Cortney Gill with The GSG Team
A Sit Down with Kim’s Daughter
Welcome once again! On today’s episode of Feral and Fabulous, Kim welcomes her daughter, Cortney Gill with The GSG Team. Cortney brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in property management, something she first ventured into back in 2009. Join us as she shares a look back in the evolution of her career and the whirlwind growth of her business, while also dishing out some invaluable advice on building relationships in real estate – and maybe even a few funny stories along the way!
The Journey into Property Management
Cortney Gill’s journey into property management began serendipitously in 2009. At that time, she was pregnant with her daughter, Vivienne, and filling in for someone else on maternity leave. With humble beginnings managing just 20 doors, she soon found herself embracing the role more permanently. The birth of her second child, Gabi, witnessed an exponential growth of her business – from 20 to a whopping 400 doors by 2013. This rapid rise was fueled by her adept use of referrals and cultivating strong client relationships.
Challenges and Growth
Growing a property management business from a handful of doors to a significant portfolio isn’t without its challenges. Cortney attributes her success to rich system integrations and the power of referrals. Her approach of leaning into existing networks allowed her business to thrive even in challenging market conditions, such as the aftermath of the 2008 economic crash.
Her guiding philosophy? A commitment to relationship-based management. Cortney emphasizes selecting clients who align with her values: “If I wouldn’t have you in my home for dinner, I didn’t want to manage for you.” This credo has helped maintain a quality over quantity approach, leading her to refine her portfolio from 400 to 250 doors by 2015.
Owner-Tenant Dynamics
Understanding both sides of the owner-tenant equation is critical. For owners, especially accidental landlords, expectations about property upkeep are often misaligned. Cortney warns owners about the necessity of ongoing property investments to maintain and enhance value. For tenants, she focuses on removing move-in headaches through welcome packs and offering various auxiliary services, like utility setup, to ease transitions.
Strategic Referrals: The Backbone of Growth
Cortney’s business model thrives on referrals. Her relationship-driven approach eliminates the need for cold calls, maintaining low marketing costs, which in turn benefits clients through competitive pricing. By offering regular client appreciations and remaining a resource beyond transactions, she ensures GSG stays top of mind for any property needs.
Advice to Aspiring Property Managers
Launching a successful property management business involves more than just understanding property; it requires a knack for relationships and systems. Cortney Gill recommends starting with a robust database and surrounding oneself with mentors and colleagues who inspire. For budding entrepreneurs, she emphasizes the importance of being open about your business, regardless of context, and maintaining a proactive communication stance.
Planning for Success
Cortney’s passion for planning stretches into every aspect of her business and personal life. With Christmas cards for 2025 already stuffed (the episode was filmed on October 15, 2025), her proactive approach allows her to manage crises more effectively. The key takeaway? Plan rigorously but remain adaptable to the inevitable surprises in property management.
It’s All About Relationships and Planning
Cortney Gill’s insights on property management are invaluable for anyone looking to enter the field or refine their approach. Her dedication to relationships, proactive planning, and a keen sense of business acumen make her not just a successful property manager, but a wonderful role model for entrepreneurs everywhere.
From family to property management, it’s clear that Cortney embodies both feral determination and fabulous execution. Whether you’re growing a business or simply navigating life, there’s a lesson here for everyone. Join us next time as we keep the conversation thriving.
Stay tuned for more great guests from the Feral and Fabulous podcast – a new episode drops every Monday. You can watch the Feral and Fabulous podcast on YouTube or listen wherever you catch your favorite podcasts (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart Radio, etc.).
Thank you for watching and listening to us once again – we truly appreciate all the love and support you’ve given us so far. Remember to like, subscribe, and share! Your support helps us continue to bring you this show every week.
The GSG Team
(210) 930-4440
inquiries@thegsgsteam
thegsgteam.com
11961 Starcrest Drive
San Antonio TX 78247
