Ask the executive.

NAME: Jodi Sheahan, CPM 

TITLE: Principal

COMPANY: MEB Management Services, Phoenix

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Q: If you could hold any position on an apartment company staff other than your current position, which position would you want and why?

A: I'd want to be a Leasing Connections (MEB Call Center) team member. I'd be able to have first contact with prospective residents and serve them with fewer distractions than I do in my current position. The team also has incredible energy, focus and commitment, not to mention a great leader who provides snacks, organizes contests and decorates the office for the different seasons and special occasions. I would need to practice speaking in a quieter voice--I don't always use my 'inside voice' in the office.

Q: What industry-related topics are you tired of hearing about?

A: I'm tired of hearing that buying a home is the American Dream. We heard this before the current economic crisis and we are hearing it again from Realtors who are attempting to sell foreclosed homes and other properties currently on the market. I lived in rental housing for a large part of my life and believe that the government should extend to renters the same tax benefits, credit-building benefits and respect as it does to people who own homes. I often consider how much simpler life would be if my husband and I didn't have the responsibility of maintaining a home. When my refrigerator stopped cooling last month, I had to spend an entire day trying to schedule a repair for when I could be home. If I were still renting, I could have placed a work order that could have been conveniently completed without my having to be present.