Her Story
About Nichelle
Nichelle Smith is an experienced property management professional serving as a Property Manager at PMC Property Group, Inc. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since entering the property management industry in 2011, she has developed extensive expertise in overseeing residential and commercial properties, managing a portfolio of 10 to 12 properties comprising approximately 474 units. Her responsibilities include coordinating maintenance, supervising staff and vendors, addressing resident needs, and overseeing commercial spaces. She also maintains a realtor license and assists with property purchases, sales, and rentals.
Nichelle began her professional career with a 21-year tenure at Mako, where she gained valuable experience in customer service and lease administration. Following the challenges of the 2009 recession, she transitioned into property management as a front desk associate and advanced through roles including leasing agent, leasing trainer, assistant property manager, and property manager. As a college graduate and the first person in her household to earn a degree, Nichelle has continued to build her professional knowledge and leadership experience. She is also a member of the Bucks County Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
Beyond her career, Nichelle is committed to faith, family, service, and giving back to her community. She credits her experiences as a mother and the strong work ethic instilled by her father as important influences on her professional journey. She also served in the Navy Reserve from 1985 to 2003 and has volunteered with organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Meals of Hope through her church, and Michael's Way book bag donation initiatives. Her professional strengths include property management, customer relations, and real estate, reflecting her dedication to service, leadership, and personal responsibility.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nichelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to becoming a mother. Every almost everything I did was so my children did not have to work as hard as I did. I came from a good lineage but my mother they didn't understand that generational wealth. I wanted to bring that cycle. I was the first one in my household to complete college. My father kind of instilled in me certain things. He had always been an entrepreneur and he kind of put those you know I don't care if you're being paid $11 an hour you give them your best no matter what. I'm a former Navy I was in the reserve from 1985 through 2003.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Best career advice is continue education no matter what it is whether it's something educational that you can help with your job just learning the new computer programs and you know obviously the new thing now is AI. Continue learning. You can always learn something that will help you in your field no matter what it is. Also take time for yourself. You have to take time. Step away. Take time for yourself. You have to because otherwise you're burnt out and then you're no good to yourself or anybody else.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to show up, give your best, and always look for opportunities to advance. I started at the bottom in a front desk position, even taking a significant pay cut because it was an opportunity to get started in a new industry. From there, I worked my way up from front desk and leasing to leasing trainer, Assistant Property Manager, and eventually Property Manager. Be willing to learn, take on new challenges, and remember that where you start does not determine how far you can go.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’m seeing in my field right now is managing different personalities, attitudes, and expectations among personnel. Having managed people for many years, I’ve noticed that workplace dynamics and approaches to professionalism have changed significantly. Maintaining respect, accountability, and effective communication across diverse personalities can be challenging, but it also creates opportunities to strengthen leadership and build a more positive, professional work environment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are God first, family second, and career third, a principle I have lived by for more than 35 years. Faith and service are important parts of my life, and I stay actively involved in my church through the gospel choir and the Sisters of Siloam. I also enjoy serving others by helping with meals, hosting visiting churches, and supporting church events through catering and ushering.
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