Management Spotlight: Laura Wood

Laura began her journey with The BAM Companies eight years ago as a Property Manager. Through a series of well-deserved promotions, she ascended to the role of Vice President of Property Operations. With close to two decades of experience in Property Management, Laura has played an instrumental role in shaping BAM Management into the thriving entity it is today.

How long have you been in your field? What has your career trajectory looked like??

I started my career in Property Management as an Accounts Manager for Hayes-Gibson International in 2005 with responsibilities of payables, budgets, preparing financial statements, and communicating to owners, HUD, and Rural Development. While working out of the home for the entire 11 years, with some traveling, I chose to apply for a Job with The BAM Companies to work on the other side of the spectrum of Property Management.? I took the Property Manager position at White River Village Apartments in Anderson, Indiana, in February 2016, which was the very first property acquired by The BAM Companies. We sold White River Village and I was asked to transfer in 2018 to a new property they acquired in McCordsville, Gateway Crossing Apartments. In 2020, around the time of COVID, I was promoted to District Manager, then shortly after promoted to Regional Property Manager. In November of 2022, I was promoted to Director of Property Manager under the VP of Property Management. In November of 2023, I was promoted to VP of Property Operations to work alongside the VP of Property Management.?

Who inspired you to pursue your field and how did they inspire you??

After being in retail in Management and struggling with working so many hours and finding a work/life balance, my sister talked me into applying for Accounts Manager for Hayes-Gibson International, where she was currently employed. I enjoyed hearing about my sister's role, working under Carson Hayes, and I liked the idea of working with my sister.?

What’s the best advice you can give to someone who just started their career??

Keep working hard and pursuing your goals, and you’ll eventually achieve success. Stay persistent. Keep learning. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends.?

What’s your favorite part about working for The BAM Companies??

I have the trust and confidence from our President and President & COO, Adam, Founder & CEO, Ivan, and Chief of Staff, Emilee, to always do what's best for The BAM Companies and trust that the success of the company is always in my best interest.

What’s your favorite project you’ve completed during your time at The BAM Companies??

I take pride in every position that I have had with The BAM Companies but I have always looked back on the time I spent working hard at White River Village and all that Jesse Young and I accomplished there.? I took all the pride in that property and treated it as if was my own.?

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned from your team members??

Ask open-ended questions. Leaders are part of the team — leadership isn’t always about being the loudest.

What do you like to do in your free time???

Anything that involves being outside — jogging, riding bikes, hiking with the dogs, or working outside.?

What would your perfect weekend look like??

Being outdoors, taking a long bike ride with my husband, spending time with family. Cleaning the house and working in the yard make a weekend feel accomplished.?I strive every weekend to do something that makes me happy and feel that I accomplished something.?

What’s the most recent movie you’ve seen? What would you rate it on a scale from 1-10??

Black Adam — 8/10. I enjoyed Dwayne Johnson in the movie. Also the Barbie Movie — 5/10. I did not see all the hype made about this movie.?

What Laura’s colleagues have to say about her

“I could write a whole thesis on how amazing Laura is. At the heart of it, she is just incredibly smart and leads with kindness.”

“Laura is an absolute pleasure to work alongside. She makes everyone she meets feel like they are a part of her inner circle. She is BAM through and through, and we are so blessed to have her on our team!”

“Laura is the best! She’s so nice and personable, and she always stays cool under pressure. She’s basically the BAM mascot!”