Field Notes: A Glimpse into Industrial Property Management with Nicole Ladisa

At BKM, our property managers are the face of our mission—dedicated, service-oriented, and essential to our success. In our Field Notes series, we profile the professionals who bring that mission to life every day. This time, we sat down with Nicole, one of our standout Senior Property Managers in our newest Florida Office, to learn what drives her, how she connects with tenants, and how she sees the future of property management evolving.

Download the PDF interview here.

Nicole Ladisa

📍 Orlando, FL

1 team member

1 park | 40 tenants | 490,140 SF

With BKM since June 2025

What made you want to become a property manager in the first place?

N: Property management is something most of us who are in it fall into unexpectedly. I grew up in Wisconsin, where my family ran restaurants and even built a retail center. For several years, I managed a Culver’s franchise with 125 employees, handling everything from hiring and firing to maintenance. When I moved to Florida, I worked in brokerage and a broker friend eventually suggested property management, since I was already managing people and operations. I started at Foundry as an assistant, learned the ropes, and with the right mentorship grew to love the role.

Why do you think BKM stands out in the property management space?

N: The onboarding process was impressive. Our Director of Property Management personally delivered my laptop and iPad, HR had my first week fully scheduled, and there was a detailed Property Management Handbook—something I’ve never had at other companies. In the past, I’ve had to create my own processes and procedures, but BKM has it all for us right in the beginning.

In addition, the bright exterior colors of our properties make BKM really stand out from the normal muted monotone blues and grays—we really take it up a notch. The systems, resources, look and culture of follow-through set BKM apart from the rest.

What is your favorite part about the job?

N: No two days are the same. I’d get bored staring at numbers all day, but here, I get variety—budgets one day, tenant issues the next. It keeps me learning and engaged, which I value a lot. Every day the different responsibilities keep my mind going and fresh.

How do you build meaningful connections with your customers?

N: I stick to the golden rule—treat people the way you’d want to be treated. Even when tenants are upset, I respond with honesty, patience, and respect. That approach builds trust and stronger relationships. I think a lot of people have lost that mindset to just be a good person. It’s very simple.

How can customers use you as a resource?

N: I tell tenants to come to me for anything. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it. With years of experience and industry connections through BOMA, I can usually connect them with the right vendors or resources. Some tenants tell me, ‘I don’t want to burden you,’ but please do, it’s my job!

What are some of the challenges you face, and how do you overcome them?

N: Early on, the accounting side was tough, but I’ve grown to enjoy it. The bigger challenge has been managing different personalities—tenants, coworkers, and team members. I’ve had to develop more patience and empathy, which makes a big difference. Not everyone is you—everyone has their own ways of communicating and operating, and I’ve had to adapt and learn over time. I take the lessons I’ve learned and apply them to situations I face as a property manager. It’s not as easy as people think!

How does BKM support its PMs in delivering exceptional service?

N: The leadership here really walks the talk. My colleagues check in often and follow through on their offers to help. They don’t just say it – they follow through. And like I’ve said earlier, BKM’s tools—like the Property Management Handbook and detailed process guides—are far ahead of what I’ve seen elsewhere.

What trends are you noticing in the industry, and how is it affecting your role?

N: Small bay industrial is in high demand, especially in Florida. Since COVID, properties lease up fast and attract diverse tenants—from companies producing Universal Studios merchandise to innovators developing electric lawnmowers. It keeps things exciting and shows how strong this market segment is.

What is some innovation you would like to see in your field in the near future?

N: BKM is already leading with AI, whether it’s generating lease abstracts or helping with complex budgets. I’d love to see even more applied technology—tools that make processes faster and more accurate while freeing us to focus on the personal side of property management.