At Atrium, we believe in more than just managing properties and facilitating transactions; we believe in creating experiences that stand out and last in the minds of our clients, property owners, and residents. Each month, we honor an employee who truly lives up to this belief with our "Be Memorable" award. This month, we're excited to introduce Karona Hale, our Leasing Coordinator, who joined Atrium in late 2023. Her dedication, warmth, and genuine care for our clients make her a perfect fit for this recognition.
A Journey from North Florida to Leasing Coordinator
Karona's journey with Atrium began nearly a year ago, but her story starts in North Florida, where she was born and raised. When asked about her roots, she fondly remembers the close-knit community of her upbringing and, of course, the seafood. "I love seafood," she says.
But Karona isn't just someone who enjoys a good meal — she's someone who enjoys bringing people together in celebration. Outside of her professional life, she has a passion for event decoration, especially for parties, corporate events, and weddings. This creative outlet aligns with her professional talents, where her attention to detail and desire to make people feel welcome truly shine.
Finding Home at Atrium
In her role as Leasing Coordinator, Karona plays a critical part in helping people find a place they can call home. It's a role she takes seriously, and her motivation comes from the deeply personal satisfaction of making a difference in someone’s life. "The feeling of being part of an important decision on where someone calls home," she shares, "The look on their face is my reward every day."
It's clear that for Karona, this isn't just about leasing properties — it's about creating memorable, meaningful experiences.
Embodying the "Be Memorable" Core Value
When asked about a specific moment where she embodied Atrium’s “Be Memorable” core value, Korona recalled a situation that perfectly highlights her dedication. One of the residents had locked themselves out, and their key number was missing from the system. Most would consider calling a locksmith in this scenario, but Karona went above and beyond. "I told them we would go through all the keys to find the correct one, so they wouldn’t have to call a locksmith," she explains.
This moment exemplifies the extra effort Karona is willing to take to ensure residents feel supported and valued. It’s not about taking the easy way out; it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s inconvenient. That’s what makes her memorable.
A Core Value that Resides in Every Action: “Actually Cares”
Of all Atrium's core values, it’s “Actually Cares” that resonates most deeply with Karona. "I feel without this core value, it is hard to really fulfill the rest," she reflects. To her, caring isn't just an emotion — it's the driving force behind everything else. It’s about action, showing genuine concern, and fostering a sense of community in every interaction.
Her belief in the power of genuine care drives her to not only meet expectations but exceed them. Whether she’s assisting a resident with an issue, helping a prospective resident find the perfect home, or simply ensuring things run smoothly, Karona embodies this core value in everything she does.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Growth
While Karona has achieved a great deal in just 10 months at Atrium, she has no plans to slow down. In the short term, she is focused on maintaining a high occupancy rate by ensuring all available units are leased promptly. But her long-term goals are where her passion really shines through — she aims to become a property manager. It’s a role that will allow her to expand on her natural leadership abilities and continue making a lasting impact on residents' lives.
To stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry, Karona prioritizes continuous learning. "Reading, learning from other mistakes, and having a plan before needing one," she says when asked about her approach to professional development. She recalls a piece of advice that stuck with her: "You don’t have to be the smartest in the room, you just have to outwork everyone in the room."
The Search for Her Favorite City Continues
Outside of her work at Atrium, Karona remains an adventurer at heart. When asked about her favorite city to visit, she admits she’s still searching for the place that will steal her heart. With her passion for exploration and new experiences, it seems only a matter of time before she finds it.
In the meantime, she continues to create memorable experiences here at Atrium, one lease at a time.