Career view: Danielle Bayless, Quintain Living

February 1, 2021 / Keith Osborne
Career view: Danielle Bayless, Quintain Living

Danielle Bayless, chief operating officer at build-to-rent operators Quintain Living, managing approximately 2,500 homes in Wembley Park, tells us her career history and putting together the right team.

Please tell us about your latest role.

I joined the Quintain team last year and I’m loving it, it’s a fantastic opportunity to use the skills I’ve developed over more than 30 years in the multi-family sector in the US and apply them strategically to the rapidly growing UK equivalent that is the build-to-rent market. The quality of homes at Quintain Living and the execution of our neighbourhood estate, Wembley Park, is really remarkable and I’m so excited to be part of it. I actually moved from the US straight into one of Quintain Living’s buildings where I’m still living with my new puppy, Quinn. It’s been a fantastic way to integrate myself into the business, getting the full 360° experience!

What got you into property initially, and did you always have ambitions to reach this position?

Actually, I almost fell into it. I was young, waiting tables whilst taking some classes at community college and looking for something that was more structured and ‘corporate’. A friend got a job as a leasing consultant and loved it. My apartment community at the time had a vacancy so I walked downstairs and applied, not realising that I was about to begin a lifelong career in property. The rest is history! What I quickly realised was that it really did check all the boxes for me. I got to work with people, doing something that I found challenging and rewarding. It felt wonderful that I got to help people find a home. 30+ years later, I still feel that way.

Have there been any ‘life-changing’ moments and experiences which have inspired your career progress?

There have been life-changing people who have inspired my career progress. Leaders and colleagues who have demonstrated how impactful a strong work ethic, integrity, and genuine investment in people can be.

What sort of new skills have you had to acquire on the way?

Well, if I told you I was there when computers first hit the desks in our industry I’d be giving away my age, so instead I will say that the industry both in the US and the UK has evolved so much in the time I have been a part of it. As an industry, I’ve found that multi-family (and build-to-rent) has become entirely more sophisticated as well as technologically savvy, therefore requiring constant learning and evolving of skills.

Was there a lot of diversity in the industry when you started out, and has that changed much over the years?

Like many industries, I suspect there is a two-part answer to that question. At the ground level in my experience the industry has always welcomed and even championed diversity! Where that starts to become less so is at the highest levels of leadership. There are definitely still areas of opportunity, but evolution is happening right before our eyes!

How has recruiting and retaining the right staff been over the years, and particularly over the past 12 months?

Over the years, the technology-forward parts of our industry have changed the kinds of skills we are looking for in so many ways. But it is also still a place where people with the right attitude and desire to learn can build a great career. The last 12 months has certainly been a challenge in so many ways and recruiting is one area where things like video conferencing have allowed us to continue to progress. The onboarding process is where I think the real challenge lies. Making sure you have effective virtual ways to make people feel welcomed and supported through the process of becoming a true member of the team.

Can more be done to bring the right people into property/construction?

I think a large part of it is about thinking creatively when you’re looking for a certain skill set. Do people necessarily need a background in property to be able to bring brilliant value to your team? For example, exceptional customer service or project management skills can be found in so many other industries. We’ve got team members across the business with all sorts of career backgrounds – from the armed forces to luxury retail.

How will Quintain’s career opportunities develop over the next few years?

Our ambitious growth plans for Quintain Living as a management platform will ensure that there are great career paths embedded in our future – at Wembley Park and beyond. In the short term, there will likely be an increased focus on operations as we have more stabilised buildings. It becomes less about development and more about running the real estate and optimising results.

For someone ambitious in the early stage of a career in the industry – are there key things for them to do that will help them succeed?

Of course, first and foremost, make sure you are doing something that you love. Passion for what you do will get you through the rough patches! Set goals, develop your skills, and remember that knowledge and attitude are key. Lastly, seek out mentors. Not only can they be invaluable for learning, but everyone needs a champion.

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