Based on over 30 years of experience in the multi-family housing industry and involvement in the Chicagoland Apartment Association (CAA) and National Apartment Association (NAA), Diana Pittro’s leadership enables RMK to maintain its focus on resident happiness and property management expertise.
Mrs. Pittro is RMK Management Company’s Executive Vice President. She was on the board of the National Apartment Association for 13 years and was President of the National Apartment Association Education Institute for two years, the Vice President of Region 3’s Board of Directors, and a member of both the Chicagoland Apartment Association.
Diana holds a B.A. from Cal State Fullerton and has been designated as an Accredited Resident Manager. She also serves on the Rasmussen Colleges advisory board and was named Property Supervisor of the Year by the Illinois/Chicago Apartment Association. In 2001, she was named the Chicagoland Apartment Association Supervisor of the Year.
Diana is now in charge of all management, marketing, and operations, as well as capital plans, for the RMK Management Corporation portfolio in the Midwest, which comprises 6,300+ units for both third-party investors and self-owned and managed properties. She is in charge of RMK’s day-to-day operations and has been involved in all due diligence initiatives for the firm and its owners. Diana joined RMK Management Corporation in 2002.
Below are highlights of the interview:
What was the idea behind joining real estate industry?
I did not set out to be in the real estate industry. Like a lot of people, I fell into it. I was a single mother. I wanted a job that included some growth, and I wanted to use my skills that I had learned in the education arena and customer service industry. I majored in education and became a flight attendant right out of college. This industry allowed me to challenge myself, learn new things, and test my patience and skill set. I started out at the bottom, so I have performed every role there is, including cleaning and maintenance, and I feel like what I have learned has been why I have a strong desire to improve the lives of those people who work so hard in our industry. I love the industry and my teams.
Tell us more about RMK Management.
RMK Management Corporation is a Chicago based real estate management company that proudly manages 30 properties totaling 6,382 units throughout the Midwest. With a deep commitment to superior customer service, we are a recognized leader in innovation. Our genuine interest in preserving the integrity and value of our communities sets us apart, allowing us to consistently deliver excellence year in and year out for 40 years. We have the industry awards to prove it, but most importantly, we have the respect of our residents and peers.
The company’s portfolio spans a range of apartment types, from high-rise and mid-rise buildings to two- and three-story walk-up apartments, garden apartments, and affordable housing. RMK also develops, builds, and renovates communities. The Illinois communities are located in Waukegan, Palatine, Schaumburg, Naperville, Oakbrook Terrace, Evanston, Wilmette, Chicago, Lombard, Mount Prospect, Antioch, and Glen Ellyn. Communities in Minnesota are located in Minneapolis and Edina; Wisconsin communities are located in St. Francis and Madison, and the Indiana community is located in Indianapolis.
Who is your target audience? How do you create services that align with what they’re looking for?
Multifamily owners are looking for a professional property management company, and we have a proven and dedicated team of professionals in place to handle all of your management or due diligence needs.
We have been in the Chicago market longer than any other management company and have strong relationships in place with industry professionals, suppliers, real estate industry peers, consultants, lenders, and other brokerage and development professionals.
We are directly involved with the legislative issues facing our industry at the local and national level through the National Apartment Association, Chicagoland Apartment Association, and Apartment Building Owners and Managers Association.
What are the major changes happen in real estate industry since pandemic?
We are seeing renters prioritize workspaces both in their apartments and in common areas. For example, one of the newest properties in our management portfolio, 21 East Chestnut in Chicago, has newly renovated conference rooms, private booths, and dedicated Zoom rooms, which provide extra workspaces outside a resident’s apartment for privacy from roommates or a change of scenery.
Competition among rental communities for the best outdoor amenities is also increasing. Residents love our properties with heated outdoor pools and resort-style sundecks with nice lounge chairs. Other popular outdoor amenities are seating areas with fire pits, dining areas with grill stations, courtyards with activities like a giant chess set, and dog runs.
A challenge we had before COVID-19 that was exacerbated by the pandemic involves packaging and mailrooms. Training, staffing, having adequate space to hold packages, and delivery of packages is an everyday challenge. The pandemic and working-from-home have caused a large increase in fresh food, meal kits, and package deliveries in all of our communities. We have had to adapt staff roles in order to deliver packages and manage them, sometimes having to make sure things are refrigerated and delivered properly. At some properties, we are redesigning and enlarging package rooms, and our new-construction projects are all designed with larger mailrooms and refrigeration. This is a major operational challenge for communities right now. We are exploring various third-party companies to help aid and assist in this endeavor at some properties.
Kindly describe how you will specifically know what success looks like for you.
To me, success is when my teams perform to the satisfaction of their owners and themselves and achieve their objectives.When I hire someone, I want them to go as far up the ladder as they want to. I want to see them get promoted and go on to bigger and better things. Many people do not survive in this industry. We work hard, we play and have fun.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t get caught up in the old clichés or standards… today is a new day. Don’t be concerned about competing; instead, sell the value you bring.Believe in yourself, be willing to fail, and be smart enough to admit it and then fix it. Don’t get worried about salary and position. If you are doing a great job, believe me, it is noticed. It’s hard, it’s not 9-5 and it’s not always fair, but you are building your reputation and the best thing is for people to consider you hardworking, honest and fair.
What are your future plans to sustain the agency’s success?
We must constantly be willing to try, to fail and to learn. I feel that success in our industry requires patience and flexibility. Every day, every goal, every owner is different. Our teams are the success story of RMK. Much of our growth continues to be repeat business. Most of our calls are not solicited and I believe that our credibility and reputation continue to sustain our growth.
Website: www.rmk.com
