Breaking Bread with Will: Aryn Thomez Edition

Breaking Bread with Will 3rd?Edition

Name ???????????????? Aryn Thomez, ARM, CPM

Title ??????????????????? Vice President of Property Management

Company??????????? Prime Group

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Let’s dive right in… We can’t hide the fact that you oversee “THE LARGEST MULTIFAMILY” West of the Mississippi – The Famous Park La Brea?Apartments – When you were applying or when you found out you got the job, what was going through your mind knowing you were going to literally be running a small city with army of employees and vendor partners?

????????????? First, I was surprised that I was being given the honor to follow some of the leading powerhouses in the multi-family industry that have sat in my seat previously. Once that wore off, I truly knew I was up for the task, having been blessed in my previous positions I was ready to take on truly being the “mayor” of the largest multifamily asset this side of the Mississippi.

What was your first job you had as a youth???

????????????? My first job, that I got paid for, was delivering papers at 5 cents per paper.

What led you or got you into this industry/how many years ago was that?

????????????? Like many of my peers; we kind of stumble upon this industry, fall in love with it, build a career in it and continue due to our love for the people, purpose, and opportunities that this industry can provide to someone. It’s been “around” 20 years that I’ve been blessed to remain strong in this industry.

Do you remember the first place you worked in this industry? (Company, building, site)?

????????????? Yes, I worked at an HOA property being the Operations Manager over 1500 units which gave me the foundational skills to then move into leasing and grow in the multifamily rental space.

Coffee, Tea or are you a water person?

????????????? Most often I’m a water person but there are times (during the work week) I like coffee or when I’m sick I like tea.

If you had to pick 3 people in the industry (or outside of it), who would you say has a big part of molding you, cheerleader, inspiration, mentor?

????????????? Within the industry, I’d have to say it’s been Kesha Fisher, Sarah Medren, and Mary Alice Haft. Personally, I’d say my brothers Sean and Cooper (such brilliant young men that are going to embark on this world is such an amazing way), my mother due to her resiliency and ALL of my grandparents (biological and “step” grandparents) as each of them had or have navigated so much in life it’s hard not to take something valuable away from each one of those phenomenal human beings.

What is a saying or quote that you say to yourself or to others most often?

????????????? “Keep it moving in a positive direction” or “Rise Above”

What program or app has made your job better/easier in the last year or so?

????????????? Outlook continues to evolve in order to help manage time, tasks, and follow ups.

Favorite Meal/plate and why?

????????????? A great plate of spaghetti or really anything pasta aka CARBS!

If you were to be in a completely different industry tomorrow – where would I be running into you?

????????????? I’d probably be in real estate investing OR on Good Morning America as I initially wanted to be a journalist when I “grew up”.

What time on average do you start opening up your laptop/cell phone for work emails? Do you have any rule set in place that you follow with work/life balance?

????????????? Weekly I probably start around 7 am but I do shut myself “off” in evenings and weekends to allow myself and my team the appropriate balance. Unless it’s an emergency, everything else can wait until the next business day. I’ve learned how to manage priorities well which helps with managing the balance.

In your eyes – what makes the difference between a good boss and a bad boss? Without saying a name, do you remember a bad boss you had? What made them bad. Same question for good, what set them apart?

????????????? Empathy, grit, being nimble, and meeting others where they are (up, down, peers, etc.) I would say are key fundamentals that differentiate a good leader vs. a bad boss. We all remember a bad boss and I think some of the best leaders are so because they work so hard to be oppositive of who that bad boss was.

What is your major weakness?

????????????? At this point in my career, I don’t believe I really have a weakness as I can always meet, if not exceed, expectations if expectations are well communicated. Unfortunately, I’m not a mind reader so I do my best to anticipate needs but sometimes aren’t able to fully achieve the needs if someone is expecting me to read their mind…so I guess that magical skill would be my weakness.

What do you feel is your strongest strength??

????????????? People…management, leadership, mentoring, training, and communication is probably my organically, to the core of who I am, strength.

????????????? I would say sense of urgency and attention to detail are my strongest learned traits.

What keeps you motivated in life?

????????????? The people I work with, for, and aside; for me it’s all about the people.

What was your escape/last vacation or your next one coming up?

????????????? I just got back from Belize where I was able to share in a beautiful vow renewal ceremony of a dear friend of mine that I will forever cherish. I think the next one is in a few months to Turks and Caicos.

Are you involved with any industry-related groups?

????????????? I used to be on the board of the local IREM board, I’m actively involved with CAA, CCA, local charities and organizations.

What are you most proud of in your career??

????????????? To being a resilient woman, and on top of that a proud trans woman, in an executive position in an industry that is traditionally lead by men.

Where will you be in five years??

????????????? I will still be inspiring, in an executive capacity, the people I work with by bringing others together to ensure we’re always doing our best for the individuals we affect.

3 Things we should know...

* Don’t assume my kindness is a lack of ability or sense of urgency nor my inability to see, pivot, and drive change what’s needed.

* Just because I’m a proud trans woman, doesn’t mean it defines who I am nor is it a necessary topic of discussion to get business done. Don’t see my lack of discussing it as being ashamed of the phenomenal person I’ve become and continue to grow into – life is a journey. Plus there’s better things to talk about than me!

* Truly surround yourself with people that will mention your name in a positive way without your presence or in a room full of opportunities. Your core group is a great representation of who you are as a person.?