About Us

Nick Parodi

President and Founder

With a professional tenure spanning over two decades in the real estate sector, Nick has amassed a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. He is the holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, supplemented by a Designated Broker’s license from the state of Washington. His credentials are further bolstered by his recognition as a Certified Property Manager (CPM™) by the Institute of Real Estate Management. Nick has a passion for maximizing the value and potential of investment real estate. A native of Puget Sound, his roots and personal life are as robust as his career. He is a devoted husband and father to three children. Outside of his professional commitments, Nick cherishes spending quality time with his family and friends. His life reflects a harmonious blend of professional accomplishment and personal fulfillment.

Sandy Starkey

Chief Problem Solver &
systems integration specialist

Sandy has nearly 40 years of combined experience in bookkeeping and computer programming. She is one of Fulcrum’s most tenured, with over a decade of problems solved for Fulcrum. With a Bachelor of Science in computer science and accounting from Western Washington University and studies at University of Hawaii. It is not hard to say, Sandy is a force to be reckoned with. She has worked with and developed, in some capacity or another, every person on Fulcrum’s leadership team. While she still deals with some of Fulcrum’s most difficult challenges, now-a-days you can find her hanging out with her grandkids, in a tiny house, with a tiny dog, and a… normal sized husband, living her dream.

Ann Smith

accounting manager

Ann, a dedicated professional with nearly seven years of tenure at Fulcrum, has ascended the ranks from Accounting Assistant to Accounting Manager. She is the respected leader of the team affectionately referred to as the “Cardigan Crew.” Her meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a unique sense of humor, distinguishes her as the “Accountant with a Personality”. Ann is a proud alumna of Washington State University, where she earned a degree in Accounting. For the past 18 years, she has applied her academic knowledge to practice, always ensuring her actions serve the greater good! A Yakima, Washington native, Ann has permanently made the scenic Pacific Northwest her home, with no intentions of ever looking back. Her life outside of work is filled with joy and love for her husband and children. She relishes with simple pleasures of life, such as immersing in a good book, engaging in lively rounds of Bunco, reminiscing the golden era of 90s boy bands, and indulging in the guilty pleasure of watching The Bachelor.

Karla Briggs

HR manager, payroll, cinnamon rolls

Karla, a seasoned professional, has been an integral part of the Fulcrum team for over six years, serving in diverse roles and, for the past three years, specializing in Human Resources. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science with an emphasis on teaching, a self-proclaimed Masters in the art of “Raising her Children to not be Terrible”, and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute. Karla’s philosophy towards HR is rooted in the belief that every individual is inherently worthy of kindness and respect. This ethos forms the cornerstone of her approach to Human Resources, underscoring her commitment to fostering a positive and respectful work environment. On a personal note, Karla possesses an impressive height, loathes licorice, and is overly invested in her houseplants. These unique traits, coupled with her professional acumen, make Karla a truly remarkable individual.

Dustin Brown

director of business systems

Dustin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Leadership Studies and has woven his story within the multi-family industry for over a decade. He has worked in several capacities of the intricate choreography of property management including maintenance, on-site operations, and corporate business systems. Over his career he has realized that it is not about spreadsheets or company mergers that etched meaning into his days; it is the experiences, the collaboration with his teams to overcome the challenges at hand, the shared laughter, and camaraderie that can only be built by time. A native of the PNW, Dustin wanders like a modern-day explorer in search of craggy peaks and waterfalls, the rhythm of the trails, and the cherished memories of adventure.

Vanessa Bell

Director of property management

Vanessa, a proud Texas native, studied Sociology at the University of North Texas, holds the Certificate Apartment Manager (CAM) and Certificate Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) designations, with two decades in the apartment industry. She started her career as a Leasing Professional and has impressively ascended through the ranks due to her dedication, attention to detail, and relentless work ethic, now serving as the Director of Property Management for Fulcrum, where she exemplifies exceptional leadership and strategic insights. When Vanessa isn't navigating the complexities of property management or skillfully problem-solving, she embraces her adventurous spirit by "camping" in her home on wheels. Accompanied by her husband and two daughters, Vanessa relishes these moments of tranquility and connection with nature, a perfect counterbalance to her dynamic professional life.

