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Home Insider Blogs Lisa Trosien's Blog Putting the "Family" in Multifamily
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Jan 20
2010

Putting the "Family" in Multifamily

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Posted by: Lisa Trosien on Jan 20, 2010 09:05

Tagged in: Untagged 

I was in a bad car accident in Atlanta on Monday. A five car pile up on an exit ramp off of I75. As mine was the first car hit, I took the heaviest brunt of the damage. While the car was total loss, I somehow managed to walk away from the accident with whiplash, some nasty bruises and a few slight lacerations. I was extremely lucky.

I called my family in Illinois first to let them know what happened and to get the insurance wheels moving as quickly as possible. But the first call after that was to my dear friend and business partner, Kate Good. I knew Kate could track down some multifamily Atlanta people and get help headed my way. Less than five minutes after I hung up with Kate, my phone rang and it was Tamela Coval, of Rentwiki, getting all the details of my situation, advising me on what hospital I would probably be taken to and promising me she’d meet me there.

I was whisked away in an ambulance and taken to Kennestone hospital, where, true to her word, Tamela was waiting for me when I got back from x-ray. She and her children proceeded to open their home to me with my own bedroom and bathroom. They fed me, picked up my prescriptions and helped me get my flight changed to the next day. Tamela refused to allow me to call a car service and took me to the airport herself, but only after repacking my bags and providing me with a wheeled briefcase of her own.

Knowing Tamela as I do, her behavior didn’t surprise me in the least. She’s one of the most giving people I’ve ever met. But when Tamela and I looked back on my situation, we both remarked on how we probably have several ‘go to’ industry people in cities across the United States.

Our industry isn’t your ‘typical industry’. It’s full of warm, caring wonderful people who have been in it for years and years. People may move from the vendor side to the management company side, but rarely does someone leave our industry entirely. Not that other industries aren’t full of warm and caring people as well, but rarely do you see the kind of warmth and compassion that are the trademarks of most apartment professionals.

In my consulting and speaking business, I see this at the site level on upwards through the management company ranks. Vendors to our business are the same way as the 'other side' of the industry.

As the old Sister Sledge song goes, “We are family.”

Comments (17)Add Comment
679
written by Jonathan Saar, January 20, 2010
Happy you are ok Lisa and that someone was there right away. Bad enough having accidents in your home town, never mind on the road in somewhat unfamiliar territory. Its super comforting I am sure to have that kind of family around you.
256
written by Lisa Trosien, January 20, 2010
Hi Jonathon:

Yep, I was lucky in a lot of ways on Monday, that's for sure. Our industry is definitely a 'family' any way you look at it.

LT
506
written by Zachary Ward, January 20, 2010
Lisa,

I am glad to hear that you made it out okay. I traveled extensively for work at one point and I always stressed about the possibility of being in an accident and not having anyone nearby. I am happy to hear your situation worked out as well as it did.

Sincerely,

Zac Ward
Nashville,TN
256
written by Lisa Trosien, January 20, 2010
Hey Zac!

Thanks for the note. The thought of being in an accident actually never even occurred to me. But I was sure lucky.
We all are, to be in this great 'family business'.

LT
1013
written by Tara Smiley, January 20, 2010
LT - I second everyone else's sentiments and am very glad that you are relatively unscathed. Just goes to show you what an amazing network you've built with people and just how it can pay off in unintended ways!
256
written by Lisa Trosien, January 20, 2010
Thanks, Tara. It was pretty scary, truth be told. But what did amaze me was when Tamela and I started going through all the cities and all the people to whom we've gotten 'connected to' from multifamily. All people we know any of us could call and they'd be there, no matter what. And some of these people are friends we've only met once or twice at conferences but with whom we've shared Tweets, Facebook updates, emails, webinars and more. The social web has really helped bring us all together even more.

Thanks for your note, Tara.

LT
3333
written by Samantha Keller, January 25, 2010
I just moved from Atlanta after living there for 7 years. I saw these types of accidents on a daily and few with survivors who walked away as easily as you have. I am glad you are ok!!!!!
539
written by Jared Miller, January 26, 2010
LT,

Sorry to hear about your accident, but thank goodness you are OK. That Atlanta traffic is brutal. While I love Atlanta, each time I return, I am reminded of how challenging traffic can be in the city.

I love this industry. It is definitely like an extended family. In challenging times, the friends that I've made in this industry have always been there. Looking even deeper, most of my strongest friendships are with people that I've met through work. All of us joke that once you enter the apartment industry you simply can't leave. I believe the reason for that isn't the job itself, but the relationships built along the way.

Jared
3362
written by Wendy Muse, January 26, 2010
Just finished reading your post. I'm glad to read you're ok! What an experience.

Your post really made me stop and think. I never even considered having an accident while on the road for work. Guess I was naive and have been very lucky.

It's encouraging to see how family can turn a bad situation around. Thanks for the reminder on what a great family this industry is
3361
written by Michael Varick, January 26, 2010
Your point is so well taken. As we develop these relationships in the industry we come to recognize the people who truly partner with us in good times and bad. In moments when we are scared and in need, that is when we see the true freinds in our lives shine.

Thanks for sharing your story. ~ Michael

3010
written by Nadeen Green, January 26, 2010
Sometimes we need someone like you, Lisa, to state the obvious, particularly when the "obvious" is not so much that. I have always been honored to be in this industry among not just professionals, but people who are compassionate and solid. I just had not thought about "needing" someone in a city (an accident such as yours or an illness) until you talked about this. We are all so fortunate! BTW, put me on your list for help in Atlanta, although the bases are thoroughly covered when you have Ms. Coval on your bench (mixed sports metaphor - sorry!). Glad you are doing OK; take care, lady.
375
written by Jennie McCluskey, January 26, 2010
Its such a sweet reminder that compassion exists, and that through our connections, real warmth and true kindness may still shine through, not just in this industry, but in any industry. I am just so grateful that something so dangerous, brought sincere gratitude, and left you miraculously in good physical condition.
256
written by Lisa Trosien, January 26, 2010
To everyone who has posted:

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I appreciate all of your well wishes. I'm on the mend, a little bit slower than I would like, but mending all the same.

I wrote the post so we could all take the time to reflect on what a great group of people it is that we all work with on a daily basis. I think sometimes we forget that and how blessed we are to have such a 'family' within our multifamily industry.

Thank you all for the well wishes! I sooo appreciate all of you!

LT
645
written by Michael Eveland, January 26, 2010
It really is a great group! The more time I spend in this industry, the more it reminds me of the camaraderie I experienced during my career in the military - and that's saying a lot!
291
written by Tamela Coval, January 26, 2010
I vote we all have a Family Reunion and group hugfest someplace sunny and warm...oceanfront...smell like Hawaiian Tropic...Jamaica, Mon, anybody?
3328
written by Elizabeth Madrigal, January 27, 2010
Lisa, I am so glad you were helped by your friends in the community after your accident and were able to return home. I had just listened to one of your webinars and feel like I know you, so I hope you won't see this comment as anything other than a get well wish. It does reinforce all those 'if not now, when' feelings one harbors.
3432
written by Joseph Gutwein-Schultz, February 03, 2010
Lisa, I would have to say that the outcome of your incident was most assuredly more than what we call "luck". You were covered by the grace of our loving Heavenly Father and Son. May you have safe travel. smilies/wink.gif
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