SUBLET INN
At Sublet Inn, I embarked on a transformative journey alongside founder Yazan, revitalizing four international co-living communities in Chicago. These spaces, home to a diverse mix of young professionals, students, and digital nomads from around the globe—from France and Spain to Nigeria and Japan—were facing the lowest occupancy rates in their history due to an amalgamation of unforeseen circumstances.
With no prior experience in property management, I dove headfirst into the world of housing listings, tenant screenings, and move-ins, all under Yazan’s guidance. My rapid learning and hands-on approach paid off spectacularly, as I successfully filled every unoccupied room, bringing occupancy to 100%. But my contributions didn’t stop at tenant management; I significantly improved operational processes to enhance tenant satisfaction. This included streamlining communication channels between tenants, housekeeping, and the repairs team, ensuring that all residents felt heard and valued in their living environment.
Recognizing the need for sustainability in operations, I developed scalable job training for future employees. I documented essential operational knowledge that had previously existed only through experiential learning, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity for the business.
Living in the houses myself for nearly a year, I was not just an administrator but a community member, fostering genuine relationships with housemates. This immersion into the shared living culture allowed me to grasp the nuances of what makes such a community thrive. Through my continuous interactions and empathetic engagement, I helped cultivate a vibrant co-living culture that resonated deeply with tenants, ultimately enhancing the communal atmosphere and making Sublet Inn a sought-after home away from home for travelers all over the world.