The VTS team consists of folks with a diverse set of personalities, talents, and perspectives, and we want you to meet them! That’s why we’ve created this #WeAreVTS blog series to highlight some of the many outstanding people we have at VTS, get a closer look at the dynamic lives they have, and continue to create an environment where each VTSer can be their authentic self.
For our next team member Q&A in the series, we’re excited to introduce you to Eric Johnson, our Senior Public Relations Manager at VTS. Eric has been our PR wizard since 2020 — get to know him below!
In a sentence or two, can you explain what you do here at VTS?
As Senior Public Relations Manager, I manage PR and communications campaigns on behalf of VTS.
Where are you based right now?
I’m based in New York; I live in Manhattan. It’s in the middle of everything, which I love.
Can you describe your professional journey and how it led you to VTS?
I’ve spent the bulk of my career in real estate PR and communications. I’ve done both commercial real estate and residential real estate. I’ve repped landlords, brokerages, developers, etc. Having worked on both sides of the house, I was very familiar with the proptech space. And having spent a lot of time in the industry, I always saw VTS as a dream company to work with. So of course, I jumped at the opportunity to do so.
I joined in 2020, which was incredibly exciting. The company was in the midst of expanding and becoming the company it is now — we went from a singular product to three (and later became a company of four products a year later). It was incredible to be a part of the company during such a huge transitional period.
What do your weekends look like?
I typically go to brunch with friends, go for runs, and also love to walk around the city. There’s something about putting in your AirPods and just allowing yourself to get lost. I’m very big on exploring and seeing where I end up. Even though I’ve lived in New York for over six years, I always find something new.
What’s a moment that made you proud to work at VTS?
There are so many moments. The Rise acquisition in March of 2021 definitely stands out. Entering a totally new space within proptech was so exciting.
Part of what drew me to VTS was this sense of ambition the company embodied. With the acquisition, I was a central part of a huge endeavor. The noise and excitement the news generated on the PR and comms side was massive and it made me proud to do what I do.
What was your dream job growing up?
Honestly, I wanted to work for the government, in some capacity. I was always into politics, and still am — my first job in communications was actually tied to politics.
What excites you about what you do at VTS?
VTS is a really stimulating company to work for in general. Things are constantly evolving and changing. And what I really like about the company is the fact that we operate with such a strong sense of our mission, and truly think about how we can fulfill that day in and day out. We’re solving multiple pain points for so many people — we’re creating innovation within our industry and making people’s lives easier. Being able to create a meaningful impact is what makes coming to work so rewarding. We’re a company that matters.
From the PR and communications lens, there are so many stories to tell. VTS has so many thought leaders with world-class insights. Being able to share these narratives every day is so exciting to me. The best part is that the book is never closed. As we continue to innovate, our story keeps evolving.
What’s one thing you have loved about working from home? What’s been a challenge?
I love the flexibility working from home grants us. I recognize that it can be challenging for others who have families, but for me, who has such a routine, it’s awesome. With working from home, you can tap in and out of work — I’m someone who loves to check in outside my typical work hours (like in the morning, since I wake up early) because it gives me peace of mind to know I’ve completed a project or seen to a small task.The flexibility with our hours works well for me since it opens up the day and you can get more done.
A challenge for me is that zoom is definitely weird. In-person interactions are far superior.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to be in a role similar to yours?
I would advise people to lean into the ambiguity of their role, which is something I have done my entire career.
You foster a sense of reliability and also gain so much knowledge. Staying siloed in your lane doesn’t give you as much opportunity to learn and grow. Dipping your toes in areas outside of your role will make you a more well-rounded professional and a better team player.
Learn more about other VTSers featured in our #WeAreVTS Q&A series:
VP of Sales Operations Carol Ying On Building Your Network Early
Director of Strategic Account and Product Marketing Kevin Rippon On Finding Balance
Workplace Experience, Events Coordinator Miranda Francois On Finding New Ways To Break The Mold
