Fortune smiled upon Jatonne when a member of the country club informed her of an opportunity with his company. Determined not to let this chance get away, she quickly prepared her resume after finishing her shift and submitted it for the job. The next day, Jatonne received a call from him, asking why she was up so late. and her property management career was launched with First Potomac Realty Trust.
Impressed by Jatonne's potential, the company offered her a position as a tenant service coordinator. Motivated to learn and grow in her new job, her mentor, Stacey Purdy-Lautar CPM®, LEED GA encouraged her to get involved with IREM and take a volunteer role with her local Northern Virginia IREM chapter. This decision proved pivotal in her career as she began building valuable relationships with colleagues at First Potomac, as well as connecting with new people and vendors in the field. Jatonne's involvement in IREM allowed her to expand her knowledge, broaden her network, and lay the groundwork for future opportunities.
After two successful years at First Potomac, the company was sold, and Jatonne found herself in need of a new job. However, she emerged from First Potomac triumphant. In 2016, a building she and her team of property managers won a TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) award from the Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA) for Atlantic Corporate Park, highlighting her contribution to the effort.
Seeking new horizons, Jatonne made a lateral move to Cushman and Wakefield as an assistant property manager, working alongside IREM’s very own Kasara Smith, CPM®, RPA®, and Fitwel Ambassador. Kasara, who’s served as IREM Northern Virginia chapter president, played a pivotal role in Jatonne's development. She encouraged her to take advantage of various national opportunities, such as the DISI Leader program and the prestigious "30 Under 30" recognition. With Kasara’s support and guidance, Jatonne stepped out of her comfort zone and achieved remarkable success.
Jatonne's tenure at Cushman and Wakefield was marked by growth and achievement. She progressed to the position of property manager, honing her skills, and expanding her knowledge in the field. It was during this time that she learned about a unique opportunity with CBRE for a senior real estate manager role in new construction at The Wharf in Washington, D.C.
The prospect of bringing a building online from the ground up intrigued Jatonne. The location was desirable, and the opportunity to work with David Thompson, who has a stellar reputation in the real estate industry, further solidified her decision. Even though she thought she was a long-shot candidate, Jatonne knew she had the qualifications and drive to excel in this position. Previous experiences at Cushman and Wakefield, including navigating building sales and refinancing properties, prepared her well for the responsibilities at CBRE. She understood the importance of tenant satisfaction and maintained a focus on managing properties to the highest standards.
One of the aspects Jatonne appreciates most about her role at CBRE is the opportunity to lay the groundwork for those who come after her. By establishing efficient processes and diligently carrying out her responsibilities, she ensures a smooth transition for future property managers.
When asked about the kind of person who succeeds in this profession, Jatonne emphasizes there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Success in this field can be achieved by individuals with different strengths and backgrounds. Those who enjoy accounting and finance find satisfaction in managing the financial aspects, while social individuals thrive on building relationships with tenants and colleagues. The industry offers ample opportunities for social engagement through industry events and tenant interactions.
Jatonne also emphasizes the importance of getting involved with organizations like IREM. Attending the IREM Global Summit and different IREM networking events through local chapters provides a platform for connecting with like-minded professionals from around the world. Making connections and building relationships can open doors to unexpected opportunities and career advancements.
Throughout her journey, Jatonne expresses gratitude for the exceptional mentors who’ve guided and supported her. Their belief in her potential and their investment in her growth have been instrumental to her success. Professional guidance, coupled with her determination and passion for her work, have propelled her career forward. Jatonne’s story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, building relationships, and continuous personal development. Her evolution from teacher to successful property manager serves as an inspiration for anyone considering a career in this dynamic and rewarding field.