News from the Chicago Chapter

Property Managers Gain Insight on Leadership Through Presentation by Great Lakes Yachtsman and Association Leader Russell Salzman

2018 Slate of Officers Approved, One Member Installed for Earning AMR® Designation at September Meeting and Luncheon

CHICAGO – The leadership skills required to successfully captain a sailing vessel – such as fostering teamwork and learning how to cope with adversity -- can be applied to modern commercial property management.

That was the key message delivered by Russell Salzman, CAE, IOM, RCE, during the featured presentation made at the IREM Chicago Chapter Meeting and Luncheon September 14. Salzman, the former CEO of IREM International and holder of a U.S. Coast Guard Commercial Captain’s license, used insight from his three-plus decades as a sailor and civic leader in his presentation, “On Deck … My Ship in Leadership.”

Salzman, who’s participated in 33 consecutive races to Mackinac Island, employed nautical-focused videos and slides to help illustrate the parallels between navigating a sailboat and managing commercial properties. Some examples:

• When preparing a property management plan, “What’s your compass, your sextant, your gauges? How are you helping to prepare your tactical plan?”
• During times of adversity, “Sometimes you’ll tack upwind, and sometimes you’ll have the wind to your back.”
• Accepting input from all staff is essential for success: “The people who are rowing should inform the people who are listening on how to help the boat move faster.”

The event was held at Maggiano’s Restaurant in Chicago and included the presentation of the 2018 slate of officers for Chapter 23 and voting by members present. These members were elected to serve next year:

• President: Jim Vocos, CPM® - Envision Real Estate & Management Co.
• President Elect: Kris Haskins, CPM® - Colliers International
• Treasurer: Shruti Kumar, CPM® - Related
• Secretary: Stephen Schimmel, CPM® - McLennan Property Management

Steve Tres, ARM® - Long-Kogen Inc. was installed for earning the Accredited Residential Manager® designation.

Attendees learned that $14,685 was raised during the Silent Auction at the August Golf Outing to benefit Camp I Am Me, the chapter’s official charity for 2017.

These IREM Chicago Industry Partners helped sponsor the September 14 meeting and luncheon:

• Brightview Landscape Development
• Building Services of America
• Clarence Davids & Company
• Community Investment Corporation
• Executive Building Maintenance
• Smart Elevators

The next Chapter 23 event will be the November 9 Chapter Meeting, which will include the installation of 2018 officers and a networking reception. The event will be held at Cube at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.