Joe Hardiman's first years in multifamily IT weren't exactly cutting-edge. “In the early '90s, there were no networks, no e-mail, no Internet access,” Hardiman recalls. Some 15 years later, Hardiman is enjoying a slightly faster pace, especially since moving from one recognized industry technology leader to another. Hardiman, who was formerly vice president of information technology at Chicago-based AMLI Residential, is now vice president of information technology at Atlanta-based Lane Management Co. With the move comes new challenges, including the adjustment from an ownership model to the fee-management arena.

One of Hardiman's primary objectives at Lane: best-in-class information dissemination. “We are currently implementing Clarity, as well as [document storage system] Sharepoint,” Hardiman says. “They are both good, scalable solutions that will work for us as we double or triple in size.”

It was sweet sorrow parting with AMLI, but Hardiman says the two firms have had a great relationship in the past. “It was an excellent transition on the friendliest of terms.,” he says. “We are looking forward to making the relationship even stronger.”

Q: What appealed to you about this position? A: Lane's respected leadership team, which has put in place an infrastructure and strategic plan to continue to build the company through development, acquisition, and management services. Also, the company's roots and home base are located in the Atlanta area—I am an Atlanta native.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?

A: To further strengthen this great IT team, help implement scalable solutions that will support the Lane growth strategy, and maintain Lane's position as a technology leader in the multifamily industry.

Q: What do you enjoy about working in the multifamily industry?

A: The peer group brotherhood is amazing. While many of us stand as competitors, we share information that is for the greater good of the entire industry. Sure, we all want to beat the pants off of the competition, but ... everyone is willing to share to get there.

Q: What is the best advice anyone ever gave you about your career?

A: On a property walk when I was a young community manager, my regional manager looked at me and suggested that maybe I was better suited for a career in IT.

Q: How would you describe the multifamily industry in terms of career opportunities?

A: I grew up in this industry and have seen many others do the same. There are many career paths that can be followed—if you are willing to work hard.

Q: What was the last song you listened to on your iPod?

A: “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain. That's one of my BlackBerry ring tones as well.

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