Join us May 7-9 at the ONE Conference in Houston, Texas! 
Synopsis: The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) proudly features Demetrio Jimenez, part owner and president of Tropicana Properties, in our Member Innovation Spotlight. With over 25 years of experience, Demetrio has redefined what it means to lead in the multifamily industry. From his innovative approaches to maintenance recruitment and training to his groundbreaking Rent-to-Own model, Demetrio has created life-changing opportunities for employees, residents, and the community. Guided by his commitment to mentorship and the principles of “recruit, retain, and advance,” Demetrio embodies the values of leadership, compassion, and innovation. Read on to learn how his efforts are transforming lives and how he continues to prove there’s always room to grow in the multifamily industry.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
Demetrio’s journey into multifamily housing began almost serendipitously. Transitioning from running a nonprofit focused on qualifying low-income families and pairing them with down payment assistance to purchase single-family homes, he discovered the low-income housing tax credit program, which opened the door to multifamily development. What started as an employee of a family-run business with 30 managed units, evolved into a vertically integrated company under a partnership with Randy and Bobby Bowling. This encompasses land development, apartment construction, property management, and even mortgage services.
Today, Demetrio oversees 122 employees, 41 properties, and 4,000 units at Tropicana Properties. His deep connection to his employees and residents drives his passion for growth. “Our employees aren’t just employees—they’re family,” Demetrio shares. This family-oriented approach has fostered a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and shared success.
Innovating Maintenance Recruitment and Training
Tropicana Properties has gained recognition for its unique approach to recruiting and retaining maintenance talent. Partnering with Western Technical College, Tropicana introduced scholarships for residents and their children, opening pathways to technical careers in HVAC, welding, and more. These programs not only benefit individuals but also strengthen the company’s workforce.
What’s more, Tropicana actively recruits older applicants, defying stereotypes about technology barriers. “They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and I’ve proven that wrong,” says Demetrio. Using mobile technology for everything from maintenance operations and submitting work orders, to online banking, paying bills, and requesting time off, older employees have embraced modern tools, often outperforming younger counterparts in efficiency and adaptability.
A Pioneering Rent-to-Own Model
Demetrio and his business partner Randy Bowling’s vision of creating long-term stability extends to Tropicana’s innovative Rent-to-Own program. By combining affordable housing with homebuyer counseling, credit education, and financial literacy classes, Tropicana has enabled nearly 300 families to transition from renters to homeowners. “Homeownership is the American dream, and we want to help families achieve it,” he says. This model not only changes individual lives but also fosters a strong sense of community among residents.
Mentorship: A Legacy of Leadership
For Demetrio, mentorship isn’t just a leadership tool—it’s a deeply held philosophy that has shaped the success of Tropicana Properties and the lives of countless individuals. “I’m passionate about seeing people succeed beyond me,” he shares. He says mentoring employees isn’t just about teaching job skills; it’s about guiding them to grow both professionally and personally.
This commitment to mentorship has transformed careers and created opportunities for employees to rise through the ranks. One standout story involves a resident who started as an assistant property manager and through guidance and hard work, became a regional manager overseeing over 600 units and earning a six-figure salary—a remarkable achievement in a market like El Paso.
“I believe that when you mentor someone, you’re not just teaching them how to do their job; you’re showing them how to better their lives,” says Demetrio. He stresses the importance of helping employees keep both their professional and personal lives in order.
Beyond his own leadership, Demetrio has inspired a culture of mentorship within Tropicana Properties, where those he once mentored are now mentoring others. This ripple effect of knowledge-sharing and support ensures that growth and opportunity remain core values at the company.
For Demetrio, mentorship isn’t just about building a better workforce—it’s about creating a stronger, more compassionate industry. “The world would be a better place if we all paid it forward,” he says, a principle he continues to live by every day.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs in the multifamily industry, Demetrio has one central piece of advice: get involved. He credits much of Tropicana Properties’ success to the knowledge, resources, and connections he’s gained through the Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation (TAAEF). “The multifamily industry is filled with opportunities, but to thrive, you have to learn, connect, and take advantage of the available resources,” he explains.
A key principle that guides Demetrio’s leadership and entrepreneurial journey is recruit, retain, and advance. He views this as the foundation for building a strong workforce and a sustainable business. “Recruitment is about finding the right people, but retaining them is where the real work begins,” he says. Tropicana focuses on fostering long-term careers by investing in employee education, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement. Through targeted training and professional development, employees not only grow their skills but also see a clear path to success within the company.
Demetrio’s advice to entrepreneurs is to embrace this same mindset—invest in your team and empower them to thrive. “When you focus on advancing your employees, you’re not just helping them succeed; you’re ensuring the success and growth of your entire organization,” he says.
His final piece of advice? Never stop looking for ways to innovate and improve. Whether it’s adopting new technology, implementing creative solutions for workforce challenges, or simply supporting your team, there’s always room to grow—not just for your business, but for you as a leader too.
Driving the Future of Multifamily Innovation
Under Demetrio’s leadership, Tropicana Properties continues to evolve. Recent initiatives include fully digitizing leasing and compliance processes and setting a new standard in operational efficiency. As the company looks ahead to 2025, it’s clear that innovation remains at the heart of everything Demetrio and his team do.
Demetrio’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of vision, innovation, and heart. From empowering employees to helping families achieve homeownership, his leadership serves as an inspiring model for the multifamily industry.