If there were a walking, talking version of Atrium’s core values, it might look a lot like Russ Wasendorf.
Russ joined Atrium in February 2024 to help manage and lease our build-to-rent communities in partnership with Kimaya Real Estate. His impact was immediate and unmistakable. He quickly became notable for helping people find their dream home, helping them to have an amazing community to live in and enjoy their neighborhood with their family.
Originally from the midwest, Russ graduated from the University of Iowa (notable alumni include Tennessee Williams, Gene Wilder, and Ashton Kutcher) and then moved to Chicago at the age of 22. Russ and his family made their way to Florida as so many of us do, and Atrium was lucky to connect with him. He’s a loving dad, admitting that his favorite sports teams are “whatever teams my kids are playing for and my entertainment is to enjoy supporting their successes in sports, which is mainly soccer.”
Russ has become an invaluable member of the Atrium team in a short amount of time. Read on to get to know him a little better.
What’s your favorite city to visit?
I love to adventure to new places whether it is in Europe, the Caribbean islands or even just new places around the US or even around Florida. My favorite city is Salzburg, Austria, which is magical with the castle overlooking the city.
How are you involved in the community?
My wife and I are actively involved with our community either through the schools, sports or our local neighborhood. The main event our family is focused on now that the summer has started is that my wife runs two summer camps as her part time/full time job.
How do you stay updated with industry trends and improve your skills?
I stay active with ORRA and keep up on new rules and regulations within our industry. In the future I’d like to become a member of various committees. I have been on the board of many companies and associations and would like to do that again in the future. Also, I am involved with local chambers of commerce including the West Orange Chamber as well as the Dr. Phillips Chamber of Commerce.
What do you do to embody Atrium’s “Be Memorable” core value?
I don’t really focus on “trying” to be memorable. I really like the people that I work with and for. I believe in finding what makes people special and celebrating that with them. I find that all people want to do great things, make a difference, and be special. I like helping to share that with them by recognizing all the greatness that they are doing.
Which of Atrium’s core values resonates with you the most and why?
“Ridiculously Hard Work.” I have always worked hard but I don’t consider it “hard”. I find enjoyment in getting work done, achieving objectives and having successes. Since I was young I started working early. My first job involved traveling the country doing compliance audits when I was 17 on my summer vacations. I became a registered broker after my 18th birthday. I enjoy working to make a difference and don’t consider it “hard” but I enjoy getting things done.
What are your goals for the future within the company?
My goal is to become a property manager and be the go-to resource for lease ups, multifamily property management and getting neighborhoods leased so that the company can continue to grow and expand in that direction. My hope is to grow in that arena as the company grows and be a resource for Atrium’s future growth.
Atrium’s Core Values are These:
We Actually Care
We actually care about our owners, our team members, and the properties we’re entrusted to manage.
Order The Pizza
Always go above and beyond. There is no task that is outside of your job description.
Ridiculously Hard Work
Work until the job is done. We’re not afraid to “die on the treadmill”.
Integrity — Do the Right Thing
Always do the right thing. Nothing is worth hurting your personal reputation or that of the company.
Start with U
Work on yourself first and everything else will fall into place. Read books, grow personally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Be Memorable
Always work to make a great impression on everyone you meet. Give back, write letters, give gifts, and make people feel special.
If you know someone who might be a fit for our core values and culture, check out our current career opportunities.