As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the U.S., the largest metropolitan areas, such as New York City, have faced no shortage of challenges with high population densities and a widespread number of cases.
While many parts of everyday life, from shopping at local businesses to riding public transportation, have come to a halt, Javier Lezamiz, Account Director for Cushman & Wakefield’s Tri-State Asset Services group, is considered an essential employee. As property managers, Javier and his team are on the frontlines protecting our clients’ assets during this time of great uncertainty and volatility.
Javier’s team manages roughly 2,600 residential units and a hotel in the Upper East and West sides for a key healthcare client. These residences and the hotel are home to more than 10,000 residents, majority of whom are frontline doctors, nurses, hospital executives and healthcare administration professionals who are working 24/7 to help patients and fight COVID-19.
Tenant service has taken on a whole new meaning as the number of routine requests has skyrocketed from confined family members of medical personnel, more frequent cleaning procedures are implemented and communicating with tenants is increasingly important.
To protect themselves while working onsite, the property management team has taken enhanced safety precautions, including wearing personal protection equipment such as gloves, face masks and face shields, as well as practicing social distancing.
“We have 165 people on our team who are putting on a brave face and coming into work from all over the city, even at odd hours, and working overtime to maintain critical building operations and services,” Javier says. “Our commitment to going above and beyond truly resonates with our tenants who are doing the exact same thing and provides a positive, constant presence for them and for our client.”
As a leader, Javier has made himself visible to his team, showing them he’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and work, chain of command aside. General Manager Scott Severs, along with property managers John Sutherland, Joe Abatiello, Nick DeBiasio, Augi Yi, Diana Achmiz and Jennifer Blanco, have provided steady leadership and have helped the team continue to deliver exceptional service, especially now when it’s needed most.
“In this unprecedented time, this is where we as Cushman & Wakefield have an opportunity to showcase our best and set ourselves apart from other firms,” Javier says. “Our clients will have a newfound respect for us as we rise to the occasion and remain calm and collected to navigate them through this challenging environment.”
