Meet the Manager: Kari Brown of Providence Commercial Real Estate
People don’t always realize that facility management involves so much more than maintenance and cleaning. For Kari Brown, property manager for Providence Commercial Real Estate, a typical day at work may include everything from landscaping to tenant relations to budgeting.
Kari manages 350,000 square feet of property in the Knoxville area, and she works hard to make sure that all operations tasks are taken care of in accordance with the management agreements.
At DPM Care, we love partnering with property managers like Kari to keep their facilities clean and well-maintained.
In today’s installment of the Meet the Manager series, Kari discusses the wide range of tasks she does each day, and she explains how a clean facility makes all the difference for her tenants.
Get to Know Knoxville Property Manager, Kari Brown
How did you get involved with facility management?
I started managing executive suite office spaces and worked my way up to property manager. I then joined Providence and have been working with them for 10 years.
Describe what a day in your role looks like.
Every day is different, but on a typical day I will follow up on work orders, follow up with vendors, collect rent, take phone calls from tenants, complete property visits and inspections, and provide ownership with any important updates.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love meeting all the different types of people, and it’s fun to never have the same day twice. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I’m still learning; it’s never dull!
What is the biggest challenge you face in your current role?
I’m always working to make sure tenants are maintaining their spaces in accordance with the lease agreements. It’s never the same thing each day.
How does having clean facilities impact your business?
When buildings are clean, it keeps the tenants happy and is also enticing to prospective tenants. Plus, it keeps the buildings looking professional and helps with long-term care and maintenance of the building, so the building can maintain its value.
How has DPM Care’s service impacted your business?
DPM Care does a fantastic job at cleaning our buildings. Everyone is happy with the outcome, their service is great, and I never have to call them back; they get everything done right the first time. They are professional, courteous, and experts in their field.
Recently DPM Care came to one of our buildings to disinfect an entire office. They were responsive and came within two hours. This made the employees feel at ease.
It seems like DPM Care is always coming up with new products and new process recommendations. They are more than just a cleaning company; they serve as a partner in solving problems.
What is your best piece of advice to others in your role?
Patience is a virtue.