Not only does Girish know the best place for BBQ in Chicago (Green Street Meats) but he also knows a thing or two about the multifamily industry.  He has one of the most calming demeanors you’ll probably ever come across and will answer any question you have without ever making you feel less-than.  I am grateful to have him in my network (business and personal) and respect him as one of our industry leaders. 

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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 don’t know that it set’s me apart, but I have a profound sense of duty to my team, residents, and the communities that we are work in. It’s important for me/us to have a common goal that our teams can work towards and it really boils down to how we can better serve others.
I really focus on the connectivity of our industry.  I have made so many meaningful relationships over the years that it doesn’t feel like work to me. 

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

It was about 15 years ago. I joined a company that was developing and acquiring multi-family assets in a few different markets.  I had just finished grad school in New York and picked up and moved to Arizona to oversee their assets in Phoenix.  It was an interesting time because we ultimately converted the communities to condominiums, so there were a lot of different aspects to it.

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

Pretty much any Jimmy Buffett song, beaches, margaritas, boats, cheeseburgers, they all resonate with me 😉

 

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

1. Every day will be a little different and will present a new challenge

2. Be willing to do things that are outside of your job description  

3. Respect and listen to the people that are around you. They sometimes know a lot more than you do (team, residents, suppliers…)

 

What is your proudest moment in multifamily?

There have been a lot of proud moments in my career, but what we are experiencing now through COVID-19 is right at the top. To see our team rise to a very difficult occasion and execute at an extraordinarily high level has been nothing short of incredible.

 

Who is your mentor and why?

I have a lot of people that I look to for advice, but I wouldn’t say that I have a specific mentor. A few that have really been tremendous influences in my career are Ash Bell (Spruce), Matt Degraw (Bridge), Steve Lefkowitz (what doesn’t he do), Eric Broughton (Expedia Group), Carie Powell (Aeris) and quite a few more…

 

What book has left the biggest impression on your life?

I thought that Unbroken was a pretty incredible story of perseverance and determination. I think that type of story resonates with a lot of people. 

 

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

I need a community to go to when I retire, so let’s go with beachside in Hawaii and we can call it Paradise 😉

 

What is your most memorable vacation?

I have been very fortunate to have traveled to some incredible places and I can’t narrow it down. These are my top 4:
a.       Rafting down the Copper River in Alaska
b.       Scuba diving in the Maldives
c.       Safari in Namibia
d.       Heli-skiing in Chile

 

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

It’s always a 7 day week for me because I love what I do 😉