Brian Setencich is a successful businessman based in San Francisco.  He is a General Manager for First Service Residential, which focuses on serving the needs of property owners and residents. Setencich has an extensive background in public service, beginning on the Fresno city council. He went on to be elected to the California State Assembly, where he continued his effort to support local businesses.

Setencich worked on the project team to bring advanced 911 services to San Francisco, building on his personal experience in government to effect change. He later left government and entered the private sector. He used his strong interpersonal skills to begin a career in property management.

In his spare time, Setencich is an avid basketball player who previously played professionally in Europe. He is also passionate about animal rescue and has been involved with fundraising for children’s hospitals.

1- Hello Brian, Can you please introduce yourself?

I’m Brian Setencich. I have a keen interest in property management, and I come from a local government background. I believe that my negotiating skills as well as my attention to detail have helped to foster my career in the property management field.

2- What are your focus areas and why?

I focus on making sure that our property owners and tenants have equally excellent experiences. Too many times, the property management industry is portrayed as uncaring or even incompetent. With First Service Residential, we are working to challenge these stereotypes. We believe in taking care of our customers and making their property rental experience as easy and rewarding as possible.

3- How do you describe First Service Residential in few words?

In a few words, I would describe FSR as dynamic and engaged. We are always looking for new ways to serve our clients’ needs. We are working to revolutionize the property management industry with our new ways of doing business.

4- How do you think creative companies like yours are changing the future of Residential?

I believe that we have changed the landscape of the residential property management community in San Francisco. As we have gained clients, we are building a strong reputation for ourselves. Our client-focused approach means that we are more likely to attract and retain new buildings. We have definitely made our mark on the San Francisco market.

5- What advice would you like to give to those just starting in property management?

I would advise that people who are just starting out in property management do their research. It helps to be a focused, organized person who is ready to respond to a crisis at a moment’s notice. You will need to be able to put your clients’ needs first. You need to be patient and firm.

6- Do you think your mindset has anything to do with your success?

My mindset has everything to do with my success. I have a generally optimistic view on life, and I believe that I am capable of anything I put my mind to doing. It helps also that I have a growth mindset. I am constantly looking for new clients.

7- If you could turn the time, what would you love to do in regards to your career?

I think I would have loved to play basketball for a longer period of time but things do have a way of fitting into place with faith, patience and perseverence. I am proud that I got my start in elected office. Sometimes I consider what my life might have been like if I had stayed in the State Assembly, but the will of the voters is the most important consideration. I feel that my experiences as a City Councilman and as a State Assemblyman taught me how to be diplomatic and taught me how to multitask. They also taught me to manage a staff. I have used all of my personal experiences to bring me to the point in my career where I am today.

8- What is the “one-word” advice you will give to our readers when it comes to succeeding at making clients happy?

It’s challenging to give only one word of advice to your readers about making clients happy. If I had to choose one word, I would say “consideration.” Always treat your clients like people and make sure they know that they are valued. You can’t treat every client the same: you must consider their individual needs and create a plan based on what is special about the client.

9- Do you find as an expert, that you enjoy the challenge of an industry being complex and the game rules are 

I do enjoy a challenge. I feel that my work makes a big difference in the community, and part of that is due to my personal ability to make changes and work well in a crisis. It does help that I have an excellent staff to help me combat any problems we may encounter along the way.

10- The last word or final thoughts?

I hope that our clients feel that they are truly valued parts of our company. Without our clients, we would be nowhere. I hope that they know how much we appreciate their business. We take just as good care of our tenants as we do with our property owners.