The real estate industry, a cornerstone of global economies, constantly evolves due to changing trends and challenges. These changes range from urbanization and technological advancements to shifting demographics, fundamentally transforming the real estate landscape. As cities expand and populations grow the demand for innovative housing solutions forces developers to reconsider urban planning. Simultaneously, technology integration, such as smart home systems and virtual tours, is revolutionizing property marketing and the buyer experience. However, these changes also present challenges. Regulatory shifts, environmental concerns, and affordability issues create hurdles for industry players striving for sustainable growth.
Considering these challenges and upcoming trends, Michael Napovanice enters the competition with his unique style. He serves as the Principal/President of Orion Property Group, LLC, a renowned real estate company in the USA. He shares insights drawn from decades of experience and learning, making this a captivating conversation that will enhance your understanding of the real estate industry. Let’s get started!
Commencement of a Creative Journey
Michael embarked on his creative journey after graduating from Rockhurst University with a degree in accounting and finance. His academic foundation served as the gateway to the world of real estate. Taking practical steps, he assumed the role of Controller at the Neighborhood Group. His career progression was swift, leading him to the esteemed position of Chief Financial Officer. However, in pursuit of greater challenges, he redirected his focus toward management and brokerage. This shift yielded impressive results, culminating in his attainment of the prestigious title of President. Throughout his journey, he collaborated with influential investors and clients, gaining invaluable insights that continued to shape his path.
Orion Property Group: Envisioning Client Satisfaction
Established in 2010 with the acquisition of the Neighborhood Group, Orion Property Group, LLC, has a deep-rooted history that traces its origins even further back. The Neighborhood Group, the precursor to Orion Property Group, was founded in 1993. Under Michael’s leadership, it has built a legacy spanning three decades.
What sets both Michael and Orion Property Group apart is their steadfast commitment to meeting their client’s unique needs. This commitment is built on a foundation of complete transparency and honesty in all client investment dealings. Together, they navigate the complexities of real estate transactions with an unmatched level of professionalism and dedication, setting them apart from their peers. Their dedication to excellence is reinforced by numerous awards earned over time, solidifying Orion Property Group’s reputation for exceptional customer service.
Orion Property Group’s expansion into underserved markets across the country guides their path. “I want to bring our unique brand of real estate management and customer service that is all but lost in this business,” says Michael. In a time of evolving paradigms and technological advancements, the company is ready for transformation. Their readiness to embrace technology is evident in their innovative practices. Orion Property Group has consistently been at the forefront of adopting technological innovations, whether by providing clients with real-time investment data, offering pre-COVID self-guided tours, or integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) before it gained widespread acceptance.
Key Contributions to Balancing Company Vitality and Client Satisfaction
Michael provides insight into his pivotal responsibilities within the company and the delicate balance he maintains between its growth and ensuring client satisfaction.
At the core of his role is the comprehensive oversight of the entire company. This involves a wide range of tasks, including acquiring new clients and overseeing the initiation and completion of deals. Michael emphasizes, “The success of the company is built upon my reputation. Our clients can count on me to be transparent and honest in everything I do and speak.” This reputation serves as a cornerstone for the company’s credibility.
However, amid these responsibilities, there is an art to achieving equilibrium between the company’s vitality and the client’s contentment. Michael explains that, for him and his dedicated team at Orion Property Group, the client always comes first. This approach sets them apart and fosters a lasting bond of loyalty and trust. The commitment to consistently prioritize client’s needs is their guiding principle, a hallmark of their distinct approach to real estate management, and a crucial factor in their ongoing success.
Anchoring Multi-Family Real Estate Management in the Midwest
Orion Property Group primarily focuses on multi-family real estate management, with a significant presence in the dynamic Midwest region. Their robust portfolio includes several thousand units under their skilled management, establishing them as one of the region’s largest and most influential multi-family management firms.
“The multi-family market is changing rapidly. I have seen more changes in the last five years than in the twenty-plus years I have been in the multi-family real estate management business,” says Michael. As the leader of Orion Property Group, he doesn’t just analyze real estate deals and market data but also delves into population trends and the broader economic landscape. This multifaceted analysis enables him to anticipate shifts in the multi-family industry, fostering a proactive approach. By continuously observing prevailing trends, Michael’s insights benefit not only his own understanding but also prove invaluable in managing their client’s real estate investments.
One key factor in enhancing client satisfaction is accessibility. Michael ensures that clients have a direct line to him, emphasizing their commitment to responsive service. While multiple layers of customer support are available, clients can easily contact Michael through various channels, including phone, email, or text. This distinctive feature sets Orion Property Group apart from other real estate management firms. Michael is determined to promote this exceptional accessibility to clients, emphasizing it as a cornerstone of Orion Property Group’s principles.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity: Michael’s Approach
Michael shares his strategies for motivating individuals to achieve their goals and objectives. With each interaction, he reinforces a blueprint that goes beyond standard team motivation.
At the core of the Orion Property Group team is diversity—a convergence of unique ideas and aspirations that fosters innovation. What distinguishes Michael is his unwavering willingness to embrace these ideas. He sees every team member, regardless of their role, as a source of valuable insights for the company’s evolution. With an open invitation, he encourages them to offer suggestions for improvement, assuring them of his readiness to collaborate on actionable plans. Whether facing triumphs or setbacks, Michael fosters an environment where the team can freely seek his guidance, treating him as a valuable sounding board.
The essence of a positive and inclusive workplace is embodied in Michael’s “open-door” policy—a philosophy that permeates Orion Property Group. Driven by this ethos, the company fosters a progressive atmosphere, continuously raising workplace standards. Despite the geographic dispersion of their team across the United States, the corporate unit diligently ensures that every voice is heard. “Our goal is not to be “faceless” corporate management; rather, we work to build meaningful relationships with all team members, regardless of where they are located,” affirms Michael.
Dispelling Misconceptions about Real Estate
Michael has a special message for investors and those aspiring to understand the industry from a distance. He succinctly states, “When I talk to investors, I tell them to ‘fall in love with the numbers and not the real estate.’ This philosophy has prevented many investors from making the wrong deal. The numbers have to work.” This message holds particular significance for those who focus solely on assets and overlook compounding rates. Another insightful statement from Michael is when he asserts, “If you can handle the worst-case scenario in a real estate deal, everything better than that does not need to be worried about.”
Balancing Professional and Personal Choices
The real estate industry is known for its complexity, demanding strong leadership and unwavering dedication. However, it also requires sacrifices, including your personal time. This can often leave you with limited opportunities to spend time with your family and loved ones. Michael fully grasps the challenges this presents, yet he has developed his own unique approach.
He explains, “I love my work, and that has created a balance between my personal and professional lives. With that being said, taking a vacation is crucial to letting your staff operate on their own. It is then that you see who you have trained well and see them excel in their position.”
In this manner, he efficiently manages his professional commitments by cultivating a strong team capable of running the company in his absence.
Advice for Aspiring Real Estate Entrepreneurs
Drawing on decades of experience in real estate innovation and industry trends, Michael offers valuable advice to emerging entrepreneurs:
“Your reputation and hard work are the keys to making it in the real estate industry. In real estate, your reputation is everything; do not compromise it. Stay the course and don’t give up on your dreams.”
He also emphasizes, “My reputation as an honest and forthright person in real estate helps tremendously when investors are looking at new deals or want the Orion Property Group to take over management of their assets.”
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