Excellence doesn’t come easily. It takes discipline, commitment, and hard work. Teddy Heekin, Action Property Management’s General Manager at the 22-story Watermark in San Francisco spent years refining this principle as he groomed himself for the position.
Teddy’s pursuit of excellence began at the age of 18 when he was first introduced to the idea of body building. The hours were long and the process was challenging, but as he trained, he learned to not only push himself physically, but to also discipline himself mentally. Soon, he found himself competing at the amateur level and enjoying the sport.
That passion carried him to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where Teddy studied kinesiology and exercise science with a plan to pursue a career as a Strength and Conditioning Coach. After graduation, he returned home to Seattle where his sister worked in a high-rise building and encouraged him to join her. As a temporary bridge toward his desired career path, Teddy took a job as an on-call employee with a property management firm that had him bouncing between ten different high-rise buildings, filling in wherever he was needed.
After demonstrating competency in that position, Teddy transitioned into a permanent role at Olive 8, a mixed-use hotel and residential building in Seattle. In 2016, he made the move from Seattle to San Francisco to be with his wife.
It was then that he first joined the team at Action, working the front desk at Watermark. Within three months Teddy had proven his worth and was promoted to Front Desk Supervisor and then to Manager’s Assistant before transitioning to Assistant Manager. Then in 2024 he was promoted again, this time to the position of General Manager at Watermark.
Teddy Heekin
”Teddy recognizes that each team member plays a vital role in providing the excellence a building like Watermark demands.
Today he oversees a team of nine people who work together to provide the residents of the building the same excellence he demanded of himself as a body builder. From front desk associates to the building engineer, each member of Teddy’s team shares the common goal of going above and beyond to demonstrate their own passion for excellence.
Watermark itself is made up of 136 units. Because Teddy’s tenure at the building has spanned nine years, he has had the privilege of building strong relationships with residents in the community and provided a reliable presence. The building boasts a boutique-like feel that offers a stunning view of San Francisco’s iconic Bay Bridge. It also offers a fitness center, outdoor lap pool and fourth floor BBQ Terrace where Teddy can be seen hosting the Annual Summer event.
Last year, under Teddy’s leadership, the HOA completed a remodel of the main lobby that includes a new lounge where residents can find a modern shared workspace and the board can gather for meetings.
Teddy’s leadership style reflects the Action value of “We Are a Team” as he strives to maintain a family-like atmosphere. He recognizes that each team member plays a vital role in providing the excellence a building like Watermark demands. No role is beneath him, and he is willing to step in wherever necessary. Whether it is picking up trash or greeting a resident, he always does it with a smile.
His pursuit of excellence led him to earn two professional designations while on the job. Working alongside his predecessor at Watermark, Teddy completed the requirements to become a Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) during his first year as an assistant manager. A year later, he added the designation of Association Management Specialist (AMS) to his resume.
While managing a high-rise building can be an all-consuming job, Teddy is a family man at heart and always tries to make time for those he loves. Whether it’s a simple trip to the park or watching one of his daughter’s sporting events, Teddy enjoys his family.
He understands that not everyone will find their own passion for excellence on their original path, but he also knows that everyone can find a drive for excellence in something. His goal is to steer those around him toward that passion, wherever it may be.
