Career Spotlight: Miranda Rutledge
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Name: Miranda Rutledge
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Tell us about your career:
I started at a small property in Wilmington in February 1985. I was hired to start a new 196 unit property from inception through rent up in fall of 1985. This was the first tax credit incentive property in Wilmington. In 1986 I attended IREM's Accredited Residential Manager program in Greensboro & then TAA's 12 week CAM I & II Course in Raleigh. After having to travel out of town to earn those two designations Larry Cranford & I started working together to initiate the start of the WAA.
We sought help and information from Russ Marshall who came here and spoke at our initial gathering (of about 12-14 managers) and from that we started the State Charter and began our Association. In 1988 I was hired by a well known developer to manage a brand new investor owned student condominium property. He wholeheartedly supported my endeavors to continue our work to begin our small association. I remained with him as my mentor for 10 years, and then succeeded him in the company that I have owned and operated since 1999. The work Larry & I started blossomed and the Wilmington Apartment Association grew through the years to what it is today. I have held every executive office (some multiple times) and have served on every committee (also some many times).
I qualified for Emeritus status with NAA in 2006 and I am an Emeritus member of our board. I also currently serve on the Governance committee but frequently help and sit in on other committee meetings and events. It is impossible to express the pride and satisfaction that we "Old Timers" have as we reflect on the sheer success & growth of the WAA. It is an example of what comes from hard work and dedication without which we would not have survived. Many of our original members have passed away, such as Larry Cranford, and those of us still here remember and appreciate the hard work and support from them in the early years of our existence.
What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:
If this is your passion, educate yourself to the fullest extent that you can. Take advantage of every opportunity afforded to you by your local, state & national apartment associations. Find someone to mentor you and push you to achieve your goals.
There is nothing you cannot do if you truly choose to apply yourself and use the resources available.
Anything else you would like to share:
Enjoy all the trials and tribulations, use your difficult situations to learn solutions. Time goes by so quickly so enjoy all of it! The good & the bad!!!