Meet the Team: Ximena Cardenas, Portfolio Manager
What is your role at BRIGS, and what does your day-to-day look like?
I am a portfolio manager for our L2 division—what we informally refer to as our small properties division. My daily work includes communication with the boards from my portfolio and a lot of problem solving. Every single day is different, and it certainly keeps me on my toes.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Being able to come forth and successfully help an association have a better experience by having a management company. Not everyone is a fan of property managers, but when you can show them that you’re there to help them and their association, it makes a difference.
What’s something you find challenging about your work?
My position is fully remote, so my boards only see me via virtual meetings—never physically visiting properties. It is challenging to build successful relationships with the boards and residents without the rapport that naturally happens in person during site visits. I have to work extra hard to build that trust.
What are some hobbies you enjoy?
Anyone that knows me knows I’m a huge geek and gamer. In my spare time you’ll find me playing Magic the Gathering with a group of friends or binging the latest video game release for hours—like Pokémon, Legend of Zelda, or Final Fantasy…I even have a full Pokémon arm tattoo. Going to the movies is another favorite pastime of mine. Sometimes I’ll watch a bad movie just for the popcorn.
Tell us about your ideal weekend plan.
Staying home, sleeping lots, and cuddling with my cat, Chopper. Video games, movies and true crime documentaries are also a must. Don’t forget the snacks and comfy clothes.
Coffee or tea?
Tea 100%. Earl Grey with a splash of oat milk is my go-to, or Boba milk tea.
What is your favorite part of Spring in your hometown?
We get these gorgeous lavender colored flowers called Jacarandas blooming all over the city. If you see a birds eye view of Paseo de la Reforma around this time you’ll see the streets lined in beautiful purple clouds of flowers. The weather is so nice, too. We don’t get extreme heat or humidity and the rainy season hasn’t started yet. It’s just right.
Any Spring travel plans?
My best friend of over 20 years is getting married in May in Rome! It’s my first time visiting Europe, so I’m definitely looking forward to it.
Any favorite Spring memories?
Easter Sunday when I was around 6 or 7 years old. I remember going egg hunting in my grandma’s huge backyard in her old Albuquerque home and running through the sprinklers after to cool off. They didn’t have a pool so this was as good as it got.