In honor of National Landlord Day, celebrated on Nov. 3, the Johnson County Housing Authority named Ron Rushing as the Johnson County Housing Authority’s Landlord of the Year.

With 20 rental units in Johnson County and Lawrence, Rushing and his wife have been dedicated to the housing business for 45 years.

“I started in the business when I was 26 years old. I was framing houses and wanted to learn how to build my own. I had the opportunity to build a duplex thanks to someone who believed in me. I got my foundation guy, I got a guy to help me with the plans, I got the building permits,” Rushing said.

Since then, Rushing has built 10 more units in Gardner, KS.

In addition to his impressive real estate career, Ron served as a firefighter with the Lawrence Fire Department for 33 years. He and his wife have been married for 41 years and have raised a son and daughter.

Rushing has been a supporter of the Housing Choice Voucher program in Johnson County, accepting tenants with vouchers for 40 years.

"Equal housing is equal housing. If someone has a way to pay for a place to live, I don’t judge how they afford it,” Rushing said.

Rushing’s commitment to his tenants is evident. He has kept tenants for a long time, including one family that stayed for 29 years on Section 8.

The key to being a good landlord? Rushing says it’s picking up the phone when he gets a call.

“Good communication about when things will be fixed can help with the anxiety of an issue,” Rushing said.

Maintaining his properties meticulously, Rushing ensures they are ready for inspections and move-ins.

“I remodel and keep my houses neat. I have a good working relationship with the housing authority and know I can call up and talk to you guys,” Rushing said.

In his free time, Rushing enjoys spending time with his family, visiting the lake, and indulging in his love for cars and motorcycles.

Thank you, Ron, for your partnership and for making a difference in the lives of so many families over the years.