Our Programs
To provide our clients with the best possible service, we recognize the importance of creating an exceptional workplace for our associates where they can reach their full potential.
This involves empowering our team with the tools and resources they need to thrive in their current roles and long-term career and personal aspirations. By prioritizing the development of our team, we embolden our associates to continually aim high, deliver outstanding results for our clients, and contribute to a thriving organization.
Our hiring process begins with mindful recruitment to attract service-oriented professionals who align with our core value of being genuinely helpful. We then foster a productive ramp-up with a custom onboarding program for each specific role to create immediate alignment with the team, company culture, values, and global service standards.
Created for associates by associates, our training programs are designed to help them develop new skills and ideas and provide them with the support they need to implement them. Thereby empowering them to make changes in the workplace from the ground up.
Learning and growth
Our on-line learning and development platform offers all associates the opportunity to explore and access content in a fun and engaging way enabling them to pursue their career aspirations. This platform contains a variety of courses, learning paths, certifications, and job aids— ranging from multiple catalogs that explore topics in sales, productivity and collaboration, workplace safety, benefits, and many more. These are also comprehensive for those who seek to enhance their skills in any area and with differing skill levels (beginner, intermediate, and advanced.)
This program serves as a companywide yearly leadership assessment and development program aimed at developing high performing/high potential associates who aspire to or are being considered for leadership roles, through a yearlong program built around competencies reflective of successful People Leaders. Designed for high-potential individual contributors and newly promoted People Leaders, the program is not intended as a performance improvement tool but rather as a development opportunity.
An advanced experiential leadership course, developed in collaboration with Senn Delaney and Heidrick & Struggles. This program equips leaders with innovative training and tools to enhance team leadership and personal development. Focusing on self-awareness, inner strength, and the shadow of good leadership, the course aims to cultivate exceptional managers throughout the organization.
Our FirstLeader program equips leaders with essential tools and knowledge to excel in three key areas: self-leadership, people-leadership, and organizational-leadership. Spanning four days, the program includes 3.5-hour virtual sessions and is designed for Director-level and above leaders who manage at least three direct reports, though Manager-level leaders may also be considered.
Associate Growth
Our commitment to associate growth is more than just words—it is a lived experience that shapes careers and transforms lives. In this section, we are proud to highlight real-life examples of career paths within FirstService Residential. These stories illustrate how our associates have grown professionally, taken on new challenges, and risen through the ranks. From front-line staff to regional directors, these narratives demonstrate the diverse opportunities and support available to those who join our team. Let us explore how some of our valued team members have turned their jobs into rewarding, long-term careers, embodying the spirit of our company.
Scaling new heights:
Stephanie Costa
When Stephanie Costa joined FirstService Residential in 2008, she was a young concierge with big dreams. Little did she know that her journey would lead her to become a key player in the company's leadership.
Starting in Miami, Florida, Stephanie quickly proved her worth. Her dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellent service caught the eye of her superiors. As the years passed, Stephanie continued to grow within the industry, taking on multiple and different roles.
Now, over 16 years later, Stephanie has climbed the corporate ladder to become a Regional Director for our Florida market.
Stephanie adds how she particularly values the culture fostered at FirstService Residential. "I’m so glad my leadership team helped me get to this point. FirstService Residential is truly a Great Place to Work®, and I value the culture and the leadership that we have. I appreciate them, and I'm grateful for an amazing company.”
She adds, "What I love most about FirstService is its room for growth and the development of the associates,” reflecting on her career journey and opportunities at the company.
Hear from Stephanie herself on her current and previous roles at FirstService Residential by clicking here.
Rising through the ranks:
Alyssa Costopoulos
In 2014, Alyssa Costopoulos stepped into the world of property management as a desk attendant at FirstService Residential. Little did she know that this position would be the first step in a remarkable career journey spanning a decade.
Over the next nine years, Alyssa immersed herself in the intricacies of property management. She worked tirelessly, rotating between part-time and full-time roles at various downtown Minneapolis properties, including River Station, Bridgewater Lofts, Legacy Lofts, and LaRive. Her dedication and adaptability shone through as she juggled her work responsibilities while pursuing higher education.
"While I was working as a desk attendant, I graduated with my master's degree in Library and Information Science," Alyssa recalls. This unique combination of practical experience and academic knowledge would prove invaluable in her career progression.
Alyssa's educational background, though seemingly unrelated, became a secret weapon in her toolkit. "Surprisingly, many of the information management skillsets accrued in this educational path have been very valuable in the world of property management," she explains, highlighting the unexpected synergies between her studies and her work.
Her journey took another significant turn when she joined the Resident Support Services (RSS) team. For 18 months, Alyssa honed her skills in assisting homeowners with many maintenance issues and inquiries. This role allowed her to deepen her understanding of the resident experience and further refine her problem-solving abilities.
Now, after years of growth and learning, Alyssa stands on the brink of a new challenge. She is now in the role of association manager, a position that will allow her to leverage all the experience and skills she has accumulated over the years.
Reflecting on her journey and looking forward to her new role, Alyssa shares, "I couldn't ask for a better team to work with in the Bloomington office! I am also very excited to take the next steps in my professional career with FirstService Residential as an association manager beginning later this month."
