Meet Chris, a Senior Analyst on our team of dynamic associates. Chris joined Invitation Homes after attending graduate school and has been part of many milestones in the company. As an integral part of the Revenue Management team, his responsibilities include analyzing pricing trends to optimize revenue for new lease and renewal properties.
Chris also serves as a core member of The Black Collective ERG and our Open Invitation LGBTQ+ ERG that launched earlier this summer. As a core member, Chris plays a vital role in the commitment to creating a greater sense of belonging for all LGBTQ+ associates, allies, and advocates at Invitation Homes.
We got the opportunity to learn more about Chris, what he loves most about his job, and how Invitation Homes has created a greater sense of belonging for him. Keep reading below to see what Chris had to share.
What is your role at Invitation Homes?
As a member of the Revenue Management team, we analyze market conditions and set the base rental rates for our new leases and lease renewals.
What does your day-to-day look like?
In the morning, I review reports both internal and industry-wide to gather a picture of the state of the portion of the portfolio I manage. From there, I ask myself critical questions and form hypotheses about which actions I can take to optimize our revenue even further. This can involve having discussions with leasing managers, VPOs, leasing agents, or portfolio directors about specific properties or reviewing the larger trends at the submarket level that I can research through industry news and reports. Once I have a clear view of the state of the portfolio, I can apply what I've learned from the research to make informed pricing decisions for both new lease and renewal properties. My role has recently expanded into Asset Management, where we are making strategic decisions on upgrades to homes that can drive more revenue. And lastly, I have joined the CORE teams of two of Invitation Homes' newest Employee Resource Groups.
What does Genuine Care mean to you?
For me, Genuine Care involves maximizing positive results for all parties. If I could rebrand Genuine Care, I'd use the term "One Team, One Dream" because our objectives are the same. As employees, we want to make profitable decisions, and the most profitable decisions are those that enhance the (internal or external) customer experience.
What has your journey at Invitation Homes looked like?
I started with Invitation Homes right after graduating from grad school, which was also during the Colony Starwood merger. I've seen the company morph into a very well-oiled machine from my perspective. Working closing with the Asset Management and Investment Management groups, I've seen the selloff of undesirable assets and the acquisition of high-quality assets. I've seen RTM reach great levels of efficiency, turning out excellent products. Customer reviews have improved tremendously. In the early days of my time at Invitation Homes, we often used the term "Future State" to refer to improved processes that would make all our lives easier. I am now living in the Future State, and I am proud of our combined efforts.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job? Why do you enjoy what you do?
Working with the field teams to help them achieve goals. My VPOs and Leasing Directors get very excited and passionate about achieving their goals and it’s inspiring to be a member of my own time, but also an "honorary" member of their teams as well.
What are some of the most important skills to have in your position?
Genuine Care is the perfect summary to describe the most important skill for my position. I have trained new employees, interns, and even people from other departments fairly quickly on the mechanics of this role. But the ability to build relationships with the market leaders are the most important skills to have, and you do that by genuinely wanting to arrive at the common goals together.
What is the best part about working at Invitation Homes?
The Christmas Party.
How has Invitation Homes created a greater sense of belonging for you?
The leaders of the Investments vertical have always had a genuine interest in all associates and our personal and professional lives. Add to that the service we provide the marketplace, of providing high-quality homes in desirable neighborhoods, I am able to discuss my career with pride.
How have you seen the company evolve during your time at Invitation Homes?
Not only has the recent launch of Employee Resource Groups by the company been a major milestone in the evolution of IH, but the engagement of associates and their interest in joining as many groups as feasible and attending events to broaden their perspectives has really made me proud to work here among fine people.
Thank you, Chris, for taking the time to share your experience at Invitation Homes. We are honored to have associates like you working with us.
If you’re interested in working for a company that provides a rewarding career, equal opportunities and resources, and whose associates exemplify the value of Genuine Care, visit our Invitation Homes career page to find open positions near you.