Get to Know our Employees

At Cardinal we believe we have the most well-trained, experienced professionals that care about the communities they serve. Each month we’ll feature one of our awesome team members in our Employee Spotlight. Today, get to know Mike LoVerde, Business Development/Community Manager.

Tell us about your role and your primary responsibilities.

I have two roles at Cardinal Management Group. I am a portfolio manager for 14 communities throughout Collier and Lee County. I also assist with all matters related to marketing and business development.

How did you first learn about Cardinal and how did that impact your desire to want to work here?

When I first moved to Florida in 2017, my parents were neighbors with one of the portfolio managers at the time. He had mentioned to them that Cardinal Management was looking for Administrative Assistants. My background is in customer service and property management, so I knew the job requirements were in my area of experience. I applied for the job was later hired as an Administrative Assistant to another community manager.

After my first interview and learning more about the company, I was very hopeful that I would be hired. Not only is this field familiar to me, but I saw the teamwork and camaraderie amongst the staff. I most definitely wanted to be a part of that. 

Cardinal is a family-oriented company, how does working here allow you to balance your career and family life?

Senior management has always emphasized the importance of family and has done a great job at making sure all staff members get to spend time with theirs. Providing ample time off during the holidays and being flexible with work schedules if a family emergency comes up; Cardinal Management treats their employees like people and not numbers. I have worked for many different companies throughout my career, this level of humility is very rare!

What do you find most challenging about your role/position?

Multi-tasking different complex projects can be very challenging. You must be very organized and prepared for any possible scenario. Nothing is predictable in this industry!

How has Cardinal helped you with your career development and name three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

Cardinal has always provided me with opportunities to advance in my career. I started with the company as an Administrative Assistant; just 3 years later, I have my own portfolio and hold a position on the Leadership Team. Through hard work and dedication, I have been able to quickly develop my career into something I can be proud of.

Three lessons I have learned:

1. Never be afraid to ask for help.

2. Never be afraid to admit you’ve made a mistake.

3. Always try to do more than what is asked, it will never go unnoticed!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you and why?

Adrian Brody. We have the same nose and eyes. He is much taller than me though.

Name one fun or unlikely thing people may not know about Cardinal but should.

Everyone in the office has candy stashed somewhere!

Do you have any tips for someone that may be looking to get into the community management industry?

Never say no, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Take on any task or role you can to showcase your abilities. Even if you do not succeed, you will learn something about yourself and/or the industry. The best teacher in the world is experience, make sure you show up to class!