Career Spotlight: Laura Harrold

Name: Laura Harrold, CAM
Company: Blue Ridge Companies
Title: Employee Benefits Manager
Email: lharrold@blueridgecompanies.com
Local NC Affiliate: PTAA
LinkedIn Profile

Tell us about your career:

I started in Multifamily Property Management in 2009 after working in furniture sales and conference planning. I quickly learned you either love this industry or you don’t...and loved it, I did!

n my first years as a Leasing Specialist, I loved the hands-on approach you had with residents being the first face that everyone saw when they came in and touring prospects. Helping prospects “arrange” furniture and see themselves in the space was so fun. I moved up the ranks to Assistant Manager where I learned about financials and conflict resolution. Then eventually to Community Manager, where I learned a lot about managing people, quick problem solving, and BUDGETS!

All in all, I spent 7 years on site, and sometimes, I still miss it today. I moved to the home office of Blue Ridge when my property sold in 2016 and was lucky enough to secure a new position in the company, Employee Benefits Manager. Of course, this position is the “Manager of Benefits”, but it is so much more. I still get to help people, resolve conflict, and play with financials. BUT instead of helping prospects find a home, I get to let our employees know they have a “home” with us... and they are appreciated!