We were lucky to catch up with Robert Leopard recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Robert thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
I have always been in management, first as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in the early 90s, and later in my civilian career in the sales and customer service industry. For over a decade, I worked a full-time, 6-day-a-week job. I was sometimes putting in 65 hours a week. My wife and I invested in rental properties as a side hustle for many years. I realized I really enjoyed managing properties, tenants, and maintenance, so I decided to quit my job and open my own property management company. I have always loved the military and being a Marine. The leadership, discipline, and teamwork I learned in the Corps have served me well in both my professional and personal life. After I left the Marines, I worked in sales for a large corporation. I was successful there, but I always felt like I was missing something. I didn’t feel like I was making a real difference in people’s lives. When my wife and I started investing in rental properties, I found my calling. I loved helping people find a place to live that they could call home. I also loved the challenge of managing the properties and keeping the tenants happy. I realized that I wanted to do this for a living. So, I quit my job and started my own property management company. I am now the proud owner of a successful property management company. I love my job, and I am grateful that I found a way to combine my passion for helping people with my love of real estate
If you are in the military and you are wondering what you might want to do after the service, I have a suggestion for you: property management. I am a former Marine and I can tell you that the skills you learn in the Corps will prepare you well for a career as a property manager.
The leadership, discipline, and teamwork I learned in the Marines have served me well in both my professional and personal life. After I left the Marines, I worked in sales for a large corporation. I was successful there, but I always felt like I was missing something. I didn’t feel like I was making a real difference in people’s lives.
When my wife and I started investing in rental properties, I found my calling. I loved helping people find a place to live that they could call home. I also loved the challenge of managing the properties and keeping the tenants happy. I realized that I wanted to do this for a living. So, I quit my job and started my own property management company.
I am now the proud owner of a successful property management company. I love my job, and I am grateful that I found a way to combine my passion for helping people with my love of real estate
When I first started my property management company, I was operating independently out of a 300-square-foot office. I did everything, including building the business, handling contracts, and all move-ins and move-outs. I also handled property inspections, maintenance, and any other tasks that came with the territory. I was always busy, but I loved what I was doing and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for a living.
After about a year, I outgrew my office and moved into a larger space. I also hired three employees, and the business continued to grow. Two years later, we outgrew our office again. At that point, we decided to purchase our 2400-square-foot office building. Our company grew again and we hired three more employees, bringing the total number of employees to seven. We also expanded our operations to include a wholesale flooring company, and now we even have several crews that handle remodels, repairs, and installations for MATCH Property Management. It’s amazing how much we’ve grown since we started. I truly believe that God has blessed our business in so many ways.
Any person can have an idea about opening a business but ideas are just that. They are only ideas. You must eat, sleep, and live every moment of the idea that you have to execute a successful business operation. I can assure you that if I could do it, then anyone can do it. Execute your idea by putting everything you have into the work to make it happen, and I can assure you that success will follow. Most of all, you must put your client’s needs first. Money is surely a motivator, but you can’t run your business by money motivation. You must set your sights on making sure you meet the needs of your tenants and homeowners and continue your fiduciary duty to always do the right thing.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Robert Leopard, and my dream home is on a beautiful lake in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I live there with my wonderful wife and our three dogs. Between my wife and me, we have five children and three grandchildren, and they are the light of our lives. I just celebrated my 51st birthday, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the life I’ve built. I grew up in a small town called Marion, South Carolina. I graduated high school there and then enlisted in the US Marine Corps. The Marines taught me discipline and other invaluable life lessons that I’ve used to build a family and a successful business. What sets me apart from others is my big heart. I care deeply about my clients and employees, and I believe that treating them well is essential to running a successful company. I couldn’t do it without the wonderful people who work with me and share my commitment to providing excellent service.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
I founded MATCH Property Managers with exactly $15,000. That was the entirety of our initial investment, and we have never had to take out a loan or even invest any more of my own money. We have been in business for almost nine years now, and we have grown steadily the entire time. I pay my employees a generous salary, bonuses, and company vehicles. In addition, we are the only property management company in the area to offer such a great benefits package. Our structure is so great that it is easy to hire wonderful people, and we have truly been blessed.
I know I couldn’t have made it this far without my incredible team. They work hard, and they deserve to be compensated fairly. I also know that providing great benefits helps me attract and retain the best people in the industry. That’s why I’m committed to offering my employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off. I want my employees to know that I value them and that I want them to be happy and successful.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My wife and I met 15 years ago when we both worked for the same company. I was in the customer service and upper management business in real estate. She had an extensive background in business ownership, having owned and successfully sold an outback restaurant and a mailbox store. My wife, Mary, is my silent partner, as she continues to work at our former employer full-time.
Mary has been instrumental in helping me build my business, offering expert advice and invaluable support. I am very grateful to have her in my life. I am confident that we will continue to grow our business together and achieve even greater success in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.matchproperty managers.com
- Instagram: @matchpropertymanagers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matchpropertymanagers/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-leopard-609085173/
- Youtube: Matchpropertymanagers
- Yelp: Matchpropertymanagers
Image Credits
Robert Leopard
Mary Leopard