Ruben Chevreuil Herrera is a distinguished leader in the property management industry with over 20 years of experience managing diverse portfolios, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. As the founder and Managing Director of LionHeart Properties & Design, Ruben has built a reputation for operational excellence, innovative solutions, and a client-first approach. His bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish has allowed him to connect with diverse communities, foster trust, and lead multicultural teams effectively. Under his leadership, LionHeart Properties & Design has achieved significant milestones, including portfolio growth, sustainability initiatives, and team development.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ruben is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He has volunteered with the Farmingville Fire Department, funded scholarships in honor of his late brother, and supported church renovation projects. Ruben’s leadership extends beyond property management, as he continuously strives to create stronger, more resilient communities. His dedication to integrity, excellence, and community focus has made him a respected figure in the industry and a role model for aspiring property managers.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day starts early with a review of priorities and a quick team check-in to align on goals. I focus on strategic planning in the morning, tackling high-impact tasks like lease negotiations or project reviews. Afternoons are often reserved for client meetings, team mentoring, or site visits. To stay productive, I rely on clear communication, time-blocking, and leveraging technology to streamline operations.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in collaboration and execution. Once I have an idea, I discuss it with my team to gather diverse perspectives. From there, we create a detailed plan with clear milestones and responsibilities. I also ensure we have the right tools and resources to bring the idea to fruition, whether it’s a new property initiative or a community project.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The rise of PropTech excites me. Tools like advanced property management platforms and data analytics are transforming how we operate, making processes more efficient and transparent. I’m particularly interested in how these technologies can enhance tenant experiences and drive sustainability.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Consistency is key for me. I start every day with a structured plan and stick to it as much as possible. I also make it a habit to reflect on the day’s achievements and areas for improvement, which helps me stay focused and continuously improve.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and trust your instincts. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Also, invest in relationships—they are the foundation of both personal and professional success.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that failure is more valuable than success. While success is rewarding, failure teaches resilience, adaptability, and the importance of humility. It’s through failure that we truly grow.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend setting aside time for self-reflection. Whether it’s journaling or simply taking a walk, reflecting on your goals and actions helps you stay aligned with your purpose and make better decisions.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away from the situation and take a moment to breathe. A short walk or a quick workout helps me clear my mind. Once I’m recharged, I break down the overwhelming task into smaller, manageable steps.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building strong relationships has been pivotal. Whether it’s with clients, team members, or vendors, trust and open communication create a foundation for long-term success. I’ve also prioritized mentorship, which not only helps others grow but also strengthens the organization as a whole.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the importance of clear communication during a large-scale renovation project. Misaligned expectations led to delays and frustration. I overcame it by taking ownership, addressing concerns directly, and implementing better communication protocols. The lesson? Transparency and proactive communication are non-negotiable.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects property managers with local service providers, offering real-time availability and pricing. This would streamline maintenance requests and improve response times, benefiting both tenants and property managers.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on property management software like AppFolio. It helps me track leases, manage maintenance requests, and oversee financials all in one place. The automation features save time and reduce errors, allowing me to focus on strategic tasks.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
One of my favorite books is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It’s a timeless guide to personal and professional growth, emphasizing principles like proactivity and prioritization. For podcasts, I enjoy How I Built This for its inspiring stories of entrepreneurship.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently enjoyed The Pursuit of Happyness. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience, determination, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how tough the circumstances.
Key learnings
- Collaboration and clear communication are essential for bringing ideas to life and overcoming challenges.
- Consistency and self-reflection are habits that drive productivity and personal growth.
- Building strong relationships and investing in team development are key strategies for long-term success.
- Embracing failure as a learning opportunity fosters resilience and adaptability.
- Leveraging technology, like PropTech tools, can enhance efficiency and tenant satisfaction in property management.