2 minute read
Q&A with Debbie...
Debbie Wiatrek Vice President,
Asset Living
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Q. What is your current role in the multifamily industry?
A. Vice President of Operations
Q. When did you start in this industry?
A. When I was 17 as a part-time leasing associate, in 1989
Q. What do you enjoy most about your role/multifamily?
A. Providing homes and changing people’s lives
Q. What is the best advice you can give someone who is new to multifamily?
A. Stick with it. Don’t let the hard times get you down. Remember you are the one making the difference to people everywhere.
Q. What is the best advice you can give those who have been in the industry for a while?
A. Don’t get burned out. Take time off and appreciate all those you have housed.
Q. Who inspires you?
A. My mom was my biggest inspiration. She had a drive like no one I ever saw, she pushed me to always strive to be the best in everything I do.
Q. What do you think the future holds for multifamily?
A. I think some types of smart technology will continue to be at the forefront of apartments. I also think more pet features will help properties to accommodate for all types of renters.
Q. What do you do to balance your work and home life?
A. I try to shut off work on the weekends as much as possible. I like to sometimes take a Friday off to re-energize as well.
Q. What are you most thankful for?
A. I am most thankful for the mentors in my life that have helped me be who I am today, Cindy Ash, Irma Caraway and Hugh Cobb really have shaped my professional career.
Q. Any additional thoughts you’d like to share?
A. Find a team you can work well with and stick with them. Your people will follow you if you take time to take care for each of them. Let them know you care and you value them. Take time to hand write notes, it is a lost art that means so much.
Debbie is responsible for overseeing the operations and activities in the South Texas region of Asset’s multi-family division. She has worked in the industry for over 30 years, gaining experience in affordable housing, conventional LIHTC housing, senior sites, PB Sec 8, 811, CDBG Funds, Public Housing, RAD, value-add rehabs, and all phases of new construction assets, including but not limited to 221D4 and 223F HUD loans. At Asset Living, her goals include making sure each and every employee feels empowered and obtaining the highest return on investment for all of her clients.
Debbie is a certified Public Housing Specialist (PHS) and on the Board of Directors of both the National Apartment Association and the Texas Apartment Association and the San Antonio Apartment Association. She also has Co-Chaired the TAA ONE Education Conference and Vice-Chair of the TAA Affordable Housing Committee. Outside of work, Debbie enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband of 28 years.
