from September 2023 Apartment News Magazine

by Apartment Association of Orange County

As I settled into the pleather American Airlines provided mitt that would grip me for the next three hours, I embraced the calm comfort of solitude reflecting on a seven-day trip through America’s cold arctic playground of Alaska. Just as I was ready to drift into that solemn respite, I was nudged back into the present by an eager seatmate prepared to spend the entire route ahead becoming my newest friend... or perhaps making me his. I was not truly sure.

And in that last surety I realized I may be the only adult interaction outlet—and that gift of approachability brings the responsibility of sharing with others—especially those in need of an escape from their daily challenges.

handle the issues.

Robert was likely on the spectrum as well. Probably a savant when it comes to engineering, but blind to the realities of landlord/tenant law. Perhaps he’s just been lucky, thus far, but those in the industry long enough will tell you that luck eventually runs out.

There were however three things I was sure of—

1. People have always found me approachable—a quality I often enjoy as I get to learn from them. That said, as any frequent traveler will tell you, sometimes you want to just turn it off. For me, this was one of those times.

2. I really wanted to watch the new Anthony Bourdain documentary on the flight.

3. The man was traveling with his special needs child. A gift that requires patience and selflessness that most of us cannot begin to imagine.

So, I dutifully shed my desire for peace, relaxation, or serenity, opting to dive headfirst into an exchange I had not wanted, but hoped would provide some perspective.

But, just as no good deed goes unpunished, perspective comes in many forms.

You see, my seatmate in this journey, Robert we’ll call him, owned rental property—but wasn’t a member of AAOC—or any other apartment association for that matter—because he was an engineer and was certain he could

And that, my friends, was where the perspective opened for me.

Robert showed me exactly what it means to miss the opportunity for unrealistic expectations.

An Owner’s Tour (A Cook’s Tour 2002–2003)

Anyone’s first foray into any endeavor is both beset by hope and bereft of perfection. We all believe we can do something and are all sophomoric enough to think we know how to do it right. Experience may be the best teacher, but this industry teaches lessons that are jarring... and expensive.

Think back to your first rental property, that glimpse of economic freedom that you invested so much into. How long did it take before a tenant showed you what you never thought someone would do? What was that lesson? Have you stumbled on it again since?

Early in your career, AAOC provides you with forms, contacts, and more emails filled with information than you can imagine. Maybe too much at first. However, eventually you dive in and explore the library of experience before you.

No Vacancies (No Reservations, 2005–2012)

The Endeavor (The Layover, 2011–2013)

Famed Notre Dame Football coach Lou Holtz once quipped, “In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.”

By the time you have a little success underneath you in this industry, you realize you want to branch out and try new things in business. And, by then, you have taken enough classes and made enough contacts to give it a shot.

Eventually you catch your stride in your newfound vocation. You know who to call, you know what to do, you know enough to know you have no idea what is coming next—but you are prepared to address anything and look forward to sharing your experiences with others.

Classes, events, networking, trade shows... AAOC—before you even knew you did not know as much as you thought —had your next set of learning opportunities already planned for you. And now that you have enough time to read all those emails you receive—or at least most of them—you take a chance to figure out how to expand your practice.

The Mind of a Landlord (The Mind of a Chef, 2012–2016)

for the industry that you have been witnessing.

Perhaps a labor of love garnished with business acumen, and if we are being honest with ourselves, a slight bit of self-gratification for how you have grown in the industry. Being deeply involved—

• Chairing a committee

• Joining one of the governing boards on issues pertaining to the industry

Opportunities Unknown

(Parts Unknown, 2013–2018)

Along the journey you realize there are other people just as smart as you in this industry. By now, you enjoy their company, exchange best practices, and grow—even if you do not realize it at first. Suddenly, you realize this is your chance to give back to those who are getting started in the industry.

Speaking engagements, instructing classes, and getting involved in other AAOC activities suddenly provides more satisfaction than you expected. The association, again being the hub from which your growth spoke, has been anchored.

You find yourself suddenly thrust around all the attorneys, insurers, legislative advocates, policy makers, and industry leaders that are shaping the trajectory of the industry—and you feel your experience making a difference.

The Inspection (The Taste, 2013–2015)

• Engaging in the state and national industry organizations

Each activity brings even more meaning and gravitas to what you do as a leader.

Real Craft

(Raw Craft, 2015–2017)

That call for adventure will eventually come back. Seeking that hit of excitement you first had in your first success—you are going to want to find that again.

You may want to try your hand at:

• Non-profit housing

Success in a restaurant is no different than any other business. It is found at the intersection of a well-developed system and a duty and care to perfection in each ingredient. It is that interactivity of each point of perfection that creates that experience, and it is the sharpening of each skill necessary to provide quality housing that separates multifamily leaders from landlords.

These are all skills that can be refined through AAOC—

• Helping to shape the legislative agenda that AAOC advocates for

• Bringing the messages of AAOC to other practitioners

• Property management

• Development

• Affordable housing

• Entitlements

AAOC becomes something new for you at this point—it is a place where you can dip your toe into those waters and try—with a trusted bunch of colleagues there to support you. It may work, it may not—but you are going to have fun giving it a shot.

The product is likely to be one of your most favorite pursuits—even if it is not necessarily a momentous success.

Your career path turns experience into expertise. Suddenly, you are the one sharing your understanding of the industry, and how it is impacted by external forces. Your opinion now carries influence as you step in to judge the situation and help chart that path

• Sharing and receiving best practices with other practitioners

• Writing opinion editorials and letters to the editor to share the reality of the industry with the public

• Testifying before local, regional, state, or national governing bodies

Yes, you can press your luck and see what the industry brings your way and skirt the rules just long enough to be a coattail riding hanger-oner like our friend Robert.

But wouldn’t you be better served by shaping your industry rather than being shaped by others?