Property Management Is About More Than Properties
Recently, our President, Christy Lewis, joined the Real Estate Pros Show to discuss everything from building a property management company from the ground up to why putting people first has been the foundation of Root’s growth.
The conversation covered lessons learned over nearly two decades in the industry, the hidden costs of self-managing rental properties, the importance of community, and what’s next as Root continues expanding into new markets.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the conversation.
- Great Property Management Starts with People
One theme came up repeatedly throughout the interview:
Property management is ultimately about people.
Whether we’re serving property owners, residents, HOA boards, or commercial clients, our goal is always the same—to build relationships rooted in trust, communication, and long-term success.
As Christy shared during the interview, communities thrive when people genuinely care about the neighborhoods they’re serving.
That philosophy has shaped Root from day one.
- From Receptionist to President
One of the most inspiring parts of the conversation was Christy’s career journey.
She didn’t enter the industry as an executive.
She started as a receptionist.
Over the years, she took on new responsibilities, learned every aspect of property management, built operational processes, and helped grow a local company managing dozens of homes into an organization overseeing hundreds of residential rentals, student housing properties, and expanding management services.
Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about where you start—it’s about continually learning, solving problems, and investing in people.
- Why Self-Managing Isn’t Always the Least Expensive Option
Many owners assume managing their own rental property saves money.
Christy challenged that assumption.
While avoiding management fees may appear to reduce expenses, owners often overlook the hidden costs:
- Maintenance coordination
- Emergency phone calls
- Vendor relationships
- Vacancies
- Resident communication
- Opportunity cost
- Time away from family or growing their portfolio
One of the biggest questions she encourages owners to ask is:
What is your time worth?
For many investors, professional property management isn’t simply an expense—it’s an investment in efficiency, expertise, and peace of mind.
- Community Is Part of Every Investment
Another key message from the interview was that successful property management extends beyond the property itself.
Healthy neighborhoods support healthy investments.
Residents deserve quality housing.
Owners deserve confidence that their investment is being protected.
Communities deserve partners who are committed to making a positive impact.
That belief influences every decision we make at Root.
- Growth Should Be Intentional
During the interview, Christy shared Root’s plans to expand into new markets, including Fort Wayne, Michigan, and Tampa.
Rather than growing as quickly as possible, Root’s approach is intentional.
We focus on learning each market, building relationships, understanding local needs, and earning trust before expanding further.
It’s the same philosophy we bring to every property we manage.
Advice for Anyone Building a Career
The interview closed with advice that extends well beyond property management.
Christy encouraged aspiring professionals to:
- Be authentic.
- Find a mentor.
- Be willing to take calculated risks.
- Learn from every outcome.
- Continue investing in people.
Those principles have guided Root’s growth—and continue to shape our future.
Why These Conversations Matter
The Real Estate Pros Show interview wasn’t just about discussing property management.
It was an opportunity to share what Root believes makes great management different.
Yes, we coordinate maintenance.
Yes, we collect rent.
Yes, we manage operations.
But at the center of everything we do are people—the property owners who trust us with their investments, the residents who call our properties home, and the communities where we live and work.
That’s Root.
Watch the Full Interview
If you’d like to hear the full conversation with Christy Lewis on the Real Estate Pros Show, you can watch the interview here:
Thinking About Professional Property Management?
Whether you own a single rental home, a growing investment portfolio, an HOA, or a commercial property, Root is here to help you protect your investment while building stronger communities.
Let’s start the conversation.
