Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Lipson.
Abigail, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My entry into property management was accidental! And yet it’s one of the best things that has happened to me. My now-former husband had co-founded a property management company but after his business partner left, he needed operational help right away. I was in between jobs so I said I would step in until he found a replacement. Famous last words! I ended up joining the business, which we grew quickly and then sold the next year. We then unintentionally started another company when landlords reached out to us looking for our help with their rental properties. A few years after that we got divorced but continued to work together until I ultimately bought him out of the company so I could execute on my own vision – and for the last 10 years it has been my baby. As a real estate investor myself and the owner of a property management company, these have been instrumental to my well being and financial security. I’m grateful that what my ex-husband started became my legacy and the key to my success. And now, in order to pay it forward, my company SmartEgg Properties has the mission to enable women to be financially stable, successful and independent through rental property ownership. I want women to benefit from the challenges and learnings I’ve had so they too can land on their feet and thrive.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely been bumpy. Getting divorced was one of the most difficult experiences I’ve ever gone through – both emotionally and financially. Being on my own meant I had to take full charge of my financial life, which motivated me to work harder and focus on growing the business. In addition, although buying out my ex-husband from the company was the right decision, it means I no longer have a partner with complementary skills and someone to bounce ideas off of – running a business solo can be lonely and tough! I’ve also had to grow a ton as a leader/boss – making sure policies and procedures are documented so my employees are set up for success, taking extreme ownership of outcomes, and hiring the right people.
We’ve been impressed with SmartEgg Properties, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SmartEgg Properties is a residential property management company with a mission to enable women to be financially stable, successful and independent through rental property ownership. As far as I know, we’re the only property management company with this focus! We help everyone (not just women) who likes what we have to offer but particularly seek to level the playing field for women – only 30% of real estate investors are women, and women pay more for real estate and sell it for less! Our specialty area is 1-4 family homes, including condo units and many of our clients are what we call accidental investors – they didn’t buy a home as a rental; but rather turn their existing home or an inherited home into a rental.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smarteggmgmt.com/
