#103: The Vital Link: Exploring the Essential Role of the Regional Manager

the Essential Role of the Regional Manager

The role of a regional manager is critical in property management, as they oversee multiple properties within a specific region. They serve as a link between property owners and on-site managers, ensuring that the properties are well-maintained and profitable.

One of the primary responsibilities of a regional manager is to implement and enforce company policies and procedures across all properties in their region. This ensures consistency in how properties are managed and helps maintain the company's quality and customer service standards.

In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations and growth opportunities, regional managers also play a critical role in building relationships with property owners and stakeholders. They serve as a point of contact for property owners and ensure their needs are met. By maintaining open lines of communication and building trust with property owners, regional managers help foster strong, lasting partnerships essential to the business's success.

Overall, the role of a regional manager is essential in property management. They are responsible for ensuring that properties are well-maintained, profitable, and meeting the needs of property owners and tenants. Through their efforts, regional managers help to build strong, successful property management businesses that are equipped to thrive in a competitive and constantly evolving industry.

Today we are joined by two regional managers who help us take a behind-the-scenes look at the role of the regional manager. I’m so excited to introduce Carla Simmons and Amanda Gunn.

Tune in to hear them answer:

How do you leap from property manager to regional supervisor? Any advice?
What skills prepared you for the role and what current tools/resources help you be the most successful?
What are some of the biggest challenges that you face in your role as a regional supervisor?
How do you prioritize your time and energy to meet the needs of the multiple communities in your portfolio?
What is your approach to meeting your team's marketing and leasing goals?
You mentioned earning your CAM and CAPS certifications - can you explain what those are and how they have impacted your career in property management?
As an ambassador for your local housing association, can you talk about the importance of advocating, educating, and celebrating in the property management industry?
Can you share any tips or advice for someone just starting in property management and looking to advance their career?
How do you balance your personal goals with your professional responsibilities?

Get to Know Carla Simmons

Carla Simmons Regional Manager for Franklin Apartment Management

CARLA SIMMONS | ARM, CAM, COS, CF | Regional manager | Franklin Apartment Management

Carla Simmons started in the industry as a leasing professional and was promoted to assistant manager, community manager, and multi-site community manager. When she was a multi-site manager with AIMCO, she was promoted to Marketing Director over the 21-property San Antonio Portfolio. After 2 years in that position, she was promoted to the regional manager position when her supervisor was promoted and relocated to Dallas. She has since worked with Southwest Housing, Trigon Management, and Jeff Tremolada in the Dallas area. In July 2019, she moved back to San Antonio and has been working with Franklin Apartment Management as a regional manager with a portfolio of 8 properties. Carla’s certifications are ARM, CAM, COS, and CFS.

“I love people and I love my job!”

— Carla Simmons

Get to know Amanda GUnn

AMANDA GUNN | MBA, CAM, CAPS | Regional Manager | Rockwood Property Management

After earning an undergraduate degree from Lewis-Clark State College, Amanda went on to earn an MBA from Eastern Washington University. She believes strongly in seeking opportunities for growth and expanding her knowledge base. Amanda is continually working to improve, both personally and professionally. This has been the driving force behind her growth with Rockwood Property Management.

Amanda’s start in property management was in 2010 when she was living on-site and there was an opening for a Guest Services Coordinator to work evenings, assisting residents with packages, clubhouse rentals, and closing the pool and office for the evening. After realizing she had an interest in leasing, she transitioned into a leasing agent role, and within a year, moved into a management position. She simultaneously managed multiple communities, oversaw the lease-up of a 55+ community, the first in their portfolio, and started working to document and improve the processes and procedures for their organization. Amanda earned her CAM certification in 2017, just before she moved from on-site to a corporate role as an Operations Analyst. In 2022, she stepped into her current role of Regional Manager position and earned her CAPS certification.

Several years ago, she became an ambassador for their local housing association, and has worked hard at promoting their core values to “Advocate, Educate, and Celebrate.” She strives to encourage others and celebrate them, especially in an industry that is ever-changing and very challenging. Amanda knows an organization’s success comes from the hard work of every team member, and it is critical for them to know they are valued.

Outside of work, she enjoys getting out and going for walks with her dog, hiking, and running. Amanda is currently working towards a goal of running a half marathon in every state - 18 down, 32 to go. What an inspiration!

“Everyone in this industry deserves to be cheered on - it’s not for the faint of heart”

— Amanda Gunn

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