Rising Stars Series

TABITHA GILL– Community Manager, Timberland Partners

Years In the Industry

16 years

Volunteer Positions Currently & Previously Held in GNAA

I currently serve on the Timberland Partners MAC ommittee (Managers Advisor Committee), and I have been a mentor with Timberland Partners since 2021. I just graduated from the Leadership Lyceum program with the GNAA. I serve on the GNAA board as the Managers Representative and I am one of the co-chairs of the Education Committee.

What brought you to the apartment industry?

My husband. I was working at a limousine company and my boss was horrible to me. I would come home most nights crying. My husband had a friend who was in the industry and was looking for an assistant community manager. I submitted my resume and the rest is history.

Was this the career path something that was always on your radar?

Not really. I knew I liked doing clerical work but did not know anything about the multi-family industry.

Did you have any unrelated jobs growing up that unexpectedly prepared you for the apartment industry?

Yes, the limousine company where I worked. I learned what type of boss I did not want to be, but I also learned a lot about customer service and clerical work while working there.

Why is property maintenance an attractive career path?

It pays well, most companies have great benefits and there are opportunities for growth.

Best professional advice you have ever been given?

I was once told by a previous regional manager that you are the captain of your ship, so it is your job to sail the ship and succeed. Another piece of advice I recently got from my current regional is “you can’t hold their feet to the fire if your feet aren’t clean.”

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

During the cold wintry months I prefer to stay in and Netflix and chill. During the hot summer months I like to be outside – swimming, canoeing, hanging out at the beach, sitting next to a fire, being with my family and friends.

Do you have any pets?

Yes. Two Pit Bulls, a red Pit named Matty who is 15 years old, and a blue Pit named Willow who is 5 years old.

Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. The beaches were so soft and cool (even in 90 degree temps), it was like walking on baby powder.

Give us a fun fact about you.

When I was 16/17, I did modeling classes at John Casablanca Modeling Agency. I would often get hired to go do mannequin modeling at stores in Opry Mills mall. I made $25 per outfit I modeled and usually we would model one outfit for 2-4 hours and then change. It was fun and I had fun with it because people did not alway know that I was a real person until I moved.

What upcoming GNAA event are you excited to attend and why?

My two favorite events are the Trade Show and the Gala and I am equally excited about both.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Just breathe! This is just a moment and this moment shall pass.

If you could get a “do over” for something in your career, what would it be and why?

I don’t really want a do over, but if I could go back I would have gotten more involved and invest in my future sooner.

Any adviceyou could give to the rising stars of GNAA?

Don’t be scared to get out of your shell. The Greater Nashville Apartment Association is a huge family with a lot of resources. Make connections with your vendors and other managers. The community down the street does not have to be your competitor; utilize them as a resource.