This weekend, I’m heading up north to Michigan with two of my very best friends—just the three of us, our fishing gear, and a lot of laughs. We’ve been best friends for nearly 20 years, and while life has taken each of us in different directions, these trips are our time to reconnect, recharge, and reflect.
As I was packing my tackle box and endless outfits (all be it a short weekend), it struck me how important it is to surround yourself with people you can trust—people who know you, support you, and always have your back. In both life and work, the strength of your “team” can make or break the experience.
And in multifamily housing? That team is everything.
On a fishing trip, everyone brings something different to the boat. One friend is a master at casting. Another knows every hidden cove where the fish bite. I’m usually the one keeping us organized and making sure we’ve got what we need. It’s the same in property management.
At a well-run property, success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when you’ve built a strong, interconnected support system—people who know their roles, respect each other’s strengths, and work toward the same goal.
Here’s what I think that might look like:
The Property Manager – The Captain of the Ship
They’re steering the course, setting expectations, and navigating through any rough waters. A strong property manager knows how to lead, but also when to trust their crew.
The Maintenance Team – The Problem Solvers
Like a fishing buddy who can untangle any line, your maintenance crew is who you rely on when something breaks down or needs quick attention. They’re the silent heroes who keep everything running.
Office Support Staff – The Communication Lifeline
These are the folks making sure residents feel heard, paperwork is handled, and nothing slips through the cracks. Just like someone making sure we’re stocked up on bait and snacks—small things, big impact.
Your Vendors – The Extended Network
From telecom to laundry services, landscaping to trash removal—these partnerships are essential. When your vendors are responsive, reliable, and aligned with your goals, they feel less like outsiders and more like extended teammates.
Whether you’re casting a line or overseeing a 400-unit property, it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about who’s beside you while you do it. Good people make the hard days easier, the wins more satisfying, and the overall experience more fulfilling.
Just like I trust my friends to be there if I have “big one” on the line and arms are giving out, you need to trust your team on-site to jump in when something goes sideways. That trust is built over time, with clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision.
This weekend, I’ll be soaking up the sun, catching up with old friends, and maxing out my license limit! But I’ll also be thinking about how lucky I am to have strong relationships—both personal and professional.
So, here’s your reminder to check in with your team, show appreciation, and keep building those connections. Because in multifamily housing, just like in life, the strength of your network is the difference between barely floating and smooth sailing.
Here’s to tight lines and strong teams,
Marley Wright