Catherine Rampley

Regional office manager

Cathy, as an accomplished business administrator, brings a wealth of experience and a keen eye for enhancing daily operations, organization, and efficiency, Cathy strives to provide Fulcrum with the best possible support for its day-to-day operations and overall vision. She enjoys working closely with other staff members to ensure we provide the highest quality of service, or the best corporate event. With over 20 years in the field of education, she developed a love of helping others grow and flourish and applies that to daily business operations. A recent transplant to Tacoma, Cathy brought along not just her expertise, but also her equine companion! You can usually find her on the trail, spending time with family, cooking for others, or doing anything outdoors. Her balanced approach to work and life underscores her commitment to both professional excellence and personal fulfillment.

Jeff Budinich

Regional Maintenance Director

Jeff is a seasoned industry professional and dedicated Regional Maintenance Director at Fulcrum Real Estate Services, where he has made significant contributions over the past six years. Jeff has more than a decade of experience in the property management industry and began his career humbly as a painter/make-ready. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Business from Montana State University, Jeff combines his academic background with practical experience as a maintenance technician and property manager, allowing him to effectively oversee complex maintenance operations across dozens of properties. He also holds a certification for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT). Jeff’s approach to his work is defined by his strong belief in preventative maintenance. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that issues are addressed before they become problems. His approach as a maximizer—where he focuses on doing things the right way, every time—has earned him a reputation as someone who takes pride in maintaining the highest standards. Jeff's commitment to excellence, passion for maintenance, and dedication to his team make him an invaluable asset to Fulcrum Real Estate Services and a trusted leader in the industry. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He is especially passionate about salmon fishing on the river, where he finds relaxation and a sense of peace. 

Caitlin Nelson

Regional Manager

Caitlin is a Regional Property Manager with a Managing Broker’s license in Washington State and over five years of experience in property management. Since starting her career in 2019, Caitlin has focused on improving property performance and driving operational efficiency. She holds a BA in English from Arizona State University, which has helped her develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. Caitlin is dedicated to mentoring her team, supporting their professional growth, and ensuring the properties under her care meet the highest standards. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and viewing various forms of artwork.

Desirae Holtan

Jr. Regional Manager

Desirae Holtan brings a dynamic blend of strategic insight and hands-on leadership to her role, particularly within the multi-family property industry. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for operational excellence, Desirae has effectively overseen numerous multi-family lease-up and renovation projects, ensuring they are executed with precision and efficiency.

With 25 years in the industry, Desirae’s journey includes pivotal roles where she has developed and honed her skills in team management, customer relations, and project coordination within multi-family communities. Her ability to streamline processes and foster a collaborative environment has consistently led to improved productivity and resident satisfaction.

Known for her high level of integrity, Desirae approaches every task with a commitment to honesty and ethical practices, earning the trust and respect of her team and residents alike. She leverages her extensive experience to drive regional growth and innovation in the multi-family industry, while actively supporting her team to achieve their highest potential. Her commitment to continuous improvement and her knack for problem-solving has made her an invaluable asset to her team.

Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family and enjoys traveling, which help her stay balanced and bring a fresh perspective to her professional endeavors.

Not "AI"

IT solutions

An enigma amongst the labyrinthine corridors of our digital age, where firewalls guard secrets and algorithms dance their binary waltz. There exists a figure that outshines the spotlight his colleagues know him as Not AI, but they are not convinced. With a vast personal experience and a story that will keep your ears tuned. His photo displayed amongst the greats in a billiards room and a parting saying of “Remember, I was nice to you.” – as he hands you a piece of candy.