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Executive Spotlight: Jonathan Sucher

Get to Know Our Executives

A top notch leadership team sets a good example for the rest of the organization to follow. We truly believe we have the best employees at Cardinal both in terms of their experience and expertise. We understand the credit goes to our talented team but we also recognize the leadership and dedication from our executive team stands out above the competition. To that end, we'd like to recognize team.

Today, get to know our Senior Vice President, Jonathan Sucher, PCAM®.

How long have you been with Cardinal? Tell us about your role and primary responsibilities.

I joined Cardinal in October of 1995 as a Community Manager working out of the Penderbrook office.  Over the years, I have worked at the Fairfax Office, in the main Springfield office, and for the last 12 years at the Corporate Headquarters in Woodbridge.  I manage a portfolio of communities as well as supervise and mentor other managers and assist with formulating policies and procedures for company operations. As a Senior VP, my role is focused on relationship management, employee and client retention, and ensuring the satisfaction of all we serve.

Describe what you feel makes Cardinal an industry leader and a great place to work.

An association attorney recommended that Tom Mazzei, our CEO, reach out to me to see if I was interested in making a move from my former company.  I was attracted to Cardinal being a mid-sized, family owned company with local ownership and dynamic leadership.  Truly the family atmosphere is what has kept me here and almost 30 years in a business that tends to see a lot of turnover.  The support offered by my administrative and accounting team members over the years has been essential to allow me to be the front face of the company to clients.

Being in a position of leadership, describe how you keep employees motivated and focused on Cardinal’s goals of delivering outstanding service.

Having an open door policy and getting to know my fellow co-workers and their families is important to me.  Whether it is talking about a challenge they may be facing on the job, with a client, or even in their life outside the office; having a sounding board can be a valuable tool.  Much of what we do, whether it is citing or curing violations of governing documents, collections matters, or investigating and solving problems can be done compassionately without condescension or an overly negative attitude. I try to bring some positivity (mixed with a little bit of cynicism) into the solutions.

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

Coming out of college, I started my career in the mid-80’s when the economy was not robust to say the least.  I started at the bottom as an assistant property manager in DC, and then took a position on-site at a 90% investor owned condominium in Alexandria.  From there I moved into portfolio management and after 5 years made my move to Cardinal Management Group.  Much of what we community managers do cannot be taught in a textbook and there is A LOT of on the job learning.  With the CAI (Community Association Institute) PMDP program as a basis of education mixed with real world training and some great bosses and mentors, you will never be bored in this industry.  Just when you think you have seen it all, there is always something new to learn or experience.  Having worked through several economic downturns, our clients and customers need us more than ever.  I can certainly say I did not envision a global pandemic (Coronavirus Pandemic) of this magnitude to affect so many aspects of our industry.  Common sense and a calm demeanor has served me well along with a good work ethic and showing up!

Is there one thing the public should know about Cardinal that perhaps they'll never guess?

We go above and beyond to create work/life balance for our team members resulting in low employee turnover. We truly care about our employees and believe in putting family first while continuing to provide superior services to our clients.

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

Be prepared to never be bored. There is always something new. Show up to work with a positive attitude, prepare for the unexpected, and help people make their home somewhere they are proud to come home to. Lastly, treat your fellow co-workers and vendor partners with respect.