Michael Hunt Follows Through on His Word

With nearly 25 years in the student housing industry, Michael Hunt has seen (and done) it all. As General Manager at Burnham 310, Michael isn’t afraid to jump into any role if it’s going to help get his residents what they need. Read more about how Michael ensures he’s keeping his promises to residents — no matter how small they may seem.

Tell us a little bit about your current role and how long you’ve been with the company.

I’ve been with Campus Advantage for nearly two years and currently serve as the General Manager of Burnham 310. I genuinely love my role and being on- site with the team. Unlike working at the corporate level, being immersed in the day-to-day operations allows me to engage directly with residents and assist with leasing. I thrive on the energy of making a tangible impact, driving change, and watching the community grow and evolve to reach its goals and achieve 100% occupancy year after year.

What first attracted you to work for Campus Advantage?

Honestly, I didn’t know much about the company at first. A colleague mentioned an opening at a sister property and thought it might be worth exploring. I’m always open to new opportunities, so I decided to learn more about the company — and that decision ultimately led me here. What really drew me in during those conversations was Campus Advantage’s core values. Despite being a large corporate organization, it has the close-knit feel of a family-run business, where people genuinely care about one another.

What is your professional background?

I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in advertising and speech communication, but after graduating, I realized it wasn’t the right path for me. While working in loss prevention at a mall, I got my start in property management as a leasing agent for a local family-owned company. Within six months, I was promoted to property manager, and I’ve been in the industry ever since. That experience taught me the importance of customer service, which was a major focus for the family-run business — and something I’ve come to love.

I’m not someone who enjoys sitting behind a desk all day; I’m a people person. I thrive on meeting, talking to, and connecting with others. As a property manager, I get to do exactly that — I’m right in the middle of it all, where I belong.

What does a typical day look like in your role?

Every day brings something new, but a typical day often starts with checking for any issues that may have come up since I last left. I prioritize connecting with residents who’ve raised concerns to ensure we’re addressing their needs and making things right. Staying in close communication with my team is also key — I make sure everyone is up to speed on what’s happening in the community.

While there’s always the necessity of catching up on emails and reviewing financials, I try not to stay stuck behind my desk all day. I like to balance my schedule, making time for those essential tasks while also engaging with both staff and residents. Breaking up the day like this keeps things dynamic and helps maintain a strong sense of connection throughout the community.

What three words best describe you (inside or outside of work)?

I actually have four traits, and they all complement each other in meaningful ways:

Multitasker: I enjoy doing a little bit of everything and am not afraid to get involved in all aspects of the community. For me, managing a community means being versatile and ready to assist wherever needed.

Honorable: With 24 years in the industry, I take pride in standing by my word. If I say I’m going to do something, I make sure it gets done.

Traveler: Traveling is a big part of my life. My wife and I have set a goal to take a trip every quarter. We’re currently planning an exciting trip to Dubai, which will be my first time traveling internationally!

Detail-oriented: In this industry, attention to detail is critical. Whether it’s communication, notes, or actions, I make it a point to ensure everything is clear and documented. This ties back to my commitment to integrity and following through on my promises.

How would you describe the Campus Advantage culture?

Supportive: The company maintains a family-like atmosphere with support at all levels. Having direct access to leadership, including VPs, regional managers, and other members of the leadership team, is invaluable for us to perform effectively at the property level.

Trustworthy: Character matters, and this company exemplifies it. Campus Advantage stands behind its commitments, and that integrity resonates throughout the communities and among the managers. When someone says they’ll do something, they put in the effort to follow through and ensure it happens.

Innovative: Campus Advantage stands out as one of the most forward-thinking companies I’ve worked with. The company isy’re unafraid to try new ideas, whether or not they it succeeds, and continually push boundaries to benefit both employees and residents. It’s refreshing to see a company embrace creativity and adopt fresh approaches to achieve the best results.

What is one of your favorite moments with Campus Advantage so far?

My favorite memory so far would have to be attending the FOCUS Conference. I went to my first one in 2024 and had the opportunity to connect with team members from across the organization and the country. It was amazing to see everyone come together and finally put faces to the names I’ve interacted with on Teams or phone calls. Meeting people in person and getting to know their personalities added a personal touch that made a big difference. It humanized those connections and made everyone feel more approachable. Now, when I need help with something, I can picture exactly who to reach out to because I’ve had that face-to-face interaction.

Thinking about your most successful peers and teammates, what characteristics do they share?

I would say dedication is key. This industry can be demanding, and it’s easy to experience burnout, whether from the daily responsibilities or managing complaints. To thrive as a property manager, you need genuine dedication and a true sense of care. Apologizing is one thing, but genuinely caring about the people and the community you serve makes all the difference.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Family is my top priority. I have a blended family with five kids and three grandkids, and we love spending time together with family nights and barbecues. My two youngest boys are deeply involved in sports, so when I’m not coaching, I’m there cheering them on.

Traveling is another big priority for my wife and me. We’re both food enthusiasts, so we always say we’re willing to drive for good food! Although we don’t always have time for long trips, we’ll happily drive four hours to my wife’s favorite restaurant in another state. We also enjoy weekend getaways to Chicago to experience some of the city’s best restaurants.

If your life had a soundtrack, name some songs that would be on it?

I’m a huge R&B fan, particularly from the ’70s to the ’90s. If I had to choose an all-time favorite, it would definitely be Luther Vandross. Those classic songs with real stories are what I grew up listening to, and R&B from the ’70s and ’80s makes up a big part of my playlist.