DGS 36: Dealing with Natural Disasters in Property Management

Dealing with natural disasters is a crucial part of property management. In this episode, we hear a first-hand account from those who dealt with the devastation to property that occurred when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. There are all kinds of disasters that could happen in the future. Property management knows this first hand, as well as the importance of an effective disaster preparedness plan.

Steve Rozenberg and Pete Neubig from Empire Industries give their perspective on dealing with the devastation in Houston. They describe their emergency preparedness plans and the crucial steps they took to manage their properties during the devastation. They are able to give us a first-hand look at the things property managers need to consider in the event of natural disasters and how best to manage operations.

You'll Learn...

[05:09] Roles during a disaster: Steve took to Facebook to show people what happened, and Pete served as the backbone of the operation, coming up with a plan and delegating tasks.
[05:37] Systematically break down all the different problems. Houses were flooded, properties were vacant, can’t contact some people, people are calling in about damage, etc.
[06:48] Identify prerequisites, such as how to notify your clients about how you plan to communicate with them throughout the process. A Facebook group or email are two options.
[08:49] Are there staff members available to help? If yes, make them project managers for each project and provide available resources. For example, one project manager to handle a list of homes that were non-contacted homes.
[09:56] Determine how staff members are personally doing because they are going through the drama, as well. Make sure they are ok.
[14:12] Notify residents as soon as possible about whether their home is damaged and to what extent. Encourage them to contact their insurance company to determine what is covered and what isn’t.
[16:01] During a natural disaster, your property management company will probably not be receiving rent payments. Use leasing fees to sustain your company.
[16:30] Partner with an inspection company to know exactly what’s going on with a property and to allow the owner to make a good decision.
[17:56] Initially, strive for one-way communication to avoid property managers and assistants being inundated with residents or owners asking questions when you don’t have immediate answers.
[19:18] Realize that you are going to have a lot of tenants that need a place to live. As a convenience, compile a list of available properties.
[19:50] Provide good-to-know information on your Website. For example, who to call if your car is towed or phone numbers to popular insurance companies.
[20:24] Work with other companies to help out each other and your residents/owners. Utilize your resources. For example, waive application fees.
[24:15] At some point, someone has to be the leader. Run your business through leverage and team. Develop such a structure and culture.
[27:10] Grow your company as business owners and not doers. Focus a lot of time on working on your business and not in the business.
[30:25] If possible, keep your business open and running the whole time during a natural disaster.
[31:21] Hire someone knowing that they would make a good leader.
[33:45] The definition of a business is a profitable enterprise that runs without you. Your staff is there to support you and minimize chaos.
[35:55] Only one person can be a leader at a time. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
[41:53] Build relationships with everyone, even your competitors. They become invaluable during natural disasters.
[43:20] Invest in a business coach or mentor and training to gain knowledge that you can use during natural disasters. The more you grow, the more your company grows. Take care of yourself.
[48:27] Invest in marketing and try to get free publicity.
[59:17] Look at a VOIP system if you’re not on one. Look at having some assistance elsewhere to keep your business going. Also, have a communication plan for your residents, vendors, teammates, and owners before the natural disaster.
[59:45] Speed is key for property management companies dealing with a natural disaster. Get moving as quickly as possible, don’t overthink it, just do it, and get it done. Talk to your clients about not only the problem, but the solution.

Tweetables

Only one person can be a leader at a time.

Natural disasters just happen. Then, you deal with after effects.

A lot if this was divide and conquer.

Resources

DoorGrow iTunes

Empire Industries Facebook

Empire Industries Website

Empire Industries phone number - 888-866-6727