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One of the greatest challenges facing the Texas rental housing industry is attracting and developing skilled maintenance talent. In this episode of Unlocking Doors, we hear a story that speaks directly to that challenge—and to the opportunity in front of us.
Coby Racine’s journey into multifamily didn’t begin with property management or trade school. Like many young professionals, his early career included retail and distribution roles, including territory management with Coca-Cola. He was working long hours, building leadership skills, and gaining customer service experience—but he was also feeling the limits of growth and work-life balance.
His turning point came through an apprenticeship program created in partnership with the Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation. What started as a commercial he saw promoted through the WorkTexas initiative led him to Camden’s nine-week maintenance apprenticeship program—an after-hours commitment designed to provide hands-on technical training in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance fundamentals.
For those of us already in the industry, Coby’s story highlights something critical: structured pathways into maintenance matter. The program required consistency, accountability, and evaluation. Participants attended classes after their regular workday, were assessed for professionalism and reliability, and received real-world technical training. It wasn’t just exposure—it was preparation.
After completing the apprenticeship, Coby joined Camden Greenway in Houston as a technician. There, he benefited from intentional mentorship and a team culture that prioritized teaching and development. In just three years, he progressed from apprentice to technician to Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, eventually relocating to Dallas for expanded leadership responsibilities.
His growth wasn’t accidental. Coby speaks openly about being vocal about his goals, asking for advancement, and preparing himself before stepping into the next role. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship—learning from experienced supervisors who took the time to teach diagnostics, electrical systems, and the “why” behind the work.
Beyond his on-site advancement, Coby served as a Room to Grow Ambassador for the Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation. Representing the next generation of maintenance professionals at conferences and events, he saw firsthand the scale and impact of our industry. His experience reinforces how important it is for us to elevate and celebrate skilled trades as professional, respected career paths.
For industry professionals, Coby’s story is more than inspiring—it’s instructive. It underscores the value of:
- Apprenticeship and workforce development partnerships
- Hands-on training combined with accountability
- Mentorship programs that accelerate skill-building
- Clear communication around career pathways in maintenance
As we continue addressing workforce shortages and succession planning, stories like Coby’s demonstrate that the next generation is ready—when we provide access, structure, and support.
Maintenance is not just a support function. It is central to resident satisfaction, asset preservation, and operational excellence. Investing in talent development isn’t optional—it’s strategic.
Coby’s journey is a reminder that when we create intentional entry points into the industry, we don’t just fill roles—we build leaders.
Watch the all episodes on the Unlocking Doors YouTube playlist.
Listen to the Unlocking Doors Podcast online: taaef.taa.org/podcasts/
Learn more about Room to Grow and apprenticeship pathways: roomtogrowtx.org