Girmai Tekalb
Summary
With over 8 years of dedicated experience in affordable housing, I am an intentional leader and strategic thinker committed to advancing the field of housing stability. My expertise spans project management and development, where I've honed the ability to create and implement metrics that drive stability post-development for operations.
As a leader, I oversee a team of 20, including 4 direct reports, fostering a collaborative work culture that empowers property management teams to deliver exceptional service while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. My strategic mindset and data-driven insights optimize property value and drive sustainable growth, particularly in affordable housing.
Over the past two years, I’ve played a pivotal role in development projects, overseeing construction and establishing robust metrics for long-term stability. By building strong relationships with internal and external departments, I enhance our collective ability to collaborate effectively, fostering a deeper understanding of the roles we play in each other's success.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Regional Manager
Project for pride in Living
Minneapolis, MN
04.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase market share in the region.
- Conducted regular meetings with district managers to discuss sales performance and provide guidance on improvement tactics.
- Developed marketing strategies to increase visibility of available listings.
- Managed client relationships throughout the entire process from initial contact to closing the sale.
- Developed and implemented procedures for lease management, tenant relations, budgeting, and contract negotiation.
- Organized and managed teams responsible for various aspects of real estate operations.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Regional Manager
Project For Pride In Living
Minneapolis, MN
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed strategies to improve occupancy levels in assigned properties.
- Prepared monthly financial reports detailing income, expenses, cash flow.
- Negotiated terms of agreements with external vendors and partners.
- Managed budgets at different points in the life cycle of a project from conception through completion.
- Developed and implemented procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and codes.
- Led weekly meetings with staff members assigned to manage individual properties within the region.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and helping to train others.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
Portfolio Property Manager
Project For Pride In Living - AmeriCorps
Minneapolis, MN
10.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed a portfolio of properties, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations.
- Coordinated maintenance activities for the portfolio's properties.
- Resolved tenant complaints in a timely and professional manner.
- Interacted regularly with clients to discuss financial performance of the portfolio's properties.
- Prepared detailed reports on the performance of individual properties within the portfolio.
- Reviewed existing contracts with suppliers to ensure best value was achieved.
- Assisted in preparing budgets for upcoming projects relating to the development or refurbishment of individual properties within the portfolio.
Property Manager
Premier Housing management
Minneapolis, MN
06.2021 - 10.2022
- Collected monthly assessments, rental fees, deposits and payments.
- Planned and conducted meetings to enable residents to voice concerns and provide forum for issues to be addressed.
- Coordinated general maintenance and repairs to keep facilities operational and attractive.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and compliant records for internal and regulatory audits.
- Updated tenant and unit information to keep current in housing database.
- Inspected properties regularly to identify deficiencies and schedule repairs.
- Developed strong, professional relationships with residents by initiating collaboration and delivering exemplary service and engagement.
- Identified new vendors, supported negotiations and coordinated delivery schedules.
Site Manager
Property Solutions & Services
Minneapolis, MN
09.2019 - 08.2022
- Assisted managing over 200 units in Minneapolis and Maple grove
- Maintain strong working relationships with government housing agencies including but not limited to: HUD, MHFA, Hennepin county.
- Working within a budget, and being able to prioritize what needs to get done to stay on schedule.
- Learning and applying tax credit compliance
Project Director, Smart Cleaning and Painting INC.
Smart Cleaning and Painting INC
Saint Paul, MN
02.2017 - 07.2019
- Coordinate all marketing projects; regularly work to expand clientele, Organize Projects
- Create and complete cost assessment for clients, capital management, communicate with clients, handle all business transactions, lead employee training sessions, create projects and deliver instruction to employees.
- Draft and negotiate contracts, monitor contracts for compliance with financial terms, work with clients to resolve any problems or concerns.
- Develop and implement procedures, practices, and work methods to ensure work effectiveness and efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
North Dakota State University
Fargo, NDAssociate of Science - Environmental Science
Normandale Community College
Minneapolis, MNSkills
- Leadership skills
- Adept with microsoft office
- Budget and data analysis
- Patient communicator
- HUD and Funding knowledge
- Identifying Opportunities
- Problem Anticipation and Resolution
- Developing Proposals
- Proactive and Focused
- Strategy Development
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Relationship building
Certification
- PPL emerging leaders MN cohort 2022
- Urban Land instatuit Real Estate Diversity Initiative Cohort 2024
- Leadership Scholars MN 2024
Timeline
Lead Regional Manager
Project for pride in Living
04.2024 - Current
Regional Manager
Project For Pride In Living
10.2023 - 04.2024
Portfolio Property Manager
Project For Pride In Living - AmeriCorps
10.2022 - 09.2023
Property Manager
Premier Housing management
06.2021 - 10.2022
Site Manager
Property Solutions & Services
09.2019 - 08.2022
Project Director, Smart Cleaning and Painting INC.
Smart Cleaning and Painting INC
02.2017 - 07.2019
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
North Dakota State University
Associate of Science - Environmental Science
Normandale Community College
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