Syndee Scribner's journey to co-owning Scribner Property Management reads like a masterclass in adaptability and resilience. Starting as a Butler University softball player, she pivoted through work at the Butler Foundation, a seven-year career as a police officer for the city of El Dorado, and a brief stint in corporate America before realizing entrepreneurship was her calling. In 2020, she and her business partner Wendy left their corporate jobs to launch Scribner Enterprises, eventually expanding into property management across multiple markets.
During her conversation with Samuel McVay on the Killer Growth Podcast, Syndee reveals what truly drives scaling a service business: systems, communication, and people-not just deals. She emphasizes the psychological reality of business ownership: most days you're getting beat up, but those winning days remind you why you do it. She recommends an annual reset, whether through re-reading business classics like Rich Dad Poor Dad or consuming content via audiobooks and podcasts, to stay grounded in your mission.
Her story underscores a critical lesson for local service businesses: sustainable growth comes from building trust with clients, managing expectations across owners and tenants, and creating operational systems that scale without sacrificing quality.
From Law Enforcement to Real Estate: Syndee Scribner's Path to Property Management Leadership
Syndee Scribner's career trajectory defies the typical straight-line narrative. After playing softball at Butler University for two years, she spent eight years working for the Butler Foundation-the nonprofit fundraising arm of the college-where she learned invaluable lessons from successful people while raising capital for scholarships and campus infrastructure. But in 2013, she made a dramatic pivot: she became a police officer for the city of El Dorado, a role she held for seven years.
The corporate world called next. In 2020, Scribner joined KO Industries, a subsidiary of Coke that operates Flint Hills Resources. After 18 months, she realized corporate America wasn't her fit. The timing proved fortuitous. She had met her business partner Wendy, and together they decided to launch Scribner Enterprises. Wendy had just left the YMCA, and the two saw an opportunity to build something together. That venture eventually expanded into Scribner Property Management, which now operates across multiple markets.
What Actually Scales: Systems Over Heroics
When discussing what drives sustainable growth in property management, Syndee emphasizes that systems, communication, and people matter far more than any single deal. Managing owners, tenants, and maintenance contractors simultaneously requires operational clarity and trust-building at every level. This is a lesson that applies to any local service business-whether HVAC, plumbing, pest control, or property management. The best online presence and digital marketing strategy won't save a business with weak operational foundations.
Syndee also offered candid advice about the emotional reality of business ownership. "Realistically, you might win 20% of the time when you own your own business," she told Samuel. "Most of the time you get beat up." This honesty reframes entrepreneurship: it's not about constant wins, but about resilience and remembering your why during the grinding 80% of days when things feel hard.
The Power of Annual Reset
One of Syndee's most practical recommendations came at the end of the interview: pull out those winning moments or accomplishments at the end of the year as a reminder of why you do what you do. She also advocates for annual resets through reading-particularly revisiting business books like Rich Dad Poor Dad-or through consuming content via audiobooks and podcasts. This isn't about motivation theater; it's about strategic recalibration before diving into the next year's challenges.
For service business owners juggling multiple revenue streams, market expansion, and team leadership, Syndee's story underscores a fundamental truth: building a scalable, trust-based business requires you to focus on the unglamorous work of systems and people, not just growth metrics. The rest follows naturally.
How did Syndee Scribner build trust across multiple businesses like Scribner Enterprise and Scrier Property Management?
Syndee scaled her businesses by focusing on leadership, consistent communication, and systems that allow her to manage multiple ventures. She emphasizes building trust through reliability and transparent operations-the same principles that work in digital marketing for service businesses. Property management companies that apply these trust-building tactics online see better client retention and referrals.
Why do property management companies need digital marketing and local SEO?
Property managers compete locally for landlords and tenants. Local SEO helps your website rank for searches like 'property management near me' or 'property manager in Wichita.' Google Ads puts your services in front of active property owners searching for management solutions. Meta Ads target local landlords and investors. Without a strong online presence, you lose deals to competitors who are visible online.
How does KillerGrowth help property management companies and service businesses get more clients?
KillerGrowth combines local SEO, Google Ads, Meta Ads, professional website design, and GoHighLevel CRM to create a complete lead generation system. We optimize your website for local searches, run targeted ads to qualified prospects, and set up CRM automation so no lead falls through the cracks. For property management, this means consistent inquiries from landlords and tenants who need your services.
What makes KillerGrowth different from other digital marketing agencies in Wichita?
KillerGrowth specializes exclusively in local service businesses-HVAC, roofing, plumbing, contractors, property management, healthcare, legal, and similar industries. We don't use one-size-fits-all templates. We build custom strategies tied to your business model, integrate CRM automation, and focus on measurable results. Samuel McVay leads with real accountability and transparent reporting.
How can a property management company or service business owner get started with KillerGrowth?
Book a free strategy call with Samuel McVay at killergrowth.com/booking. We'll analyze your current online presence, identify where you're losing leads, and show you a custom plan to scale your business. No pressure, no cost-just real strategy from someone who understands local service businesses.