During a recent interview with Multifamily Executive, I was asked to share my favorite inspirational quote I live by each day:“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These words from Rabbi Hillel, Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers) resonate deeply with me because they capture the balance every leader must strike between self-accountability, service to others and urgency in action.
At The NRP Group, this philosophy isn’t only personal and aspirational, it is the foundation of how we operate. My role as a leader begins with being intentional: setting a vision, holding firm to our values and ensuring I’m growing personally so I can empower others to grow professionally. But leadership without broader community focus is hollow. The real measure of our work isn’t simply the apartments we deliver. It is the families we support, the neighborhoods we strengthen and the communities we help to thrive. And the moment to embrace that responsibility isn’t in some distant future — it’s right now.
The most crucial lesson I’ve learned in my leadership role at NRP and within my community is that the people you surround yourself with are life’s greatest multiplier. One “A+ player” can drive excellence, but a team of them creates a culture that is unstoppable. That’s why at NRP, our philosophy is simple: hire exceptional people and give them the autonomy to thrive.
I discovered that when you trust great people to do great things, they almost always will deliver. This “growth and trust” philosophy has fueled NRP’s ability to build more than 5,000 units annually, while also creating space for innovation and ownership.
In my mind, success and community responsibility go hand in hand. Modeled by parents who stayed deeply engaged in philanthropy and community throughout my upbringing, they showed me that professional success must always be matched with service.
This principle has guided me both in business and my philanthropic community commitments. At NRP, we focus on creating communities that go beyond housing by integrating services that support residents’ well-being. These include health and wellness resources, youth programs and educational opportunities that help families thrive.
Beyond business, I’ve had the privilege of chairing the Jewish Federation of Cleveland during the COVID pandemic and more recently serving as National Campaign Chair for Jewish Federations of North America. Leading emergency responses in moments of profound need reminded me that leadership is not just about growth; it is about stewardship, service and stepping up when others depend on you.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from mentors like Mort Mandel and Albert Ratner is that purpose has no finish line. The goal isn’t to retire; it’s to evolve, to remain relevant and to ensure the next generation is prepared to drive the purpose forward. That requires acting with urgency and intention.
Every decision we make at NRP is stress-tested with two questions: Does this action serve a purpose beyond the business? Am I clearing a path for others to lead? This mindset ensures that we’re not just building for today but investing in the long-term strength of both our company and our communities.
The question for leaders today is not whether our businesses can grow, but whether our growth can leave the world stronger than it was before. Purpose-driven leadership is about more than what you accomplish in the moment; it is about how you use your platform to open doors, to empower others and to create lasting impact. If we can all do that in our own way, then the communities we call home will thrive long after we are gone. ●
J. David Heller is President, CEO and Co-founder of The NRP Group
