9 minute read
Still Running
Meet HAA Board member, multfamily executive, veteran, husband, father, grandfather and runner Vic Vacek Jr., HAA’s 2023 Hall of Fame recipient.
Interviewed By Madison O’Bar, HAA Communications Manager, Photgraphed by Mark Hiebert, Hiebert Photography
Victor “Vic” Vacek Jr. is the 2023 Houston Apartment Association Hall of Fame inductee. Many would describe him as a strong business man with exceptional loyalty, superior commitment and an extreme dedication to this industry. Vic got his start in the industry as a maintenance man and has climbed up the ladder in a professional and honorable manner to be where he is today.
Vic Vacek was raised on a dairy farm in a small town in Texas. He went to the University of Houston where he earned his B.B.A. degree in Business Administration. Once Mr. Vacek got his diploma in hand, he hit the ground running. He now is a Certified Property Manager, holds a Texas Real Estate Brokers License and an Oklahoma State Brokers License. He has a real estate background dating from 1969 when he was a member of the Vantage organization, where he was responsible for commercial property management. He managed over 1,600,000 square feet of retail/service area and over 2,000,000 square feet of industrial space.
In 1977 he became President and General Manager of the Houston division of McKinney and Company, a Pittsburgh based real estate firm. Then, Vic founded Central Management Inc in 1978 where he still works to this day. CMI is a boutique firm specializing in commercial real estate property management and brokerage services. Management services include property, facility and construction management. Brokerage services include landlord representation, tenant representation, sales, asset valuation, real estate recovery and consulting advisory services.
Mr. Vacek has been a Certified Property Manager for over 40 years and CMI has been an Accredited Management Organization “AMO®” since 1984. He is very involved in the commercial real estate community, where in 1982 he was selected “Manager of the Year” by the Houston IREM chapter; served as President of Institute of Real Estate Management “IREM,” Chairman of AMO® review Board for IREM National, and President of the Houston Apartment Association in 1999. Vic continues to serve on various community and association committees. You can find him on the weekends spending time with his family and working on that same dairy farm that he grew up on. Some things never change.
Vic Vacek Jr. is not only deserving of the HAA Hall of Fame Award but his hard work and commitment to this industry speaks louder than any award could. When asked who his role model was he quickly, and strongly answered, “my wife”, but what he doesn’t know is that anyone he has crossed paths with in this industry when asked that question would just as quickly answer “Vic Vacek.”
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
My parents lived on a farm in Colorado County, near Weimar, TX. I was born in Weimar at the family farm at 5 a.m., in time for my Dad to milk cows for our dairy business. I spent my first 18 years in Weimar, then attended Wharton Junior College, then transferred to the University of Houston where I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Finance.
What was your first job in the apartment industry and how did you get your start?
While in college, I started in the apartment industry as a maintenance man to earn extra money. After graduating and completing my military service, the same gentleman hired me as a property manager, which I couldn’t understand how a Finance degree could be used in property management, but I was totally wrong.
Did you always want to work in the apartment industry? If so – why?
My career led me to multifamily after my military service. I was working in the industry and connected with numerous people working in the commercial field. One of these contacts was a commercial developer, and we formed a strong working relationship.
What do you think is the secret to your success?
I hope it’s not a secret and I attribute my success first to God, then family and Godgiven talents. I know believing in and honoring the Lord has directed me to successful projects. Having the support of my wife, Diane, and my family has definitely propelled my success. One of my gifts is being personable. I like people and enjoy working with people at all levels. A strong work ethic and enjoying hard work contributes to successful projects. It’s a bonus to have long-term devoted employees, several of whom have been with me for over 30 years.
Who have been your role models throughout your time in the industry and who do you have to thank for reaching it to this level in your career?
Fred Welling, my first employer, guided me into multifamily, along with my brother-in-law Ron Scharck, Timberline Properties, both of whom got me involved with HAA in 1969, as they were apartment owners. Wyndham Smith, with Vantage, who hired me as a Commercial Property Manager from 1975 through 1977, and Tim Meyers with Allied Orion, who got me involved with HAA and networking with Board Members in 1994.
