preiss family when we acquired Signature 1505, where she began as an Assistant Property Manager in Raleigh. Her transition into our company is what truly inspired her to do even more.
Shomari’s ideas about traveling and exploring all began when she was younger. “I was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, which is somewhat of a small town,” she explained. “I had always dreamed of moving to a bigger city, so Raleigh seemed like a good first step.” Little did she know that Raleigh was just a small stepping stone for her personally and professionally. Shomari moved to Atlanta to work at a property we no longer manage before now working as the Property Manager for The Current at Coastal in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
We transitioned into talking about how this move was different than the others. “Relocating was actually very smooth,” Watford explained. “Of course learning a new city and establishing relationships takes time, but overall my experience has been very positive.” Her most rewarding experiences have involved making new friends and getting acquainted with her new surroundings. She said, “The world is big and ever-changing, so I find it a blessing to get to experience all parts of it!”
All and all, she advises those who are considering relocating to take the chance. “I am currently at my third location within the Preiss Company, and each site individually prepared me for the next. Take the time to research the area before making the move. Get out and learn all you can about your new city. It will benefit you both personally and professionally.”
We encourage all of our employees to always be on the lookout for opportunities that are posted on our internal job board. If you have any questions about relocating or applying for a different role, please reach out to your Regional Manager!