It’s been one year! In February 2020, my family and I decided to start a new adventure. The day after my daughter’s 17th birthday, I packed a couple of bags and started the drive to Southern California to start a new role with a new organization. Goodbye Texas.

I arrive in Phoenix, Arizona on March 2nd and checked in for my first day with JLL. I spend a week with Jennifer Russo, a peer who helps me with org charts, portfolio summary, tech access. This is one of the best onboarding experiences I’ve had with an organization–usually it’s sink or swim. I am back on the road on March 6th leaving Phoenix headed to Los Angeles.

The plan is simple. I will arrive in Los Angeles and I will stay with my brother until the school year ends in San Antonio, TX at which point my family will join me in Southern California. I will stay with my brother three months tops–my family and I will be in our new home by the end of May.

Shortly after arriving in Southern California, Los Angeles went into lockdown and the rest of California followed shortly. There was uncertainty in the real estate market–inventory was tight and I found myself chasing after houses in the little inventory that was left. When I found a house that met our needs it was off the market by the time we reached out. When we finally found a house we discovered a new protracted funding process–financial institutions were nervous because of layoffs and furloughs.

I was introduced to my my new team. I am so lucky to have such a talented team–knowledgeable and professional. I was prepared to implement my 90 day routine that consists of observation, notes, learning, SWOT analysis, and formulating a plan. That all went out the window as the team and I adjusted to the reality that everyone was learning to deal with the pandemic.

We found ourselves implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, sourcing masks, disinfectant spray and wipes, ordering signage, and staying abreast of changing CDC recommendations. Also important, I was trying to keep the team from burning out.

I was nervous when the end of April approached. The movers were scheduled with no place to go. The family was heading out the following month. We scrambled–my brother let me stay with him longer, my in-laws took in my wife and kids (in Arizona).

We found a house, made an offer, it was accepted and we were looking forward to closing in early June.

I made tactical and incremental changes at work–small wins. The team and I analyzed data behind some pain points and monitored for improvement. I hosted my first quarterly business review. The team managed to meet targets, deadlines, and anticipated what was around the corner. All actions that positively affected the customer experience.

The close was extended and I had to divert the movers to a month-to-month storage space.

In July, I was preparing my second quarterly business review while finalizing the close, scheduling movers to pick up and move our belongings from storage to our new home. The agent met me to give me the keys, I prepared the house–made sure utilities were on. The family arrived. I hadn’t seen the kids since February 29th (it was a leap year). While the kids explored the house, I took off to the office to present the quarterly business review.

Schools were closed to in person class when the school year started. My kids attended class via Zoom. Because we tend to relocate every three to four years, our kids are adept at going to new schools and making friends. This year they learned to make new friends online and cultivate those relationships. My introverted son seemed fine, but my extroverted daughters had a difficult time.

We are fortunate that my wife jumped into action to help our daughters manage the challenges of isolation.

What a year! March 2nd is my one year anniversary with JLL and I love it here!