About Us
Who We Are
With over a decade of experience managing rental properties and apartment buildings throughout Chicago, Paragon Property Management embodies a commitment to excellence. Our relationship-based approach resonates with owner-clients seeking a full-service experience and aiming to provide well-maintained properties to attract the best tenants possible. We firmly believe that when property management is executed with integrity, both residents and owners benefit.
Solid property management is integral to achieving success in real estate investments. After the investment decision and property purchase has been made it is critically important to have good management in place to ensure the property operates at its potential. Our expertise, coupled with local knowledge of regulations and robust business systems and processes, forms the foundation for successful property management for our valued property owners. We take immense pride in our role in enhancing properties and neighborhoods across Chicago, offering quality affordable housing options to responsible residents. Our unique perspective as direct owners and investors in real estate enables us to deeply empathize with the concerns of our clients.
Our History
Our journey in property management began in 2004 by directly managing properties under our ownership. Despite attempting to delegate management to property management companies in 2005, the lack of competent and capable management became apparent after cycling through four different firms. Out of necessity, we resumed full management responsibilities and began building rigorous systems and processes to enhance our properties' performance.
Fueled by our success in optimizing our own properties, we established Paragon Property Management in 2010 to extend our expertise to other property owners. Eventually, we were managing hundreds of apartment units for clients ranging from local owners to international investors. Our mission is clear: to empower property owners to thrive in Chicago's real estate market.
Across the hundreds of apartments we have managed over the years, we've navigated countless challenges, from rectifying previous mismanagement to addressing problematic tenants and subpar renovations. Drawing from our extensive experience in real estate investing and management, we've developed a management approach tailored to the nuances of the Chicago market.
We prioritize transparency and alignment in our client relationships. Through comprehensive resources on our website and an owner handbook, we ensure clarity regarding our methodologies and practices. Every client relationship and property assignment is significant to us, and we selectively choose clients and properties to cultivate long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships focused on growth and success in real estate ownership and
Key Team Members:
With over 15 years of experience in Chicago's real estate management, sales, and investments, Jason Donajkowski serves as Principal Owner and Managing Broker. He holds an MBA in Real Estate Management from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Jason's extensive background includes successful management of large-scale design and construction projects within the energy sector.
Nathan oversees all property management and maintenance operations. Through his decade of experience managing properties throughout Chicago, Nathan is an expert in improving operations of troubled properties including managing building renovations and tenant resolution. He also has extensive experience with Chicago-based rent subsidy programs such as Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), providing great value to our clients.
Jeremy manages leasing activities, real estate sales transactions, and various aspects of property management. He brings prior experience working as a real estate agent and as an analyst in the banking industry. Jeremy has a bachelors in Business Management from University of Illinois at Chicago and is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois.
Cathryn joined our team in 2022, with thirteen year experience in technical support, customer service, and property management. With dual Bachelor's degrees in Secondary Education and Psychology, Cathryn's academic background complements her diverse skill set. Her extensive background equips her to excel in her role as a Leasing Coordinator, where she efficiently handles leasing processes and ensures seamless tenant experiences.
Stephanie joined our team in 2023, bringing several years of experience in property management. With a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a background in customer service, Stephanie brings a diverse skill set to her role. Her expertise in addressing maintenance issues and coordinating with residents, combined with her dedication to exceptional customer service, ensures smooth property management operations and enhances resident satisfaction.
Austin joined us in 2023, bringing over twelve years of diverse accounting experience to our team. With a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Arkansas State University, he has managed accounting functions across various industries, including medical office real estate. Austin's expertise in real estate accounting helps us ensure accuracy for our clients.
Jade joined our team in 2022, bringing seven years of experience to the role. With a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Jade has refined her expertise in financial management and bookkeeping through positions at various firms, including accounting, government, and banking institutions. Her commitment to precise financial management ensures our clients' records are meticulously maintained and accurate.