I am grateful for each of these mentors for proper guidance and encouraging me to take initiative and follow roles in organizations that helped advance my career.
How long have you been a HAA member and how did you get involved with the association?
I joined, attended meetings and various HAA functions when I worked with Fred Welling starting in 1974. Fred interacted with HAA founder Harry Reed, Bill Dinerstein, Ted Dinerstein and Lester Prokop, and dragged me along. I have been associated with HAA for 45 plus years!
You have chaired many committees during your time as a member – what has been your favorite? Which holds the most importance?
Yes, I have chaired many committees during my time with HAA! The Finance Committee (formerly the Investment Committee), Go-Getters, the HAA Expo, HAA/HAF Office Building Task Force (2004 to 2007), to name a few.
My favorite and most unforgettable event was in the Fall of 1999 at the HAA Chili Cookoff. I had the opportunity to push Ronnie Finger around the event in a wheelchair and he could only speak using a trach speech device. He died shortly thereafter as a result of ALS. The reason this is important to me, it made me understand, regardless of how successful you are, only the good Lord knows when your number will be called - you never know your own destiny.
What has been your favorite thing about HAA throughout the years? Best memory?
The comradery with the past presidents and members, and working through the challenges of members not paying their dues are memorable. Most apartment associations always looked up to Houston as a leader in the industry, and still do today.
What are some of your greatest accomplishments in the industry and in your personal life?
Attaining CPM and AMO certifications and being a Real Estate Broker since 1970 stand out. The development of The Franklin Apartments on Gessner Road from the ground up was a major accomplishment, as well as being on the team with Mr. Tom Miller that oversaw the Hollyview Apartments conversion from rags to riches story. Not only was the property transformed, we also led a transformation of the neighborhood. We continue to get rave reviews from the owner today!
being a Real Estate Broker since 1970 stand out. The development of The Franklin Apartments on Gessner Road from the ground up was a major accomplishment, as well as being on the team with Mr. Tom Miller that oversaw the Hollyview Apartments conversion from rags to riches story. Not only was the property transformed, we also led a transformation of the neighborhood. We continue to get rave reviews from the owner today!
During 1988 to 1995, Central Management Inc. had 6,000+ units. I’ve been involved in more than 200 buildings, all garden style units.
In Houston’s River Oaks Community, in the Upper Kirby District, CMI completed three major renovations at The Hermitage, an 11-story residential high-rise, over a 24-year period. CMI rehabilitated numerous other properties throughout the past 45 years.
On a personal note, I got a commercial driver’s license at the age of 14 and drove the school bus for Bishop Forest High School.
My major life accomplishment is being committed to my wife, Diane, for 53 years, and we’re still going strong! I love being a dad to our two sons, and granddad to six wonderful grandchildren.
I’ve completed multiple marathons across the USA, and a 200-mile relay from Mt. Ranier to the Pacific Coast. I was a paratrooper in the military, making many jumps. I was honorably discharged from the Army attached to the 82nd Airborne Division with the ranking of E-7.
Do you have any tips for those just starting out that want to end up in your shoes one day?
You need drive and commitment. Gain knowledge by working with others. Continuously learn more than the required CE hours and get involved in HAA and other professional real estate organizations in your community.
Were you surprised when you heard you were going to be in the HAA Hall of Fame, or did you see it coming?
Oh my, was I ever taken aback! I had never given any thought to being in the Hall of Fame, so I was shocked when Gary Blumberg, Ken Bohan and Jerry Winograd appeared in our lobby area with balloons and wine! Then reality sank in, and the moment brought tears to my eyes!
You are now a Hall of Fame inductee – what’s your next step?
I will pass the baton to my son, Trent, and spend more time with my wife. I plan to stay active and keep promoting HAA for the foreseeable future!
