Richard Melton, general manager for Draper and Kramer, Incorporated’s Crest at Las Colinas Station apartment community in Irving, Texas, took a rather unconventional path into real estate – his original career was as a commercial make-up artist. But it was through that job that he met his first contact in the industry, and the rest is history. This month we’re spotlighting Richard, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, in honor of Pride Month.
“After connecting with a real estate professional and learning more about opportunities in residential real estate, I made the switch to this industry at age 21. Since then, I have held pretty much every job there is in apartment management, from leasing agent to regional director,” Richard said. “I really love this work, my daily interactions with my team and, overall, cultivating a positive resident experience.”
Richard’s role as general manager of Crest at Las Colinas places him in charge of every aspect of managing the luxury apartment community, from overseeing maintenance to executing resident events, and everything in between.
“Richard is a tremendous advocate for his residents and role model for his staff, setting the tone for excellence the performance of his properties,” said Julie Stevlingson, Senior Vice President and Director of Management Services for Draper and Kramer. “We are lucky to have him on the team!”
Despite his busy professional schedule, Richard still finds time to support a cause near and dear to him: Youth First LGBTQIA+, a North Texas program that addresses the challenges LGBTQIA+ teens ages 12 to 18 face at home, school and in the community.
“The tools offered through Youth First are truly vital to the positive mental and physical well-being of LQBTQIA+ teens, their families and allies.”
The Draper and Kramer Foundation not only supports the communities in which we serve, but actively encourages our employees to get involved and promote the causes that are near and dear to their hearts.
We are pleased to show support to the LGBTQIA+ community through our financial donation to Youth First and as well as The Trevor Project.
