Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Olawale.
Hi Brittany, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our journey into real estate began in 2017, during the final chapter of my husband Jamize Olawale’s nine-year professional football career in the NFL. Years of elite athletics shaped his discipline, leadership, and ability to build repeatable systems—skills that would later become the backbone of our businesses. At the same time, I was building my own career in Southlake, Texas, establishing myself as a luxury real estate professional. Over seven years in the industry, I gained deep market expertise and eventually became the Designated Supervisor of our property management brokerage.
We began investing in residential properties across California and Washington before being introduced to the power of multifamily real estate and the advantages of owning multiple doors. As our experience and vision expanded, we moved into commercial development in Texas while continuing to grow our residential portfolio. Jamize naturally took the lead on financial strategy and operational systems, applying the same precision and accountability that defined his professional football career across our real estate, childcare, and development companies.
With a growing desire for vertical integration, we acquired Emerald Creek Management Services, a 20-year-old company filled with potential but lacking structure, processes, and culture. We rebuilt the organization from the ground up, implementing a multi-department model with specialized teams in leasing, portfolio management, and maintenance. This approach created faster response times, clearer accountability, and a stronger, more effective team. We also established a centralized home base in Grapevine, Texas, allowing Emerald Creek to efficiently serve the entire DFW metroplex.
Today, Emerald Creek manages roughly 500 units with 98% occupancy, less than a 3% eviction rate, an in-house maintenance and plumbing team, 24-hour emergency response, and a dedicated owner communication line. Built on strong culture, clear systems, and intentional leadership, our story continues to evolve—and this is only the beginning.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Purchasing an existing company means inheriting both opportunity and hidden challenges, and we were very intentional about uncovering what was happening behind the scenes. During the first few weeks, we focused on observation & listening to employees, reviewing processes, and identifying recurring client and operational issues.
By the end of the first month, it became clear that major changes were necessary. We made the difficult decision to part ways with the entire leasing team due to a lack of accountability and performance. Brittany rebuilt the department from the ground up, removing unnecessary, time-consuming tasks, implementing clearer expectations, and introducing systems designed to directly impact occupancy and service levels.
One of the biggest struggles was the lack of structure. There were employees whose daily responsibilities were unclear, no documentation, and no way to track performance. As we implemented departmental accountability, standard operating procedures, and a new handbook, much of the ineffective staff naturally transitioned out of the company voluntarily, which was a blessing not having to fire people. At the same time, we discovered that an outside accounting firm was heavily overreaching & controlling nearly half of the company’s operational processes. We took back control, rebuilt internal systems, and hired stronger staff to properly execute those functions in-house.
Not all challenges came from poor performance. Some of the strongest employees were severely overworked and undervalued. That was something we addressed immediately. We promoted, reassigned, and increased compensation for team members whose skill sets were critical to the company’s success. Those changes strengthened morale, improved performance, and reinforced the culture we were intentionally building.
The challenges were significant, but they forced us to lead decisively, build real structure, and create a company that is now positioned for sustainable growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Emerald Creek Management Services ?
Emerald Creek Management Services is a full-service property management company headquartered in Grapevine, Texas, serving property owners throughout the DFW metroplex. We specialize in residential and multifamily management for small to mid-sized portfolios, particularly properties ranging from 1 to 100+ units. Often underserved segment of the markets need a strategic partnership we are that partner.
What sets Emerald Creek apart is our ability to operate with the capacity and systems of a large management company while maintaining the personal touch of a boutique operation. We intentionally build relationships with our owners, scheduling dedicated appointments to understand their property management goals, challenges, and long-term vision. Our approach is strategic and highly structured to reduce volatility.
Operationally, we function with a true multi-department model, with specialized teams in leasing, portfolio management, and maintenance. This structure creates faster response times, clearer accountability, and more effective execution. We also offer in-house maintenance solutions. Our team includes a plumber, handymen, and field staff, which allows us to control quality, respond quickly, and significantly reduce costs for owners who would otherwise pay a premium for outsourced and fee-based services.
We are known for revitalizing underperforming assets and providing scalable solutions for owners who are too small to justify a full on-site team but too large to manage efficiently on their own. Emerald Creek offers both partial and full-service management options, giving owners flexibility while helping them save money and improve performance. Today, we manage roughly 500 units with 98% occupancy and less than a 3% eviction rate. We are results driven by strong systems, disciplined operations, and intentional leadership.
Brand-wise, we are most proud of the culture we’ve built. Emerald Creek is a people-first organization grounded in clarity, accountability, and growth. Owners know our team by name. We believe that when teams are supported and systems are clear, everyone wins.
What we want readers to know is that Emerald Creek is not a one-size-fits-all property management company. We are hands-on operators and long-term partners, focused on creating efficient operations, protecting assets, and helping property owners grow sustainably—without sacrificing service or control.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
At Emerald Creek Management Services, success is not defined by perfection. It is defined by clarity, problem-solving, and informed decision-making.
Property management is not a flawless business. Things break, situations arise, and not every outcome is ideal. Our role is not to promise perfection, but to be steady operators and thoughtful advisors. Success means identifying issues early, presenting all viable options, and guiding both owners and residents toward the best possible decision with transparency and honesty, even when the choices are difficult.
We measure success through stabilized properties, controlled expenses, and efficient operations, but also through trust. Owners should feel confident knowing they are never kept in the dark and that every recommendation is rooted in protecting their asset long term. Residents should feel supported and treated fairly, even when challenges arise.
Because we serve small to mid-sized property owners, success also means delivering the operational strength of a large firm while maintaining a personal approach. Internally, success is a team that is empowered, specialized, and equipped to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.
At Emerald Creek, success looks like sustainable systems, honest conversations, and problems solved with intention. We do not chase perfection. We build confidence, clarity, and long-term results.
Pricing:
- 8-10% single family properties
- 3-5% for multifamily residential properties
- Lease-Only Service
- Maintenance and Plumbing Packages.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Emeraldcreekms.com
- Instagram: Emeraldcreekms
- Facebook: Emeraldcreekms
- Other: Brittanyolawale
