Rising Stars Series

RACHEL WHEELER STEWART – Treasurer, Wheeler, Inc.

Years in the Industry

4 years

Volunteer Positions Currently & Previously Held NextGen Committee member

What brought you to the apartment industry?

I was fortunate that Dwayne Rawls introduced me and has been training me within the apartment industry.

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

Yes! I am exactly where I always wanted to be. The only desire for a career I ever had growing up was to be part of my family’s business in some way, regardless of what it would look like. I guess dreams do come true!

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

I worked a couple retail jobs growing up and it really helped me grow in talking to almost anyone.

Why is property management an attractive career path?

I love that our sole purpose is to solve people’s problems. Whether it be the resident themselves or community personnel, I love having the opportunity to be part of that process!

Best professional advice you’ve ever been given? Always consider the source from which information is coming from.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Literally anything with my husband! He’s my best friend and I could be satisfied watching paint dry as long as it’s with him.

Do you have any pets?

Plenty. Two cats, two dogs, a dwarf hamster, and a ball python. Big happy family!

Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?

It’s a toss-up between Italy and Germany.

Give us a fun fact about you.

I’m a third degree black belt in TaeKwonDo.

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

Definitely the Trade Show! That is always a blast. I love seeing everyone get so creative!

Do you have a motto you live by?

Observe the masses and do the opposite.

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

There’s no specific instance, but I wish I would have given myself more grace over the years. I was in a rush to do way too much, way too fast when I wasn’t ready yet. I spent a lot of 2022 considering where I was at in my life and career, becoming at peace with it, and doing the best I can where I am in my current stage of growth as a person and as an employee. I recognized that I’m not supposed to know all the answers right now. Instead of focusing on gaining respect and living up to an impossible standard I had set for myself at this stage, I now am able to focus on absorbing, understanding, and applying. I do my best to repeat this same cycle every day. And who knows, maybe one day I will have a few answers!

Any advice you could give to the rising stars of GNAA?

You’re not the only one who feels uncomfortable at any event you attend! Take it easy on yourself and put yourself out there. Almost everyone is happy to spend some time getting to know you, and before you know it you’ll have friends within your network!