LEARN FROM THE LEADERS

Advice from the Houston Apartment Association’s rich legacy of past presidents.

MACK ARMSTRONG IS a senior managing director for Greystar and, of course, a Houston Apartment Association past president. Armstrong is the type of leader who believes in developing people and even companies and organizations.

One of the most cherished compliments I’ve ever received while serving as an HAA Board of Directors member was from a fellow board member who told me that I reminded them of Armstrong’s personality and leadership style, which makes me very excited to feature him this month.

When Armstrong served as president of HAA in 2013, he guided the association to develop the HAA Strategic Outreach Department, allowing HAA to focus on and service Houston’s 12 surrounding counties. With a dedicated HAA team member bringing HAA’s services to those outlying counties, HAA has been able to better serve, advocate and offer resources to apartments outside the inner loop.

After serving in the Air Force for four years, Armstrong started his career in property management with zero experience by the grace of another HAA Past President Stacy Hunt, an executive director for Greystar. From then on, Hunt invested in Armstrong, helped him develop professionally and inspired him to seek opportunities that best served Armstrong, even if it meant working somewhere else.

“He’s always looked out for my best interests, and really, whether I’ve worked for him or not, which is a trait of a true mentor,” Armstrong was quoted saying in ABODE magazine in 2013. “How much do you care about the person when you have nothing to gain from them?”

Armstrong eventually went to work for COO of Asset Living David Hargrove, who at the time was leading Greystone Asset Management. Hargrove was another a leader who helped Armstrong grow professionally and personally. After six years, Armstrong returned to Greystar, where he has been ever since.

Immediate Past President Clay Hicks attributes his own success to leaders such as Armstrong, Hargrove and another HAA Past President Jerry Winograd of Judwin Realty Group. Noticing a trend here? Leaders develop leaders. I know I am extremely fortunate to have had really smart, successful people help me, inspire me and influence me to be where I am today. And I wouldn’t be here today if I didn’t invest in my own leaders within Veritas Equity Management.

Let’s read what Armstrong has to say about leadership. Harry Truman said it best, “You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit.”

John: What are some things you wish you knew when you started your career?

Mack: First, work for a company you believe in, not necessarily a single person. People change and move around, but if you believe in the company and what the company stands for, then you can build a career. Otherwise, you will find yourself following that person around as they move around in the industry and you will never set your own roots for stability and growth.

John: What skill do you believe is the most important to perfect for someone who does what you do?

Mack: The ability to communicate. Both written and oral communication are critical now in any job, but especially in the world of property management. This is a people business. You must communicate effectively to be successful.

John: What is the hardest leadership lesson that keeps being presented to you that you either have to learn or relearn?

Mack: Leadership is many things, but one critical element is the ability to focus on others and not yourself. Meaning, the more you can help people get what they want, the more you’ll get what you want. Leaders build other leaders continuously, and they are not selfcentered or protective of their domain. On the contrary, they are constantly working to make others stronger and to help others reach their potential. In that spirit, a good leader will delegate and ensure others get acknowledged for their efforts and performance. Harry Truman said it best, “You can accomplish anything in life, provided that you do not mind who gets the credit.”

John: What was the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?

Mack: The best leadership advice I ever received was actually from the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. Chapter two, entitled “Level Five Leadership” is a great read, and while it focuses somewhat on CEO type behaviors, I believe it applies to any leader. As the book summarizes, “The primary concept is Level 5 leaders channel their ego needs away from themselves and into the larger goal of building a great company. It’s not that Level 5 leaders have no ego or self-interest. Indeed, they are incredibly ambitious – but their ambition is first and foremost for the institution, not themselves.” The minute you stop making leadership about yourself and more about the people in your organization, then you will begin to reach your full potential.

John: Describe either a challenge, accomplishment or decision that catapulted you to your success?

Mack: For me, it was working in every position within Greystar. I started in leasing/assistant manager, then community manager, an analyst, a regional property manager, a vice president and onward. Raising my hand and then committing to that new role like my life depended on it was what kept leading me to the next role. That, and I worked for a company (Greystar) that recognizes hard work and commitment to excellence.

John: Do you have a morning routine or habit that you feel makes you a more productive person?

Mack: It sounds neurotic, but I actually eat the same healthy breakfast every single morning, yogurt and granola. It makes me feel good as I start the day. If I ever can’t eat it, then I truly don’t feel like I’m starting the day as my best. Needless to say, my fridge is always full of yogurt.