Employee Spotlight, John Graff

by

Lyle Williams
John Graff is a Lead Night Service Manager and after-hours point of contact for residents at the Lewis Group of Companies. He is passionate about being the reliable problem-solver residents can count on, especially during emergencies, and takes pride in turning stressful situations into quick resolutions while supporting his team.
John believes that every day offers an opportunity to learn something new. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” This philosophy guides his approach to both work and personal growth.

How do you stay busy outside of the office?

Family comes first. I’m a husband and proud dad in a blended family of five kids, so there’s never a dull moment. Outside of family life, I like to stay active and creative, whether it’s gardening, fishing, or tackling a DIY project at home. I’m also an avid hiker and backpacker, currently training for the Tahoe Rim Trail in 2026 and the John Muir Trail in 2027, which keeps me working toward big personal goals.

How would you explain your role to someone in a different industry?

I’m the go-to person for residents, especially after hours, handling everything from maintenance emergencies to noise complaints. Think of it like being the neighborhood problem-solver who keeps things running smoothly when most people are off the clock.

How would you explain your role to someone in a different industry?

I’m the go-to person for residents, especially after hours, handling everything from maintenance emergencies to noise complaints. Think of it like being the neighborhood problem-solver who keeps things running smoothly when most people are off the clock.

How do you stay motivated? How do you motivate others?

I stay motivated by setting goals and seeing progress, whether it’s a project at work or training for a challenging backpacking trip. I motivate others by really listening to what they need, recognizing their strengths, and celebrating when they hit milestones that matter to them.

What's your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy being the person residents can count on when things go wrong, especially during those late-night emergencies. There’s something rewarding about turning a stressful situation into a quick resolution. Plus, I like that no two days are the same. You never know what challenge is coming next, and that keeps things interesting.

What's your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy being the person residents can count on when things go wrong, especially during those late-night emergencies. There’s something rewarding about turning a stressful situation into a quick resolution. Plus, I like that no two days are the same. You never know what challenge is coming next, and that keeps things interesting.

What skills or knowledge do you hope to develop?

I’m always looking to improve my problem-solving toolkit, whether that’s learning new maintenance techniques or finding better ways to communicate with residents during tense situations. I’m also focused on developing stronger leadership skills so I can mentor newer team members and help streamline our processes even more.

As John Muir exclaimed, “The mountains are calling, and I must go!” John Graff has discovered that the greatest adventures come from celebrating small victories along the trail to bigger summits; understanding that it doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop; and to climb the mountain so you can see the world, not so the world can see you. His approach mirrors Muir’s deeper wisdom that “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than they seek,” finding meaningful markers in each modest milestone on the journey toward greater achievements. Whether you’d like to share stories of your own steady climbs toward success, discuss how celebrating little wins fuels the long haul, or connect over the parallels between mountain paths and career journeys, John would love to hear from you. Reach out to him directly at John.Graff@LewisMC.com.