Family Ties: Inspiring Stories from the Multifamily Industry – Part Two
Synopsis
Welcome to the second part of our Family Ties blog series, where we continue to explore the profound impact of the multifamily and rental housing industry on families across generations. In our first installment, we delved into the journeys of several families who have built their careers and legacies within this thriving community.
Today, we bring you more inspiring stories that showcase how the multifamily sector not only provides employment but also fosters lifelong careers, enabling families to achieve their dreams and secure their futures!
Mark & Rebecca Ross: A Multifamily Duo that Spans Generations
The Ross family is a shining example of how the multifamily industry fosters long-lasting careers and can strengthen family ties. Spanning three generations, their story reflects the profound impact this industry can have on individuals and families alike.
Marc Ross, a respected figure and Past President of TAAEF, SAAA, TAA, and NAA, has dedicated his career to the multifamily sector. His commitment and contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. His daughter, Rebecca Ross Gilinsky, followed in his footsteps, becoming the third generation of the Ross family to join the apartment industry.
Marc expresses his pride and joy in seeing Rebecca continue the family legacy. “I am so proud that my daughter kick-started her career in the apartment industry. She is the third generation in our family to do so. Her grandfather and past TAA and NAA President, Bob Ross, would be so proud of her,” Marc shared.
Rebecca’s knowledge of the multifamily industry started at a young age through exposure to her father and grandfather. Her decision to launch her career in the multifamily industry at Sprout Marketing, a marketing agency exclusively for multifamily housing, is a testament to the sector’s ability to inspire and nurture talent across generations. Her journey represents not just a personal achievement, but the continuation of a family tradition deeply rooted in the multifamily community! Rebecca later leveraged her skills in multifamily to successfully transition into the food and beverage industry at Crafty, where she is now a Sr. Marketing Analyst & Content Writer.
Meet the Cobbs: A Family Legacy in the Multifamily Industry
Meet the Cobb Family! Hugh and Susan Cobb have raised six kids together while working in the multifamily industry, for 38 and 12 years respectively. Hugh is a Principal with Asset Living and Susan is an Independent Rental Owner with her company, Redeemed Homes Texas.
Hugh has worked in the multifamily industry for an impressive 39 years and is also a past TAA President. “I’m honored to have my immediate family building a career in the multifamily industry, as the opportunities are limitless!” explains Hugh.
Susan shares that “Multifamily is our extended family, and every family that lives in a Redeemed Home is a part of my multifamily.” Hugh and Susan’s son Casey is building a strong career in the multifamily industry as well. With nine years under his belt, he is now Vice President at Asset Living where he shares that it’s extremely fulfilling to help clients achieve their housing goals.
Caroline Cobb, the daughter of Hugh and Susan, rounds out this multifamily story. She is the newest Cobb member to the multifamily industry, and after graduating from Texas Christian University, now works as an Education and Digital Media Specialist at the Apartment Association Greater Dallas. She has been in the role for almost four years and shares, “I love following in my family’s footsteps, and I love multifamily!” In her role, she assists members with multifamily education and finds it extremely fulfilling to see members succeed.
Building Careers & Family Bonds: The Sachez Multifamily Journey
Christy Thomes-Sanchez and Carrie Thomes Laso’s multifamily journey began long before they were born. Their father, Paul Thomes, was a visionary in the industry, building office buildings, shopping centers, and multifamily properties throughout Texas in the ’70s and ’80s with his company, the Thomes Corporation. Growing up immersed in the world of real estate, it was only natural for Christy and Carrie to follow in their father’s footsteps.
Christy entered the industry at age 18, starting as a Leasing Consultant. Her natural aptitude for the business saw her rise quickly through the ranks, taking on various corporate roles and gaining extensive experience. Her journey didn’t stop there. Fueled by her passion for the multifamily sector, she bought into Magic Make Readies ATX, a supplier business. She then transitioned to VP of Business Development at Total Apartment Solutions before landing AS Director of Asset Management at Wilson Capital where she is currently. Christy’s enthusiasm for the industry was infectious, and she soon introduced her sister, husband, sister-in-law, niece, and even her son to the world of multifamily.
Pedro J. Sanchez, Christy’s husband, was one of those who caught the multifamily bug. After they married, Pedro saw the vast opportunities within property management and began working as a maintenance technician. His dedication and skill led to a promotion to Service Supervisor. When they moved to Austin, Pedro transitioned to the supplier side, joining Rasa Floors as a Sales Associate. He has thrived in this role for over nine years, finding joy in connecting with onsite teams and sharing his extensive maintenance knowledge.
Carrie Thomes Laso, inspired by her sister’s success, entered the industry right out of high school. Her hard work and determination allowed her to quickly ascend to the role of property manager. Carrie spent 18 years onsite, working with some of the largest management companies and building lifelong friendships. Five years ago, she joined Pedro at Rasa Floors, forming a powerhouse team. Carrie’s love for the industry runs deep, considering it her family, whether related by blood or not.
The Thomes-Sanchez and Thomes Laso families embody the essence of the multifamily industry—an industry that not only builds properties but also fosters careers, family bonds, and lasting legacies. Their stories are a testament to the opportunities and community spirit that define the multifamily sector, inspiring the next generation to continue this proud tradition.
From Inspiration to Impact: Suan Tinsley & Brooke Bansal’s
Suan Tinsley started in the multifamily industry in 1984 – one year after graduating from the University of Oklahoma. Her career has revolved around the development and repositioning of investments through acquisitions and renovations. She remembers how her niece, Brooke Bansal, “used to sit in my office and pretend like she worked there. I still keep an ‘application’ that she created in my office.”
Brooke always said she wanted to follow in Aunt Sissy’s footsteps so after graduating, also from the University of Oklahoma, Brooke moved to Houston to start her career in multifamily. After earning her master’s degree and getting married, she joined Suan at Dayrise Residential five years ago.
Brooke also remembers going to work with Suan, “some of my earliest memories include going to her office and playing with her ‘Tour Guide Barbie’ car and touring properties on golf carts. It has been so inspiring to watch Suan do what she loves each day. It has been an honor to learn from her and to follow in her footsteps. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as we continue working side-by-side in our careers.”
Although Suan recently retired, she sees a bright future for Brooke and says that she’s “taken the company by storm” and that the future could include Partner after Brooke’s name one day!
Generations of Growth: Phyllis Metevier & Ashley Palmer’s Multifamily Story at LUMA Residential
LUMA Residential is a family business, and Phyllis Metevier and her daughter, Ashley Palmer, are part of the LUMA family and story.
Phyllis started in property management right out of college, falling in love with the industry over 30 years ago. Her daughter grew up in the industry, participating in LUMA’s Summer Help Internship, which became a paid program thanks to Phyllis’s advocacy.
Ashley started in the internship program at 14, working her way up from her mom’s assistant to a summer leasing agent by 18. She returned to LUMA in 2015 and advanced from Accounting Clerk to Property Accountant. Ashley appreciates working in an industry that allows her to balance family life and work, enjoying the support of great bosses and coworkers.
Phyllis and Ashley, shown with Ashley’s son, Oliver, during a “Take Your Child to Work” day, hope that Oliver might consider a career in property management one day too!
The multifamily industry’s ability to create deep, intergenerational bonds and lasting careers is beautifully illustrated through the stories shared in this series. These narratives highlight how the industry fosters both professional growth and familial connections, building legacies that span decades.
Stay Tuned for Part 3!
As we continue to explore the impact of family ties in the multifamily sector, stay tuned for Part 3 of our series. In the next installment, we will delve into more inspiring stories of families whose lives have been shaped by this vibrant industry. We will spotlight the challenges they’ve overcome, the milestones they’ve achieved, and the future they envision for themselves and their communities. We’re excited to share yet another chapter in this ongoing celebration of dedication, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the multifamily community!
Disclaimer: The companies and roles associated with the individuals featured in this article were accurate at the time of the original posting and/or publication date. Please note that these details may have changed post publication.