I have quite a few things in common with this multifamily powerhouse.  We both have been in the industry about the same time, we’re risk takers (she started her own company, Gabrielle Gonzalez & Associates in 2020), we’re moms, we both love “A Bad Moms Christmas Movie” and we both have people we love in Indiana

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I love dissecting words and looking for greater meaning like the word Apartment.  What sets you “Apart” and why are you “Meant” for the multifamily industry?

I am passionate about people and building relationships. When I first started in multifamily, I worked primarily with Tax Credit housing. Through this involvement, I achieved a tremendous amount of industry knowledge centered on HUD policies and protocol and also gained a profound sense of humility and fulfillment by becoming an advocate for an often less than championed customer demographic.

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How and when did you get your start in the industry?

At the age of 21, I left my last year at Purdue to get my Indiana Real Estate Salesperson License with the notion that I would get to earning big bucks quickly by selling homes. After completing the 6-week course and obtaining my license I realized that I may not be taken seriously as an advisor on single-family home purchases, as I had never done this before. So, I decided that Multifamily management would provide me with the foundational understanding to move into single-family sales at some point, kind of like taking the 101 courses in college.

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What is one song that always puts you in a good mood?

There are many but one of them is Freedom by George Michael (RIP).

 

What are 3 tips you would give someone considering a career in multifamily?

1. Only do it if you actually like people.

2. Look for ways to actively learn every day and then apply that knowledge in a way that advocates for your residents.

3. Remember that there are 3 customer segments to whom you must answer-Owners, Residents, Colleagues.

 

What is your proudest moment in multifamily?

There are many--since I have been doing it so long. One that stands out is when a water main line broke late in the afternoon and I rallied my team to go get gallons of water and deliver them to each resident’s door. The residents were so appreciative, and the team (though they worked quite late) achieved a great sense of fulfillment from the efforts.

 

Who is your mentor and why?

Jennifer Nevitt was my first mentor in this business. Understanding the challenges that come with being a young, female leader in this business, she made me understand the importance of gaining as much knowledge as I could and always looking for ways to learn. She also imparted on me the value of using percentages rather than only numbers when communicating with a variety of stakeholders.

 

What book has left the biggest impression on your life?

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

 

If you ever owned an apartment community, where would it be and what would you name it?

I'd like to own a small community on the Florida coast where I would also one my business Gabrielle's Pancakes and Mimosa!! (Guess what we serve there?)

 

What is your most memorable vacation?

I really like to travel and have so many great memories in that space, but I would have to say that Hawaii offers the most beautiful vistas, delicious food, and an exquisite rhythm of life that seems to roll with the tides.

 

If our country went to 4-day work weeks, how would you spend your 5th day?

Daydreaming, planning, time with family and tying up loose ends!