Leading with Integrity: Mick Hix’s Rise in the Multifamily Industry

From starting out in education to becoming the Vice President of Property Management at Northwood Ravin, Mick Hix’s journey in the multifamily industry is a story of hard work, dedication, and learning. With his family involved in luxury hospitality, resort management, and property development, Mick’s career path is both inspiring and insightful.

A Change in Career Path

Mick's move into the multifamily industry wasn’t planned from the start. “After six years of being in education, I decided that was not the career I wanted to pursue,” he shares. Growing up, his mother worked in luxury hospitality and his father was involved in property development. This exposure to property management from a young age paved the way for his shift from education to managing a small 220-unit community in Henderson, Kentucky, in 2004. "The rest is history," Mick says, looking back on his career change.

Key Lessons Learned

Mick's growth in his career is based on a few core principles. “Work the hardest, be honest, focus on the details, show your teams and co-workers that you really care about them as humans, and always be nice to everyone,” he advises. One piece of advice from his father has stayed with him: "Be careful whose toes you step on today, as they may be attached to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow." This straightforward wisdom has guided his interactions and decisions throughout his career.

Mentorship and Influence

Mentors have played a big role in Mick's journey. He mentions several key people who have influenced his approach to property management:

• Jason Loftis, former President of Hercules Living, who showed the importance of being approachable, putting people first, and keeping everyone aligned with the company’s vision.
• David Ravin, President and CEO of Northwood Ravin, who encouraged creative thinking and adaptability. “David motivates me to continually try to improve and think creatively,” Mick shares.
• Courtney Duffy, Senior Vice President – Asset Management at Northwood Ravin, whose financial skills and strategic insights boosted Mick’s confidence in financial matters.

Leadership and Responsibilities

As Vice President of Property Management, Mick’s responsibilities are varied. "First and foremost is making sure that our people feel heard, supported, and secure in their roles," he says. His focus areas include launching a new manager training program, implementing an employee awards and recognition program, ensuring consistent community standards, and overseeing lease-up projects.

Mick’s leadership style is about clarity, trust, and empowerment. “Everyone needs a very clear understanding of our purpose, vision, and values,” he explains. Building trust and creating an environment where team members feel valued and empowered are crucial. “If you create an environment for people to thrive and provide them with the tools to thrive, they will,” Mick believes.

Facing Challenges

The multifamily industry has its challenges. Mick points out that an oversupply in many markets drives rents and occupancy lower. To deal with this, Northwood Ravin uses creative strategies, such as working with social media influencers and using AI bots to engage with prospective renters. However, Mick stresses that “excellent customer service, building a sense of community for our residents, and providing top-tier amenities are still our bread and butter.”

Embracing Technology

Technology is changing property management, and Mick is leading the way in this shift. He mentions AI and machine learning as big trends, with uses like predictive maintenance and business intelligence platforms. While technology helps with efficiency, Mick believes that human interaction is still key. "Technology makes the site teams much more efficient, but I am not a believer that technology will replace human interaction anytime soon," he says.

Personal Growth and Balance

Mick is committed to continuous learning. He uses travel time to listen to podcasts, webinars, and e-books, always looking to expand his knowledge. Balancing work and personal life, Mick enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching sports, and exploring nature, whether on the water or in the mountains.

Advice for New Leaders

For those looking to make a big impact in the multifamily industry, Mick offers practical advice: “Never allow yourself to be outworked, take care of those around you, have integrity in everything you do, and treat everyone with kindness and respect.” This philosophy has driven his success and continues to guide his leadership at Northwood Ravin.

In short, Mick Hix’s career is a story of hard work, mentorship, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to his team and residents. His journey from education to the top levels of property management is an inspiring example for new leaders in the multifamily industry.