Career Spotlight: Derek Clager
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Name: Derek Clager
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Tell us about your career:
As fun as driving a Zamboni was in my early 20's, working early mornings and/or late nights solo in the back of an ice rink wasn't the ideal long-term career path for me. So, I took to the classifieds (you know, from the newspapers LOL) and soon thereafter found myself in the manager's office of Millbrook Apartments in Alexandria, VA being asked to sell a painting on the wall to both the Property Manager and Assistant Manager. I must've done fairly well as I became their newest Leasing Consultant about a week later!
A short time after my multifamily career started I went through an acquisition with Equity Residential, then worked for a management company based out of College Park, MD. In 2006 I moved to Northeast Ohio and began my journey with GCI Residential/Goldberg Companies LLC at a 1309 unit apartment and townhome community in Willoughby Hills, OH. GCI has presented several opportunities that aligned with my career path while in Ohio which included being a Leasing Consultant, Leasing & Training Manager, Community Manager, Property Manager and Regional Property Manager.
After relocating within the organization to North Carolina in 2021 due to our growing footprint in the greater Raleigh area, I currently hold the position of Sr. Regional Manager with oversight of residential training operations and oversee assets in Raleigh and Charlotte. It's been great to grow with a growing organization and be involved in renovation projects, new developments, onboarding & training initiatives, facilities management, and have the opportunity to work with so many talented and dedicated colleagues throughout GCI's portfolio.
What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:
No matter what your personal or professional goals are, no matter what the current financial strategy or the macroscale business objectives of your owner/management firm may be, know that at this amazing industry's very core is the fact that you're afforded the opportunity to put a roof over someone's head; giving them a place to call home which is a special feeling.
Beyond that, you're joining a growing industry that will present various career opportunities, lifelong friendships, and invaluable networking partnerships. Embrace and uncover a takeaway from every learning moment there is, strive to be the best version of yourself everyday, work hard, work smart, and be genuine.