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What do you consider to be your most important role in the WOOD Real Estate team?
The work of an Asset Manager focuses on increasing the value of managed assets—in our case, commercial properties. My role is to achieve a symbiosis between the interests of investors and those of clients or tenants. Investors expect returns, which we can achieve only if our buildings are well-managed and fully occupied by paying tenants. This means I am in constant contact with colleagues: from the leasing department, to ensure each lease contributes to the building's overall value; the project team, which implements space adjustments for clients and investment projects; and most often, with the management teams, who are on the front lines ensuring buildings operate smoothly and improving the user experience. In short, they ensure everything in the buildings works as it should. This ensures that our buildings continue to be occupied by satisfied paying tenants which ensures adequate returns for investors and increased value of managed assets.
To have fully occupied buildings, you need satisfied tenants. How do you achieve this?
In my experience, the key to tenant satisfaction is responding quickly to their needs and concerns and also bringing solutions which supports them in focusing on their core business. Whether it’s a dripping faucet or help organizing a corporate event, we are there for them. We strive to be flexible and creative in finding solutions. Often, it’s the little things that build overall satisfaction throughout the lease relationship on multiple levels.
What does a typical workday look like for you as an Asset Manager?
It involves a variety of activities. I meet with clients and spend significant time in our buildings to understand not just problems but also opportunities for improvement. If I spot any issues, I involve colleagues to resolve them. I review proposals for both potential and existing clients. With the marketing team, I help plan marketing and community activities. Sometimes, I join the project team for inspections. For more complex operational or project issues, we consult with suppliers, who provide valuable insights. I also collaborate on preparing materials for the investment team and aim to learn as much as I can about the investment side of my work. A vital part of my work life is Excel, which my auditing background helps me navigate.
The key is staying informed about the condition of our buildings and opportunities for their enhancement. But the most important thing for me is the feeling that we are all moving in the same direction for achieving our shared goals. .
How do you perceive your mission, and what motivates you?
Our work directly impacts tenant satisfaction, which in turn helps maintain and enhance the value of our buildings. It’s rewarding when a client tells me everything works perfectly, and they don’t have to worry about the details. Such feedback confirms that clients recognize our efforts and the added value we bring to their operations. We take care of the spaces, so the client can focus on their business.
From your experience, what do you see as the key to successful property management?
I see two key aspects: 1) fully occupied buildings with paying tenants and 2) the sustainable enhancement of assets. A stable and regular cash flow is fundamental. Equally important, however, is the effort to improve buildings in line with market trends, ensuring they remain attractive during a potential exit.
What role does ESG play in your work, and how is this approach reflected in your efforts?
I firmly believe that the future lies in sustainability. On our planet with limited resources, we cannot waste materials, energy, or food. European legislation already sets maximum energy consumption limits for building operations. As part of our project to reduce energy intensity, we look for financially viable investments to cut energy, water, and waste consumption, often involving the users of our buildings. Sustainable solutions benefit both us and the planet, while also increasing the attractiveness of our buildings for clients who share these values.
How do you account for environmental impacts in property management? Can you share examples of projects improving energy efficiency?
In real estate, 74 % of CO₂ emissions stem from construction, and 26 % from operation. We can influence the latter through our building management decisions. It’s important to me that every project takes into account its environmental impact and finds ways to reduce its carbon footprint. This summer, for example, we upgraded air-handling unit motors in one of our buildings, resulting in a proven reduction in their energy consumption by over 30 %. I’ve shared this experience with colleagues managing our other buildings for inspiration. I’m convinced that every change contributes to a more sustainable world.
What are the biggest challenges you face in property management?
The biggest challenge is keeping a building modern while also making it economically efficient, particularly regarding energy demands. On the one hand, we want the building to provide a high standard and comfort for users, while on the other hand, we must find ways to reduce energy and water consumption. I believe we can expect future legislative regulations on some operational parameters, such as limits on heating and cooling temperatures.
You come across as very positive and composed in your work. Is there anything that raises your blood pressure?
Unfairness and injustice are probably the first things that come to mind. I believe open and polite communication with clients and suppliers can resolve nearly all situations, and that’s what I strive to achoeve. However, if someone abuses trust or a fair approach, it can momentarily throw me off balance. I see it as a losing strategy. The Slovak market is small, and you never know whom you might encounter again in the future. Good relationships are key.
If you were to define your personal contribution to asset management, what would it be?
I believe my contribution lies in finding solutions that benefit all parties—respectfully, fairly, and with a vision of long-term sustainability. I strive to be approachable and flexible, whether it’s supporting tenants, optimizing operations, or enhancing buildings in the long term. My work allows me to seek the right balance between the economic and human aspects of asset management and provides an opportunity to focus on sustainable solutions. Only time will tell how successful I will be.
Media relations:
Marketing Specialist (SK)
Tatiana Uličná
Tel.: +421 911 020 293
E-mail: tatiana.ulicna@wood.com
