In the vibrant hallways of Crystal Square Apartments, Assistant Property Manager Ricardo Pritchett embodies a life philosophy drawn from his Caribbean roots: “Live your life like you’re playing mas” – a reference to the joyful authenticity of Trinidad’s Carnival that perfectly captures his approach to both life and leadership. Since joining Dweck Properties in 2021, Ricardo has transformed every role he’s touched, bringing the same warmth, energy, and genuine care for people that earned him multiple DweckStar awards and the admiration of residents and colleagues alike.

Ricardo’s journey to Dweck began in Trinidad and Tobago, where he grew up surrounded by the rhythms of island life – a culture that emphasized education, respect, and the importance of genuine human connection. “In Trinidad, you’re taught that having a good education and respecting people is priority,” Ricardo reflects. “Every person older than you was your aunt or uncle. You had to say good morning and good afternoon to everyone you met.”

This ingrained sense of respect and community would later become the cornerstone of Ricardo’s success in property management, though it wasn’t his original career path. Armed with a master’s degree in marketing, Ricardo was actually set to begin a career as a flight attendant with American Airlines when fate intervened. “I was never drawn to property management – it just fell in my lap,” he says with a laugh. “But during the interview process with Dweck, it felt more like a family. From the interview to the people I met along the way, I felt so connected. It’s a job, but you want to feel like you’re part of something.”

Starting as a floating concierge, Ricardo quickly progressed through roles as a Leasing Consultant, Resident Experience Specialist, and Leasing Manager before becoming Assistant Property Manager at Crystal Square. His unique ability to build genuine connections with residents earned him remarkable recognition – in 2022 alone, he won the Property Operations Rising Star and Be Outstanding Award at Dweck’s annual award ceremony, DweckStars, followed by the prestigious DweckStar of the Year award in 2023.

Perhaps most impressive is Ricardo’s consistent success in resident satisfaction. In both 2022 and 2023, he won the Reputation Madness Tournament MVP award, accumulating an astounding 35 positive reviews that mentioned him by name in a single year. His secret? “Listen, listen, listen, and then listen again!” he says emphatically. “Most residents just want to be heard. Simple things – remembering somebody’s name, recognizing them, a smile from across the room – make such a difference.”

Ricardo’s commitment to community extends beyond Crystal Square’s walls through his active participation in Dweckster Doing Good initiatives, Dweck’s monthly community service program. While he’s participated in numerous volunteer events, the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) holds a special place in his heart. Each holiday season, Ricardo leads the charge in collecting donations, rallying both residents and employees to contribute toward Dweck’s goal of donating over 1,000 pounds of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. “Being able to support people who need food means everything,” Ricardo shares, his voice filled with conviction as he describes his personal commitment to meeting these goals year after year. This dedication to serving others, whether within his property or the broader Arlington community, exemplifies Ricardo’s belief that every interaction is an opportunity to make a positive difference.

When not creating community at Crystal Square, Ricardo finds his balance in nature. Every morning begins with yoga, following online instructor Sarah Beth, before heading to work. After hours, you’ll find him running three to six miles at least three days a week, and weekends are dedicated to hiking in Shenandoah National Park. “That is what gives me work-life balance,” he explains, “being able to connect with nature.” His passion for outdoor adventure extends to obstacle races like Tough Mudder and Spartan Race, though he insists every hike should end with a waterfall – a preference inspired by his favorite place, Dominica, an island paradise with 365 waterfalls. He’s currently training for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in March 2025. 

Despite his busy schedule, Ricardo maintains strong ties to his Caribbean heritage, returning home annually for Carnival – a celebration he describes as “raw and authentic,” where people dance in the streets, embrace joy, and remember the importance of community. This celebration of life and authenticity influences his leadership style at Dweck, where he focuses on creating an environment of mutual respect and genuine connection.

“I like people,” Ricardo states simply, countering the common refrain of misanthropy. “I like spending time with people, seeing the uniqueness that represents every person. If somebody crosses your path, they’re there for a reason, and you have that one opportunity to do something for this person. Even if it’s just two minutes, why not make this moment a happy one?”

This philosophy guides his vision for Crystal Square’s future. “We’re here to serve and make people feel part of who we are,” he explains. “Our goal is to elevate living for people who are here, provide services that make their lives easier, and ensure they feel part of a community – not just that they’re paying rent to a landlord.”

Ricardo’s success at Dweck is a testament to the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and embracing diverse perspectives. Through programs like the Dweck Academy and mentorship initiatives, which Ricardo actively participates in both as mentor and mentee, the company has supported his professional growth while allowing his natural talents to shine.

“Do it!” Ricardo advises others who may be considering a similar path. “Take the risk, try something new. Failing doesn’t mean you haven’t succeeded – it’s just a lesson for being able to grow.” It’s this combination of wisdom, warmth, and authenticity that makes Ricardo not just a valued leader at Dweck Properties but a true embodiment of the company’s people-first philosophy. His journey from Trinidad to Crystal Square proves that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the most rewarding destinations.