Britany Pitts Career Background
What is your biggest career achievement?
- Achieving my current position is a huge accomplishment; but I would have to say becoming the Chairperson for USAA Careers Committee. I have a passion for serving those around me, being an advocate for personal/professional growth, and finding new ways to provide support and be a mentor. Chairing the Careers Committee has given me the opportunity to advocate, explain what the multi-family industry is all about, the endless growth opportunities available, provide training to those who wish to peruse this career path, and speak to high school and college students in my community. I have seen first-hand the difference that a mentor can make, and I am proud to be an industry advocate and mentor. I have been able to use my position to strongly urge property management and supplier companies to offer mentorships/internships for students exploring career paths. Another big achievement would be spearheading the partnership between my employer, PRG, and the Entryway Program. Entryway is designed to help those who are situationally homeless, get back on their feet, learn new skills, and secure employment in the multi-family industry. Supporting my team, providing solutions for my residents, and mentoring our next generation is my passion.
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?
- I would go back to college! Since I was 16 YO, I've been responsible for earning my own income and completing school. I worked full-time while attending school full-time - making it hard to focus on my studies. The importance that was placed on college from family along with knowing I would be 1 of 2 people in my family to attend and complete college made me desire that accomplishment, heavily. I desired to make my family proud, but I was not prepared for the workload that came with being a full-time employee and full-time pre-med student. After a terrible first college semester, I quickly changed majors to Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Business Management and Marketing with a double-minor in Non-Profit and Child Advocacy. I had no Idea how to apply my degree to the real world - my senior year at USCU I made a career move to PRG as a Leasing Consultant and fell in love with the multi-family industry. If I had to revisit that time, I would say slow down, be proud, and take time to enjoy my college years. That difficult time led me a fulfilling career where I feel I am serving my purpose.
From your perspective, what is the industry lacking to support the modern renter and how do you plan to help supply that need?
- As a Multi-Site Property Manager, the challenge I've witnessed is housing affordability. The market is in a tricky state, causing increases in rental rates, along with inflation of everything else, where the household income has not experienced a dramatic increase. I would say at least 1 of every 4 applications we receive cannot meet the income requirement of 3X the rental rate. The increase in rental rates and not household income has made it hard for first-time renters, students, and median households to secure adequate housing. While I understand the need for rental rates to increase, there needs to be a larger supply of affordable housing available, and the stigma associated with affordable housing needs to be addressed. Greenville area is currently making strides to fund several affordable housing developments. I will continue to educate myself and tune in to the local and state Government Affairs committees to stay relevant on all topics relating to affordable housing and how to be a part of a positive movement. I will research ways to remove the stigma associated with affordable housing and bring those ideas back to the Government Affairs Committees to advocate for those effected by the lack of affordability.