Multifamily Veteran and Former Chief Operating Officer of Gables Residential Joins Funnel’s Board

Funnel Leasing, the only renter-centric leasing platform, announced today that Cristina (Sullivan) Wheeler, former Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Gables Residential, joined the company’s Board of Directors. During her tenure as COO, Gables — a private Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) specializing in the development, construction, and management of Class-A multifamily and mixed-use communities — grew by 50% to $4.5 billion.

Wheeler, a respected change agent within multifamily, helped Gables navigate four different ownership structures and is thrilled to share her first-hand multifamily experience to help Funnel craft a seamless experience for renters. “I am a true believer that the technology is going to help disrupt the business model at the leasing office level, which is where it needs to start,” said Wheeler. “Which will help advance not only the efficiencies of a centralized business model, but also help us become better at creating a seamless experience for the renter.”

Wheeler’s leadership extended beyond Gables, she served as Co-Chair for the NMHC Operations Technology Council for multiple years, Co-Chair of the NAA Executive Forum for multiple years, as well as other committees. She was awarded the 2015 Women of Influence Award by the Real Estate Forum Magazine. During her time as COO Gables was awarded the 2019 Multi-Family News (MNN) Property Management Company of the Year, 2018 Multi-Family News (MHN) Development Company of the Year, and 2018 National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Development Company of the Year.

“At Funnel we truly believe that we can make the world a better place, by creating the future renter experience,” said Tyler Christiansen, CEO of Funnel. “Who better to help lead and steer us in that endeavor than an industry icon like Cris? She embodies the best of multifamily. Cris’ inspiring career journey, combined with her passion for the future of our industry make her uniquely qualified to join the Funnel Leasing Board.”

Wheeler began her impressive 32-year career in multifamily as a leasing agent while attending graduate school. One promotion led to another and Wheeler rose quickly from onsite operations, to brokerage, to training, to a company officer in 1999, and finally COO in 2015. Wheeler knows the multifamily industry from bottom to top, because she’s lived it in almost every role: leading over 1,000 team members to manage and lease 120+ residential and mixed-use communities in 18 MSAs across the United States.

“It’s very disruptive to a business to change technology, even to roll out something that will (eventually) make lives easier, the process can be painful. I bring perspective on that, and how to help multifamily owners and operators make a tech leap,” said Wheeler. “The Funnel team is 100% committed to being the best, I share their same passion for excellence.”

About Funnel Leasing

Funnel's renter-centric solutions revolutionize the antiquated process of finding a home into an enjoyable experience. We believe all renters deserve a seamless, simple and personalized journey. We provide leasing and communication tools that are intuitive and obliterate repetitive tasks — driving more efficient leasing. Join us as we help leading property management teams create a better rental experience at funnelleasing.com.

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