Get to Know Our Employees

At Cardinal we believe we have the most well-trained, experienced professionals that care about the communities they serve. Each month we’ll feature one of our awesome team members in our Employee Spotlight.

Today, get to know Joan Jaeger, General Manager - Spectrum of Falls Church.

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Talk us through a day in the life of an On-Site Manager; what is it like?

The Spectrum is a mixed use project that includes almost 200 condominiums, retail shops, class B office space and two parking garages with public access.  Not one day is the same. Ever. That’s part of what I enjoy about the job.  Usually though, the day will start with answering board member and resident emails.  Then there is usually at least a few contractors that I will need to contact or meet with regarding projects that may be as simple as replacing light fixtures or as complex as scheduling almost 200 units for dryer vent cleanings.  In between these tasks, I may solicit bids for new projects, meet with new homeowners for a community orientation or prepare meeting material for upcoming board meetings.

What do you find most challenging about your role/position?  

Prioritizing projects.  Sometimes ALL of them are just as important as the other.

What do you find most rewarding about your role/position?

Helping people!

How do you juggle supporting your community with managing it?

Being so close to the community you manage must be challenging to not let personal relationships interfere with your responsibilities.  I always put my management duties first but there’s always an opportunity in your day to check in with a resident or retail owner that may be need just to hear a friendly hello.

How do you stay connected with your fellow Cardinal team members?  

Cardinal is great about making sure we stay connected not just through consistent meeting schedules and an HR team that is always reaching out to us but making sure we have fun events planned too, like food trucks or happy hours.

Name one fun or unlikely thing people may not know about you but should.  

I’m a big beachgoer and live for any opportunity I can get to go surf fishing!

Do you have any tips for someone that may be looking to get into the community management industry?

Have patience and communicate clearly but kindly.

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