“Girls with dreams become women with vision.”

Our 30 Lines team recently had the honor of attending the Columbus Apartment Association‘s Hall of Fame Reception, which paid tribute to the work and achievements of the four newest inductees. Each of the inductees recognized — Pat Igoe (Newbury Properties), Marlene Mahoney (FABCO), Rebecca Perry Damsen (Roger C. Perry & Co.), and Dana Moore (Oakwood Management Company) — have made outstanding contributions to the multifamily industry throughout their accomplished careers.

Since its inception in 1994, 25 individuals have been inducted into the CAA Hall of Fame. This year, each of the four inductees is a woman.

30 Lines has the privilege of working alongside one of these incredible women, Dana Moore. Dana is the Vice President of Operations at Oakwood Management Company. Oakwood has been a fixture in the Central Ohio community since 1970 and continues to thrive as a premier third-party property management company. The long-term success of Oakwood is a direct reflection of the thoughtfulness and hard work of individuals like Dana.

Here at 30 Lines, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share insight into Dana’s inspiring multifamily journey. She’s certainly a woman with vision, and we can’t wait to see what she and her team at Oakwood accomplish next.

First, can you tell us how you found out you’d be receiving the honor?

I received a phone call from the current president of the Columbus Apartment Association (CAA). I was told there were to be four of us honored this year and was thrilled to be grouped with three other women who I have so much respect for.

Tell us about your career journey — from where you started to where you are now.

I initially started as a leasing agent sometime around 1984. I recall being excited when my first raise increased my hourly rate to $5! I later came to Oakwood Management as a Property Manager for Hibernia Apartments in 1986 and took it out of construction. I fell in love with Oakwood and have been here ever since. My positions have gone from Property Manager to Regional Manager, then Director of Operations and now Vice President of Operations. I oversee property operations with a fantastic team of talent who do most of the hard stuff for me!

Have you had the opportunity to travel for work?

Since all our properties are local, I don’t have to travel for work. However, people at our corporate office who have been here for more than 20 years are considered members of “The 20 Year Club.” We are treated to a cruise somewhere tropical every three years. Not surprisingly, there are quite a few of us, and it’s great to take that time to relax with coworkers you have known so long.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve received that still resonates with you today?

You will NEVER post my real mantra! But I live by, “What picks at you and you ignore will one day bite you in the butt.” That works for just about anything in life! 🙂

What made Oakwood the right fit for you long term?

I guess the answer would be that Oakwood and I grew up together. When I started, we were a small company managing a few sites. Over the years, I’ve been part of all our changes — the good decisions and the not-so-good decisions.

What kind of impact has involvement with the CAA had on your career?

A huge impact. By being involved, I interact with many other companies, and we share our approaches to problems or situations. Since I, as well as most of my immediate team, have been at Oakwood for so long, it’s essential to have a resource to get different perspectives.

Tell us about a fellow multifamily professional or coworker that has inspired you, or has impacted your career.

We recently lost an employee when her 14-year battle with cancer finally claimed its winner. Despite all she was going through, she came in each day until just weeks before she died to a job she loved with a smile on her face and a comment that was sure to make us laugh. She taught me to appreciate what I have.

What advice do you have for someone starting his or her career in the multifamily industry?

Just work hard and have fun!

What fuels your fire and keeps you motivated?

Believe it or not — problems! I love solving them and thinking through the “what if’s.”

What do you like to do in your free time? What are some of your interests away from the office?

I’m a huge music person and love going to concerts as well as the theater. I can also get totally lost with my nose in a good book. And since I love to eat, I also spend a good amount of time in the gym!

We want to pass along a sincere thank you to Dana and her entire Oakwood team for being such incredible partners. From brainstorming to implementation to the results we achieve together, our 30 Lines team is better because we have the opportunity to progress alongside people like Dana.