Daily Inspiration: Meet Danielle LaFerrier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle LaFerrier.

Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Twelve years ago, I studied history at the University of Florida, dreaming of obtaining a master’s in Historic Preservation [of architecture]. I was looking for a part-time job and was friendly with the people working at the leasing office of my 1960s student apartment building. One day, they called me to the office and offered me a job. I hadn’t interviewed, nor do I think I had submitted a resume, but this opportunity opened my eyes to the world of real estate.

While in Gainesville, FL, I progressed from a Leasing Professional to a Community Manager. I moved around with several companies, always seeking growth and a challenge. By spring 2021, we were at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I longed for life-altering change.

I applied for jobs all over the nation, uncertain about where I wanted to be. I received a job offer to manage a lease-up in Boulder. Before long, I gave two weeks’ notice, packed my life into 56 boxes (I still have a note in my phone with the contents of each one), and drove west toward the unknown.

Arriving in Colorado was the best decision I’d ever made. I successfully led the lease-up of a project in Boulder before moving to Superior to do the same. But before I could complete that project, I was handpicked by the Managing Director and Senior Director of Real Estate to take on the lease-up of one of Denver’s most iconic buildings. I wanted a challenge, and before I knew it, I was again packing boxes to relocate to Denver to manage the lease-up of One River North, the sculpture in the sky.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No good life is smooth! However, a big obstacle has been disconnecting my worth from my work. There can be a tendency to pursue perfection and perceive performance as a reflection of value, which can make it difficult when things don’t unfold as planned. After years in this industry, I’m continually reminded that we are all constantly learning and growing, and mistakes or challenges do not diminish our worth. We can cultivate a healthier perspective by valuing progress over perfection and embracing our journey. It’s a challenge that I believe many in customer-centric fields face, and overcoming it can represent a personal and professional step forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the Senior Community Manager at One River North, responsible for everything a resident sees, feels, and touches from the moment they walk through the door. In literal terms, I am responsible for the overall performance and preservation of multi-million-dollar real estate assets.

But the fun stuff? I am known for building award-winning teams where colleagues feel heard and valued and where their input matters. I pay attention to how my teams tackle issues and achieve their goals—and I always give credit where and when it’s due.

I’m also known to have a keen eye for detail and focus on the small things. I know the names of my residents, and one of the great rewards of my job is seeing their smiling faces as they walk into the magnificent lobby at One River North.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
No risk, no reward! My most significant risk was my spontaneous move to Colorado. I moved here sight unseen, never having visited, and knowing no one. I moved here alone and had to push myself outside my comfort zone to learn my new home and meet new people. Taking the risk of moving here has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Every day, I feel fortunate to have found this magnificent little corner of the universe I proudly call my home.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @daniellenavarre
• LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/daniellelaferrier