Our greatest asset isn’t our portfolio of properties – it’s our people. This Labor Day, we have the incredible honor of celebrating four extraordinary team members whose combined dedication spans an astounding 131 years of service. Mike Hill (30 years), Salorn So (33 years), Mike Sisk (34 years), and Jerry Longest (34 years) represent the very best of what it means to be part of the Dweck family.

What strikes us most isn’t just their impressive tenure, but the palpable humility they bring to their work every day. Not looking for praise or celebration, each describes a life genuinely changed by Dweck and the incredible careers they’ve built. Perhaps most beautifully, each speaks so highly of the others, sharing stories of support, mentorship, and friendships that have lasted decades.

Mike Hill’s journey perfectly embodies the transformative power of opportunity and mentorship. Starting in 1995 at Circle Towers apartments, Mike’s path into maintenance began by pure chance. “I moved into Circle Towers, and a guy came to fix the disposal. I got to talking with him, and he said they needed someone,” Mike recalls. “I had never done that type of work but knew I could learn it.”

What began as happenstance became a calling, and it was Mike Sisk who ultimately hired him. From there, Mike transitioned from security to turnovers, then to maintenance technician, engineer, and eventually to his current role as Maintenance Supervisor at Rosslyn Heights, where he has been for 23 years. “I had no aspirations at the time and truthfully didn’t know what I was looking for,” Mike admits. “Once I got into it, I realized I was good at it, liked it, and could make it a career.”

For Mike, the mentorship he received early on was game-changing. “I’m so lucky to have had Jerry early on. He was (and is) a great mentor and taught me a lot. I learned from these veterans, who knew what was going on – not just maintenance, but also how to carry yourself during the job. What to do and what not to do.”

Jerry Longest, now Chief Portfolio Engineer for Dweck, exemplifies what it means to build a career with intention and dedication. Starting 34 years ago this September as an entry-level maintenance tech, Jerry knew his goals from day one. “I got into the maintenance field and learned a lot. My goal was to learn as much as I could and work up to supervisor and then engineer.” He knew his goal from the outset and worked his way toward it.

Jerry’s impact extends far beyond his technical expertise. A natural mentor and leader, he has brought numerous team members into the company, including recognizing Salorn So’s potential when Salorn was working as a cleaner. Jerry has been instrumental in shaping careers and building the strong maintenance team that Dweck relies on today.

Over his 34 years, Jerry has managed the maintenance and engineering at approximately 24 communities, including every Dweck property and three commercial office buildings. His journey from entry-level to Chief Portfolio Engineer showcases not just personal growth but the opportunities that Dweck provides for those willing to learn and grow.

While many of our team members work traditional hours, Mike Sisk has spent his 34-year career mastering the art of evening and night operations at Park at Arlington Ridge, a position unique to the vast 853-apartment community. As Night Operations Manager, Mike is truly a jack-of-all-trades – resolving maintenance issues, handling resident relations, and ensuring the property runs smoothly when most people are winding down their day. His journey began on property patrol, and over the years, he has grown into his current role, where he has become an integral part of the community fabric. Since starting at the community, Mike has been recognized by name in nearly 70 positive online reviews from grateful residents. 

Mike’s path into property management felt natural from the start. Growing up around the industry, he was initially comfortable in the environment, but it was the personal connections that truly captured his passion. “I just really began to love it and love people. It was always rewarding to me,” Mike reflects. What started as property patrol work evolved as Mike discovered his calling in serving residents and helping the community thrive.

Mike’s influence extends beyond his own career progression. It was Mike Sisk who recognized potential in a young resident at Circle Towers and ultimately hired Mike Hill, setting in motion another 30-year success story. This demonstrates the kind of intention and opportunity-creation that has become a hallmark of long-tenured Dweck team members.

Salorn So embodies the American Dream in its most profound and inspiring form. His journey to the United States began under unimaginable circumstances – fleeing Cambodia during the reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. After his family was forced from their city home into the jungle, Salorn survived for years in the wilderness in harsh and unforgiving conditions. After then spending a year in a refugee camp in Thailand, he finally made it to America with almost nothing but an unbreakable spirit forged by survival itself.

