AANC Board Spotlight | James Craig

James W. Craig III (AKA Craig) was born an Army brat in Frankfurt, Germany. When his family returned to the states, they settled in Amarillo, Texas, where they remained until an economic downturn in the late 1980’s prompted his mother to move the family to Greensboro, North Carolina. It was 1989 and they arrived just in time to be greeted by the heavy winds and rain of Hurricane Hugo, an ominous welcome that had Craig wondering if they should hightail it back to Texas. But the weather eventually changed (as it always does) and the family chose to stay. Greensboro has been home ever since, with Craig and his wife of 25 years still living there today.

In 1990, soon after moving to North Carolina, Craig’s desire to serve something greater than himself inspired him to service. A self-described patriot, Craig joined the Navy and served until 1993, with stations in Coronado, California and Little Creek, Virginia. 

After serving his country, Craig discovered a new form of service in the multifamily industry when he began working as a grounds professional for Burkely Communities. His work ethic and propelled him to new roles as a technician and later Maintenance Supervisor for various management companies, including Pickering & Co., Core, and Hawthorne, as well as Regional Maintenance Director at Bell Partners.

After his time with Bell Partners, Craig transitioned to the vendor side of the industry. Over the next ten years he held a variety of leadership roles, including Director of New Construction/Multifamily Replacement at Got You Floored, a Project/Account Manager at THS, and a National Account Manager at AppWork. Then, as he was preparing for his next move, he was recruited by Ari Apartment Management, who he says “came prowling around looking for another member of the pride.” Through persistence and making him an offer he couldn’t refuse, Craig gratefully joined the “pride of lions that make Ari Apartment Management,” where he is currently the Director of Facilities Maintenance.

CRAIG'S FAVORITES
COLOR: GREEN (the color of money!)          PIE: PECAN
BAND/MUSIC: REGGAETON, URBANO SPANISH MUSIC
TEAM: CAROLINA PANTHERS 

Beyond his professional achievements, Craig is also a dedicated volunteer leader. He has served as Vice Chair of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA) Education Committee and remains an active member of both that and the PTAA Programs Committee. In 2024, he joined the AANC Board of Directors and has plans to broaden his participation in AANC committees as well. 

Despite his busy schedule, Craig still finds time to have a bit of fun. His many interests include skiing, scuba diving, motorcycles, skeet shooting, bourbon, and driving fast – though his days of rocking a mullet (aka Kentucky Waterfall) are behind him. He and his wife also love to travel and enjoy spending time with their beloved nieces and nephews. 

Craig's commitment to his team at Ari Apartment Management, his leadership roles in the multifamily industry, and his dedication to family all reflect a deep and lasting belief in service and a lasting contribution to something greater than himself. 

(Above: Craig and his wife dressed as Neptune and Salacia at a costume party)