Tara Tarbox, Avalon Housing’s Director of Property Management, celebrates 20 years at Avalon on March 1. Kelly Wahoski in Employee Experience asked Tara some some questions about the last two decades:
Do you remember your first day at Avalon? What was it like?
My first day at Avalon ended up being a snow day in March of 2005. When I came to Avalon there were 2 other Property Managers here. Avalon had less than 30 employees and we were located at 603 W. Huron in an old house. My orientation lasted about 10 minutes and consisted of doing paperwork with the Finance Team upstairs. Back then we were a small, yet mighty group. Avalon’s excellence and strong commitment to providing quality housing to those that other landlords might turn away hooked me right away.
How has your job changed over the years?
Avalon has changed and grown so much over the years. I believe when I started we probably had less than 200 units. This summer we will be at 438 units when TGV leases up. When I started at Avalon there was no CHP List or Chronic Homelessness Criteria. We managed a waiting list for all of our units. We have always worked closely with all of the area shelters and other organizations. Avalon has always made a difference in the community, but as we have grown our reach has supported so many more individuals and families who are experiencing long term homelessness. I have been able to see the impact, and get to work with a great group of people that help make it all happen everyday.
What is your favorite part about your job and why?
The favorite part of my job is the community that we have as staff and tenants. The values that Avalon embodies are very important to me. I often remind myself that as we uphold these values it is such a rarity in the current world. It is very important to me that our tenants are heard and supported in all ways we commit to show up for them and our community. Sometimes it is through simple interactions, and in others it involves extremely difficult conversations, all are so important.
What advice would you give someone just starting their career in your field?
I go back to my early days, I remember having so much anxiety about upsetting someone. When I fully embraced being transparent and having hard conversations with tenants and other staff is when I feel like I started living into my job. So even if you are going into a conversation feeling reluctant, know that as long as you are open, honest, clear, and transparent you are bringing all you can to honor yourself and the other person.