One of the things that makes Globe Trotter Properties such a special and dynamic company is the human capital that makes up our business. We will be introducing you to our wonderful team one by one in our “Get to Know GTP” series.
It only makes sense to start with Globe Trotter Property’s longest employee, a man of many talents. Michel Petro is a Globe Trotter in every sense of the word. He has lived all over the world and speaks five languages fluently. He has a degree in hospitality management, has run a successful jewelry design business, and is currently pursuing his MBA. As Globe Trotter Property’s Senior Accounting Team Lead, Michel brings professionalism and heart to everything he does.
Early Days at GTP
Michel first learned about Globe Trotter Properties on the Facebook page Trailing Houses, an online community for Americans and their spouses who serve at embassies overseas under Chief of Mission authority. Michel started at GTP in 2015 as a property manager. At the time, the company only served about 50 properties and was starting to attract a lot of attention among the Foreign Service community. As the company grew and began acquiring new clients, Michel was vital in supporting the rapid growth and learning the ins and outs of the company. In 2017, Michel transitioned into supporting GTP’s billing and accounting needs.
“I love numbers. I love accounting. When I graduated High School I wanted to study economics.”
His international travel led him to pursue hospitality management, but his work at GTP has returned him to his first love. He’s set to graduate this June with his MBA, bringing even more knowledge and expertise to his leadership role.
Supporting EFMs
Michel understands the frustrations and difficulties that Eligible Family Members (EFMs) face trying to build careers while having their lives interrupted by changing international placements. He is grateful to Globe Trotter Properties for its commitment to hire EFMs.
“Many of the EFMs I have met throughout my time in the State Department are highly qualified people who struggle. They get stuck in low paying jobs and struggle with who they are and how to recreate themselves. They are so good at so many things and they never have the option to advance in their careers. Globe Trotter Properties is a wonderful opportunity for someone to come to DC, have a place to start, work with people who have similar experience, and build their resume.”
Michel credits Globe Trotter Properties as opening a path for him to collect international experience while networking, building relationships, serving his country and building upon his professional skill set.
Building a Successful Property Management Company
“A successful property management company has a good reputation which is based on being client-focused.
This is what has made GTP so successful.”
According to Michel, GTP’s unique knowledge of our clients, comes from relating to them. Our company founders and employees are diplomats, travelers and home owners. “We understand our clients because we’ve been in their shoes. We care about them and that makes a difference.”
As a Virginia home owner himself, Michel has high expectations of how his home is managed. He expects that his property will never sit vacant, that the value of his property will always stay high through inspections, maintenance and renovations, as needed. He expects prompt responses from his property manager, and expects to be kept in the loop.
Ultimately, Michel sees GTP as more than a management company or employer.
“I can’t imagine not being part of GTP. I’m always learning something new. I’ve put so much into this job. I’ve stayed up all night thinking about my work. I’ve gotten up early for inspections. I’ve worked so hard to make it a success. If a client is unhappy, I really take it to heart. It’s so personal for me. I feel like I belong to a family. The partners are so great and the team is so great. You can’t help but feel connected.”