We recently connected with Sunshine Ellis and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sunshine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Talk to us about building a team – did you hire quickly, how’d you recruit the first few team members? Any interesting lessons?

Building a new team or building an existing team can be fun but also a challenge. Our company starts with an online hiring portal called Hirebridge. The great thing about this service, is there are personal assessments that are sent to the applicant to complete before they are approved for the interview process. You are rated, Okay, Good, or Best! Ideally, we like to interview ones who have rated Best first.

Once applicant has been cleared through the pre-screen an email and phone call will be made to the new applicant for an in-person interview. It is a challenge at times for you may have 5 great applicants but only 1 person that will contact you back.

A in person interview is always recommended. You really can get a great vibe or sense of who a person is when you meet them in person. If the interview goes well, I would also recommend a 2nd to 3rd interview depending on the position. This will also help determine if they are a good fit for the company. You also want employees to stay for a while, so always ask what there 5-year plan may be. Where do they see themselves? What are their goals? Do they work well with others or are they independent?

Also, do not hire new employees for positions even if you are desperate. Really make sure they are a good applicant for your company and culture you want. before you make an offer.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sunshine Ellis and I have been in Property Management with Avenue5 for almost 20 years. I started at a Leasing Professional and worked my way up to an Assistant Property Manager and then a Property Manager. I love managing communities. This is your home!

I also work with the Arizona Multi Housing Association. Muli-family is a great industry to be in. Working together in helping ones with their homes, is why I do what I do.

I love training and managing new employees and watching them grow within their career. With the AMA I am also able to give back. With local volunteer work., I help plan with events and donate my time for organizations such as the UMOM Foundation and SAARC. I also work on the Project Safe Committee to help communities maintain their crime free status and become 5 Star certified.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team can be a challenge at times. You have many different personalities, and they all have different strengths and weaknesses, Getting to know your team and how they work well with others is a key to also being successful. Knowing we are all here for one goal, leasing and resident retention. Communication, Team Meetings, Games, Contests can also boost morale. Everyone likes to feel appreciated in their own way. Get to know what pushes your employees to do better and more. Is it money? Is it food? Is it time off? Is it gifts?

Also, set the example. Come in to work with a positive attitude. We are with each other more than we are with our own families. Let’s make the best of the day! Be on time and don’t leave early, If you are the boss, show them how to be a boss one day if that is what they want. Show respect and listen to each other. is another way in managing a strong team. Give them the tools they need to succeed, Teach them how to grow and be successful in their career,

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The latest book I just read was called, 212:The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson.

The book as added the power of that one small push. The one extra degree, you can move yourself from where you are to where you want to be. By using the 212: The Extra Degree, you are empowering yourself to go that one degree further and experience achievements you never thought possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.liveatkota.com
• Instagram: sunshineellis_2001
• Facebook: Sunshine Ellis
• Linkedin: Sunshine Ellis
• Other: Email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Image Credits
Kota North Scottsdale Community Photos & Team 2023 Sunshine Ellis Maryann Bruno Kciyana Lozada Noah LaRocca Stephanie Espinoza Jiya Petty Ashley Barraza Mackenzie Fox Maryanne Williamson Francisco Berumen