From Stage to SQL: The Josh Smith Story

At BC Solutions, we believe that our team members' diverse talents and passions contribute to our unique company culture. This month, we're excited to shine the spotlight on Josh, a dedicated professional whose journey into the real estate industry is as unique as his varied interests. From performing as a superhero in a contemporary opera to mastering the intricacies of Yardi, Josh's story is one of curiosity, creativity, and a constant drive to learn and grow. Let's dive into his fascinating journey and discover what makes him an invaluable member of our team.

1. How long have you been in the real estate industry and how did you get started?

I’ve been in the real estate industry for over six years now. The way I got started is actually pretty funny; I was performing in a contemporary opera in Chicago (playing a superhero) and our director happened to be the head of maintenance at a property management company where the CFO was looking for an assistant – they got me in for an interview and that was that!

2. What steps did you take from there to become a Yardi expert?

I’ve always been driven by a curiosity for how things work. As a child, I’d take toys apart and put them back together, and that’s more or less how I approached learning Yardi. We needed changes made to some reports, so I thought, “I wonder what those look like?” I took a look at those files, learned enough SQL to add a column I wanted to the report – and that snowballed into writing reports from scratch, writing SSRS and YSR reports, writing custom procedures, etc. I got a really good grasp on SQL, and from there, I was able to work from the inside out to see how Yardi handles the data it stores.

3. What do you want people to know about BC Solutions?

One of the things that I think is most valuable about our team is the diversity of backgrounds and skill sets. We have team members who have worked for Yardi supporting clients, who have worked for Yardi as programmers, who have worked at property management companies as software support, and as property managers themselves. There’s a real understanding of the business from all sides, and of the software from all sides – and we all share it with each other constantly. Even if you’re only working with one or two of us as a client, you’re getting the combined knowledge and expertise of all our consultants.

4. In your daily role, what drives you? Where do you draw inspiration to achieve your goals in your role?

I really like problem-solving – particularly when I get to be creative about it. Yardi has so many different functionalities, and there are typically many ways to accomplish a task because all the companies that use products like it are so different. I love being able to take my knowledge of the product and figure out how to make it best work for a specific client’s needs. I find that really satisfying.

5. What do you do when you’re not at work?

I have too many hobbies to count! I’m a classically trained opera singer, and I still try to perform when I can – I recently was the dentist in a community theater production of Little Shop of Horrors! I play the banjo, keep a lot of house plants, enjoy baking bread, and like to get out in nature.

Josh's incredible journey, fittingly dubbed "From Stage to SQL: The Josh Smith Story," perfectly illustrates the unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and technical prowess that he brings to BC Solutions. His boundless curiosity and passion for learning have not only propelled him to become a Yardi expert but also made him an invaluable and beloved member of our team. When Josh isn't busy transforming client needs into innovative solutions, he's exploring his diverse array of hobbies, from performing opera to playing the banjo and baking bread.

Josh's story is a testament to the vibrant, multifaceted individuals who make BC Solutions a dynamic and inspiring place to work. We are immensely proud to have Josh on our team, and we eagerly anticipate the continued impact of his diverse talents and expertise. Stay tuned for more incredible stories from our team members as we continue to spotlight the people who make our company truly exceptional.