maintenance technician

property manager

leasing consultant

groundskeeper

quality assurance assistant

Ardent Communities

The best thing was the pay. The base salary wasn't great (around 30-35K) but there were many good opportunities for good commission checks. However, even though they say it is a "salary" position, it's really more like hourly since you have to clock in and out each day - I was getting $14.50/hr. The other good thing was most of the co-workers I had were fun to work with. That's about it for the pros.

As for the cons: The employee turnover rate was ridiculous. That had a lot to do with the constant moving of workers from site to site with little to no warning in advance. I was lucky enough to only have been moved once in the year+ I worked there. But many others worked at 5 or 6 different properties in that same time frame. Very frustrating for employees and residents to keep being moved and having to learn about the different sites.

The worst part about the company is the corporate staff. The regional managers do not care about the leasing staff or maintenance... well, at least not the ones who aren't related or good friends. The amount of favoritism and nepotism is out of control, and it is so obvious. I knew of several employees who did such a poor job, but never got even a warning because they are tight with the regional managers. The corporate staff just collects their big paychecks and seem to take as much time off as they want, while in the meantime the leasing staff has to work every weekend, and there was never enough coverage for everyone to have their time off approved.

They also don't pay attention to the important issues at the properties. They are focused ONLY on the outward appearance (aka curb appeal), as well as making as much money as fast as possible (for the company not for the employees). They build new apartments with terrible quality construction, but they advertise it as "luxury living," which it most certainly is not. Even if they gave an employee discount, I would not recommend living at one of their properties. And then they start renting out units (overpriced for what you get) before the new property is finished, so the new residents are stuck dealing with a mess of construction. But when the residents report major construction issues after moving in, along with poor landscaping (owned by the same family) and even issues with safety (break ins, theft, vandalism), there is little to no response from corporate. Another big issue is "fair housing," the issue being that it doesn't exist. I won't go into detail, but I witnessed many instances of unfair treatment of residents. Best way to put it: if a resident complained too much and it was relayed to corporate, they gave in, even if it was against company policy.

The worst part about all of that - as a leasing agent, you have to deal with it head on. You are the face of the company who the residents see on the property, yet you have very little control over much that goes on there. So it is overwhelmingly embarrassing when the residents complain or have issues, and you have to look them in the eye and tell them there really isn't much you can do.

Overall, my experience working for Ardent was not great. The only reason I stayed as long as I did (just over a year, was ready to quit without having another job lined up, just like many others I spoke to), was because of the high commissions I was making. I would not recommend Ardent to anyone looking for a job in leasing. Of course if you already know, or are related to a current employee, then go for it. I'm sure you'll be treated like royalty. They are always hiring because so many people want out.

A typical day working for ardent communities involved many tasks-general cleaning, sales, working with current and future residents, resolving complaints, accepting rent, advertising, processing credit and background checks, organizing community events, and administrative work are just a few of the duties expected of a leasing consultant.
I've learned many useful computer skills, including Yardi, and deepening my preexisting knowledge of others such as Excel and Craigslist.
Corporate management is very energetic and involved with the company; they are always available to answer questions and challenge their employees with stimulating challenges.
Employees are rotated around to different properties and most of my coworkers have been cheerful, ready to help, and very knowledgeable about their job. Everyone is ready to help each other out on a daily basis and everyone keeps up on the pep-talk email chain!
The hardest part of the job is overcoming objections and dealing with the ever-changing management policies. Leasing consultants also have to meet a certain closing percentage every quarter, which can lead to termination if one falls below the mark.
The most enjoyable part of the job is being able to successfully pair a client with their future home. Seeing their excitement is truly rewarding.

Ardent can either be the best company you've ever worked for or the worst. Depends very much on your manager. Many of the managers are problematic and are promoted due to time with the company or for being a great leasing agent and no one cares that they are horrible managers. About 1/3-1/2 the people I've met while working here have had issues with managers and you'd think you could go to Corporate about it but you can't because there's this clique of managers who are close friends outside of work. So if your manager decides they don't like you, good luck. However when you get along with your manager this company can be great: Leasing Consultants make around 30K plus commission which can be 10K-30K a year depending on your skill and your property.  The company does care about it's employees too. The regional managers are FANTASTIC! Be warned, your contract gives them the right to fire for any reason (aka for no reason)

I think it's a good place to work if you want to make good commissions, but they advance from within depending on if you are inside the circle. They are a tightly woven group. Their Corporate Managers are weak and just take the word of their Property Managers and do not investigate situations in an office. The pay for the work they want from a Manager is so below the pay scale.. $36,000 to be exact. They constantly move the leasing agents so don't get comfortable. Their product is new, but construction suuuucks, causing you more problems with the people you sell the  "great product" too. They want top dollar for a very cheaply built product. Their policies change constantly. They give you a Manual and the instructions to do task are not updated so you are not directed well. This again is a company that is tightly woven and shows favoritism to the "in crowd", i mean if you are into  that thaen this is the place for you.

Pros: Ardent is a great company, if you are wishing to pursue a sales - oriented career! You learn the importance of leasing, sales, and customer service. Coworkers are wonderful! I have developed many friendships through Ardent. In addition, a well- structured Corporate team! Corporate is always motivating staff, as well as planning fun events/ contests! 

Cons: Employees are required to work every weekend.  It would be excellent, if employees could have at least one weekend off per month; to spend time with family and friends. The commission is an exceptional bonus, during our “busy months”; however, the hourly pay is low. 

All in all, I recommend, if searching for a career in sales and/or property management. :) 

As soon as you start your welcomed In the email chain your name will be streamed 
Thru by everyone like a member of a family you get recognized an made to feel appreciated. 
Until you settle in then you don’t get to speak about anything you’re dealing with because of the lack of respect you have from every person in higher up . Unless you’re a person of interest in their circle favoritism plays a huge part and if your an agent your a replaceable asset 

This company manages more properties than any other company in the Columbus Metro area. Unfortunately they are about quantity and not quality.  Most of their properties have thin walls, windows that freeze on the inside in the winter, and roofs that leak during rain storms.  They pride themselves on cleanliness because that was the "successful" business model of the hotel chain they used to own before it failed.  Apparently not learning at all from that lesson. Just because you can make a piece of fecal matter shine, doesn't mean it isn't still just an old bowel movement. 

I think more consideration needs to be put into who they allow to be property managers. Also the way some property managers talk to employees is really demeaning and rude. We are not your child. Its hard going to work thinking you'll be fired everyday due to favoritism in the upper management and being afraid to day anything. For fear of being fired.

Property mangers have no idea how to manger. They purchase cheap property and max rent prices. The only specials we offered the new potential tenets were prices Up front, but screwed tenets in the long run. Property is literally falling apart... sink holes in parking lots,  patios detaching from the structure,  complexes built on land fills.

While I liked my job, there was not much room for advancement past a certain level. No concern over work/life balance unless you were a regional manager or higher. They could change your assigned property to one that’s 45 mins from your house abruptly, and expect you to be fine. While that’d okay for short term, or filling in…it’s a lot to expect when it affects schedules and responsibilities at home. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Maintenance technician 4 salaries reported	$23.13 per hour
Property manager 1 salary reported	$52,500 per year
Leasing consultant 1 salary reported	$15.00 per hour
Groundskeeper 1 salary reported	$16.00 per hour
Quality assurance assistant 2 salaries reported	$38,250 per year

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