Welcome to Uptown 550, where community and comfort come together in the heart of Charlotte, NC. As the Community Manager, Payton Welch Cantu brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hospitality to create an exceptional living experience for all residents. Discover Payton’s journey from hospitality to property management, and learn what makes Uptown 550 a special place to call home.
What Inspired a Career in Property Management?
My passion for hospitality has always been a driving force in my career. Starting in hotels, I gained a strong foundation in customer service, operations, and problem-solving. However, the transient nature of hotel guests left me yearning for more long-term relationships. Property management offered the perfect opportunity to build lasting connections with residents and make a meaningful impact in their lives. Creating a comfortable, well-maintained space that people can call home for years to come is incredibly fulfilling.
A Day in the Life at Uptown 550
A typical day at Uptown 550 is dynamic and keeps me on my toes! It starts at our barista bar, where I check in with residents over morning drinks, resolving maintenance issues, offering community updates, and ensuring their needs are met. This open line of communication is something I truly enjoy.
Next, I lead our team’s daily meeting, collaborating with the concierge team to ensure resident services run smoothly and working with the maintenance team to address work orders promptly. The best part is working with my stellar team – everyone plays a key role in keeping things running seamlessly. We support each other, share feedback, and work together to create an exceptional living experience for our residents.
The Rewards of Property Management
The most rewarding part of my job is building relationships with residents and team members. Watching my career grow from the concierge team to property manager, with the support of my biggest cheerleaders, has been incredibly fulfilling.
Engaging with the Community at Uptown 550
My favorite way to engage with residents is through our summer pool events. Creating a fun atmosphere for residents to enjoy with their friends and family is something I love.
Essential Skills for Property Management
Empathy and determination are essential qualities for a community manager. With 427 homes on site, my job is to create a comfortable environment for everyone. From offering vegan options at events to creating a safe space for residents to share feedback, it’s all about making our mini city feel like home.
Advice for Aspiring Property Managers
Always remember that we work where people live. A home is a crucial part of their daily lives, impacting them in many ways. We’re in the business of creating new beginnings, helping people make new friends, and building lasting communities. Lead each day with empathy and determination, striving to make your community a place where people never want to leave because it feels like home.
Personal Interests
In my free time, I love to travel with my husband and our dog, Kona. We visit my parents in the mountains and enjoy hosting game nights with friends and trying local restaurants.
What Makes Uptown 550 Special
Uptown 550 holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I met my husband, hosted my engagement party, learned we were expecting our little one, and where we’ll bring our daughter home from the hospital. The residents here truly feel like family, celebrating my milestones just as much as I celebrate theirs. The sense of community in this building is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.