Communicating effectively and treating associates with respect go hand-in-hand for Phillip Aiello, the president of the Mandel Group. “Change can be concerning but change without communication or explanation is a recipe for backlash,” he said. “This style of communication Is necessary for smaller projects and tasks on a day-to-day basis.”
Communication is at the core of what he does, alongside mentoring his staff while undergoing the design and construction process of multiple real estate communities. Mandel Group is an integrated real estate development, acquisition, construction and operations company specializing in mixed-use and multifamily communities.
“I have a passion for being on the leading edge of technology, design and process which underscores my desire for the continuous improvement of our company,” said Aiello. “The evaluation of new technology that can help the performance of our company is at the center of my approach.”
Researching new technologies for leasing, revenue management, resident amenities, development management and data management reignites his passion for real estate on a daily basis, said Aiello. “I gain tremendous satisfaction through the successful implementation of such technologies and seeing the resulting improvement in associate performance,” he said.
His passion has led the company to expand significantly. Over the course of 25 years, Mandel Group has grown from a small development and management firm to one managing 6,500 apartments. While working “on the company,” Aiello said he must also work “in the company” to lead individual development deals to fill the pipeline and grow toward the company’s goal of managing 10,000 apartments.
“The many changes we have undergone in the past three years required a steady hand to secure the buy in of all departments in the company,” said Aiello. “I was able to navigate these potentially choppy waters, resulting in an organization that rows together while continuing to grow.”
His efforts have not only positively impacted the company’s growth, but also the community. Aiello has worked on numerous boards, including the Whitefish Bay Business Improvement District, Friends of Hoyt Park and Pool and NAIOP, a commercial real estate development association. He was named a 40 Under 40 by the Milwaukee Business Journal and has established strong relationships with elected officials in each of the municipalities he has developed.
“Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of my leadership approach,” said Aiello. “I constantly ask the question: ‘How can we do that process better?’”
For promoting community and company growth while leading with passion, Aiello has been named a Titan 100.
