Meet the Team

Since 1980, Mr. Ellis has been successfully involved in the operation of apartments and other residential rental real estate, handling a portfolio as large as 6,000 apartment units in four major markets. In 1984, Mr. Ellis began directing his efforts primarily to the individual investor/owner. His objective is to provide the same level of expertise and experience to the single family and duplex investor that is often offered only to large multi-family portfolios. Besides managing real estate, Rick is recognized as an industry expert in apartment marketing, property positioning, and the evaluation of rental markets and submarkets throughout the nation. Mr. Ellis is a much sought after speaker, making hundreds of presentations each year on topics from basic real estate management and resident retention to the economics of apartments.

Mr. Ellis received a Bachelor of Science in 1977 and Masters of Art in 1979 from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. He holds the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management. He also holds a Texas Real Estate Broker license and is an Eagle Scout.

Loretta Taylor started with Ellis Companies in 2001 as assistant to Rick Ellis in the running of his consulting and apartment locating companies, as well as the ELLIS HomeSource portfolio. Loretta is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office Her responsibilities include accounting, human resources, and public relations for all of the Ellis Companies. If you want to know, "Where in the world is Rick?", contact Loretta and she will fill you in!

She is the primary administrator for the management company and helps to coordinate the activities between departments. Loretta is also responsible for major projects public training seminars, and owner relations. Loretta and her husband, Gary, are extreme NASCAR fans and love to travel. The only thing better are her 8 grandchildren!

Rick Proffer has been involved in the management and operations of multi-family housing since 1977. He was Regional Vice President for one of the nation’s largest owners of apartments and Vice President of Operations for one of the industry’s largest apartment developers during his career. He has been involved with acquisitions, financial workouts, property renovations and turnarounds, and new construction lease-ups. He has successfully increased revenues and reduced expenses and developed quality management teams.

Since 1997, Mr. Proffer has provided consulting services to the multi-family industry. Consulting activities include market analysis and review of numerous proposed developments, including proposed LIHTC projects. Other services include temporary management, marketing, leasing, troubleshooting, and operations review of underperforming assets. Rick has served in various apartment associations, including terms as President of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas and the Texas Apartment Association. He and his wife, Shelly, live in Mesquite. The couple have been intimately involved in a prison ministry for years.

All property management starts and ends with Heather!

She directs the team of managers, leasing professionals, maintenance coordination team and accounting team to make sure our property owners maximize the value of their real estate. She insures that our ELLIS residents and owners receive the service, attention and response for which Ellis HomeSource has come to be known.

Heather has 26 years in property management experience. She has worked new construction lease up properties, managed single family rental homes and small apartment communities. In addition Heather was a Recruiter and Trainer for a national multi-family developer.

Heather holds a BA from Southern Methodist University, is a licensed Texas real estate agent and Realtor. She has four adult sons and resides in Coppell, TX with her husband David.

Organized, detailed, and strategic; this describes property manager, Michelle Spigner. With previous assignments as a legal assistant and inventory control manager, Michelle is an efficient and structured team member who brings a value enhancing approach to her work.

“I love the daily challenges of property management and different hats worn. I learn something new every day. The variety of folks I get to interact with on a daily basis and the challenges that allow me to be creative in my thinking motivate and drive me.”

“ELLIS provides the systems and procedures that allow me to actively manage my portfolio in real time. I get to be the human behind all those emails and online notifications that insures residents and owners always have a contact if there are questions or concerns.”

Michelle is a native of Irving TX and a graduate of Nimitz High School. She has three adult sons, 3 grandkids and now lives in Coppell, Texas. When possible, Michelle enjoys shopping, crafting, home projects, the outdoors, and family gatherings. Michelle is a licensed Texas real estate agent and Realtor.

Personable, approachable, and a connector. These are the words to describe our FEP - Friendly, Enthusiastic, and Professional Director of Leasing, AJ Theofanis. His extensive knowledge of the DFW submarkets enable him to position a property to create demand and the highest rent rate. For the prospect, AJ makes leasing fun with his laid back approach and genuine interest in the renters needs and wants. He is a go-getter and will provide advice in pricing, staging, and remodeling to maximize the income of a residential real estate investment. AJ is also a Texas Residential Leasing Specialist.

AJ earned a Bachelor of Science degree while playing D-1 soccer at Lipscomb University in Nashville. He lives in Lewisville with his significant other, Rhiannon, and their Wonderdog, Leo. The couple enjoy working out, movies, good food, quiet evenings, and time with their extended families.

Phillip provides leasing and property owner support for the management team. This millennial also keeps us updated on our social media outreach and marketing efforts to his dynamic generation. Phillip lives and works in Madrid Spain while maintaining his real Texas estate license. ELLIS benefits from his enthusiasm and drive during his extended stays in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Phillip has a finance degree from St. Edwards University in Austin TX. While real estate is his vocation, futball is his passion as he plays keeper for a Madrid team and is an avid Atletico Madrid fan.

Rick gave us professional advice on pricing, fixing up expenses and offers to buy. He provided contractors, got rid of unwanted furniture and advised on renovation options. The house sold quickly at an acceptable price without much discounting. Contracting and closing was smooth and expeditious. No complaints at all, and Rick is a terrific gentleman and new friend. We were blessed to have him as our advisor and agent. A+