Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Velasquez.
Hi Jorge, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in Bogota, Colombia S.A., and moved to California when I was 6yr old. Graduated from Westchester High and then attended FIDM to study Interior Design but ended up in advertising. Worked at Dailey & Associates for over 8 years and then freelanced as a graphic/marketing designer and had the great opportunity to work with Warner Brothers, Disney, E! Entertainment, Master Replicas, Efx Collectables, UltraGlas and a lot of other great companies and individuals. Was on the board of directors for APALA (Advertising Production Association of Los Angele) for over 11yrs. I was also on the board of directors for GLAD (Greater Los Angeles Council on Deafness) for over 5yrs. With GLAD, my ex-partner and my family, we all did a lot of events for them but the most fulfilling was the Holiday event for the lower-income families in the community. We did this for over 14yrs. For one week a year, I would volunteer with Deaf & Blind campers out in Sea-Tac. One thing that our mother thought us was to always volunteer for the community as it is the most rewarding thing in life when you help other. To this date, my family and myself still do our volunteer work. I moved to SLC in 2017 and started the next chapter of my life here. I have been working with Avenue5 a nationwide property managing company. Currently, I’m on the board of directors for the LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. I also enjoy the wonderful hikes and outdoors that SLC has to offer. Love to see the transition of the seasons as well… not to crazy about the snow plowing but still nature is beautiful. I still get to do my graphic design on the side as this has always been my passion but I do miss two-stepping another one of my passions. To wrap it up… I have travel to Germany, Sidney, Canada, Italy, Colombia, Costa Rica. In the states, I have gone to New York, Florida, Seattle, California, Naveda, Illinois and Hawaii… but more travel plans in the future.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life always has obstacles and challenges in order for us to grow as better persons. So, like most of us, 2008 was not a good year and after losing clients, I had to change careers in order to survive. It was a few years of struggles but with a supportive family and a lot of work, I made the best of it and was able to land a few good to great opportunities but did not give up… oh there were some dark days that I just wanted to give up… but mother was always there pushing me to keep moving forward… and I did. Oh, don’t think that I am a mom’s boy… far from it, but she has always been there for all her kids and making sure we are all doing our best to move forward in the hardest of times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As for what I am doing currently… a property manager for Avenue5, I manage a 253-unit property in Millcreek. I have been there for over 3yrs and have a team of 5 that help me keep it running smooth as possible. I have been doing property managing for over 9-yrs now and I can say that I have specialized in keeping occupancy above 95% or higher with all the companies that I have worked with. I am known for speaking my mind but keeping it professional. I am known for training and helping others achieve their goals and moving up in their careers. I am known for being a good leader with my staff and getting and giving accolades for a job well done. I am most proud of what I have accomplished in my life to be where I am and be able to look back from where I came from. What set me apart… my honesty, trust, dedication, communication and for being someone that will always be there to help anyone out, even those that have taken advantage of my kindness, but I always wish them well once they are out of my life.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Set a goal, be on time, do the best job possible and honest. Always take criticism as a way to improve yourself but don’t let it consume you with negative energy. Just like any storm, it will be over after a while. Be honest to yourself and make sure you are enjoying what you do. The day that you don’t want to get out of bed because you don’t like what you are doing… CHANGE it and find what makes you happy, even if it’s for a short time. But the best thing is to work for yourself, be your own boss. And the most important thing in life… Always keep a good Credit history. This will make your life easier with a lot of things.
Image Credits
Jorge Velasquez
