Employee Spotlight: Orchestrating Excellence

Kingsley McLaren, on-site General Manager with The Prescott Companies, didn’t take the typical route to community management.  After a foray into electronics at the Cadbury Chocolate factory, Kingsley studied music and drama, and says every step of the way taught him a skill he uses daily. “I spent about 30 years in classical radio and on stage singing and acting.  In radio, I hosted a travel show and interviewed a lot of dignitaries from around the world. This honed my communication skills. I was also Executive Director of the San Diego Master Chorale (120 singers) for five years, and that helped refine my people management skills. I also taught music as adjunct faculty at San Diego State University and Southwestern College.”

Once Kingsley began his community management career, it’s no surprise he did it with gusto, being the first person to earn the California Association of Community Managers’ (CACM) High Rise designation. He now teaches that course, and has even won two Vision Awards from the CACM. In addition to his personal achievements, Kingsley has led the 36 story high rise he manages to receive numerous awards for recycling. He jokes that the city of San Diego asked him to stop applying as he was scaring away other applicants.

Managing a 36 story high rise is no easy feat, so Kingsley makes sure he keeps in constant contact with his team. “I try to lunch with the cleaning crew three or four times a week. We have quarterly all hands meetings with security, maintenance and janitorial to review safety issues and concerns, as well as share funny moments.” He says the Prescott family has been instrumental in his success. “My branch president is incredibly supportive and the accounting team in our Carlsbad office is super. I think they must have magic wands.”

In his spare time, Kingsley still plays classical music and does a lot to give back to his community. “I am a 26 gallon blood donor at the San Diego Blood Bank and am on the national bone marrow donor registry. I am also a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music London (FGSM) and received a City of Chula Vista proclamation for my work with the handicapped and the homeless.” This incredibly busy guy is a great example of Associa’s family spirit!