Spotlight: Sherrie Guerra's Journey in Multifamily Property Management

For Sherrie Guerra, every day brings a new challenge—and that’s exactly what keeps her motivated to grow. Her career in multifamily property management has spanned a wide range of roles and responsibilities, giving her a unique perspective. From her early days in maintenance to her current position as a property manager, Sherrie has embraced each step as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and take on greater responsibility.

Sherrie started her career as a porter and maintenance technician in Seattle at an owner-managed company. Over the years, she took on roles as a leasing agent, assistant manager, and area manager, gaining experience at every level. Today, she serves as a property manager, bringing that full range of knowledge to her work.

Sherrie’s career path was shaped by her desire to grow, lead, and make a broader impact. “Starting in maintenance gave me a strong foundation—I learned how properties function from the ground up and developed a deep understanding of the day-to-day needs of both the buildings and the residents,” she explains. “Over time, I realized I didn’t just want to fix problems; I wanted to prevent them and improve overall operations. That shift in mindset pushed me toward leadership roles where I could influence systems, guide teams, and take ownership of outcomes.”

She was set on working at Cushman & Wakefield from the very beginning: “It was a big name that everyone knew in the multifamily industry. I always wanted to get my foot in the door.”  Sherrie persisted in her goal—“I kept applying and applying” —until she connected with Glenn Mason, who had managed a site down the street from where Sherrie had previously worked in Washington.

The interview process confirmed her decision. “I was drawn to the scale and diversity of their portfolio, which provides exposure to a wide range of assets, challenges, and learning opportunities. More importantly, I saw a culture that encourages initiative, supports professional development, and recognizes leadership potential from within,” she recalls. Sherrie was hired on the spot and Glenn ended up being her regional manager for five years.

Six years later and now as a Multifamily Property Manager, Sherrie’s days are fast-paced and dynamic. Mornings often start with property walks, team huddles, and reviewing maintenance tickets, before shifting into financial oversight, vendor management, and resident relations. Her afternoons might include inspecting units, handling move-ins or move-outs and preparing reports. “Every day brings something new, but the core of my role is about leadership, problem-solving, and maintaining a high standard of service for both residents and ownership,” Sherrie explains.

That variety is one of the things she enjoys most about her job. “No two days are ever the same,” she says. “Every day brings a new set of challenges, surprises, and opportunities to learn or adapt. Whether it’s resolving an unexpected maintenance emergency, navigating a resident issue, managing a last-minute vendor change, or jumping in to support leasing efforts, there’s always something that keeps me engaged.” She thrives on that unpredictability. “The variety keeps the role exciting and constantly pushes me to grow as a leader, communicator, and decision-maker. It keeps me sharp and reminds me every day why I chose this career.”

For those considering a similar career path, Sherrie offers straightforward advice: “Invest in yourself. This industry rewards those who are hungry to learn, willing to stretch beyond their comfort zones, and committed to constant growth. Don’t wait for someone to hand you growth—chase it.”

Her advice comes with a reminder about the importance of embracing discomfort. “When you start to feel uncomfortable or out of your depth, that’s a sign you’re exactly where you need to be. Growth doesn’t happen when things are easy, it happens when you're challenged, pushed, and forced to adapt. The more you invest in yourself, the more doors will open—and the more confident and capable you'll become in every stage of your career.”

Sherrie’s journey reflects the power of persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to take on new challenges. From porter to property manager, she has embraced every step with resilience and drive—and her story is a testament to what’s possible when growth is embraced as a lifelong journey.