Meet Updater: Jake Johnson, Regional VP of Sales
Everyone, meet Jake, another one of our wonderful Regional Vice Presidents of Property Management Sales. Read on to learn a little more about Jake, including the four things he can’t live without and how, at age 5, he realized he was destined for a career in sales.
How many times have you moved?
Eight times. Seven of the eight were solo missions. I packed what I could fit in my car and made the move.
You’re about to move. What would you make sure to never do again?
I wouldn’t throw everything away that didn’t fit in my car…
Do you have any moving horror stories?
They’re all horror stories, so I’ll go with the most recent. My fiancé, Jenn, and I had just purchased a home, and our agreement stated that the appliances were to be included with the house. During our final walkthrough (the morning of closing day), everything looked great. After receiving the keys, we returned to discover that the owners had sold all of the appliances on Craigslist and provided access to pick up the items while we were all together at the closing table. Needless to say, we incurred thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses and had to change our locks in our first week.
What’s your best piece of moving advice?
Proper planning prevents poor performance. Moving is full of surprises! Being prepared will help reduce stress when the unexpected occurs.
Where did you grow up?
Two hours south of Chicago in Urbana, IL. Home of the Fighting Illini and a lot of corn.
What are four things you can’t live without?
My fiancé, Jenn, our dog, Lady, golf, and the internet. I’m a simple man.
What do you love about working for Updater?
I love being a part of a team that is bringing a unique solution to a problem that is vastly overlooked.
What do you see as the biggest problem in the property management industry?
Communicating with the resident beyond the lease signing phase. We’re so hyper focused on leasing beds at the highest optimal rent, that we often forget that our greatest asset has already committed to living at our properties (I used to be a leasing manager).
What’s the best part about working on a small team?
I played sports growing up, so being a member of the Updater team reminds me of that environment. Every role is critical, and there is a true commitment to bring your best everyday and rely on each other for success.
What’s your favorite fast food restaurant?
Domino’s – Did you know they have a rewards program? I just crossed over to “Elite Status.”
What are two random/personal tidbits about you?
Besides being considered “Elite Status” at Domino’s?…
1. My sales career began at age 5 when I convinced my mother I had to have a mullet like Bears quarterback Jim McMahon.
2. I have a random knowledge base of late 90’s early 2000’s R&B. (Donnell Jones, anyone?!)
What do you do to unwind?
Golf – lots & lots of golf.
What’s your favorite quote?
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison
More Updater Life
Changes to Updater’s team
16 August 2022
Updater raises $215M to accelerate product, design, data, and engineering
19 May 2022
