Each month in 2021, we will feature one of our outstanding team members in a J.H. Berry Employee Spotlight. Today, we highlight Controller April Stidham.
Describe your role at J.H. Berry.
As a controller at J.H. Berry, I lead the company’s Property Management Accounting department, overseeing all property management accounting activity: payables, receivables, financial statements, balancing and reconciling, as well as all activities related to information technology.
What is your professional background, and what were you doing before joining J.H. Berry?
Prior to joining J.H. Berry in 1997, I spent time working in property management in Gulf Shores before relocating to Birmingham. I attended the University of Alabama before going on to obtain my real estate sales license in 1990 and real estate associate broker’s license in 1992.
How has your background helped you deliver results in your current role, as well as to J.H. Berry and clients?
The experience and knowledge I accumulated over my career in property management and in the pursuit of my real estate licenses have benefited me in numerous ways. It has given me the ability to communicate with our clients easily and effectively, as well as property managers and tenants. I am also able to approach my work armed with a deep understanding of the commercial real estate industry.
What fuels your work approach?
Honesty, integrity and a deep respect for the trust our clients place in us. H. Berry is a truly collaborative workplace, so I always try to be as approachable as possible to my co-workers, and I always feel like I can engage anyone in our office with any challenges or obstacles I am facing. Teamwork is a vital piece of our operation at J.H. Berry, so I place a significant emphasis on that.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love the outdoors, and I especially enjoy taking in any of Alabama’s many beautiful hiking trails. Additionally, I am a member of Hands On Birmingham, a program of United Way of Central Alabama. I also enjoy weight training and spending as much time as possible with my family.