Thank You and Best of Luck, Paul!

Paul is one of the longest standing employees at Mac Properties in St. Louis since we entered the market just shy of two years ago. He has made an impact on leasing, resident services, and many other facets of the company during his time here. As you will learn about him in this Q&A, Paul is passionate about real estate and has decided to take his career on a full-time path in this direction. We want to thank him for the time he spent with us and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors!

How long have you been an employee at Mac?
20 Months

What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m honestly kind of obsessed with real estate. You might find me driving through a random neighborhood or looking at new listings online. My friends think I’m crazy because I’m always looking for that hidden gem. While I don’t have the latest and greatest camera, I’m a fan of photography and I particularly like to take photos of nature and different places that I visit. As a kid, I traveled a lot, so I’m usually busy planning my next adventure. Currently, I’m excited to check out Hong Kong and Japan early next year. I like all different kinds of music, one minute I might be listening to some hip hop and next I’m jamming to some classic rock. I’m trying to become a better cook, I like the idea of eating out, just not paying for it, so I figure if I can learn to cook, I will be happier. We all say we are trying to get back in shape and I am no different, I’ve run two half-marathons and was a four-sport athlete in high school, however, these days I’m just trying to dominate at intramural volleyball. I’m a fool of a dancer and it doesn’t bother me one bit, life is too short not to dance like nobody is watching. On Sunday nights during the school year, I volunteer as an alumni advisor for my fraternity at the University of Missouri – St. Louis. When I’m trying to be more anti-social, I enjoy watching a new show on Netflix, rooting for my Michigan sports teams (Lions, Tigers, and Go Blue!), or reading up on the latest news regarding space, which is my nerd guilty pleasure.

What do you enjoy most about working at Mac?
The people are what makes the properties. There are so many different types of people I have met working here, some I’ve had the chance to develop friendships with, which you don’t get the chance to do in every job. My biggest regret is not playing more pranks on my co-workers =)

What is your favorite Mac Apartment and why?
When I started at Mac Properties, I worked at the Montclair on the Park as a leasing consultant. The building was in bad shape and now I am completely in awe of how much better it looks after the renovations have been completed. I look at Montclair and see a past, glorious life it once had and a new life it is now starting.

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Outgoing. Jokester. Dog Lover.

What’s your biggest strength?
I’m always optimistic

What’s your biggest weakness?
I’m a bad listener

Tell me about one of your favorite memories in St. Louis.
I live in Soulard and every February, the neighborhood hosts the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. Between the parade, beads, food, and music, it’s a great time!

What attracts you to STL?
My mom’s side of the family is all from St. Louis. My mother grew up near Dogtown and I see where she started and how far she has come. It gives me confidence every day that I can make it. A lot of people look at St. Louis as a “fly-over” city, nothing could be farther from the truth. With a low cost of living and great public amenities, St. Louis is a great place to call home. What I personally like most about the city is how many different neighborhoods we have and all the amazing food choices from Italian cuisine on The Hill, all the BBQ joints, and of course, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Tell us something interesting about your personal life, or charity work.

I’ve struggled with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) my entire life. My life goal has been turning this weakness into my strength. I’ve visited three continents. I’ve climbed up to Machu Picchu and hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Before living in St. Louis, I was in San Diego, California, where I helped start an internet marketing company. I started a fan group for my hometown, it has over 4,300 members. As a teenager during the summers, I was a camp counselor and lived three hours from home. I taught Nature Appreciation and Survival Education. I was an AmeriCorps Education Award Scholar during college.

What would you like to promote or let residents know? Share as many details as possible!
Really take advantage of all the free events and amenities St. Louis has to offer. Most of you live within walking distance of Forest Park, which was voted as the best park in the country. The St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, The Muny, and the St. Louis Zoo inside the park offer free general admission.

What would you say to someone looking to live in this area
St. Louis has something for everyone, come see for yourself.

…and just for fun…baby pictures!!