The Empire Management Story:

Empire Management, Inc. began in 1989 with a computer, a fourplex, and a vision of becoming the premiere property management company in Southern California. From the beginning, we determined the most effective way to serve our clients was a hands-on approach, based on management by walking around. We found there is no substitute for understanding the physical property, the residents, and the goals of the board of directors or Owners.

President/CEO David Leavitt has held his real estate broker’s license since 1977 and has devoted his career to providing quality living environments for his clients and customers. During the late 80’s and early 90’s, David developed, managed and sold numerous apartment complexes. Working with city officials, architects, engineers, contractors, residents, and investors, David learned to listen and negotiate by consensus, leading to the success of the projects.

It was through managing his own properties that David discovered the challenges and satisfaction inherent in property management. David became a leader in the rental housing industry, serving as President of the Apartment Association Greater Inland Empire in 1993 and 1997. David also served several years as a member of the California Apartment Association’s Executive Committee, and Legislative Committee.

In 2000, Empire began its transition into the Community Association Industry. Due to David’s experience in the residential rental business Empire earned the position as managing agent for Stoneridge Village, a hybrid association of rental property owners. The City of Ontario helped organize rental owners on a mile-long stretch of West “B” street. This area was infested with drugs, prostitutes and other gang-related activities. Empire was charged with enforcing the association’s CC&R’s and compelling owner’s to conduct their rental business to the standards agreed to within the association’s governing documents. Although the process took nearly three years to correct decades of chaos, today Stoneridge Village is a quality rental neighborhood, no longer on the City’s targeted “bad area” list.

David and Civil Engineer Richard Fleener were instrumental in convincing State Senator Nell Soto to author SB1404 creating Multifamily Improvement Districts for rental neighborhoods as a first and inexpensive step in creating Rental Owner Associations. As a result, in 2007 the Apartment Association of California Southern Cities presented David with their highest honor, the Industry Leadership Award of Excellence.

The Stoneridge Village experience opened David’s eyes to the community association industry. Empire is evolving into a major presence within the association management community. Its staff and experience are strong enough to support large associations, while maintaining an attitude and style based on its hands-on approach to solving problems and providing individual attention.

We understand that property management is really about building relationships. Our commitment is to create working relationships with everyone involved in the success of your real estate investments.

Top Four Reasons to Hire Empire Management, Inc.

1. Communication
The number one issue we hear boards complain about is the lack of communication. Mega-management companies overload their staff making it difficult for the manager to keep in contact with the board members, homeowners, and vendors. Empire’s policy is to respond to phone calls, emails and letters within 24 hours. We always provide people to take calls and respond to emergencies, 24 hours a day.

2. Follow-through
Communication is only half of the process. The other half is action. Our tracking systems monitor projects to completion. We take pride in our ability to accomplish tasks to the satisfaction of our clients.

3. Technology
We at Empire are dedicated to offering our clients up-to-date technology and services, including using Yardi professional management accounting software to maintain association books and records. We work with banking institutions to provide a variety of payment methods, including automatic payments, credit card payments, and secure internet payments.  We also work with associations to create websites that allow Boards to disseminate information to members; allow members to view and download governing documents and announcements; and, with password entry, owners may review their personal account ledgers.

4. Experience
Empire is a member of the Community Association Institute (CAI) and we believe in continuing education. Our management staff either has or is in the process of earning credentials from CAI. We work with qualified vendors and contractors who support our industry and take a professional approach by assisting boards in solving the challenges within their communities.