Meet Brandy Poole, the dedicated Community Manager at The Townhomes at Chapel Watch Village in Chapel Hill, NC. With over a decade of experience in property management, Brandy has cultivated a deep passion for building strong, vibrant communities. Her journey from a curious college student to a seasoned professional is a testament to her commitment and love for the multifamily industry. At Chapel Watch Village, Brandy’s enthusiasm and dedication shine through in every interaction, making her an invaluable asset to the community she serves.
From College Curiosity to Career Passion
My journey into property management began during my college years. I lived onsite at a property managed by my aunt, who was the VP. I often found myself in the business center, finishing up schoolwork in the evenings. It was there that I observed the property manager and leasing consultant working tirelessly with community members to address various issues and concerns. The blend of excitement, chaos, and resolution happening simultaneously intrigued me. The dynamic environment and the team’s collaborative efforts seemed like so much fun, and I wanted to experience it firsthand.
Needing a weekend job, I reached out to a staffing agency and started working as a leasing consultant. This role allowed me to balance work with my school schedule. After nearly a year with the staffing agency and completing my Associates degree, I applied for a full-time leasing consultant position at a property management company. This marked the beginning of my career in property management, which will be 12 years strong as of July 2025.
A Day in the Life at Chapel Watch Village
In property management, no two days are the same. I always wear my Fitbit to track the numerous steps I take throughout the day, whether I’m running around the property, walking through vacant units, or handling unexpected tasks. Some days, my steps exceed 10,000, while other days, I find myself glued to my chair. Each day brings new challenges and exciting opportunities, making the job incredibly gratifying.
The Joy of Community Connections
The most rewarding aspect of my job is the community members. Being part of an amazing community and a team that helps build a strong foundation is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s addressing maintenance requests or answering lease renewal questions, I always strive to give 100% to the community. My door is always open, and I take pride in being a reliable resource for the residents.
Building Bonds and Trust
Engaging with the community is a top priority for me. I make it a point to connect with residents, whether it’s through a quick chat while passing each other on the property or greeting them when they visit the office. Participating in resident events is another great way to engage with the community. I’m particularly fond of children, and they know they can always find treats in my office after school. Building a thriving community and fostering strong bonds with residents is a unique and rewarding aspect of my job.
One of my most memorable experiences was at a property that had been neglected by the previous leadership team. The community was in disarray, with residents distrusting the new staff, poor landscaping, and over 100 pending work orders. My leasing agent and I organized a meet-and-greet event to introduce ourselves to the community. Although the first event wasn’t a huge success, we hosted another one with police cars and fire trucks for the kids, which drew a larger crowd. We shared our goals for improving the property, and gradually, the community began to trust us. After nearly a year of addressing maintenance requests, improving the landscaping, and listening to residents’ needs, we built a strong bond with the community. The gratitude and warmth shown by the residents were incredibly touching, and the staff continues to thrive there today.
Essential Skills for Success
Attention to detail, strong listening skills, and a passion for the multifamily industry are essential for a property manager. You’ll encounter various personalities, so being humble and using excellent customer service skills are crucial for success. While there are many other important skills, these are a great starting point.
The Rewards of Working at Chapel Watch Village
I love being a part of the residents’ journeys, whether they’re attending college, advancing in their careers, or preparing to buy a home. Knowing that I play a role in their lives is incredibly rewarding, even though it can be bittersweet at times.
Advice for Aspiring Property Managers
Be prepared to work hard. The property management industry, especially in multifamily housing, is fast-paced, particularly during the spring and summer months. Having an “all-in” attitude and being proactive are key to success. Understanding the real estate market, developing essential skills, and gaining industry experience are crucial for growth. Each day offers new learning opportunities that help strengthen your abilities in this field.
Balancing Work and Personal Life
In my limited free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and our pup, Lexi. I also make sure to get my steps in if I didn’t reach my goal at work. Additionally, I study the real estate market and take online courses to further my career in property management.
Final Thoughts on Chapel Watch Village
Being part of the NWR family and the Chapel Watch Village team has been incredibly rewarding. The leadership team and my extended teammates have been very supportive. The opportunity to grow with the company and the community is something I deeply value. With a strong onsite team and amazing community members, Chapel Watch Village will always be a special place to call home.
Chapel Watch Village has a natural charm that draws you in. The vibrant community and dedicated staff create a welcoming environment that makes it easy to fall in love with the place. I am grateful for the support I’ve received, which has allowed me to grow significantly over the past 21 months.
