When I sat down with Sydne Garchik, founder and president at MRK Partners, for our latest Let’s Talk conversation, I knew we’d be diving into more than just affordable housing development. Sydne’s work is rooted in people—she’s focused on building communities, strengthening connections, and creating environments where families can grow and feel supported.
Our Let’s Talk series is all about spotlighting dynamic women across industries, those who’ve carved their own paths, faced challenges head-on, and emerged with stories worth sharing. Sydne is one of those leaders. She’s also my client and someone I’ve had the pleasure of working with for years. Her drive to do good through MRK Partners is nothing short of inspiring.
What started as a vision has grown into a company that serves over 14,000 residents across the country, with more than 6,000 affordable housing units. Sydne and her team believe that quality housing is just the beginning. Through BLOOM, the nonprofit she founded and continues to guide as a board member, Sydne champions initiatives that support education, financial empowerment, wellness, and community engagement. In parallel, MRK Partners’ service arm, IMGN, brings these values to life through resident-focused programs that strengthen resident well-being and foster a strong sense of belonging.
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Sydne talked about the early days of MRK. She wasn’t afraid to start young, and she wasn’t afraid to fail. “I have a high tolerance for fear,” she said with a laugh. Her philosophy? Just do it. If it doesn’t work, you figure it out. That blend of confidence and humility is part of what makes her leadership style so effective.
Of course, building a company from scratch came with its challenges. Sydne shared stories of hiring her first team members—one while working above her garage with a newborn in tow. She talked about the importance of finding people who complement your strengths, who bring skills you don’t have, and who share your vision. Today, the MRK executive team is made up of powerhouse women—each a mom, each truly passionate about affordable housing, and each deeply committed to the mission. It wasn’t intentional, but it’s become a defining feature of the company’s culture.
What’s remarkable is how this team operates. They “link arms,” pushing forward together like a team. They share not just professional goals but personal challenges, supporting each other through the ups and downs of parenting, leadership, and life.
Sydne also spoke candidly about the misconceptions surrounding affordable housing. Affordable housing is also about supporting the essential workforce that keeps our communities running. Nurses, teachers, and first responders all rely on access to stable, affordable homes, especially in high-cost areas. MRK’s properties are thoughtfully designed and indistinguishable from market-rate housing, with high-quality finishes, thoughtful amenities, and a commitment to resident dignity. “We’re not just building housing,” Sydne said. “We’re building communities.”
When I asked Sydne about work-life balance, she offered a grounded perspective. With three young kids and a company to lead, she’s learned that balance isn’t always a fixed state. What matters most, she said, is being present and intentional about creating meaningful moments. Her kids are part of the journey, and she takes pride in helping them understand the purpose behind her work. “If you love what you do,” she told me, “it makes the push and pull a little easier.”
As we wrapped up, I asked Sydne what advice she wishes she’d received earlier in her career. Her answer stuck with me: “You don’t have to be right to win. You just have to win.” It’s a lesson in humility, strategy, and focus.
Sydne Garchik reminds us that leadership can take many forms. It can be strategic and empathetic, grounded in data and driven by heart. Her story blends business acumen with a deep commitment to the community, showing that success isn’t just measured in units built, but in lives impacted. Sydne leads with purpose, and that’s what makes her work at MRK Partners so meaningful.
