Two Decades of Growth: How Elizabeth Wilson Built a Career at Hull Property Group
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When Elizabeth Wilson arrived at Hull Property Group more than two decades ago, she did not have a background in commercial real estate. She had studied medicine, spent time in Atlanta working at a law firm and came to Augusta thinking she would do the same. But when a hiring attorney pointed her toward Hull and the opportunities taking shape there, Wilson did not hesitate. She was eager to learn, ready to work and open to wherever the path led.
"I knew nothing about commercial real estate," Wilson said. "I knew nothing about anything. But I guess John [Gibson] saw that I wanted to work and would be a hard worker, and he was like, 'All right, you're hired.'"
Rather than being deterred by the unfamiliar territory, Wilson dove in headfirst. That eagerness to learn and willingness to follow where the work led has defined her career ever since. Today, she serves as Senior Vice President at Hull Property Group, working across property management, leasing and other departments while pursuing opportunities she believes will benefit the company. Most recently, that has meant stepping into the multifamily space to lead Pritchard Park Place, HPG's first apartment development, currently under construction in Racine, Wi.
“Elizabeth has been an integral force in the success of Hull Property Group,” said James M. Hull, Owner and Member Manager for HPG. “A consummate problem solver, she brings exceptional skill and dedication across every facet of the business — property management, leasing, design, accounting, organizational leadership, construction, and the oversight of HPG’s aviation department.”
A Career Built on Opportunity
Wilson credits her career longevity not to a grand plan, but to a willingness to say yes when opportunities arose. Whether it was taking on a new asset class, stepping into an unfamiliar role, or leaning on colleagues for guidance, she has consistently leaned into growth over comfort.
"If something has interested me or an opportunity has presented itself, I've taken it," she said. "I've relied on people to help me learn and grow. That's really how I've transformed my role with the company over the last 20 years."
That mindset carried her into the multifamily space when HPG identified an opportunity to develop apartments on excess property in the Pritchard Park community. Wilson learned about the multifamily industry from the ground up.
"When the opportunity presented itself to learn that industry, it was something I was really interested in," she said. "So I jumped on that opportunity and have learned so much."
People, Purpose and Partnership
For Wilson, what makes HPG distinct is not just what the company builds, but how it operates. She describes the company's approach as rooted in constant improvement, one that shows up in how the company approaches each property, each team and each tenant relationship.
"We partner with our communities, we partner with our tenants," she said. We want to improve their businesses."
Wilson points to small-but-meaningful tenant improvements as an example, such as creating dedicated food pickup entrances to help restaurant tenants accommodate the rise of delivery services. It is the kind of detail-oriented, collaborative thinking that defines her approach to the job.
When it comes down to the people she enjoys working with over the years to help make these projects come to life, her answer is straightforward.
"People with curiosity that care," she said. "You're going to ask questions, you're going to care about what you do and work hard doing it. You've got to have grit and grind and get it done."
Hull mentioned that care is also a quality that Wilson embodies which has led to her success within the company.
“What truly sets Elizabeth apart is how deeply she cares — about her family, colleagues, her work, and the mission of HPG,” Hull said. “That care has made all the difference. Over the course of 20 years, it has shown up in success after success, and her track record speaks for itself.”
A Culture of Collaboration
Two decades at the same company can breed familiarity, but Wilson says what has kept her engaged is the people she works alongside and the collaborative culture that HPG has cultivated. She notes a quote displayed at the company's offices that speaks to that spirit: the best idea in the room wins, regardless of hierarchy.
"It's not some hierarchical deal," she said. "It's how do we figure this out and rely on each other and collaborate."
“She has instilled a culture of hard work and dedication,” said Blair Trefz, Vice President for Facilities. “Her curious nature motivates others to leave no stone unturned. Elizabeth is a wonderful role model!”
Wilson credits mentors throughout her career for much of her professional development and encourages newer employees to take the same initiative.
"Dig in, ask questions and take initiative," she said. "Have an idea, have a recommendation and present it. Take charge."
Looking Ahead
As HPG continues to expand its portfolio, Wilson says she remains as engaged as ever, energized by the new challenges that come with each acquisition and the ongoing work of improving existing properties.
"I've never gotten bored," she said. "It's always a changing thing. No day is ever the same, and it's allowed me to remain engaged and learning. That's really how the last 20 years have flown by."
She is equally optimistic about what lies ahead for the company.
"Just continuing to grow," Wilson said. "I would expect the company will continue to grow, and having new properties and new challenges while still constantly working to improve our existing portfolio."
“What makes Elizabeth’s story even more compelling is that, for all she has already accomplished, she is still finding her stride,” Hull said. “Her future contributions will be greater still, built on the principled and sound foundation she has spent two decades constructing.”
For Wilson, those 20 years add up to something she would not trade.
"I never would have imagined I would have been here for 20 years," she said. "But I would now recommend it to anybody, because of the opportunities that are here and the people that will support you."