A Rising Star

Pettit Recognized by MFE

By Leah Etling on Sep 19, 2013 in People | 2 Comments

Billy Pettit, senior vice president of Seattle’s Pillar Properties, has been named 2013 Rising Star of the Year by a major multi-family trade publication, Multifamily Executive.

Pettit’s aggressive rebranding of Pillar’s marketing strategy and strong leadership of the company, a division of R.D. Merrill Co., helped earn him the award. A passionate and creative visionary who was recruited to join the company by his father, President Bill Pettit, he embraces a hands-on approach to development and technology and is eager to try new things.

Back in December, Pettit gave us great insight into his approach and willingness to try out new technologies in an exclusive interview. Here  is an excerpt:

Pillar’s five apartment communities implemented Yardi Voyager earlier this year, as well as mobile applications for inspections, maintenance, invoice approval and resident services. Yardi Leasing Pad allows on-site leasing agents to be able to sign prospects anytime, anywhere. Pillar leasing staff members tested Leasing Pad at two properties. One, The Lyric on Capitol Hill, is a brand new community undergoing the lease-up process.

 

“Our mobile vision is empowering our team members so that they don’t have to sit behind a desk any longer. They can take care of just about anything they need to do at any location throughout our buildings, whether it’s the leasing staff, the maintenance staff, or me as a manager,” Pettit explained.

 

In practice, Leasing Pad meant that with an iPad as the only necessary tool, agents could execute a lease in the apartment unit the prospect selected, on the rooftop deck with beautiful views of the Seattle skyline and Mt. Rainier, or even down the street.

 

“They were beyond excited about the ability to meet with the prospect at a local coffee shop, or meet with a prospect for lunch. This allowed them to get outside of the construction zone and take care of all the workflow for the leasing process in a much more friendly environment for the prospect,” Pettit noted.

 

He sees the leasing process for new construction as a perfect opportunity for Leasing Pad to be put to widespread and effective use. Pillar Properties is bringing four new apartment communities to market in 2013, so there will be plenty of opportunities to use a mobile option during lease-up.

 

Read the rest of the interview here: http://www.yardi.com/blog/technology/leasing-pad-in-action/4457.html

Yardi recognizes Billy Pettit for this prestigious honor. Congratulations!