This extraordinary background shaped Salorn into the remarkable worker he is today. For over 30 years, he has maintained two full-time jobs, and his dedication continues to amaze and inspire his colleagues. His path with Dweck began at Park Center Apartments as a cleaner, but when the property transitioned to contract cleaning services, Jerry Longest recognized Salorn’s potential and his skills in painting and drywall work, bringing him onto the maintenance team.

Starting primarily with turnovers and in-unit preventive maintenance, Salorn’s relentless work ethic and eagerness to learn have transformed him into what his colleagues describe as a great all-around maintenance technician and self-starter who never says no and completes every task with a smile. His colleagues often encourage him to write a book about his experiences to share the incredible stories behind his transformation from a student in Cambodia to a refugee survivor to a successful American and Dweck team member.  Today, Salorn has built a beautiful life with his loving wife and two sons, both of whom have graduated from college and established careers of their own. He is the living embodiment of what can be achieved through unwavering determination and an unbreakable work ethic.

The dramatic changes these veterans have witnessed paint a fascinating picture of industry transformation, with technology unanimously identified as the biggest change to both the industry and their jobs. Mike Hill recalls: “There weren’t even computers at the management office. Tickets were made from copy paper. Fill it out and rip it out for each tenant. Everything is computerized now. Tickets now go straight to our phones instantly.”

This technological revolution has fundamentally changed their careers. “You had your papers for the day and had to walk back down and see what else came in while you were working. Now, I could be in a building and the phone will ding – a work order comes in from one floor down. I couldn’t count how many times I’ve knocked on someone’s door minutes after they put in a work order. They’re always shocked at how quickly everything happens.” 

When asked about the most valuable lessons learned over three decades, the responses were telling. “Loyalty. Lead by example. Treat everyone fairly,” said Jerry. These aren’t just words to our 30-year veterans; they’re principles that have guided them and been passed on to countless colleagues. Mike Hill emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing: “The more the people around you know about your job, the easier it is.” This collaborative approach has helped build stronger teams and ensure smoother operations across all properties. Jerry’s legacy includes his dedication to teaching and mentorship. He wants to be remembered as a “dedicated, loyal employee who was always willing to jump in and teach.” His impact on Dweck Academy and his role in developing the next generation of maintenance professionals are truly remarkable.

Mike Sisk’s wisdom comes from years of quiet, consistent service: “Love what you do. Be kind. Time goes by so fast. Embrace every day and never take anything for granted.” His philosophy extends beyond work to life itself: “It’s important to stay grounded and always appreciate life, job, and family.” Mike hopes to be remembered as someone who was loyal and cared, emphasizing that “I didn’t need a big title to make a difference. I just want to be honest, kind, and loyal to my company.”

When asked to describe their 30+ year journey in three words, the responses were immediate and heartfelt. Mike Hill chose: “Stability, family…friends for life.” Mike Sisk reflected: “Rewarding, long-lasting memories and friendships.” For younger team members considering their own career paths, the message is clear: “See it through and it’ll pay off. It’s a great career; it’s a great decision. I want younger people to know to stick with it.” Mike Hill’s reflection captures the profound impact of his Dweck career: “It changed my life. The guy with the disposal came in and everything changed for the better in so many ways.”

As we celebrate Mikel, Salorn, Mike, and Jerry, we’re not just recognizing individual achievements – we’re honoring four men who have quietly, humbly, and wholeheartedly devoted their lives to this work. Their combined 131 years of service represent something profound: unwavering loyalty through decades of change, countless acts of mentorship that shaped careers and lives, and the kind of selfless dedication that asks for no fanfare yet deserves all the recognition in the world.

These four remarkable individuals have literally helped build Dweck into what we are today. They’ve adapted to countless changes, mentored numerous colleagues, and maintained the highest standards of excellence year after year. They are living proof that when you invest in people, they invest back – not just in their work, but in the culture and community that makes Dweck Properties a truly special place to build a career.

To Mike, Salorn, Mike, and Jerry: thank you for your incredible dedication, your unwavering loyalty, and for showing us all what it means to be part of the Dweck family. Here’s to the next chapter of your remarkable journeys with us!

🎉 Cheers to Dweck’s 30 Year Club! 🎉