When Zachary Albers was 8, his father had a debilitating brain aneurism, which instilled a sense of independence that taught the younger Albers early to lead and be self-sufficient.
These attributes have served Albers well during his career. A former staff sergeant in the Air Force, Albers in June 2011 achieved a longtime goal to lead a successful business when he was named the chief operations officer for TLC Property Management LLC.
Albers is proud that TLC founders Sam E. and Carol Coryell chose him to succeed their son, Sam M. Coryell, to help lead the family business.
“To be entrusted with the legacy and livelihood of the Coryell family was an honor and a privilege that I hope to repay them through successful stewardship and expansion of the family business,” Albers says.
He seems to be off to a good start since joining the company in 2009.
“I am proud that during the Great Recession and its aftermath I was able to lead the operations of TLC to 24 consecutive months of revenue growth from 2009 through 2011,” Albers says.
He has implemented new property management software across 14 properties comprising 2,500 apartment units and launched TLC’s third-party management division, entering a management agreement with the owners of a 144-unit apartment community in Willard.
Last year, he helped the company launch Grace Hill, an online training program, and he also restructured the company’s budget to make sure employees have access to ongoing career development opportunities.
“Members of the executive team have gained insurance certifications, human resources certifications and real estate certifications through this opportunity,” Albers says.
As a University of Phoenix graduate, Albers also helps others reach professional goals through service in the school’s mentoring program.
For Albers, however, true leadership includes service in the community. Through his position at TLC and his involvement with Second Baptist Church, Albers is doing his part to make the Springfield area a better place to live.
Under his direction, TLC has partnered with the Springfield Homeless Task Force and The Kitchen to provide housing for two families in need. In 2011, TLC Properties collected 625 pounds of food for The Kitchen’s annual food drive, presented monetary donations to the March of Dimes, and adopted a six-person family for KTTS’ Adopt-a-Family for Christmas program.
Through church, Albers has taught Sunday school, and he served as head coach of a third- and fourth-grade basketball team. He and his wife also coordinate menus and meals with Springfield Victory Mission’s outreach efforts benefiting the homeless.
“The Air Force taught me the importance of giving back to my community,” Albers says. “I am a firm believer that the best use of my volunteer time, energy and resources is through my church family.”
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