Associate Spotlight: Amanda Smith

At CASTO, our people are what set us apart, and we’re always excited to highlight the individuals who bring energy, dedication, and heart to our communities. This month, we’re featuring Amanda Smith, whose path with CASTO is a great example of growth, adaptability, and a passion for people.

Since joining CASTO, Amanda has embraced every opportunity to learn and take on new challenges, from supporting lease-ups at new communities to helping lead operations across multiple properties. Her ability to balance responsibilities, build meaningful relationships with residents, and adapt in fast-paced environments has made her a valued member of the team.

Driven by a passion for people and a strong sense of community, Amanda embodies CASTO’s culture of collaboration, growth, and service. Read on to learn more about her journey, her experiences across our communities, and how she’s continuing to grow her career at CASTO.

Tell us about your background with CASTO:

What started out as a tour for a new apartment turned into a new job opportunity. I began in the service industry at Firebirds doing all front of house. I made a transition when I started my journey with CASTO as a leasing specialist at Glenchester Lakes in 2022. Now approaching my fourth year with the company, I am proud to say I am the assistant property manager at The Julian and The Barrett apartments striving to become a property manager of a property one day. I have succeeded with CASTO on lease ups at our newer properties, helped with other communities around Columbus, and had the opportunity to volunteer with our Community Impact Committee as well as participate in our golf outing. 

What do you like best about CASTO? What makes CASTO different:

My favorite part of working for CASTO is the diversity of our communities as well as the departments. From established communities like Sawmill Commons to historic redevelopment properties like The Baldwin, and luxury residences such as Park Monroe, there’s truly something for everyone. We also offer opportunities to work at CASTO across our commercial real estate, construction, and corporate teams. The culture is truly unmatched with the events the CASTO Culture Club puts together along with how upper management is so involved and hands on with their teams. I have always felt like a valued team member both at my community, other apartment communities, and through collaboration with our corporate associates.

What service or project have you liked working on the most while at CASTO:

Highlight projects I have experienced since joining CASTO would be the Park Monroe launch party and our HVAC project at the Barrett. With our launch party, I got to meet so many new people! From the construction team to new coworkers, it was such a fun time. It also challenged me to learn how to balance timelines while really homing in on leasing new homes. I was pushed to really dive deep on what people are looking for in their new home and knowing the multitude of our product.

The HVAC project at the Barrett, forced me to stay organized, learn how to keep residents happy, and communicate effectively between all parties, which was key to keeping the project on track. I have also learned more in the maintenance realm with systems and parts, resident conflict between timelines and entering homes, and financial aspects of what goes into budgeting items logistically for current and future events.

Share a little bit about your expertise in the industry:

With currently being split between properties, and historical buildings at that, I would say I am well versed in time management and knowledge of all job descriptions. There are many days where I work by myself in the office, which places me in charge of all opening/closing duties, leasing, residents, and all other tasks needed each day. Due to my previous employment in the service industry, I have been able to socialize really well and create a strong sense of community among residents and adapt during tours or prospect interactions. Very rarely do I not know someone’s name that comes through which has allowed me to create a positive environment in our offices for residents to express concerns or questions. I also do love to throw a good resident event and show my appreciation for the people who make our community what it is!

What changes or trends do you see happening in your area of expertise:

I see CASTO continuing to expand in both Columbus and beyond. With the new development taking place, there will be so many opportunities for others to know who we are and why we do what we do. This has given me, along with other associates, the opportunity to move up in the company and grow in new positions as they become available!  I truly have enjoyed working for CASTO and have so much love for my job. I hope more people get to experience CASTO whether it be a consumer, a contractor, or as a fellow associate.