From the bustling streets of Chile to the heart of Crystal City, Hermer Arredondo’s life reads like an epic tale of perseverance, adaptation, and triumph. As the Property Manager at ICON at Dulles, Hermer doesn’t just oversee a building; he cultivates a community, drawing from a well of experiences as deep and diverse as the residents he serves. His journey, marked by unexpected turns and hard-won victories, embodies the very spirit that makes Dweck Properties a beacon of excellence in the property management world.

Hermer’s story begins in Chile, where he grew up in a family of eight children. In 1977, at the age of 18, Hermer embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever. Initially planning to join his father in the United States, Hermer’s path took an unexpected turn, leading him through Colombia and eventually to America, where he would build a new life.

Hermer’s early days in the United States were marked by determination and hard work. Starting as a dishwasher in a restaurant, he quickly moved up to busboy and then waiter. “The biggest challenge was the language,” Hermer shares. “In high school in Chile, I took French instead of English because I never thought I was going to come to the United States.”

Undeterred by the language barrier, Hermer worked multiple jobs while attending English classes on weekends. His perseverance paid off when he secured a more prestigious position at a restaurant inside of a bank, which opened new opportunities for him. He went on to work as a waiter at prestigious places such as the Waldorf Astoria New York, The Plaza Hotel, Park Lane New York, and The St. Regis New York. During that time, he had the opportunity to meet many famous people and learn the ins and outs of the hospitality world. This experience set Hermer on a path of continuous learning and growth.

Hermer’s educational journey was not without its challenges. “It took me six years to finish college, and I had to learn English before and during classes,” he recalls. “I had my family to support at the same time.” Balancing work, family, and education, Hermer’s determination never wavered. His efforts were recognized when he won the TRIO Award after being nominated by his college. The award is given to individuals who overcome cultural and economic barriers while making an impact on their community.

After college, Hermer’s career took him to Wall Street, where he worked as a programmer for Prudential Securities, eventually rising to the position of Vice President. He was present during the tragic events of September 11, 2001, an experience that left a lasting impact on him.

Hermer’s journey also included ventures into real estate investment, which faced challenges during the 2008 economic crisis. This setback led him to explore various career paths, including roles at Wells Fargo, as an insurance adjuster during Hurricane Katrina, and in aviation parts sales.

In 2015, Hermer found his way to property management, joining Gates Hudson (now Dweck Properties) as an Assistant Property Manager. His diverse experiences and people skills made him a natural fit for the role. “I wanted to give my kids a different life to the one I had,” Hermer reflects. “Working hard took us to a different life.”

Now, as the Property Manager at ICON at Dulles for the past five years, Hermer brings his wealth of experience and compassionate approach to his work every day. His impact is evident in the property’s success and the strong sense of community he’s fostered. Under his leadership, the property maintains some of the best reviews in the area.

Hermer’s commitment to his residents goes above and beyond. In one memorable incident, he helped a resident whose car was stuck in the snow during a winter storm. “I drove two blocks away and found her crying in the middle of the road,” Hermer recalls. “I was able to get her car out, and she even wrote a thank-you letter afterwards. It meant so much to me.”

At ICON at Dulles, Hermer and his team, including Thania Lama, often go the extra mile, even helping residents with transportation to medical appointments when needed. Many team members come to Hermer for advice, mirroring his role as the eldest sibling and father figure in his family back in Chile. “I try to give them good advice or a shoulder to cry on when something is going wrong,” he says.

Hermer is also known for his legendary resident events. From Cinco de Mayo celebrations where he dresses up in traditional Mexican attire to holiday parties where has played Santa or the Grinch, and springtime festivities where he dons a bunny costume, Hermer brings joy to residents of all ages. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not even working,” he laughs. “Every event has something different, and I love seeing the kids taking pictures with me.”

Despite his busy schedule, Hermer stays connected to his cultural roots. His wife, the Assistant Property Manager at Crystal Plaza, is Colombian, adding another layer of Latin American heritage to their home. “If there’s a Chilean festival, we’ll go,” he says. Every five years, Hermer visits his sister in Chile or welcomes her to the States. When visiting his brother in New York, he enjoys homemade Chilean dishes prepared by his sister-in-law.

Beyond his professional achievements, Hermer is a devoted family man and an avid golfer. He’s traveled extensively, visiting countries like Spain, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and Dubai. His love for learning and new experiences continues to drive him.

Reflecting on his journey, Hermer offers this advice to newcomers in property management or recent immigrants: “Put 100% into it and learn as much as you can. Don’t postpone anything, don’t be lazy. Learn from other people before things happen to you.”

Hermer Arredondo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and compassion. His journey from a young immigrant to a respected property manager embodies the values we cherish at Dweck Properties. We’re proud to have Hermer as part of our Dweck family, inspiring us all with his resilience, work ethic, and commitment to creating a true sense of community at ICON at Dulles.