"This Is Me: Leading with Integrity and Learning from Experience" Sharing his thoughts, our Property Management Team Lead Mitch Ellicock reflects on his journey and the principles that guide him: I lead my team with a straightforward mission: to provide genuine, reliable service that reflects the respect and responsibility we owe to both property owners and tenants. As the team leader at Impression Real Estate, I’m dedicated to us setting the standard—and my team being at the forefront of those in the field. Property management is about more than just handling assets; it's about ensuring people feel secure, respected, and heard, whether they own the property or call it home. My approach to property management is rooted in experience. Years ago, I was on the other side of things—a young tenant renting from a well-known company in Wellington. The landlord, difficult and overbearing, often overshadowed the property manager, leaving us as tenants caught in the middle. The house was in disrepair, and many of our concerns went ignored. When we gave notice, we were asked to repaint the entire flat to secure our bond. With my background as a painter, we put in a full weekend’s work, only to be told our bond would still be withheld due to pre-existing issues, like rotten floorboards. We were young, naive, and felt we had no choice but to accept it—after all, this was an experienced landlord and a reputable property management company. They must know what they’re talking about, right? Looking back, I realize how much that situation influenced my approach to property management. Tenants need to feel informed, protected, and treated fairly. I know now how easily a tenant’s lack of knowledge or experience can be taken advantage of, and that’s something I’m committed to never allowing on my watch. Today, with four years in the industry and a NCEA Level 4 certificate in Property Management, I bring my knowledge and experience to support both our clients and our tenants. Most importantly, as a leader, I aim to be there for my team, mentoring them to be the kind of property managers who don’t overlook their duty to tenants & landlords, who make clear and fair decisions, and who act with integrity. It’s essential to me that my team understands that we’re not just here to serve property owners but also to ensure tenants have a positive, safe living experience – because in the end happy tenants and happy landlords go hand in hand – this is not a one or the other industry. At Impression Real Estate, I’ve found a company that aligns with my values, particularly our commitment to supporting the community. One of the highlights of my career was organizing a charity golf event that raised over $20,000 for I AM Hope and Gumboot Friday. I’m proud to be part of a team that values meaningful contributions to the community and constantly strives to make a difference. For me, property management isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building trust, staying proactive, and setting a positive example in the industry. I’m here to raise the standard, create lasting relationships, and make property management a field people can rely on, trust and respect. I’ll leave you with my favourite word, empathy – don’t use it sparingly.