With this in mind, Tracy Hill focused on the maintenance side of the housing industry, founding Property Specialists, Inc. in 1975 as a painting company which later morphed into one of the regions first residential property management firms. Paying homage to his family’s history, Tracy grew PSI into a firm synonymous with superior services for communities currently under construction as well as established mature communities. Tracy applied the same fundamental beliefs of customer service to grow his boutique firm of under 10 communities in its first year, to over 250 communities today, many of which have been with PSI from the time shovels met dirt.
Just as his father and brother were nationally recognized through their trade association, Tracy was a fixture of CAI from its onset. PSI has been a proud member of CAI for over 30 years, even reaching the level of Accredited Association Management Company (AACM) since 2001, the highest and most prestigious designation afforded to a management company. Those of us who have been in CAI for some time have most likely sat in on a lecture, continuing education forum or discussion panel featuring Tracy at the annual trade show. Recognized throughout the industry, Tracy has had the distinction of serving on the Board of Directors for CAI, Illinois Chapter; President of the Multi-Family Housing Council of Illinois; President of the Apartment & Condominium Council of Greater Chicago; National Director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); member of the NAHB Multi-Family Mortgage Finance Committee; President of the NAHB RAM Board of Governors; State Director of the Home Builders Association of Illinois; and Multi-Term President of the Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago (founded by his father). In 2001 Tracy was appointed by Illinois Governor George Ryan to the Joint Energy Advisory Commission where he reviewed proposed legislation for setting residential and commercial industry standards. Few individuals are as well regarded across differing industries and trades as was Tracy.
In business, Tracy took on the role of mentor to not only his staff, but his clients as well. It was his firm belief that an educated member of the team who understands not just the practice but the reasoning behind method is far more valuable of a team player than someone who simply regurgitates information. This led Tracy and I to develop our Board member training classes and orientation program. Under Tracy’s leadership PSI pre-dated even CAI in offering educational opportunities for our clients to learn and understand not only their roles and responsibilities as member of the Board, but more importantly to better understand all the work that we as the management firm do to maintain and increase the values of the homes within the Association. Tracy encouraged his employees to expand their knowledge of the industry and share experiences to help each other grow.
While Tracy always fashioned himself as a revolutionary thinker, he never leapt right in without spending considerable time researching and analyzing the different variables and potential outcomes. Whether it was bringing a new database management system to the Midwest, upgrading software services or bidding a new property, Tracy was always well researched and prepared for anything. He often knew the questions potential clients wanted to ask of us before they even did. But that was
Tracy. While he wanted to lead the industry with progress and forward thinking, he always made sure his clients, staff and company as a whole were well protected and cared for. Everything he did, every step or method he would implement was designed to benefit our clients. People always came first.
With Tracy it wasn’t always about the bottom dollar, but about bettering people and putting families first. He saw us as a second family, one he loved and cared for as much as his own. It was his guidance and encouragement that propelled me towards obtaining my PCAM, an honor for which I will always be proud. He pushed each of us to realize our own potential, and helped many of us find our way in the industry. While he strived for excellence in his company, he led by example obtaining the PCAM designation himself. Tracy would often say, with his subtle smile, known by his friends, “If I can do it, then what’s your excuse?”
In June 2012, Mr. Hill was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He stepped down as President of the company he founded, and passed on the biggest shoes for me to fill. Sadly, he passed on less than six months later. While Tracy never wanted to be in his father’s shadow, he unknowingly left a very warm shadow in which all of us could grow. If Tracy were still with us today, he would probably blush and shy away from reading such an emotional testament to his life and impact on our industry. He didn’t do what he did for self-glorification. He preferred to see his protégés succeed in life; something all of us at PSI strive to do in his honor.
Employees and colleagues of Mr. Hill all deeply respected him. We at PSI feel that the greatest tribute we can bestow on our founder is to continue on with his high level of professionalism and customer service.
| 29
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64