David LaGue

Yardi

By Anca Gagiuc on Feb 26, 2013 in People | 5 Comments

They call him “Levity”.

With his playful and competent manner, David LaGue is known for bringing fun and tranquility to Yardi Global Solutions clients and colleagues. He knows there is nothing clever about being unhappy, and watching him in the middle of his team, you see they’re a clever group; the nickname suits him perfectly.

A former CSD manager based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, David joined Yardi eight years ago as an account manager in Client Services at the company headquarters in Santa Barbara. Initially, his focus was the large mixed portfolio of residential and commercial clients. He next moved to Yardi’s military housing product as a team lead and later as manager.

Having looked after teams in Santa Barbara, Atlanta and Pune, David was a natural fit for the leadership role when it came time to open a Client Services team in Romania to provide support for Yardi’s European commercial clients.

“I was ready for a new challenge professionally; in addition I had a personal interest to experience living and working in another country. And given that I had the full support of the Santa Barbara and European leadership team, the decision was easy.”

In just over two years, the team that started with eight support specialists now numbers 43 members and continues to grow.

With a Bachelor’s Degree from St. Olaf College where he studied Liberal Arts and Mathematics, David has continued to expand his market knowledge since landing in Romania. Although the initial plan was for him to leave Transylvania after one year, the amount of success and two ancillary services (help desk and data guardian) kept him here for longer. His focus these days is on the needs of Yardi’s European clients, leadership and escalations support, and project management planning.

With a passion for travel and learning about new places, David is currently giving the Romanian language another chance, in a levity way. In his spare time you will find him skiing in Austria, playing football with people from work, and occasionally dancing. Yoga and meditation keep him balanced and every now and then likes to feel the city as a pedestrian.

He’s no stranger to community service, having done the Day of Caring for several years while living in the U.S., as well as doing reiki work at the Breast Cancer Research Center with people who were going through treatment. He’s also worked with people experiencing grief.

“I like helping people, and not just on a professional level, I get satisfaction just by doing it.”

Learn more about David:

What is your favorite book of all time and why?

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Why? Of all books I have read, this book probably had the biggest impact on the quality of my life. I love the simplicity and power of the message.

If you have an hour of free time to spare, what do you do with it?

It varies based on what is most compelling at the moment. It could be completing a few chores, reading, connecting with a loved one, going for a walk, doing a short workout, meditating, taking a nap, clearing out my inbox, watching the sunset, etc.

What kinds of food do you like?

I feel fortunate to live during this time as there is such a large variety of ethnic flavors and dishes so readily available; Thai, Indian, Mexican, and Italian dishes are some of my favorites.

What do you like best about your job?

To be able to contribute. Not only to the success of the company and satisfaction of our clients, but also to the professional and personal development of others. 

If you could have dinner with anyone, alive or historical, who would it be?

My dad. He died when I was 12. I would love to spend a few hours with him; first, just to be with him and second, to share some of our life perspectives and experiences.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I am still not sure what it means to ‘grow up’?  I have a young and playful spirit – and this will not change. And if I am already satisfied with who I am being in the world and living the way I choose – is there anything else?

If you could own one piece of famous art, sculpture, memorabilia or historic artifact, what would the item be?

If I were to own any of these things, I would share it with the world. I have been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and loved the collection of paintings.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Omnipresence.

What’s something about you that few people know?

I work with people as a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist® based on The Grief Recovery Method® (www.griefrecoverymethod.com).

Since a new year has just began, what do you have planned for 2013?

World peace.