Property manager seizes opportunity to improve diversity and inclusion
Property Manager, Cesar Topacio, finds success in supporting others
Growing up in the Philippines, Cesar Topacio’s biggest role models were always his parents. His mother and father exemplified hard work, dedication and passion throughout his childhood. Before immigrating to the U.S. in 2003, he was the Deputy General Manager of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Cesar started his property management career in the U.S. with Simon Property Group as Operations Director for Folsom Premium Outlets in Sacramento, CA. He then moved to Hawaii in 2009, where he oversaw the expansion and major renovation of the outlet center as General Manager of Waikele Premium Outlets. In 2015, he joined JLL as General Manager of Windward Mall on the island of Oahu.
Before JLL, Cesar Topacio had never worked as a Third-Party Property Manager (TPM). One thing he quickly learned and took to heart is how JLL values its clients. For Cesar, understanding and embracing the culture and goals of his client, Kamehameha Schools, was incredibly engaging. He truly believes in and appreciates their mission to improve the capability and well-being of people with Hawaiian ancestry through education.
Cesar and his team organized the property’s first-ever Shining Bright Celebration over the holidays. For this effort, his team was awarded the D.A.R.E. Placemaker Award at JLL Property Management’s 2020 internal conference. In addition to this award, he says one of the proudest moments in his career was when the Kamehameha School’s Leasing Director gave him the best compliment he could receive. “He told me, Cesar, I wish we could clone you and your team and put you at all our properties.”
Cesar’s team has not only embraced the culture of their clients, but have also put diversity and inclusion at the forefront of their operations. “Diversity and inclusion are big words, and everyone has a part to play,” Cesar says.
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“I believe JLL should be at the forefront, committed and willing to invest time and resources as early as recruiting and hiring.”
When his property lost two out of their three female security guards, Cesar was adamant that they hire to fill the gender gap which now existed in their staff. “They told me no females had applied. To me this was not satisfactory. I asked them to go back and actively source diverse candidates. I knew it was important to speak up.” A couple months later, his security service provider was able to recruit and hire another female security officer. He says, “when there’s a will, there’s a way.”
His go-getter attitude makes Cesar the successful property manager he is today and someone who values building relationships and listening to others. “I want to be known as someone that people can trust to take their feedback and use it to make an experience easier or more enjoyable.”