Sometimes, the most significant opportunities come when we least expect them.
For Rose DeSercey, a seasoned property management professional with 15 years of experience, it started with an inquiry she almost ignored.
“Someone reached out to me, and I typically don’t even pay attention to those kinds of messages,” Rose said. “I decided to respond to this one inquiry just to see what it was about. Built-to-rent (BTR) was a newer concept at the time. I went into the interview, letting them know I had no intention of changing jobs.”
She took the job.
Today, Rose is the property controller at Quinn Residences, where she manages the financial reporting and analysis for the company’s growing portfolio.
She was also excited to help shape Quinn Residences’ direction as it developed exceptional single-family rental neighborhoods.
“I help set policy, put departments together,” Rose said. “I was up for a new challenge, and I was ready to help solve the problems modern renters face.”
Rose’s experience exemplifies Quinn Residences’ approach to housing. We don’t want to build the same old thing while ignoring the same old problems.
That’s why, in Rose’s view, accounting isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people, community, and sustainable growth.
“The accounting department is not just your typical accounting department,” Rose emphasizes. “We don’t operate in silos. We have monthly leadership meetings to see what’s going on. We brainstorm what challenges you are having and how we can help out. We collaborate because everyone has a touch on one another.”
This is important because housing is more than a place to live. Affordability affects people’s ability to thrive and invest in their futures. Community creates connection. Place builds a sense of belonging and stability.
For Rose, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is feeling connected to the company’s broader mission.
“At many companies, the accounting team isn’t a part of the company’s broader mission,” Rose said. “For example, we are constantly analyzing our market rates, ensuring they still make sense, reflect current trends, and offer the best value and experience for our renters.”
As a result, Rose’s work directly impacts the lives of Quinn Residences’ residents.
She explains, “I compare the financials to the budget. Should we be giving more concessions? Are our rents too high? What makes sense? What tends to happen is that it’s always about the dollars, the bottom line. Here, we are trying to be more mindful. How can we give back to the residents?”
This has already yielded tangible outcomes for renters, including community-wide solar power initiatives that lower residents’ costs and minimize their carbon footprint.
Rose’s journey and experiences reflect Quinn Residences’ core values.
The company prioritizes its team members, intentionally fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment that allows everyone to be heard and valued.
This is all to provide the best possible experience for our renters. For example, our Alvéole bee program at Harmony Heights, a Quinn Residence, supports the local ecosystem and offers residents a unique learning opportunity about honeybees.
Quinn Residences’ cultural commitments impact people’s lived experiences in our communities, our corporate offices, and the BTR industry, where Rose advocates for more women to rise up in leadership roles.
“Real estate is a female-dominated industry,” Rose said. “Men run C-suites, but property managers are often women. I want to see more women continue to rise up in leadership roles, not just stopping at regional manager or director level positions.”
She is encouraged by the example of Quinn Residences’ COO, Colleen Yeager, a female executive who “knows the construction side and the operations side of things.”
“I want to see more women grow into these roles and have a voice,” Rose said. “I want them to step outside their comfort zone, aim higher, and go do it.”
Seeing more women in leadership positions creates a better experience for renters who benefit from diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making.
Put differently, Quinn Residences is committed to creating communities where residents feel a sense of belonging, a priority that starts at the very top.
Rose’s story is a testament to the fact that Quinn Residences is more than just a rental housing provider; it’s a company that values its people, fosters a culture of collaboration, and is dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving communities.
“We are truly trying to make a community out of it,” Rose said. “That’s why I like the BTR model. We are building a place where our residents can have a real community.’
Want to Learn More?
- Explore Quinn Residences: Visit www.live-quinn.com to learn about our modern rental communities.
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