Learn from the Leaders

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

JOHN RIDGWAY IS a true industry legend who has experience in almost every aspect of the multifamily business.

He started in the apartment industry in the 1980s as a leasing agent and worked his way to the top in the third-party property management arena. After building an incredibly successful career, he took the leap as an independent owner and created Celtic Realty Advisors. He is now able to run his own portfolio of his own properties with the experience and wisdom gained from years on the fee-management side.

John served the Houston Apartment Association as president in 2008, and then went on to serve in leadership positions at Texas Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association. He is wellconnected and well-respected among the three levels of apartment associations, which, when leaders can achieve this, really benefits the local multifamily industry. We are lucky here in Houston to have leaders like John who took their association volunteer work to the state and national levels.

John is not afraid to call it like it is and doesn’t beat around the bush. The people who have worked for him speak highly of his supportive leadership. He is full of wisdom, and he is someone we can all learn something from.

Let’s read what John has to say.

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

John Ridgway: When starting out in the industry, there needs to be more focus and training on why we do what we do: to make a profit for the owner. There also needs to be additional education to industry members on financing, taxes and insurance, including the cause and effects of tasks such as keeping up with renewals and the positive or negative impact this has on the bottom line and value of the asset.

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

Ridgway: The ability to accept that things are the way they are and the only thing I control is what action I take or how I respond.

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

Ridgway: It is lonely at the top. As a leader, I am the one that has to make the final decision. And a decision must be made.

Boriack: What was the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Ridgway: The best career advice I’ve received is this, “What gets in the way of a great life? A good life.” For me, it was the motivation to get out of a very comfortable comfort zone in order to affect change in my personal life and continuing to strive to improve.

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

Ridgway: Starting my own company in 2008. It was challenging, risky and scary.

Boriack: Do you have a morning routine that you feel makes you a more productive person?

Ridgway: Morning coffee, thinking about the goals and tasks of the day. Evening prayer of thanks and gratitude.