TOPS Awards Feature - Denise Thompson
2025 Outstanding Property Manager Winner
Denise Thompson
Community Manager at The Retreat at Fuquay-Varina, Hawthorne Residential Partners
What did winning a TOPS Award mean to you personally?
Winning the TOPS Award for Outstanding Property Manager was incredibly meaningful to me because it represented the hard work, dedication, and passion I poured into my community every day. What made this award even more special was the timing. Just a few months earlier, I had learned that the community I had managed for the past five years was being sold. Hawthorne at the Parkway had become so much more than just a property to me, it was a place where I grew personally and professionally. Receiving the TOPS Award felt like the greatest reward I could have received and the perfect way to close that chapter of my journey at Hawthorne at the Parkway.
How has receiving a TOPS Award impacted your career or professional growth?
The award encouraged me to continue challenging myself professionally. Since receiving it, I've embraced new opportunities, taken on new challenges, and remained focused on creating exceptional experiences for both residents and my teams. It reminded me that growth comes from staying committed to excellence, even during the most demanding seasons.
What would you say to someone who is considering nominating a coworker or submitting a nomination for their team/community?
I would absolutely encourage anyone to nominate a coworker or their team. We often get so focused on the daily grind that we don't take the time to recognize the incredible work happening around us. A nomination is more than just an award, it's an opportunity to acknowledge someone's dedication, hard work, and the positive impact they have on others.
What makes the multifamily industry special to you?
The multifamily industry is unique because every day brings a new opportunity to make a difference. It requires compassion, adaptability, and leadership, and I love that the work we do leaves a lasting impression on the people and communities we serve.
Tell us about the moment your name was announced. What was going through your mind?
When my name was announced, I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. It was a moment I will never forget. There were so many feelings happening all at once! Excitement, gratitude, disbelief, and a deep sense of appreciation. I was fortunate enough to have friends and colleagues attend on my behalf and hear my name being called through FaceTime. Although I couldn’t be there personally to accept the award due to unfortunate personal circumstances, that did not take away from the significance of that moment.
Who helped you get to where you are today?
So many incredible leaders, mentors, teammates, and colleagues have helped shape who I am today, and I am truly grateful for each of them. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from people who challenged me, supported me, and believed in my potential. I truly believe that success is never achieved alone, and I am grateful to have had so many amazing people invest in me along the way.
Finish this sentence: “Being recognized as a TOPS Award winner means…”
Being recognized as a TOPS Award winner means that the passion, dedication, and heart I put into my work truly made an impact. But I couldn’t have done it without the support of those around me. This recognition came at a very meaningful moment in my career. Learning that the community I had dedicated five years to was being sold was incredibly emotional, but receiving this award right before the sale felt like a full circle moment. It allowed me to reflect on the relationships I built, the team I had the privilege of leading, and the meaningful experiences we created together.