Jessie Smith: Celebrating Five Years of Excellence at Cardinal Group

At Cardinal, our culture embodies many different elements: it’s about improving as a team while having fun growing together both personally and professionally. Our team members are the heart and soul of our culture! We are so grateful for the efforts our team members put in daily to go the extra mile to help change the industry and challenge the status quo.

Today we’re celebrating Jessie Smith and her dedicated years of service to the growth of our team over the last five years.

Learn more about Jessie’s journey below!

What is your role?

I am a Systems Specialist with IT & Data.

Describe your Cardinal Journey (roles you previously worked in before your current position)

My Cardinal journey began during a company transition in my fifth year in the industry. I was fortunate to have exceptional mentors, Joshua Johnson and Courtney Richardson, who guided me and our team through the most demanding turn. I spent six years as an ACM at Locale. I still consider Locale to be my home base! Following a brief stint as an Area Manager on the Capstone team, I joined Business Development in 2022 to contribute to due diligence efforts. Ultimately, I found my spot on the Systems team at the very beginning of 2023. Some on our team joke that the IT & Data team is the retirement community of Cardinal. I get it because I totally never want to leave.

How did you decide to join the Cardinal team?

Honestly, I didn’t. The transition of our community is what brought me to Cardinal. I was nervous, to say the least. So much so that I thought heavily of leaving, but I am so glad I stayed on!

What’s the most significant lesson you’ve learned in your time at Cardinal?

Cardinal Core Value #5 & 10: Embrace Change and New Ideas. I personally used to be very stuck in my ways. I was dismissive, thought I knew better, and frankly, I didn’t. Embracing change often brings new possibilities that you might not have considered before. Being able to embrace change is absolutely necessary to grow.

What do you find most exciting about your job? Most challenging?

I think the most exciting part of being on the systems team is that you are able to help everyone in the company. Over time you learn everyone’s name, but not faces. (Low key this is a push to have everyone upload a picture to OneLogin and SolarWinds, k thanks LOL). I think the most challenging part is trying to sleuth out an issue from a ticket that has hardly any context. The more you can give us, the better!

If you could choose one word to describe your time at Cardinal, what would it be and why?

Lifechanging. (It’s one word if I don’t use a space right? ) But it is true! Five years ago I would have probably scoffed at myself. But truly I do not foresee myself leaving Cardinal. It’s the people that give this company so much life. I just couldn’t leave the great people here with how much they have impacted my life personally. It’s my last maintenance team taking their personal time to help me hang an exterior door at my home. Unexpectedly receiving flowers from multiple team members as I hit some of my lowest lows. Or even being WAY too excited to see friends at the Leadership Summit each year. It is the people that make Cardinal, Cardinal.

Who has been influential in your life (professionally or personally), and how have they helped guide you?

I would have to say my husband, Edward. He is my biggest cheerleader. He’s always believed in me and pushed me to reach for bigger things. I’m so lucky to have someone who not only supports my goals but also offers fresh perspectives that help me grow.

What’s something people may not know about you?

I am way too clumsy. I have broken 18 bones in my lifetime and had seven surgeries.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

Obstacles are growth opportunities. Learn from your mistakes and setbacks. I would also say give yourself grace. You won’t know everything even ten years down the road.

What is your proudest moment working at Cardinal Group?

Watching past team members be nominated/win awards and Leadership Summit or watching team members be promoted. It genuinely warms my heart.

What is your biggest motivator?

My biggest motivation is my husband and pets. Everything I do is for them!

What has been the most interesting change you’ve seen in the industry, and why?

It has been a minute, but the change from paper leases and applications to completely online leases, apps, and lease files was mind-blowing. The amount of time saved from this change is insane.

What is your favorite college town in America, and why?

It has to be Allendale of course. Some of the best Cardinal employees have come from the Allendale area, although I may be a bit biased.

Are you ready to start your Cardinal Journey?

See our open opportunities