Periodically NSC holds lunches with Collier Company Team Members who send in questions. The following are drawn from those events.

What are the most important time management rules you live by?

– Big Rocks First!
– Things which matter most should never be at the mercy of those which matter least
– Touch it Once
– Deadlines Motivate

What are some changes to your communication style (if any) when meeting with upper level mgmt. vs troops on the ground?

If my style changes it is rooted in the fact that the higher up you are, the more you are responsible for so the more direct (blunt?) I am if I find anything short of expectations.

What do you feel is most important when hiring a new team member – from leasing specialist on up?

Attitude, EQ.

How do you feel the new and proposed medical marijuana laws will affect our industry? Our hiring? Our residents?

Oh, boy… I’m watching that one evolve. I found great peace when I realized that I did not have to have an opinion on everything.

What is the one thing as a leader you find hard to forgive/disregard in a colleague or employee?

Disrespect for others, dishonesty

Do you prefer to build new or buy established apartment communities and why?

In the final analysis, we do what the market rewards. However, we have a preference for new development because it keeps the average age of our portfolio down and the process, properly done, allows for the creation of significant value. Also, the cap rates on established apartment communities are currently crazy low, close to 5% for even 30 and 40 year old communities. Too much money chasing too few deals.

As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier