We are fortunate as a company to employ many veterans, all of whom have played an integral part in our mission. Today, we would like to recognize Kiki H.
Kiki is a Lease Administration Manager, a Navy veteran, a respected leader, and an inspiration to her team. She’s been with Invitation Homes for more than three years and has been integral in creating a lease administration team known for both their hard work and community. When you talk to Kiki about Invitation Homes, her dedication to her team is apparent.
The team she manages is responsible for processing every application and lease agreement that comes in from each of our markets. Kiki says it best: “Real time, error-free work contributes to a positive resident experience.”
Along with her attention to detail, time management, and adaptability, Kiki brings a strong sense of opportunity and goal-orientation to her team. When asked what Invitation Homes means to her, Kiki’s immediate response was “opportunity." Because, as close of a team as she’s helped build, one of Kiki’s favorite parts of her job is getting to watch members of her team grow within the company and find a career doing what they want to do, just like she did.
We had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Kiki about her experience with Invitation Homes, how she feels about her team, and what it’s like to be a veteran working with the company. Keep reading to see more of what Kiki had to say.
What’s your role at Invitation Homes?
I am a Lease Administration Manager. So, what I do is help manage the application process. What my team does is screen applications, verify employment, try to identify fraud, and, once approved, send out the lease agreements.
What has your journey at Invitation Homes looked like?
I came in at the start of the department and was part of the first group of lease administrators. I was promoted to supervisor after being here for two or three months. We were just starting out, trying to figure out what worked, what didn’t work, what policies worked, what needed to be changed, and how we could make the process better. I really liked being part of that process.
What are the most important qualities to have for being a lease administrator?
One of the most important qualities to have is attention to detail. I say that a lot probably because that’s what I’ve heard since day one of boot camp; I think some of my military experience I’ve brought to the table is attention to detail. Time management and attention to detail is what really contributes to being real-time and error free. And being flexible because change happens all the time.
What’s the most positive aspect of working for Invitation Homes?
First, I would say Invitation Homes is laying the path and groundwork for our industry. Coming in as a Lease Administrator, it provides a lot of opportunity in learning other roles. We’ve had a lot of people start off in lease administration and have since ventured into other departments. It’s going to give you the exposure you need to venture into other departments, learn more about the company, and help you move forward. There’s a lot of career growth.
What has your experience at Invitation Homes been like, as a veteran?
First, I would like to say that I really appreciate how Invitation Homes acknowledges their veterans. This is the first company I’ve ever worked for that does that. At the beginning, it was a little challenging because some of my team may have felt like I was a little bit of a drill sergeant. I’ve grown a lot within my role, but as far as my military experience, I’ve brought that attention to detail. When I was in the Navy, I worked in the hanger bay, which is where they keep all the aircraft while they were working on them, and I oversaw the tool program. I had to be careful about keeping track of all the tools because if it ended up in an engine, that means someone dies.
When we first started out, we were doing a lot of things in lease administration. We were doing renewals, we were doing the marketing, we were doing the leases, applications, and our team was smaller than it is now. We had to figure out how to find time to do this. So, I started with calendar invites. At 8 a.m., this is what you’re doing. At 11 a.m., this is what you’re doing. At 2 p.m., this is what you’re doing. It helped us a lot and I still do that now with some things. Military helped with both time management and attention to detail.
Do you have a positive experience during your time with Invitation Homes that stands out to you?
I think it’s when my team grows. I was able to grow within the company, so being able to help other associates on my team grow as well. Invitation Homes is great for anyone that’s looking to start their career. A lot of people on my team were fresh out of college and they see, “Oh this can work. I can make this happen. I can actually grow here.” I appreciate Invitation Homes for the opportunities that they have. I never experienced that with any other company, and that’s why I’m still here.
How would you describe your team?
Fun. We’re fun and hardworking. With Invitation Homes, you’re going to get both. During busy season, when we have 86 leases that need to go out and 75 applications that need to get processed, at the end of the day it’s going to get done. But we also know how to have fun. Later this afternoon, we’re going to do a communication minefield, where basically we’re going to set up an obstacle course and your team has to guide you through it while you’re blindfolded.
What does Genuine Care mean to you?
Making sure we communicate things properly and show empathy. It’s showing our residents that we care. Because, at Invitation Homes, we serve with heart.
Thank you again to Kiki and all the veterans that are part of the Invitation Homes family. We’re honored to have you as part of the team.
If you’re looking to start a career and rise through the ranks, or if you're looking to be part of a team as dedicated and enjoyable as Kiki’s, look at job openings in your area here .