Behind The Build With Julie Hutchison
Meet Julie Hutchison, the dedicated Assistant Community Manager at The Village at Commonwealth in Charlotte, North Carolina. Julie’s journey into property management is nothing short of inspiring. From an unexpected start in the industry to navigating the daily challenges and rewards of her role, Julie offers a glimpse into what makes her job so fulfilling. In this interview, she shares her experiences, the unique aspects of the community, and the personal touches that define her career. Join us as we explore Julie’s story and discover the passion and dedication she brings to The Village at Commonwealth.
Discovering My True Calling
What inspired me to pursue a career in property management? It all started during my college years. Initially, I was majoring in Psychology with a keen interest in industrial-organizational studies. However, everything changed during my junior year when I took a Property Management course on a whim. That course completely altered my career path. I fell in love with the diversity of the industry and the incredible program and professors at Virginia Tech.
Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my passion for home design and architecture was always present. Growing up, I was glued to HGTV, fascinated by beautiful spaces and the creativity behind them. This passion is why Northwood Ravin feels like the perfect fit for me. With its luxury designs and thoughtfully curated amenities, it allows me to combine my love for real estate with creativity and community building.
A Day in the Life at VCW: Expect the Unexpected
What does a typical day look like for me at The Village at Commonwealth (VCW)? The truth is, there’s no such thing as a “typical” day, and that’s exactly what I love about it! Each day brings something new, whether I’m diving into financials and administrative work, walking the property for inspections, or giving tours to prospective residents. The variety keeps me on my toes and makes every day exciting. No matter what I’m working on, my goal is always the same—creating an exceptional living experience for our residents!
The Joy of Community: Challenges and Rewards
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is seeing how much our residents truly love The Village at Commonwealth. It’s incredible to have such a strong sense of community, from long-time residents who have been here since the beginning to our Village volleyball league that brings everyone together. Watching the hard work of both our current and past teams pay off in the form of happy, engaged residents makes every effort worthwhile. Knowing that we’ve helped create a place people are proud to call home is what makes this job so fulfilling!
Building Bonds: Engaging with the VCW Community
One of the best ways I connect with our residents is through our incredible community events! A huge shoutout to our new Community Manager, Christa, who has brought fresh energy and creativity to our event planning. Thanks to her, our resident events are only getting bigger and better! From social gatherings to fun activities, these events help foster a true sense of community, making The Village at Commonwealth feel like home for everyone.
One of the most defining moments in my role here was the transition from our sister community, The Townhomes at Bridlestone, a 108-unit property, to The Village at Commonwealth, an 826-unit community. At first, I was nervous about the leap—going from a smaller, close-knit property to a much larger and more dynamic environment was a big change. But thanks to the support of an incredible team and the true sense of community that makes The Village so special, I quickly found my footing. Now, I can’t imagine being anywhere else! This experience reinforced how important teamwork and community are in making a place feel like home.
Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Success in Property Management
One of the most important skills I believe is essential in my role—and in property management in general—is emotional intelligence. While my background in Psychology may influence my perspective, I truly believe emotional intelligence is a cornerstone of effective property management. This skill enables us to connect with residents on a deeper level and provide the kind of service that helps make their living experience feel truly personal and valued. It’s something I’m grateful for every day, especially because, as property managers, we’re responsible for one of the most important aspects of people’s lives: their homes.
Words of Wisdom: Advice for Aspiring Property Managers
My best advice for anyone starting out in property management is to gain experience in leasing. My time in leasing during college was invaluable—it gave me a well-rounded understanding of the property itself and, more importantly, the diverse range of residents you’ll encounter. The lessons you learn early on often provide the foundation for larger decisions down the road. The more you understand your residents’ needs and perspectives, the more effectively you’ll navigate management responsibilities later on.
Preparation starts with education! I always joke that I read the policy manual for fun—but in all seriousness, understanding the details of the policies and procedures is crucial when you’re handling the administrative side of property management. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys learning, then dive into your training with enthusiasm! I still use tools like PowerPoints and Quizlets to stay on top of everything here at VCW, and those small habits help me stay sharp in an ever-evolving industry.
Balancing Act: Personal Interests and Well-being
In my downtime, I love reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with my family and friends. I believe strongly in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s essential for me to take time to decompress after a busy week and focus on my personal well-being. Whether it’s unwinding with a good book or enjoying quality moments in nature, these activities help me recharge and stay balanced both personally and professionally.
Why VCW is More Than Just a Workplace
VCW is truly a unique place to work, and that’s largely due to the incredible people and the genuine sense of community we’ve built. From the residents who love where they live to the passionate and supportive team I work alongside every day, there’s a true feeling of camaraderie and shared purpose. We’re not just focused on maintaining a property; we’re building a community where everyone feels welcomed and valued. The leadership here encourages growth, creativity, and innovation, making it an environment where you can truly thrive. The sense of belonging and collaboration makes VCW not just a workplace, but a place where you feel proud to contribute and be part of something special.
