Employee Spotlight, Paul Bedoya

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Paul Bedoya has spent nearly six years at Lewis wearing many hats, and somehow, each new challenge has only made him better at all of them. From navigating a global pandemic in his first weeks on the job to modernizing how teams work behind the scenes, Paul has built a reputation as someone who shows up, figures it out, and brings others along with him.

You joined Lewis right before COVID hit. What was that like?

“The first two years were very different from anything before or after,” Paul says. He came on board just weeks before the pandemic turned the world and the industry upside down. But rather than pull back, he leaned in, learned fast, and helped guide teams through uncharted territory. 

Your role has grown a lot since then. What's been the biggest addition?

In late 2022, Paul took on management of the renovation crew, an addition he describes as both welcome and vital. The reno team now plays a key role in supporting on-site teams and keeping communities operating smoothly.

What's your advice for someone new to maintenance?

Paul keeps it simple and practical: focus on what you can control, attendance, attitude, appearance, and cleanliness. The rest comes with time, repetition, and hands-on experience. He’s also a strong advocate for learning directly from mentors. “It’s better to fail in front of your mentor than in front of a resident,” a philosophy built on growth, accountability, and teamwork.

How did you get your start in this industry?

Paul began his property management career as a groundskeeper, and his older brother was actually his supervisor, teaching him the ins and outs of maintenance from day one. That should give you some idea of just how long he’s been in the field. He’s worked for a handful of companies over the years, but says without hesitation that Lewis has been his favorite. His goal for the future? To stick around as long as Leon Swails.

What's one accomplishment you're especially proud of?

Modernizing inspection processes through custom inspections in RealPage/OneSite. What started with UBU (Unit by Unit) inspections quickly revealed much bigger potential. New inspections continue to be added each year, eliminating paper trails and making information easier to access and store. “No more printing, scanning, or filing,” Paul says. “The information is now easy to find, and the storage is limitless.” It’s a change that’s made a real, everyday impact across teams.

What do you do when you're not at work?

Paul brings the same energy off the clock that he does on the job. A self-described thrill seeker, he’s always loved action sports and competition. These days you might find him riding dirt bikes, catching waves, or playing tennis and basketball, anything that gets his heart pumping. At the top of his list, though, is spending quality time with his wife and kids.

Okay, we have to ask. We heard you have some unusual stories?

Paul laughs, but he’s serious. Over the years, he’s had a few supernatural encounters, and the interesting part is that he was never alone when they happened. Each time, someone else witnessed the same unexplained events. “I know it sounds bizarre,” he admits, “but it’s hard to refute when you’re not the only one involved.” Catch him around the office and he’s more than happy to share the details.

Whether he’s mentoring a new technician, streamlining a process, or somewhere out on the water catching waves, he brings the same curiosity and commitment to everything he does, proof that your life is only as exciting as the number of times you’re willing to say yes. If you’d like to swap stories, pick his brain on best practices, or hear one of his supernatural encounters for yourself, find him at Paul.Bedoya@LewisMC.com.