Today we’d like to introduce you to CJ Joiner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Who grows up wanting to be in the multifamily industry?
“Not I,” says the girl who majored in broadcast journalism while working as a part-time leasing agent at her off-campus student housing apartments. Fast forward to many years post college, her multifamily tenure allowed her to experience it all. From zero industry aspirations to changing the multifamily industry, CJ’s life and professional experiences make her a franchise player in the organization by being able to adapt, pivot, and develop new aspects of our business.
Moving every few years was normal as the daughter of a retired United States Marine and sister of a Captain in the Air Force Reserves. Once promoted to a property manager, moving every year from one lease up to another from coast to coast created lease up records while learning about the development side of the business. As national operations director, the weekly travel to different markets for new developments, acquisitions, and dispositions is part of my unique education. In this role, I was servicing underperforming properties by quickly assessing the situation, making effective changes, and implementing effective strategy was a foreshadowing of her REV™ future.
The change up, from operator to realtor, responsible for her own income, high impact sales activities and the entrepreneurial mentality I never knew I had surfaced. CJ’s multifamily experience became valuable to her career as a Texas Realtor and the entrepreneurial mentality of feast or famine kicked in. This same mentality carried over when REV™ a brand-new concept and first of its kind was presented to CJ. Combining 19+ years of multifamily experience with her newly acquired entrepreneurial mentality made REV™ a no brainer. As REV™’s Director of Business Development, PR & Marketing at REV™ CJ was given a stage to put REV™ on the map.
Unlike the traditional property management landscape, REV’s leasing initiatives align with the goals and return for owners and investors. It’s crucial to understand that REV™ is not a property management company. Leasing is our one and only priority. REV’s playbook consists of high performance and high velocity plays that cater to the goals of asset owners, investors, etc. REV ONLY wins when its’ Client Partners win.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s interesting because starting out, everything came to me easily and naturally. Before I finished college, I already had a job ready and waiting for me. The skill sets and responsibilities were a cake walk. If I wanted it, it almost felt as though it was handed to me, instead of being earned. Fast forward to me later 20’s and into my 30’s, the game changed for me. It was at this time, I learned and appreciated actual training. In the multifamily industry, in student housing in particular, I was promoted quickly. I never wanted to be a Property Manager. Not only did I move from Orlando, Fl to San Diego, CA, but I also became a Property Manager for a new construction, new development project in a market that I was unfamiliar with. I also knew nothing about running a property. Although, I will say my favorite part was working in predevelopment and learning about the construction side of things. From zero to one hundred I went and shortly after I went from hundred to zero. No training and essentially not being set up for success.
It was interesting how this affected me personally. I thought to myself, if I can just get my work like in order, everything else will fall into place. As it turned out, life happened and the ultimate struggle of being diagnosed with depression happened.
I could have easily have been fired, but then my company gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about REV™ The Multifamily Leasing Company?
I am the Director of Business Development, Public Relations and Marketing for REV™. We are the first and only leasing management company in the world. Unlike third party management, our goals are in line with that of the owners. We are celebrating our 4th year in business. I started with my company in September of 2021. Joining an emerging company that is changing the landscape of a somewhat stagnant and slow-moving industry was almost a dream come true. I’ve had visions of being an entrepreneur and starting my own business. Joining REV™, made it so I could say “I have a company and business decisions affect my money.” I thank my Co-Founding Owners, Peter Roisman, Gerri Bettencourt, and Harris Simons for this opportunity.
My favorite part thus far has been breaking the mold and selling our leasing expertise to former colleagues of mine in the industry. It’s also amazing to see the progression of my ideas, thoughts, and processes contributing to what the company is now.
Stay tuned, because we are getting ready to change the multifamily playbook again. We have a new product that is at the end of its development phase and set to launch Q1. Set to launch soon after is the development of a project that I am in the beginning stages of.
Ultimately, I have a seat at the table, and it’s been incredible. I am no longer in the minors. I get to work with some of the smartest people within my company and outside of my company. Being able to engage with investors, owners, etc. from all over the USA was once something I feared and now, I love it.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I will start out by saying, “never judge a book by its cover.” I am the quirkiest, perhaps weirdest person without a refined palette. People assumed I am well-traveled with all of the qualities of a debutante, and I am just the opposite. My passport is waiting to be stamped. When I’m not in my office I’m usually climbing trees outside. #TrueStory
Contact Info:
- Website: www.revlmc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjncompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cjncompany/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cjjoiner
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revlmc/
Image Credits
Steven Champagne
