Conversations with Erica Sanchez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Sanchez.

Hi Erica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my career in multifamily nearly 20 years ago, like many people in this industry, somewhat by accident. At the time, I was a young mom raising two little girls, going to school, and dreaming of opening a photography studio. I needed stability, benefits, and a career that could support my family, and multifamily offered that opportunity.

What started as a practical decision quickly became a passion. Over the years, I discovered how impactful this work can be, serving residents, supporting teams, and helping communities thrive.

I’ve climbed the lattice throughout my career, moving from leasing consultant to assistant manager, property manager, business development, and transitions, ultimately into executive leadership. Twenty years later, I’m still deeply energized by this industry and the people we serve, and I’m grateful for the growth, resilience, and purpose this journey has given me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not.

Like any long career, there have been setbacks along the way. I’ve made my share of mistakes, experienced difficult lessons, and gone through periods of uncertainty, including losing roles due to company sales and organizational restructuring.

Each challenge forced me to grow, adapt, and take ownership of my part in the outcome. I’ve learned to meet hard moments head-on, keep my perspective, and move forward with resilience and self-grace. Those experiences didn’t slow me down—they shaped how I lead today, with empathy, accountability, and confidence.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently serve as Vice President at Places Management, a growing third-party multifamily management company that partners with owners to operate and elevate apartment communities. Although we are a relatively new firm, I’m incredibly proud of the foundation we’ve built in a short amount of time.

In just seven months, we’ve grown our portfolio more than fourfold, developed comprehensive policies and SOPs, and implemented structured training programs designed to support both performance and people. What truly sets us apart is our boutique approach paired with centralized services, a model that reduces team burnout, increases efficiency, and allows our onsite teams to focus on delivering exceptional resident experiences.

When our teams feel supported and empowered, they show up better every day. That ripple effect, strong teams creating strong, well-run communities, is what I’m most proud of and what continues to drive the work we do.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t view myself as a reckless risk-taker, but I do believe strongly in intentional risk. To me, risk isn’t about jumping without a net, it’s about making informed decisions, trusting your experience, and being willing to bet on yourself when growth requires it.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was stepping into a leadership role with a newer, growing company. It meant leaving familiarity and certainty behind in favor of building something from the ground up, processes, structure, culture, and trust, without guarantees. That kind of risk required confidence in my skills, resilience in uncertainty, and a clear belief in the vision.

Throughout my career, I’ve also taken risks by saying yes to roles that stretched me before I felt fully “ready,” by advocating for change when the status quo wasn’t working, and by leading with people-first principles even when that wasn’t the easiest or most popular path.

Ultimately, I think risk becomes powerful when it’s paired with preparation, accountability, and values. Every meaningful step forward in my career has involved some level of discomfort, but those moments are where the most growth, clarity, and impact have come from.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.placesmanagement.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/places-management/