Employee Spotlight Series: Meet Dylan Masella, Director of Property Acquisition

At Aro Homes, we know our team and the culture we create and operate in are the most important determinants of our success and our fulfillment.  In our efforts to recognize and celebrate the exceptional people behind our success and journey, we're thrilled to kick off our employee spotlight interview series. Meet Dylan Masella, the Director of Property Acquisition and Operations at Aro Homes.  

Q: What does your day to day look like at Aro Homes? 
A: My day-to-day job is looking for opportunities for us to expand and build our market share while fostering new and existing relationships within the real estate community. I will also be contributing and executing on the overall acquisition strategy and supporting key decisions for our growth.   

Q: How long have you been working in the real estate industry?  
A: I've been in the industry for almost 10 years. I've represented buyers and sellers throughout the entire Bay Area. I've also managed sales teams in the Bay Area, pioneered new sales strategies, and promoted cutting edge "ibuying" platforms. 

Q: What keeps you motivated and inspired? 
A: It all starts by making a real impact through my work. I am also motivated by results. When I have a tangible goal to meet, I strive to develop a sound strategy to accomplish it ahead of schedule.  Also, while this might sound cheesy, there's no better feeling than seeing the face of a new homeowner and subsequently living in a place they love, especially while benefiting both the homeowner and the environment. 

Q: What excites you about where Aro is today? 
A: We're redefining construction in a positive way. This will impact consumers and the environment. I have no doubt that the future of new construction will be based to some degree on our approach to building homes. 

Q: How do you keep your peers and your team members inspired? 
A: Having a deep understanding of our “why”.  I also think embodying a strong culture of collaboration with a focus on recognition is important.  In addition, setting challenging yet realistic goals enables a positive work environment for the team as a whole. 

Q: What part of our mission or core values do you connect with the most? 
A: If I am going to be honest, all of them. Our values are some of the most important qualities that attracted me to Aro Homes in the first place.  Taking risks, having curiosity, moving with urgency, and really owning your ideas are some traits that distinctly stick out. We all sweep the floor and work towards a common goal. I think it’s important to be entrepreneurial and innovative. I come from an industry where everyone is an entrepreneur and therefore think it's important for everyone to have that mindset within their role so that we can collaborate better as a team.   

Q: What is the best advice you can give? 
A: “Amateurs practice until they get it right. Masters practice until they can’t get it wrong”. This quote has always resonated with me because it states that we are all just human. We learn, we adapt, and we change. Experts have failed more than beginners have tried, and I believe not giving up is what is important. 

Q: What does your dream home look like? 
A: Two-part answer: I would love to purchase my childhood home at one point in my life. Not only do I have fond memories of my upbringing, but it was a beautiful A-frame home in the hills adorned with redwood walls that exuded a subtle fragrance of earthy undertones and a tinge of sweetness.
 
My fantasy home includes the following: It is a two-story house with a primary suite on the lower level. I want it to have wainscoting throughout all the bathrooms and oak floors in the living spaces. Ideally, upstairs will have floor to ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Bay or City. Also, the house needs to be drenched in natural light throughout. There should be a hot tub on the roof, maybe an infinity pool too if there is space. Lastly, I would like my backyard to be converted to a self-sustaining wildlife rehabilitation center. 

Interested in learning more about the Aro Homes team or joining the team? Check out the Careers page!