3 minute read
Get to Know Abigail Rex
By Etta Smith, Generation Contracting & Emergency Services
Abigail Rex has worked for American Assets Trust for almost four years, currently serving as their Director of Multifamily. Rex has been involved with SCRHA for the past 10 years and now serves at the board level as presidentelect for the association.
Rex was born in Yuma, Ariz. Her father served in the military which prompted their move to San Diego, and she has called it home ever since. Rex is married, has a son who is a sophomore at UCLA, and has a feisty, one-year-old Belgian Malinois pup named Kona.
“I grew up in South Bay and we are very close to our families,” Rex said. “They all live within a 10-mile radius which allows us not only to have family nearby, but I also love hanging out with my nieces and nephew.” The Rex household is typically the hub for the holidays, family gatherings, Sunday BBQs, and pool time in the summer. We love hosting family and friends, Rex said.
Rex is most passionate about food and enjoys cooking.
“I can’t bake, but I love to cook savory foods,” said Rex. “I can taste something once, without knowing the ingredients, and I can pick up on the spices and flavors and do a pretty close recreation.”.
A few things you may not know about Rex: she is fluent in Spanish, she is a clean freak and always travels with her own pillow and blanket, and she is petrified of snakes.
“When I was early in property management doing unit inspections, that was always the first thing I’d ask… do you have any reptiles? If so, I’m staying behind,” said Rex.
When it comes to her bucket list, Rex has some adventurous goals. skydiving with my son,” Rex said. “I would love to go to the Maldives and cliff jumping in Hawaii. I can’t really say that I’m an adrenaline person, in some areas I’m very risk-averse, but in others, I’m like let’s just do it,” she explained.
One of Rex’s proudest achievements has come from her 25-year career as a rental housing provider.
“I’m past chapter president for IREM San Diego and that was something that I never thought I would be,” Rex said. “It’s something I’d dreamt about, but never actually thought would happen. And now, transitioning to SCRHA, I never thought I would be an officer on the board.”
Those experiences have given Rex great leadership development skills.
Rex feels blessed to work for Ernest Rady, CEO of American Assets Trust. Rady is someone she has come to admire deeply since joining their team.
“He (Rady) is a philanthropist in San Diego, and I am so lucky to work for him and his company,” Rex said. “He does so much good for the community and for San Diegans. I enjoy learning from him and his perspective on business and life.”
Rex offered one piece of advice, in particular, that has stuck with her through the years.
“The speed of the leader, the speed of the pack,” Rex said, describing a quote Rady once shared with her.
“That has resonated with me and it’s something I share with my own team members because it’s true,” said Rex. “As a leader, I need to be in front of everything- I need to be well versed, well trained, and understand what is going on in the industry, not waiting for opportunities to fall into my lap.”
Ernest Rady, CEO of American Assets Trust
