Elevating San Diego high-rise living: An interview with Lee Newman of FirstService Residential

In the heart of downtown San Diego, where ocean views meet vibrant urban living, FirstService Residential is setting the standard for high-rise property management. With a portfolio spanning the Marina District, East Village, Little Italy, North Park, Cortez Hill, and the Columbia District, FirstService brings unmatched expertise and resources to some of the city’s most iconic residential buildings.
 
Leading this effort is Lee Newman, vice president of San Diego high-rise, whose two-decade career with FirstService began in Arizona before he transitioned to California in 2013.

"I was born and raised in Arizona and spent my first six years with the company there. Moving to California was a big shift, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. San Diego’s high-rise market is dynamic, and every neighborhood has its own personality."

Lee Newman, vice president of San Diego high-rise
  

We sat down with Lee to talk about his journey, the unique needs of high-rise communities, and what boards should be asking to support long-term success.
 

San Diego’s high-rise market in a growing national landscape

The high-rise market in San Diego is part of a broader national trend of growth and professionalization in community associations. According to the Foundation for Community Association Research:

• California leads the nation with approximately 50,700 community associations, housing over 14.4 million residents across 5 million housing units.
   
• Nationwide, 77.1 million Americans live in community associations, which now represent 33% of the U.S. housing stock.
   
• The number of community associations in the U.S. is projected to grow from 369,000 to as many as 373,000 this year, with thousands of new condominiums and HOAs expected to be formed.

This growth reflects a rising demand for professionally managed communities, particularly in urban centers like downtown San Diego where high-rise living offers proximity to city amenities, public transportation, and lifestyle conveniences.

"We manage high-rise buildings across downtown San Diego. Each area presents its own set of operational needs and resident expectations. Our role is to help boards navigate that complexity."

San Diego high-rise trends, management, and insights: A Q&A with Lee Newman

What makes FirstService Residential stand out in the San Diego high-rise market?

"Scale and specialization. We’re the largest residential community management company in California and North America, managing nearly 4,000 high-rises across the continent. That means we can offer resources and systems that other companies simply can’t—like FirstService Financial (FFI) and dedicated project management services."

But it’s not just about size.

"In San Diego high-rise, our leadership and support structure is unmatched. We have three dedicated leaders, two ‘bench’ general managers for coverage and support, and a regional engineering presence focused solely on our high-rise division. No other company in the market offers even one of those—let alone all three."

Learn more about how FirstService Residential stands out in the California property management industry on our page here.
 

What should boards be asking their current management company?

"Boards need to think long-term. One of the most important questions they should ask is: What happens if our onsite general manager leaves tomorrow, next month, or next year? Is there a plan in place to support continuity and support? Are they building a bench of talent that can step in when needed?"

He emphasizes that high-rise communities require a different level of service.

"These buildings are complex. From mechanical systems to resident expectations, there’s no room for gaps. Boards should be confident that their property management company has the infrastructure to maintain consistency."

At FirstService, that consistency starts with a thoughtful and strategic recruitment process.

"We have in-house recruiters who specialize in community management and understand the unique demands of high-rise living. They’re not just filling roles—they’re identifying candidates who align with our values and service standards."

A key part of that strategy is sourcing talent from industries known for customer service excellence.

"We actively recruit professionals from hospitality and other service-driven sectors. People who come from those backgrounds naturally bring a serve-first mentality, which is exactly what our communities need."

Once hired, managers receive structured onboarding, ongoing training, and mentorship from experienced leaders.

"We invest in career development from day one. That’s how we build confident, capable managers who are prepared to lead with consistency and care."

What concerns do new communities often raise when transitioning to FirstService?

"The most common concern is lack of support for the onsite team. Too often, the general manager is expected to do everything alone—without backup, guidance, or resources."

He explains that this can lead to burnout and inconsistent service.

"When a GM is stretched too thin, things fall through the cracks. Boards feel it, residents feel it, and the building suffers."

FirstService addresses this with a layered support model.

"Our teams are never alone. Whether it’s engineering support, leadership guidance, or access to financial and insurance experts, we make sure our managers have what they need to succeed."

What’s your vision for high-rise management in San Diego?

"It’s about being proactive, not reactive. We’re focused on strategic planning, preventative maintenance, and resident engagement. Our goal is to help boards think ahead—whether it’s budgeting for capital improvements or navigating regulatory changes."

He also sees technology playing a bigger role.

"Tools like FirstService Residential Connect^TM and our Homeowner Digital Assistant (HODA) give residents and boards real-time access to updates, documents, and service requests. It’s about transparency and convenience, and it’s something our communities really value."

Learn more about our California high-rise property management services here.

Learn more about our California luxury high-rise property management services here.
 

Resident voices: What the community is saying

"Our building has never run smoother. FirstService brought in a team that actually listens and follows through. The engineering support has been a lifesaver, and our GM is backed by people who know the high-rise world inside and out."

A.M. in East Village

"We switched to FirstService after years of feeling like our manager was on an island. Now, there’s a whole team behind them. Communication is better, issues are resolved faster, and our board finally feels supported."

D.R. in Little Italy

A commitment to excellence in high-rise living

With two decades of industry experience and a deep understanding of the San Diego high-rise market, Lee Newman is helping FirstService Residential redefine what it means to manage urban communities. From robust support systems to strategic planning and manager development, FirstService is committed to elevating the resident experience one building at a time.

"High-rise living is about more than just views and amenities. It’s about service, consistency, and trust. That’s what we deliver every day."

To learn more about how FirstService Residential leads in property management and can support your San Diego high-rise, contact us today.

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