John Lie-Nielsen, an influential figure in the property management industry, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and success.
Born in South Georgia, Lie-Nielsen left his hometown as a teenager to attend Berry High School in Rome, Georgia, where he worked on a school farm to fund his education.
He furthered his studies at Berry College before being guided to Emory University by a teacher.
While at Emory, Lie-Nielsen juggled several jobs, including teaching at an Arthur Murray Dance Studio, ultimately graduating with a degree in economics, as noted by his son.
A friend’s suggestion led him to the Bay Area of California, where he opened three dance studios.
However, the studios did not perform well, prompting him to pivot to hospital administration, where he managed to save enough money to buy a run-down house in Sacramento.
Demonstrating his handy skills, Lie-Nielsen completed all the repairs on the house himself, ultimately selling it for a profit and launching into further investments in real estate.
His career took a significant turn when he started working for a California company named Consolidated Capital.
Recognizing that they were not effectively managing the properties they acquired, Lie-Nielsen established Johnstown American in 1964 to oversee these apartment communities.
In the late 1970s, he relocated Johnstown American to Atlanta, convinced of its potential for growth, according to his son.
The company thrived in the 1980s, reaching its peak by managing over 160,000 rental units, condos, industrial buildings, and shopping centers across the United States.
Its operations also expanded into mortgage banking and carpeting supply, allowing Lie-Nielsen’s efforts to gain visibility in publications like The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The New York Times.
What set Johnstown American apart was Lie-Nielsen’s meticulous attention to detail.
He standardized the management process with comprehensive operating manuals and instilled unique practices, such as requiring on-site managers to bake an apple pie daily before showing potential tenants housing units.
He implemented an innovative leasing system called “The Little Buddy,” which provided daily updates on unit rentals and payment statuses.
Lie-Nielsen was known for personally hiring the managers, leasing agents, and maintenance crews, at one point employing over 10,000 associates.
In 1988, he sold Johnstown American for $13 million to Southmark Corporation, which subsequently renamed the company Consolidated Cos. and moved its headquarters to Dallas.
Unfortunately, without Lie-Nielsen’s leadership, the company filed for bankruptcy shortly after his departure.
In 1993, he founded HandyTrac Key Control, a company focused on key access management for apartment units, where he served as CEO until two months before his passing.
Even in his 70s, Lie-Nielsen’s drive for innovation did not wane; he launched Water Signal, a technology designed to detect water leaks and monitor usage rates for property owners.
He sold this business at age 88, illustrating his commitment to his work throughout his life.
John Lie-Nielsen is survived by his spouse Debra Lie-Nielsen and several siblings, children, and grandchildren who honor his firm belief in commitment and excellence in everything he pursued.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for June 26 from 11 a.m. to noon at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Alpharetta.
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