At Dweck Properties, great communities don’t happen by accident. They are built day by day through attention to detail, thoughtful problem-solving, and a deep commitment to the people who call them home. Much of that work is led by Dweck’s Assistant Property Managers (APMs). Fifteen (yes, 15!) steady forces working across our portfolio who ensure that every detail, every interaction, and every moment is handled with care.

So what exactly does an Assistant Property Manager do? Giselle Austin, APM at The Cosmopolitan at Lorton Station, puts it perfectly: “My role contributes to the experience of the community by acting as the bridge between resident/property manager, resident/leasing consultant, and resident/maintenance interactions. I feel APMs are the glue that keeps everything together.”

For Ricardo Pritchett, the APM at Crystal Square, the role is about dual responsibility. “For the residents, I provide stability and trust. They need to know their home is in good hands,” he explains. “For the team, I’m the ‘right hand’ to the Property Manager and a resource for the leasing and maintenance staff. By keeping the finances and administrative side organized, I allow the rest of the team to focus on what they do best.”

Building Trust Through Open Doors

Marvin Davis, APM at Park at Arlington Ridge, has a simple but powerful philosophy: “I also keep my door open. A lot can be accomplished just by sitting down and having an honest conversation.”

For Marvin, the role is even more personal. “My family and I also live in the community, so I am not just the APM. I’m a neighbor. I see residents at events, outside in the evenings, sometimes while walking with my kids. That makes me more mindful. It reminds me that this is home for all of us.”

Ivana Grozdanovic shares a similar mindset when it comes to building trust. “I try to approach each situation with fairness and awareness, while also advocating for residents whenever possible,” she says. “For me, it’s about keeping the ‘human state’ top of mind at all times.”

She believes trust is not built in grand gestures, but in consistency. “Trust is built by delivering on even the smallest promises. Every little action compounds over time, and in the long run, those daily interactions can truly make or break someone’s living experience.”

Creating Meaningful Connections

Beyond operations, Assistant Property Managers play a vital role in shaping the resident experience. Lea Keller, APM at The Gramercy, is not only responsible for strategizing, organizing, and facilitating resident events, but also appreciates how these events allow her to connect on a human level. “When I do the resident events, it allows residents to see me outside of my office and blazer. I like showing my real personality, making connections on real-life things versus . lease and work orders.”

These connections often lead to some of the most rewarding moments in the role. Ricardo recalls one particularly meaningful experience: “One of the most rewarding moments was helping a long-term resident with the adoption of her two nieces. The resident’s sister was having a difficult time, and the resident needed to immediately take custody of the two girls. I was able to assist with a quick transfer to a bigger apartment, in time for approval by the courts. I bought some stuffed animals and some other toys to welcome the girls home. They were so happy… and she brought them over to the office to say hi to us.”

Emily Elias, APM at The Sutton, shares a similar story of impact: “One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was helping a resident who was at risk of eviction during a government shutdown. They were facing financial difficulties and unsure how they would make rent. I worked closely with them to navigate available financial aid programs, helping them complete the necessary applications and gather documentation. Thanks to that support, they received the assistance they needed, and we were able to stop the eviction process. Seeing the relief on their face and knowing I played a part in keeping them in their home was incredibly fulfilling and reminded me of the meaningful impact this role can have on people’s lives.”

Growth Through Experience

Many Assistant Property Managers describe the role as transformative. For John Sheedy, the position has built skills and confidence. “We have a lot of interaction with residents on a daily basis, answering questions and resolving matters related to financial or lease topics,” he explains. “Showing compassion in these conversations can be huge for residents’ satisfaction. Before this job, I would do everything I could to avoid having these conversations, and I have now gained more confidence in myself to talk with people.”

Giselle Austin, APM at the Cosmo Lorton, echoes this sentiment: “This role has impacted me by allowing me to better utilize my natural skills and put them to the test. I’ve been able to develop as a leader and learn to have meaningful conversations with residents, vendors, and employees. It’s allowed me to become a stronger individual overall.”

Brandi Stacy, APM at The Quimby, reflects on her own growth: “I appreciate the confidence I have gained through the role. I truly appreciate the feeling I get when assisting others with their housing needs, considering the market right now.”

The Power of Partnership

The relationship between a Property Manager (PM) and an Assistant Property Manager is built on trust and collaboration. As Giselle shares, “It’s great to be able to bounce off ideas with the PM about any issues or improvements. This takes the weight off the PM sometimes and allows the APM to feel empowered to make decisions. This mutual relationship and trust result in connection to residents in a healthy way. My responsibility is to cross-train, learn more, and ask questions. The more I know, the more effectively I can help residents and offer support to the entire team.”

Marvin emphasizes the importance of this balance: “I’m proud that we enforce policy consistently while still maintaining professionalism. We hold standards, but we don’t lose respect in the process. That balance takes teamwork.”

Finding Purpose in Service

What keeps Assistant Property Managers motivated? For Sergio Rivera, APM at Crystal Towers, it’s simple: “The support from my Towers team and the positive feedback we receive from residents truly keeps me motivated each day. Knowing that our work makes a meaningful impact on their community experience. I’m grateful to be part of a team that values collaboration and resident satisfaction.”

The positive force field between residents and team members also drives Thania Lama, APM at ICON at Dulles. “Seeing happy residents and motivated team members is incredibly rewarding, and I take pride in creating a positive, supportive environment for both. What means the most to me is being able to make a real difference, whether it’s assisting residents with rental support, connecting them to health resources, or supporting community initiatives. Knowing that our work can positively impact lives is what truly drives my passion for this role.”

Ivana similarly finds purpose in mentoring her team and leading with empathy. Having spent four and a half years in their position, she understands firsthand the challenges they face and takes pride in helping them grow. “If I can help them avoid a mistake I once made or give them confidence in a difficult situation, that means a lot to me,” she says. “I always teach them to approach every interaction with the genuine goal of helping someone. When your intentions are good, and you’re acting with sincerity and integrity, everything else tends to fall into place.”

Everyone’s ‘Right Hand’

Assistant Property Managers may not always be the most visible part of a community, but their impact is felt everywhere. Their dedication, resilience, and attention to detail help create the magical moments and seamless experiences residents rely on every single day.

To Dweck’s Assistant Property Managers: your work is the backbone of every community, the steady hand behind every detail, and the reason things run as smoothly as they do. We see it, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!