Join us as we highlight answers to questions from Audra Hale, Training and HR Manager, who oversees the current REEP portfolio.   

What inspired you to pursue a career in our industry, and how has your journey led you to where you are today?   

A: I actually fell into property management, which is something I think happens to a lot of people in this industry. After moving to San Antonio, I received a call for an interview, but I honestly didn’t even remember applying for the job—I figured they just found me somehow. When I went to the interview, the regional leasing agent had to step away, so the regional manager ended up interviewing me instead.  

I later found out the regional manager wasn’t too sure about hiring someone with no experience, but the leasing agent had a musical theatre degree, and she understood how adaptable theatre people can be—thinking on their feet, handling different situations and personalities quickly, and so on.  

When the regional manager asked the usual question about weaknesses, I told her I wasn’t bilingual. It was an honest and unique answer, and I was told that’s what ultimately convinced her I was the right fit for the job! 

What do you find most rewarding about your role, and how does it contribute to the company’s overall success?   

A: What I find most rewarding about my role is being able to help people. When I worked onsite, this ranged from helping someone find an apartment to guiding first-time renters through the process—things like getting utilities in their name or finding the nearest grocery store. Since talking to someone about their home is very personal, emotions can escalate quickly. I loved addressing residents with a smile, ready to help, which often caught them off guard as they expected to have to be aggressive to solve their issue. 

Now, as an HR Manager, I still get to help people, but now it’s the team at REEP. This personal connection makes my job so rewarding and allows me to contribute to the company’s success by supporting and guiding the employees who make it all happen. 

 Can you share a significant achievement or project that you’re particularly proud of from your time here?   

A: One of the achievements I’m particularly proud of is organizing our family picnic. I absolutely love meeting the family members of our team and getting to spend time with those I don’t see often. It’s rewarding to put together events that bring joy not only to our team but also to their loved ones. We couldn’t do what we do without them, so the picnic isn’t just a celebration for us—it’s for them as well. 

Watching our team laugh, play games, and have fun like we’re kids again is one of the highlights. It’s always the quiet and reserved team members you’d never expect who end up being the most involved! For me, being an HR Manager isn’t just about onboarding, payroll, or insurance, I genuinely love being involved and knowing our team by both their faces and names. Walking into a room full of friends, who know me just as well as I know them, are the moments I’m most proud of. That sense of connection is what makes it all worthwhile. 

How do you approach challenges and maintain motivation in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?   

A: First, I lay on the floor in the fetal position and cry (just kidding erica) I enjoy being busy, so I thrive in a fast-paced environment. There’s something motivating about knowing that my day was full, and I accomplished goals, whether big or small. I also find motivation in knowing that I’m helping our team, so they can take care of themselves and their families. Watching our team grow and seeing the progress of our team members is really rewarding. It’s fun to look back and see how far we’ve come. When challenges come up, I see them as opportunities to figure out solutions and learn something new. Staying organized and focused helps me push through, and at the end of the day, it’s fulfilling to see all that’s been achieved.  

 What are some key lessons or insights you’ve gained while working at our company that have helped shape your professional growth?   

A: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to assume things are getting done or that communication has happened between team members. Early on, I used to assume someone had taken care of a task or that Person A had spoken to Person B, but I’ve realized how important it is to double-check and follow up. Clear communication and accountability are key to keeping everything running smoothly. 

I’ve also grown in my writing and communication style, becoming clearer and more direct to ensure there’s no room for confusion. These lessons have made me more proactive and detail-oriented, shaping my overall professional growth. 

How do you see your role evolving in the future, and what excites you about the direction our industry is heading?   

A: I see my role evolving into more strategic leadership, with a focus on shaping company culture and supporting the growth of REEP. I’m also committed to continuing my education in HR to stay ahead of industry trends and best practices, ensuring I can provide the best support possible. As the multifamily industry adapts to new technologies and trends, I’m excited about the growing emphasis on employee development and engagement. What excites me most is being part of that growth, helping our team navigate these changes, and fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. 

Outside of work, what are your passions and interests, and how do they influence your approach to your professional life?   

A: Outside of work, I’m passionate about running and working out. It’s taught me a lot about patience and perseverance. Results can be slow, and at times, it feels like you’re not making progress, but by staying consistent and not giving up, you eventually reach your goal. I never imagined I’d be running marathons, especially as someone with asthma who used to hate running, but it all started with an idea and taking that first step. You think, “I’ll never get to that point,” but before you know it, you’re there. 

This mindset carries over into my professional life. Not every solution works for everyone, so like fitness, it often takes trial and error to figure out the best approach. Patience, consistency, and adaptability are key, whether in the gym or at work. 

Can you highlight a team or company initiative that you’re involved in and explain why it’s important to you?   

A: One of the biggest initiatives I’ve been involved in was transferring all our payroll and HR data to a new platform. This was a major project, and anyone who has been through a platform change knows how much time, effort, and patience it requires—from vetting options and attending countless meetings to migrating the data. We faced our share of errors and surprises along the way, but it was ultimately completed successfully 

What makes this initiative important to me is that, despite the challenges, we ensured that there was no disruption to the business. I don’t think anyone on the other side knew the hurdles we faced, which is exactly what we wanted—seamless execution with minimal impact on our teams. This project has made us more efficient and organized, which benefits the entire company. 

What advice would you give to new employees who are looking to make an impact and thrive within our organization?   

A: I don’t think most people realize that excelling in your current position is one of the best ways to make an impact on our teams and REEP as a whole. When you do your job well, it helps everything run smoothly and sets the foundation for success across the board. Your efforts contribute to the overall goals of the company, and that’s how you can really make a difference. 

Also, make sure your supervisors know what your goals are. If you’re open about what you’d like to achieve, we’ll be eager to support you and help you reach those goals. Mastering your role and being proactive in helping others grow or improving processes shows leadership, even without a formal title, and makes a bigger impact than you might think.