Behind the Build with Kareena Carter
Kareena Carter is the Community Manager at Preserve at Westfields in Chantilly, Virginia! We had the pleasure of interviewing Kareena about her unique journey into property management and her experiences at Preserve at Westfields. From her spontaneous start in the industry to the daily challenges and rewards of her role, Kareena shares insights into what makes her job so fulfilling and the community so special. Join us as we delve into her story and learn more about the skills, experiences, and personal touches that define her career.
A Twist of Fate
Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns that lead to incredible opportunities. Over a decade ago, I left Germany and moved to Charlotte, NC, with plans to explore the U.S. for six months. Little did I know, this journey would shape my career in property management. One day, while visiting my apartment’s leasing office to fax a document overseas, I was unexpectedly offered a job—complete with a housing discount. It was a spontaneous decision, but I thought, “Why not?” That decision ended up shaping the career I have today.
Foundations of Preserve at Westfields
I was the very first hire at Preserve at Westfields. I walked Phase I when it was nothing but concrete slabs, freezing air rushing through the unfinished spaces, and no electricity in sight. I watched this community come to life, met our first residents—some of whom still live here today—and took pride in being part of its foundation. This journey has been more than a job; it’s been a personal and professional evolution.
A Day in the Life
At Preserve at Westfields, no two days are ever the same. Some days, I rack up 30,000 steps running around the property; other days, I’m glued to my desk, solving challenges as they come. There’s always something new, whether it’s an unexpected hurdle or an exciting opportunity. Property management is never dull—that’s for sure!
Building Bonds
Building a strong sense of community starts with being present, approachable, and genuinely invested in the people who live here. I make it a priority to connect with residents beyond just assisting with maintenance requests or lease renewals—whether it’s through casual conversations, community events, or simply being a familiar and reliable presence. I also work closely with my team to create opportunities for residents to engage with one another, from hosting social gatherings to organizing initiatives that enhance their living experience. At the end of the day, a thriving community isn’t just about the buildings—it’s about the people who call it home, and I take pride in fostering that connection.
Memorable Moments
Managing people is, without a doubt, the most challenging part of leadership. But through humility, resilience, and determination, I’ve guided our team through difficult times and helped restore morale—always with the support of executive leadership. You can’t build excellence without harmony, and I take pride in fostering that balance.
Triumphs and Trials
Overcoming challenges—whether with my team or our residents—is hands down the most rewarding part of my job. The lessons I’ve learned in this role have been invaluable, and the fact that I’m still learning every day makes it even more fulfilling.
Keys to Success
To thrive in this role, you need to be humble, accountable, self-aware, coachable, and diligent. Attention to detail, strong communication, and an unshakable work ethic are also non-negotiables. If you’re not willing to master these skills at a high level, success will be an uphill battle.
Words of Wisdom
Come in ready to WORK. If you want to do this job right, don’t expect to coast. It’s a fast-paced, high-responsibility career, but if you give it your all, it can be incredibly rewarding. Work hard, play hard—that’s the motto. Start at the leasing level and work your way up. There’s no better way to understand the industry than by getting hands-on experience. Seek out mentorship from those who are exceptional at their jobs, learn from them, but also carve out your own approach. Growth in this field comes from a balance of guidance and personal development.
Life Beyond Work
In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, working on business ventures, playing with my two pups, binging great TV shows, watching IMAX movies, and exploring new experiences. Life is all about balance, and I try to make the most of my downtime.
Final Reflections
My time at Preserve at Westfields has been truly transformative. It has opened doors to incredible opportunities and introduced me to some amazing people. We have an incredible team and a fantastic group of residents. You hear horror stories about property management, and while we’ve had our fair share of wild moments (which I’ll save for another time), I’m grateful that here, they’ve been few and far between—and always manageable.
