In “Key Players” we sit down with members of the team for a brief conversation about their work and their passions. Through these conversations, we hope that readers can learn a little more about the fun, hardworking employees that make Key so special.
Jana Haynes has been a member of the Key Team since July of 2017. As a one-woman team at Hub City Lofts, she acts as both leasing agent and property manager. We recently sat down with Jana to ask her about her Key experience, her life outside of work, and more.
What is your role?
I am the Property Manager at Hub City Lofts in downtown Hattiesburg, Miss. Hub City Lofts includes The America Building, The Carter Building, and commercial spaces in each building.
What does a day in your shoes look like?
Honestly, you never know. Some days its constant tours, others its paperwork, training, or a combination. That’s the beauty of this job, each day offers something different. I am the only one in the office, so I get to wear multiple hats throughout the day.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Well, I’m a writer. So, I have my hands in multiple projects outside of the office. I released a fiction novel and a spoken word album in September of 2017 and I have a musical/stage play that is currently on tour. I moonlight as a combination of J.K. Rowling, Shonda Rhimes, and Tyler Perry. Selma The Musical: The Untold Stories is actually headed to Manhattan in May to perform for a Broadway producer for Broadway consideration so I’m super excited about that.
What is one thing your coworkers may not know about you?
LOTS! Probably what I just mentioned, but I also used to compete in pageants (many, many moons ago). But, at one point, I was top 10 in the Miss Mississippi Pageant. I’ll probably regret telling you guys that later…
What is one of the most important pieces of advice you’ve received in your life?
I’ve received a lot of really amazing advice. I’m going to give you guys more of a mantra that I try to live by daily, whether it’s at home, here at Key or on the road with my cast and it’s “Our primary purpose in life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” I think it truly embodies my work, my personality, and my passion.
What was your most meaningful experience with Key?
It’s hard to pinpoint one, but about a month and a half after I started with Key, I had a pretty bad car accident. It left me and my family pretty banged up and I had to take an extended leave. Key and my regional manager, Caitlin, were so incredibly understanding and accommodating. I didn’t have to worry about whether or not I still had a job as a new employee and my transition back to day to day work activities wasn’t rushed. That experience truly showed me the spirit of this company and what it truly stands for. For me, that is worth more than its weight in gold.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
The fact that I never have the same day twice is what is most intriguing. In the world of Property Management, you can plan your day, but you can’t plan your day, and I love that. As a creative, my brain is always working, it’s always moving and always seeking the next challenge, so being in this type of role is vital for my personality type. It fuels my work ethic.
If you could sing a karaoke a duet with any musician, who would it be?
Whitney Houston! (pre-Bobby Brown Whitney, though)
If you were given a 1-minute ad slot during the Super Bowl, what would you fill it with?
I’d totally promote my cast and my production! Or my book. #shamelessplug
