Tansee McReynolds Career Background

What is your biggest career achievement?

• My biggest career achievement was winning the NAA Best New Construction Community of the Year Award in 2022 for Second and Delaware, the site I manage. This award reflects the immense dedication and hard work of my exceptional team. As a leader, I believe in the quote, 'A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.' My team's commitment to our shared vision made this achievement possible.
  
  Not only did we win this prestigious award, but we also reached an impressive 97% occupancy within just six months of delivering the units and have maintained an average occupancy rate of 98% or higher since. This success was not accidental. We meticulously learned how to maintain a building, the first of its kind, and created a sense of community by hosting 5-8 monthly resident events. Moreover, we educated the public about the sustainability associated with the passive house design, showcasing our commitment to a greener future. Through these efforts, we provided exceptional customer service, leaving a lasting impression on our residents. This achievement signifies my dedication to excellence and the power of teamwork in achieving remarkable results through building a brand from the ground up.

Given your past experiences, what event/ project or moment would you revisit and how would you go about it differently based on your current frame of mind?

• If I could revisit a moment, it would be those instances when I doubted my decisions and sought validation from upper management due to my limited experience. As the youngest employee managing colleagues older than I am, it was easy to doubt myself. However, I've learned that it's not about age but about how you learn from your experiences and the experiences of others in the industry and apply them to your decisions with certainty. With my newfound confidence, strengthened by my CALP certification, local apartment association classes, and learning from both my colleagues and my own decisions, I would approach previous difficult situations differently. I would trust in my abilities and not fear making mistakes, knowing that every misstep holds a valuable lesson and is correctable.
  
  Now, with confidence, I'd make decisions independently, embracing the wisdom that 'confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.' I have learned to make decisions with conviction and rely on my skills and knowledge to guide me. This shift in mindset would lead to more assertive and self-assured decision-making, ultimately benefiting both my personal growth and the success of the projects I'm involved in.

From your perspective, what is the industry lacking to support the modern renter and how do you plan to help supply that need? 

• The industry is lacking a focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency to meet the demands of the modern renter. Renters are more conscious of their carbon footprint and are seeking rental properties that embrace green features. The future of rental housing requires a shift toward sustainable building materials, energy-efficient appliances, solar power integration, water-saving systems, and other eco-friendly innovations.
  
  I am actively involved in the Government affairs committee within my local chapter, where we monitor legislation on several levels. My goal is to advocate for environmentally friendly policies tailored to the multi-family industry to help provide benefits for renters, rather than just homeowners.
  
  I am also committed to public education. Working at the world's largest Passive House, I actively share information about sustainable housing options. Passive Houses exemplify an innovative approach, consuming 80% less energy while still providing luxurious amenities and financial success to investors. Passive Houses are the smartest path to a zero-carbon built environment, and I am dedicated to sharing the benefits of this building design to renters and developers alike.
  
  By combining advocacy for green policies with public education on sustainable housing solutions, I aim to contribute to a more energy-efficient future for the industry.