If you’ve never considered a career in the apartment industry, you’re not alone. Most people don’t grow up saying they want to work in multifamily housing. But for many, it turns out to be a path filled with growth, stability, and real opportunity.
In this episode of Unlocking Doors, we share the story of Coby Racine—someone who didn’t start in maintenance, didn’t have technical experience, and didn’t follow a traditional path. Yet today, just three years after entering the industry, he serves as an Assistant Maintenance Supervisor with Camden.
Before multifamily, Coby worked in retail and distribution, including managing territory routes for Coca-Cola. While he gained leadership and customer service skills, the long hours and limited work-life balance left him wanting something different—something more hands-on, with clearer growth opportunities.
His turning point came when he learned about an apprenticeship program created in partnership with the Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation. The program offered structured training in apartment maintenance, including HVAC systems, electrical work, plumbing basics, and hands-on instruction—all while preparing participants for full-time careers in the industry.
Coby enrolled in the nine-week program, attending classes in the evenings after work. It required commitment and consistency, but it opened a door to a new career. After completing the apprenticeship, he was offered a full-time role with Camden and began working on-site as a maintenance technician.
From there, his growth was steady and intentional. He learned from experienced mentors, asked questions, and made his career goals known. In just three years, he moved into a leadership role as an Assistant Maintenance Supervisor and relocated to Dallas for a new opportunity.
One of the biggest takeaways from Coby’s story is that you don’t need years of technical experience to get started. Many of the skills he already had—customer service, communication, leadership, and accountability—translated directly into his new career. The technical skills were taught through training and hands-on experience.
He also shares a simple but powerful message: take a chance on yourself. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure of your next step, there may be opportunities you haven’t considered yet. The apartment industry offers structured training programs, clear career paths, and the chance to build a long-term profession in a field that serves people every day.
Apartment maintenance isn’t just fixing things—it’s problem-solving, working with your hands, learning new systems, and being part of a team that keeps communities running.
Coby’s journey shows that sometimes the right opportunity isn’t the one you planned—it’s the one you’re willing to try. Learn more about career pathways in multifamily: roomtogrowtx.org
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