We had the good fortune of connecting with Dean Sherry and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dean, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was in business with a partner and the company was successful for several years… until we came to a crossroads in which direction to take the company. My partner believed in volume of clients across the property management industry, and I wanted a more targeted approach based on the quality of clients. I decided to take the knowledge I had gained and start my own property management company and have never looked back…
What should our readers know about your business?
I own and operate a property management business in Los Angeles and the biggest challenge I face is keeping both my client’s while serving the tenants needs/issues and those two things are not mutually exclusive and intertwined in my success. Maximizing profits for the landlords while minimize risk for the tenants – – it’s a delicate balancing act …
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was coming into town for a long weekend, here is the itinerary I’d put together for him…
First stop, Malibu. After spending the day exploring, swimming and relaxing at Zuma / Point Dume State Beach, I’d take my friend to the Malibu Country Mart to shop for some beachwear and then have dinner at Taverna Tony’s – an old-style Greek restaurant that is, by far, one of the most unique and fun dining experiences one can have in Los Angeles.
The next day, we’d drive Sunset Blvd east through the palisades and stop at Will Rogers State Park to hike some trails, have a picnic and catch a game of polo at LA’s last remaining polo field. Afterwards, we’d continue on Sunset and then take Rodeo Dr into downtown Beverly Hills for a quick stop at my favorite confectioner – Edelweiss Chocolates on Canon Drive.
After some rest, we’d go for a casual dinner at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip and then head next door to catch some bands plays at The Roxy Theatre. To end the night, we would roll up the Bird Streets to get a birds-eye view of the night lights of the City of Angels.
The final day of the trip, we’d go to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, however, first a stop at Sportie LA on Melrose Ave for a pair of hard-to-find sneakers. New sneaks on feet, we’d take Fairfax Ave to LACMA and see some exhibits check the grounds, and then walk over to the Petersen Automotive Museum to see some cool exhibits. Afterwards, we’d then walk down Fairfax, and have a drink at one my favorite places in LA – – Tom Bergins, a classic Irish pub hat has been around since 1949 and has recently been designated as an LA landmark!
On the way to the airport, I figured we would both be hungry, so I’d take my buddy to JR’s Barbecue, a nondescript place which serves up some really really really good Memphis style bbq. After that meal, my friend will probably be so happy and full, that I imagine that he would sleep his entire plane ride back home with a little smile on his face from a great trip to LA.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t have been able to start my own business without capital funds/resources and a deep understanding of how to run a property management company. To that end, my shoutout goes to my family and my former business partner. My success is directly related to them. However, my shoutout goes to my wife, Amie Sherry, whom without, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love to do! Oh, and she’s also an interior designer with a naturally cool sensibility – @amiesherrydesigns / @sitla
Website: www.dukepm.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-sherry-7952001/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Duke-Property-Management-Inc-295620543910728
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/duke-property-management-los-angeles