Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Bertolucci.
Ken, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The company was founded in 1986 to manage Condominium, Townhome, and Homeowner Associations It was a small business and mainly served the Glenview area. I bought the business in 2010 from the founder and immediately discovered that the association management industry was in need of a new approach. As we did market research to determine how to grow the business I was amazed at the amount of venom directed toward management companies. I knew we had to be different to make an impact. We focused on two key areas:
(1) Speed- responding quickly to all inquiries from homeowners, even if it was only to inform them that the we were aware of the issue and work was (for example) scheduled for next Tuesday, We discovered that a quick response reduced a huge amount of anxiety among residents and promoted confidence in management.
(2) Add value- while a management company does not affect the market price for properties, we still add value in several ways. When the residents see that issues are handled promptly, the property condition is improved each year, and the financial documents are in good order, it adds value to them since they know they are living in a well-cared for property. As third parties such contractors, realtors, and village officials have interaction with the property, they see this same orderly care and organization and know they are working with a top-notch property. This adds to the reputation and “buzz” of the Association.
This approach has resulted in a 300% growth rate since 2010 and stellar ratings from our customers. Virtually all growth has come from word of mouth.
Our team members are highly qualified, many with advanced degrees. All share our focus on service and strive to follow our company motto, “we’re on it.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The main struggle was taking the 1980-style office systems and bringing them up to current standards. We invested in new software, phone systems, computers, IT network, digital mailing system, web site, online payment system and many other areas. Every piece of original office equipment and furniture was replaced. We moved to new offices in Skokie, into a former art gallery with a cool modern vibe. This allowed a comfortable environment for our team to work and grow.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about NS Management – what should we know?
We sum it up in three words: “We’re on it.”
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The most important characteristic is that we didn’t set out to match what was already in the market. Virtually no one had worked in the Association management industry before so we had no preconceptions of how we needed to do business. This allowed us to see things in a different way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nsmanagement.net
- Phone: 847-998-0404
- Email: office@nsmanagment.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nsmanagementco/
- Yelp: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=navclient&ie=utf-8&gws_rd=ssl#q=ns+management+reviews&lrd=0x880fc63f05c16e57:0x4520b6ff8a795d8a,1,&spf=1495416311784
- Other: https://www.bbb.org/chicago/business-reviews/property-management/ns-management-in-skokie-il-90002112
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