Leadership Spotlight: Corey D. Wikstrom, EVP of Operations at Roots Management Group

Corey D. Wikstrom, the EVP of Operations at Roots Management Group, is no stranger to adapting to change and driving operational excellence. With a strong foundation in property management, Corey’s leadership is rooted in a combination of hands-on experience, a focus on innovation, and a deep understanding of the challenges community managers face daily. 

Corey’s journey with Roots first began at a time when operations relied on older technologies like fax machines. Reflecting on his early days as a community manager (CM), Corey recalls the tedious process of managing paper checks and how he used to stay late in the office, processing payments manually. Today, he champions the adoption of new technologies, such as SMS and electronic payment systems, tools he wishes he had when he was a CM. “It’s amazing how far we’ve come. The day-to-day business has changed, but if managers embrace the technology we have now, they can get so much more done.” 

Corey’s leadership style is centered around teamwork and focus. He believes in the power of pausing to evaluate and improve processes.  

One of Corey’s proudest moments came when the company implemented SMS communications for all community managers, followed by the introduction of "Power Hour," a dedicated time to focus on occupancy and resident follow-ups. July turned out to be a record-breaking month for occupancy, and though Corey humbly refuses to take credit, he acknowledges the significance of providing managers with the right tools to succeed. 

Corey is mainly out in the field meeting in person with community managers and regional managers who sometimes share pain points such as finding quality staff. Here, Corey says he believes in thinking outside the box. He often shares his experience of recruiting a top-performing manager he met at Home Depot. “Sometimes hiring outside the industry really helps. I saw great customer service in a retail setting, and that person turned out to be one of my best managers.”  

Corey’s leadership philosophy extends to being present in the community. He emphasizes the importance of community managers spending time outside the office, addressing violations, and maintaining curb appeal. “I used to make it a point to walk the community three times a day. You can’t manage from behind a desk—residents notice when you’re out there, and it makes a huge difference.” 

Corey’s leadership is defined by his hands-on approach, willingness to adapt, and focus on empowering his team. His journey from community manager to EVP of Operations is a direct result of his ability to learn from experience, embrace change, and drive success across Roots Management Group’s portfolio.