Foundation and the Southern Region

Not everyone would say that swimming with sharks is the typical training for a property manager, but Constance Hodges with Cousins Properties would say it was all part of her unique path. Now a property manager, Constance began her career as a college graduate with degrees in biology and

Constance Towles Hodges studio art. After going

Property Manager, Cousins Properties to medical school, exploring marine biology and becoming a scuba instructor, Constance started looking for a change.

Constance’s family had always been involved in real estate. Her grandfather had helped build the Georgia Dome, and her father manages commercial properties, but Constance wanted to forge her own legacy in an industry that, to her, was brand new. After speaking with her family and a few close contacts, she discovered that, while she was leaving behind the excitement of sharks, there were more thrills to be had in commercial real estate.

“It’s something that is always changing, and it is very difficult to get bored with. When I was done swimming with sharks, I jumped into commercial property management,” Constance said.

Now that she had a new goal and a new industry, there was a the question of how to get the new job. After acquiring her real estate license, she spoke with some of her contacts who told her she needed to join BOMA Georgia. Before she even had her first job in commercial real estate, Constance began attending events and looking at classes. After enrolling in Property Management 101 on her own, she met Gabriel Eckert, who informed her of the work of BOMA Georgia Foundation. “He told me that if I ever wanted to attend an event that the foundation would support me and it was through those first few events that I met my future boss,” Constance said.

Constance continued to stay involved. She took more classes and eventually achieved her RPA designation. She met new people that led her to her current position at Cousins Properties. She found a passion for an industry that wasn’t even on her radar. She fell in love with the people she met and this world she had joined. Constance said that she didn’t find commercial real estate, it found her.

“Every class I take, every person I meet in BOMA is another reason I want to be in this industry,” Constance said. Now, Constance is a successful property manager with a portfolio containing award-winning buildings such as the Promenade in Midtown Atlanta. She has held leadership positions, won multiple TOBY awards at the local and regional level, was awarded the BOMA Georgia Property Manager of the Year award, and was even the chair of the Foundation Development Committee that gave her the start she needed in commercial real estate.

“BOMA Georgia to me is family. It’s the people you know and trust. The people you go to when you have questions and the people you support and who support you. BOMA Georgia is all of that.”

Constance continues to give back through time and donations to the BOMA Georgia Foundation. She believes that young and newer entrants into the industry should lean on the foundation for support in whatever their pursuit may be. This is because the instructors are a great resource and have true passion for their subject. Constance believes that every class is an opportunity to meet new people, learn a new skill and acquire the connections and knowledge needed to succeed in this business. Constance said she gives because it is a privilege to do so.

“The BOMA Georgia Foundation helped me get that kickstart to my job. I believe in it whole heartedly. The opportunities I have received are a great example of how it can help others,” Constance said.

Her advice to the next generation of property professionals is: don’t be shy. The people that Constance was able to meet through BOMA Georgia events, classes and foundation work were a key part of her success. She said that there are a lot of people in this industry that are more than willing to help, you just need to get out there and find them.

When it comes to supporting the foundation, Constance believes that support can look a lot of different ways. Annual contributions are one, but Constance said there are more ways to support the cause beyond donations. She urged everyone to show their support through social media sharing, posting about different events and encouraging teams to take advantage of scholarship opportunities.

The BOMA Georgia Foundation has been able to award over 500 scholarships. The hope is that each one of those enables a property professional to achieve more in their careers or even begin a new one. It is evident through the journey and success for Constance that these scholarships are making a true impact and creating the next generation of great leaders.