Sarah Flannigan, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, is the senior portfolio manager for Barkan Management Co., a Boston-based firm. The company has 750 employees and manages 174 properties. Recently promoted, Flannigan manages seven residential condominium properties in Rhode Island or oversees the on-site management. She responded recently to questions about her field.
PBN: What is your background in property management?
FLANNIGAN: I attained the certification of professional community association manager in 2018, through the Community Associate Institute. I left a 22-year [U.S.] Navy career in late 2003, and in 2005 joined a small management company in Providence. In 2010, I went to work for Barkan Management as an on-site manager in Woonsocket, managing 252 units. In 2012, I added Homestead Mill Condominiums in Smithfield – 125 units. This was followed by five more properties over the next couple of years with some having on-site managers that I manage and others being direct accounts.
PBN: What should clients look for in a property manager?
FLANNIGAN: Good references! A good track record of longevity with clients, an outgoing personality, and employees who have a true desire to manage the property, ensuring high quality of vendors that service the property, with landscaping, snow removal, building cleaning and maintenance.
PBN: You recently were promoted to senior portfolio manager for Barkan Management in its Providence office. What does that job entail?
FLANNIGAN: Managing seven condominium properties, either directly or managing the on-site managers, managing the physical property, meeting with the board of directors and long-range planning.
PBN: What are some of the Barkan holdings in Rhode Island?
FLANNIGAN: [They include] Wethersfield Commons Condominium Association in Warwick, which is 493 units on 65 acres; Homestead Mill Condominium Association in Smithfield, which is 125 units in a converted mill; and Stone Harbor Condominium Association in Bristol, which has 81 units.
PBN: What renovations are planned at the sites this year?
FLANNIGAN: [Many will receive exterior and parking updates.] At the Wethersfield Commons Condominium Association, which has a swimming pool, clubhouse, game room and ball room, clubhouse renovations are underway.
Mary MacDonald is a staff writer for the PBN. Contact her at macdonald@PBN.com.
