ood property managers know that paying attention to little things everyday is the secret of success. Ignore the little issues and soon the property management team is facing huge issues that are much harder to resolve. This truth is well understood by three LaSalle managers, Terry Sparrow, Lisa Smith and Jill Weber.

Terry Sparrow—Disregarding maintenance details can be catastrophic, as Terry Sparrow knows. A 20-year plus LaSalle veteran, Terry Sparrow began in maintenance at River Run Apartments in Macomb, Illinois. Today he puts this expertise to work on behalf of LaSalle’s owners’ representative projects. Terry is often found on construction sites, checking on workmanship issues, construction progress and overall scheduling.

Acting as the on-site owner’s rep for the construction of St. Mary’s Monastery in Rock Island, Illinois was among his most demanding projects. “This project required lots of attention to many new details,” says Terry. The monastery’s sophisticated prairie-style architecture uses a cutting-edge geothermal heating/cooling system. The religious community was so pleased with Terry’s contributions, they asked him to screen and recommend their maintenance person. The process worked well and the sisters continue to use it for hiring. Terry’s work, though, didn’t end when the punch list was completed. Over the past four years, he’s been the community’s resource for a myriad of issues—many of them small, all important. “We address their concerns right away,” says Terry, “That way we keep on top of things.”

Jill Weber—“I believe you have to be responsive above and beyond the job description,” says Jill Weber, manager at Realife Cooperative in Burnsville, Minnesota. While her training as a respiratory therapist allows Jill a rich understanding and more insights into senior housing issues, her commitment to strong relationships is the foundation for her success with the residents.

Little things are the building blocks of relationships. For snowbirds, this may mean Jill watches their plants. For children living far away from frail parents, Jill checks on residents. And when a resident dies, Jill becomes a resource to family members and out-of-town relatives. All are caring gestures far above and beyond the norm that for Jill, are business as usual. “I really enjoy the residents,” says Jill. “And I just love this job.”

Lisa Smith— For Lisa Smith, manager at Wilder Park in St. Paul, Minnesota, trying to fill the shoes of the popular and long-established previous manager was a big challenge. Lisa stepped up to the task by being responsive and accommodating to every request. Today at Wilder Park, small tasks still are emphasized. Whether it is refitting a screen, posting announcements or coordinating a construction project, Lisa’s approach to management is intensely personal. Says Lisa, “I always ask, if this were my mother, how I would like to be treated.”

Going the extra mile earned Lisa Smith recognition as 2004 Outstanding Manager. Much of her success, though, Lisa attributes to Regional Property Manager Sharleene Breslain. “Sharleene trusted me,” says Lisa. “Without her support, I couldn’t have lasted six months.”