Even as a young man growing up in Hungary, Joseph Petroczi was intrigued by the world of property management. During his first foray into renting at the age of 24, he quickly learned the importance of proper management and trusting relationships with tenants. When he met Scott Munro of E&S Property Management in Ottawa, he saw those values reflected in a company that put its clients first, and Joseph knew that this was where he could live his passion and make the most impact.
“Scott and I share the same values of honesty, integrity, and always going the extra mile for our clients.” Recounts Joseph. “We treat every property like our own, and these are values that are hard to find in action.”
E&S Property Management is one of Ottawa’s oldest Property Management companies that specializes in managing the personal residences of Ottawa’s Canadian Foreign Service personnel, while they serve abroad. The company has over 40 years of experience, a decade of which has been directly in Ottawa. Scott, a retired foreign service officer, started his company out of a need to manage the properties that he and his wife Elaine owned while he was away, and the company quickly grew as other colleagues needed his services. Today, E&S manages a large portfolio of properties in Ottawa for owners who are both local and abroad.
Joseph obtained a Property Management Certificate from Algonquin College before joining E&S Property Management as an Associate in 2019. Joseph worked alongside Scott for the next two years to get to know the business inside and out. He built trusting and personal relationships with both new and long-time clients. He became the company’s hands-on expert of inspections and contractor management, and the direct contact for all homeowners and tenants. In June of 2021, when Scott officially retired, Joseph took over as Owner & Operator of E&S.
“When the opportunity came to lead E&S, I knew that my reputation with our clients and tenants would be the most important key to a successful transition. Our business is built on trust and personal knowledge of our clients, so taking the time needed to do this was paramount.”
As the new owner, Joseph is working to bridge the company’s existing systems and services into a new digital system, to provide clients with better access to their portfolio performance matrix.
“Working on the digitalization of our property management services, and supporting our clients through this transition, has been a massive undertaking. I’m excited to use this as a foundation for the long-term planning of the business, and to refine our operations and implementation of best practices for the benefit of our clients.”
Joseph plans to launch the company’s new website and management platform by the end of 2021. He has a 5-year plan for transforming their service delivery model, where data-supported insights will provide added value and benefit for their landlords.
Ottawa is his home, and he looks forward to serving the community for years to come.
“Ottawa is a great place to call home. The city is growing, and newcomers are always bringing their cuisine with them.” Joseph travelled the world before arriving in Ottawa, and spent 28 years in hospitality management. “I learned to appreciate the various fine culinary experiences along the way. Ottawa has a vibrant culinary scene, one that reminds me of the food and wine I’ve been privileged to experience in my travels.”
As for his best advice for other aspiring entrepreneurs and property managers? “Never give up on the goals you set. Everything is possible, and hard work always pays off.”
