In the world of property management where efficiency and consistency are paramount, it’s crucial to hear wisdom from industry veterans who have navigated the complexities of this field with success. We chat with Vlad who has a career spanning over a decade and his journey from a senior property manager to a department head provides invaluable insights into optimising property management operations.
Vlad’s career is a testament to his dedication and expertise in property management. Starting in 2013, Vlad honed his skills with Ray White, distinguishing himself as one of the top 10% performers nationwide. His tenure as a senior property manager was marked by numerous premier awards, reflecting his commitment to excellence. Over the past 3 years, he has steered the property management department in his current role, a role he embraces with a passion that comes from years of leadership experience.
For Vlad, transitioning from property management to leading an entire department felt instinctive. His extensive background in hospitality and tourism created a strong foundation for this role. Starting in housekeeping and rising to chief concierge, Vlad developed a keen understanding of leadership, process development, and systems management. This experience has proven invaluable in property management, where systems and consistency are critical.
Vlad’s perspective is that property managers with a hospitality background often excel in their roles due to the emphasis on structured processes and follow-ups. In hospitality, every shift change requires a seamless handover of information—an approach that translates well into property management.
One of Vlad’s primary focuses in his current role has been the establishment of effective systems and processes. Managing a branch within a large organisation, Vlad understands the importance of streamlined operations. His approach to setting up systems involves careful planning and implementation.
Vlad conducted a thorough review of existing internal systems, creating a comprehensive manual for his team. He implemented checklists and standardised procedures to ensure consistency across all operations. For example, tenant inductions and inspections are carried out following a detailed script and checklist, ensuring that every team member adheres to the same high standards. This not only enhances service quality but also reduces the impact of staff changes on client relationships.
Maintaining consistency in property management requires ongoing careful attention. Vlad addresses this by conducting random audits of inspection reports and processes. By reviewing a selection of inspections, he ensures that the procedures are followed accurately and that the documentation reflects the property’s condition comprehensively. This approach helps identify any discrepancies and reinforces adherence to established processes.
Drawing from his hospitality background, Vlad emphasises the importance of structured systems. Vlad recommends similar systems in property management, where uniformity in processes leads to improved efficiency and service quality.
Implementing systems in property management is no small feat. Vlad acknowledges that there is no easy way to integrate these processes, but the key lies in the involvement of someone deeply familiar with the industry. By leveraging experience and understanding the ins and outs of the business, property managers can create and maintain effective systems that enhance productivity and service delivery.
The demands of property management extend beyond the office walls. Vlad notes that the job is far from a typical 9-to-5 role; it often involves handling emergencies and after-hours calls.
Vlad’s success story is not just about managing properties but also about personal growth and development. He credits much of his progress to resources like audiobooks and podcasts. This ongoing commitment to learning has not only contributed to his professional growth but also to the expansion of his property portfolio.
Vlad’s leadership style reflects his belief in empowering his team. He understands that no single person can handle every aspect of a business alone. By equipping his team with the necessary tools and support, and being a reliable source of guidance, Vlad ensures that they are well-prepared to handle their responsibilities.
Vlad’s story is a powerful reminder that success in property management comes not just from individual effort but from creating a supportive, well-trained team and embracing ongoing personal development. His journey highlights the importance of leadership, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the ever evolving landscape of property management.
Connect with Vlad Muhin
https://www.barfoot.co.nz/our-people/v.muhin


