In 2010, Dustin Packard was a young man seeking direction. Enrolled at his local community college, he wasn’t sure what path he would take, but he knew he wanted to transfer to a four-year university and build a future for himself. Little did he know that the world of hospitality and high-rise living awaited him.
With a natural curiosity about travel and unique accommodations—like underwater hotels—Dustin enrolled in a hospitality course that fit into his schedule. What seemed like a simple class choice soon sparked a long-term passion for the hospitality industry.
After earning his associate degree, Dustin transferred to San Diego State University, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and hotel operations. The program combined academic coursework with hands-on experience in local hotels, giving Dustin valuable insight into the daily workings of the hotel industry.
After graduation, Dustin landed a position at The Pendry, a luxury boutique hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. He began as a front desk agent, helping with guest services and reservations. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Dustin was furloughed, but later returned as an overnight manager. As the industry evolved during the pandemic, he was temporarily assigned to Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, where he both worked and stayed onsite. After returning to San Diego, he continued working for Montage remotely.
While the hospitality industry slowly regained stability, Dustin found himself yearning for a more consistent schedule—one that allowed for weekends and personal time. That’s when he was introduced to the world of residential high-rise management. He joined Action Property Management as an on-call front desk associate in San Diego. Although the role wasn’t full-time at first, it offered a refreshing change of pace.
Dustin Packard
”The residents and staff at Grande South made the large building feel like a home away from home.
As he rotated through various Action-managed properties, one building stood out: Grande South, a 39-story high-rise that quickly felt like home. In May 2023, a full-time position opened, and Dustin stepped into the role with enthusiasm. Within a year, he advanced from Front Desk Associate to Manager Assistant, and then to his current role as Assistant General Manager.
Although Grande South features luxury amenities, it’s a 20-year-old building with ongoing operational needs. In his leadership role, Dustin has been instrumental in managing major projects, including a multi-year exterior painting initiative, an aging pipe replacement project, and the renovation of the guest suite and fitness center.
Beyond his work life, Dustin is deeply rooted in the San Diego coastal lifestyle. He enjoys music, biking around town, and taking his two dogs to the beach. He’s even started home renovation projects of his own at his recently purchased home nearby.
What began as a simple elective course in community college ultimately led Dustin to a fulfilling, upwardly mobile career in both hospitality and residential property management. Like many team members at Action Property Management, Dustin brings energy, professionalism, and a deep love for people to everything he does. His story is a testament to how the right opportunity—no matter how small it seems—can change the course of a career.
Read a Related Story
World Class Service: Ashley Greenberg
