Suppliers

Managing a Healthy Supplier Partner Relationship

A Partnership for Success

by John Sons, Burlington Capital and GNAA Communications Committee Co-Chair

The process of managing apartment communities presents several challenges on a daily basis. Many of the resolutions to these challenges lie within the products and services provided by our supplier partners, and the partnership between property management and their supplier partners is crucial. And that is just it, it is a partnership. Property management simply could not be successful without their supplier partners. Managing a healthy and successful partnership with our supplier partners proves successful for both.

How do you build a successful supplier/property management relationship? Communication is a key part of any healthy relationship and/or partnership. Without proper communication, business relationships can die, just like any other type of relationship. Setting goals and expectations up front is crucial. Be sure to have an ongoing dialogue that monitors the successful progress of these goals and expectations. Regularly scheduled calls and/or visits are highly recommended to make sure all parties are on the same page. Be sure to let the supplier partner know if their products/services are falling short of your expectations or the expectations of your ownership and/or residents.

Poor communication could lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, unfinished work, and unhappy residents. Consistent check-ins with your supplier partners ensure ownership expectations, your expectations and those of the residents are being met. This consistent and clear communication will give all parties a positive and respectful relationship.

Your supplier partners are part of your team. Considering them as part of your team will make for a successful and seamless relationship, enhancing overall performance for all parties. Our industry is filled with unexpected problems and our supplier partners are there to help. They are experts and their expertise in their areas can not only assist you with problem solving, but it can give you an edge over those communities that do not foster the same relationships with their supplier partners. This teamwork will ensure that projects are completed quickly, and your residents will be more satisfied.

It is so very important to make sure your supplier partners are paid in full and on time. As property managers, we are frustrated when our residents do not pay their rent on time. Delinquent rent results in cash flow issues for the community. The same holds true when our supplier partners are not paid on time. Untimely payments to supplier partners could result in slow service or no service at all. This is one of the most crucial parts of fostering that is so very important to the property management/supplier partner relationship.

Building long-term relationships with your supplier partners builds a level of trust and can usually move you to the top of the list when you have a need for their services. Some property management companies use a tactic of constantly changing vendors to save a penny or two. This never allows you to build a relationship that relates to trust and quality service, potentially leading to negative impacts on the satisfaction of your residents and the overall operational needs of your community. The end result could be higher resident turnover and higher expenses.

Successful relationships with our supplier partners are beneficial for all parties involved. Our overall success depends on those relationships. Your supplier partners are an extension of your team, so take the time to choose them correctly and build that strong relationship. Be sure to use your GNAA Directory to select your supplier partners who are proud to be a part of our industry and GNAA.

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June Managers Luncheon: Cara, Paxton Cool Springs; Jeff, Reliable Roofing June Managers Luncheon: Dwayne, Wheeler, Inc.; Meredith, NTS Development June Managers Luncheon: John, Burlington Capital; Jennifer, Law Office of Jennifer McCoy

June Managers Luncheon: Sharon, Ridge Goodlettsville; Chloe, A-1 Trash Summer Mixer: Amanda & Tonya, The Burnham Summer Mixer: John, Burlington Capital; Stephanie, NTS Developoment; Julie, Fetch Package Summer Mixer: Madison & Jackie, AptAmigo, Inc.

Summer Mixer: Tiffany, Chase Cove; Regina, Cumberland Retreat Summer Mixer: Walis, Silver Linings Concierge; Darrin, QuikClean Carpets; Darren, Silver Linings Concierge The Little Pantry Volunteer Work Day: Brawn

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June Managers Luncheon: Kelly, The Liberty Group; Sarah, Olympus Property

June Managers Luncheon: Guest Speaker Stacey Downey; Meredith, NTS Development

June Managers Luncheon: Pamela, The Anson; Chloe & Danny, Tolleson Inc

Summer Mixer: Maria, Floors First Nashville; Katherine, Venue at Cool Springs; Leslie, Pye Barker Fire & Safety Summer Mixer: Matt, FitWorx, LLC; Ryan, ICU Security; Annette, ERT Nashville Summer Mixer: Felicia, The Hill Firm PLLC; Loyd, Bug Solutions

The Little Pantry Volunteer Work Day: Group Briefing The Little Pantry Volunteer Work Day: Thank You, Volunteers!

The Little Pantry Volunteer Work Day: Marcie, Affinity Waste Solutions; Tracey, Lion Real Estate Group; Erick, Volunteer Properties; Stephanie, NTS Development

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