She’s the first person you see when you walk through Alloy 26’s front door, she guards our co-working space – assisting in all things big and small – every day with a smile on her face. She’s Kaitlin Miles, an office manager with Faros Properties, and we sat down to get you the scoop on this cool member of our Nova Place Fam!
So sit back, relax and read on.
Q: Tell me how you first got involved with Faros Properties.
A: I was actively looking for a 2nd job while working in a staffing agency, and that is when I stumbled across a part-time front desk position at the Park View Apartments, one of Faros’ residential properties. I enjoyed my time there, but shortly after I was offered my current position at Faros’ commercial management office in Nova Place. I like it over here much more (probably because I’m always hopped up on La Prima coffee!) I have always been in the customer service field, whether I was interviewing and trying to place candidates for their next job, or in BNY Mellon’s HR department trying to assist employees with various questions regarding pay, retirement, vacation time, etc. This job played very well into my prior work experience. I still get to meet and talk to people every day. I enjoy that.
Q: What was your first impression of the projects going on at Nova Place, specifically Alloy 26?
A: Before my initial interview at Park View Apartments, I researched Faros and what they were about. I quickly found several articles about their plan to redevelop the North Side. When I first met with the management team, they showed me renderings of what they were planning to do with Nova Place, and I was nothing short of amazed. They had also mentioned Alloy 26. At that point I never even heard of the term “co-working”. Again, I did my research and realized how beneficial something like this would be to Pittsburgh, especially with all of the technological innovation that this city has created over the years. We talked about the plans for Alloy 26, and it was kind of amazing to hear everyone talk about this ugly old space like it was a beautiful flower just waiting to bloom. Flash forward to May when we moved into the new office- decorated with chic chandeliers, tufted sofas, and other swanky décor – I couldn’t believe this was the same space.
Q: What do you want other people to know about Alloy 26 and Nova Place?
A: I believe Alloy 26 turned out as amazing as it did because the management team is so adamant about redeveloping this area. Nova Place is a diamond in the rough. There is SO MUCH POTENTIAL, and I fully trust in Faros to make it a vibrant place. Additionally, if we hear the community’s opinions, we can better tailor our plans for Nova Place around what they want. So get involved!
Q: Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work in office management.
A: I don’t think there was a singular person. My dad was an entrepreneur, my grandfather was an entrepreneur, and my mother has a solid work ethic. I always knew I wanted to either work for myself, and if not that, work for a company that is focused on giving back to the community. I found that with Faros.
Q: What do you do when you aren’t working?
A: Well, I recently moved to the North Side so I spend a lot of my time exploring the neighborhood. I like to check out new restaurants, take my pup over to the dog park and play fetch with her, go to concerts, go hiking, fishing, really anything outdoors.
Q: What’s the one thing about you few people know?
A: I just started the process earlier today so that’s why not many people know this, but I’m going to start working towards getting my real estate license! Once I pass I plan to be doing that on the side.
Q: What are the major rewards of being a part of the Nova Place fam?
A: In my opinion, the major reward is working with people that are so friendly and eager to help. The environment alone is very laid back and I think that makes for a great work life. I never wake up and dread coming to work. That’s something that is very important to me. Aside from that, I love being able to talk to the members of Alloy 26. They are very intelligent so it’s really nice hearing about what their company does and the progress they have made since joining.