The Traffic Report

The apartment industry is really a neat business. While The Traffic Report is a fictional story it's based upon real life experiences which parallel time my spouse and I spent inside this business in the 1990's. We made several life long lasting friendships which we cherish today. We managed urban settings to townhomes and dealt with all walks of life. Rich, poor, special needs we walked with them all. In good times we laughed and bad we cried. What started on our dining room table in 1994 became an empire. Our first site was just 57 units and I ended my career with the management of over 700 units. In my opinion you have to be a people person to survive as well as excell in this industry. I started each morning with a five gallon pickle bucket and a homemade stick picking up trash smoking a cigar. The management company was always amazed at  how clean our site was. Maintenance work orders by day, painting units by night (including radio/cigar) that five years passed like a flash! We managed for management companies and owners I think we seen it all. Weeks missing payroll, little operating funds, we survived it. One of our most prized values was working in the hood. Within a year or so we became part of it. Neighborhood potluck dinners and fellowship was truly the greatest pleasure of our job. While some head for the hills and a cabin we found solitude working the inter city. Our first site was in an older part of the city which in it's day was the hub. So whether  your a seasoned property manager or just starting out I highly urge you read this property management manual. This is truly a rewarding career. I dedicate The Traffic Report to my wife of 36 years. Writing it was as much fun as being with her, as in life she was with me when we lived the experience. We laughed and you will too!

Robert J. Wilson