A Property Management Rookie Mistake

It was 2005, and I had just gotten my start in property management at a bustling community with 776 units. At just 20, I was the only white girl in an office of powerhouse women who knew the ropes and were ready to teach me—through some good old-fashioned hazing.

My days began in the back office, typing leases and entering application data into every system available. This was long before automation made things easier. Just when I thought my tasks were complete, five coworkers would drop their guest card boxes on my desk.

“Follow up with all of them—twice,” they’d say.

“And don’t forget handwritten thank-you notes!”

I was being tested, but I was excited to learn. Honestly, I thought I was lucky to receive so much “training.”

Then came the moment that cemented my place on the team.

One day, the phone rang. A resident was furious—his apartment was flooding. Mid-rant, he yelled:

“Get your wetbacks over here now!”

Click.

I hung up.

He called back and repeated himself.

Click.

By now, the entire office had stopped what they were doing.

“White Girl! What did you do? 100A wants to talk to the manager about you!”

I informed them about what the man said. I filed a service ticket and called maintenance but chose not to stay on the line with that kind of conversation.

That’s when Samantha, our manager, emerged from her office laughing so hard she nearly fell over.

“Lucy,” she wheezed, “he wasn’t calling us wetbacks. He was telling you to get the wet vacs.”

For the record, a wet vac is an industrial vacuum used to suck up flood water. Who knew?

My face turned beet red. But the whole office erupted in laughter, and just like that—something shifted.

They stopped calling me White Girl.I had officially been promoted to Vanilla Latte, earned my seat at the lunch table…and they finally let me out of the back office to give actual tours.

This story is shared with love and deep respect for the women who shaped the beginning of my career. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them. If you're uncomfortable with respectful storytelling that acknowledges race, culture, and identity in real human experiences—this may not be the space for you. I believe in sharing truth with grace, and honoring the people who made an impact, exactly as they are.

Conclusion:

Mistakes are a natural part of learning, particularly in property management. It’s vital to acknowledge errors, analyze what went wrong, and move forward with newfound wisdom.

Engaging in open discussions about our blunders fosters an environment where learning thrives. I’ve prioritized this principle as I’ve advanced in my career. New managers or leasing agents often fear making mistakes, but these rookie errors frequently lead to the most crucial lessons. I encourage those entering the field to embrace their missteps—learn from them, laugh at them, and share them with those who come after you.