Echoes of Excellence: Austin Apartment Association Legacy Programs and Pioneering Icons

BY KATIE AGNESS

In the vibrant tapestry of the Austin Apartment Association’s (AAA) rich history, there exists a thread woven by visionary members who left an indelible mark on the organization. These trailblazers not only shaped the trajectory of AAA but also inspired a tradition of excellence that continues to thrive today. This article takes a nostalgic journey through the corridors of time, shining a spotlight on the enduring legacy programs that stand as testaments to the passion, dedication, and innovative spirit of the individuals who lent their names to these initiatives.

DOC YOUNG & The Food Drive, now D.O.C. Drive

One of AAA’s longest running programs, the annual Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive, renamed to Day of Care (D.O.C.) in 2023, supports AAA’s mission of addressing a forgotten need and making a meaningful impact on our community. When it was originally founded in 1986, the program was the Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive, named for AAA volunteer member Michael “Doc” Young, whose dedication and leadership guided the committee from 1987 to 2012. While the program collected $600 in contributions that first year, it has grown significantly, raising more than $1,000,000 over the past 37 years, and distributing nearly 25,000 Thanksgiving Food Packs to Austin residents.

“Doc was the kindest, most caring person who would never say no,” says Glenda Holmes, Vice President of Member Services for the Texas Apartment Association. “He was always the guy to help no matter what.”

Former AAA Executive Vice President Kristan Arrona recalls Doc’s contributions to the program and organization saying, “Michael ‘Doc’ Young was the brainchild for the annual food drive. With the donations, the money collected was used to purchase food from local Albertsons, then HEB. In turn, the food was delivered by volunteers to the Housing Authority of Austin properties, the ARC of Austin, and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.”

Doc remained as the face of the Food Drive until his death in 2017, and in 2023, the program rebranded to better meet the evolving needs of the Austin community. Today, the Days of Care (D.O.C.) Drive has shifted its focus from delivering physical food packs to providing support through grocery and restaurant gift cards, as well as expanding into essential household goods, such as paper and cleaning products.

Doc’s program and legacy has helped thousands of people throughout the Austin area, and collectively has raised over $1 million in funds to support food for families during the holidays. “His smile and dedication to the industry that helped him succeed was unprecedented,” Arrona says. “He was recognized by the board of directors as an honorary member for his many contributions.”

LARRY NIEMANN & The Fall Golf Tournament for PAC

Dedicated AAA member and real estate lawyer, Larry Niemann represented numerous landlords and served as the Of Counsel for AAA for more than 40 years. Niemann also authored the Redbook, which became known as the “Bible” to owners of the multifamily industry. “As of counsel to TAA, he traveled the state to deliver and teach the Redbook. He would cover new legislation, new forms, and new information,” says Arrona.

In addition to his brilliant legal mind and great sense of humor, Glenda Holmes, who spent nearly 40 years working with Niemann, says that TAA’s legislative and legal reputation is grounded on his legacy. “He represents so much about the strength of TAA,” she says. “The Redbook strengthened the association and put us on a firm foundation.”

Known for his generous spirit and attentive nature, Niemann consistently exemplified how to be a leader and set an example for future generations. “Larry always wanted us to do things the right way. He told us to think like a lawyer and that meant making sure you were always doing the right thing,” recalls Past President Kim McGregor. “I remember that he helped me on a personal issue, and never sent a bill. I called him up to ask about it, and when asked, Larry said ‘Someday, I know you’ll do something for somebody,’ and that was that.”

One of Niemann’s biggest passions was encouraging members to contribute to their local Political Action Committees (PACs). “Many members have realized negative impacts from the Legislature, as it relates to owners,” Arrona says. “These PAC dollars are used for contributions to local, state, and national policy makers to ensure our industry is not impacted unfairly.”

When Niemann retired from his role with the Texas Apartment Association in 2005, the AAA decided to rename its annual PAC golf tournament to the Larry Niemann PAC Golf Tournament and made him an honorary member of the AAA.

Today, the annual golf tournament attracts over 150 attendees to raise $20,000 for AAA PAC.

JAMES SOLT & The Solt Scholarship

Another of AAA’s long-standing programs is the James E. Solt Memorial Scholarship, which offers recognition and scholarships for worthy members and/or their employees who participate in the Austin Apartment Association’s education programs. Founded in 1987, the Solt Scholarship Fund was created in recognition of AAA Past President James Solt to honor his memory and promote education in the rental housing industry.

“James Solt, who presided as President of AAA prior to my arrival, was instrumental for the Solt Scholarship program,” Arrona says. “He encouraged the members, including onsite employees, owners and supplier partners, to continue their education in the industry due to numerous changes year after year.”

Open to all AAA owner and management members who are interested in obtaining their professional credential(s), the Solt Scholarships aim to fund, at a minimum, 50 percent of the cost of the credential course. “The program has an application process as well as volunteer members to judge and determine who is best to receive dollars for continuing education,” Arrona says. “The Solt Scholarship money is derived from fundraisers and independent contributions from new members and for renewing members.”

While the scholarships help ensure that AAA members stay up-to-date with industry changes and developments, they have made long-lasting contributions to the members, directly impacting their abilities to better serve the apartment industry and opening greater opportunities for career advancements. Over the past 37 years, the Solt Scholarships have funded numerous credential scholarships for more than 100 members, contributing tens of thousands of dollars. Just in the last 5 years, a total of $21,000 has been awarded.

RICH ELLMER & the 501c3 Education Foundation

Like Solt, Rich Ellmer, who served as the 12th President of AAA in 1975, valued the role of education in the apartment industry.

Having served as an AAA member for over 40 years and serving as President in the organization’s early days, Ellmer saw significant changes and growth in AAA, the city, and its member composition. Active in the city council and state legislative activities, Ellmer was vocal that education and working together, particularly in the legislative arena, would lead to growth and improved productivity as an industry and as individuals.

“His mission for our association was to educate our members through seminars and participation in both local and state legislative day activities,” Arrona says. “He would encourage members to attend council meetings, write letters, and make calls in an effort to help keep our city council, in particular, apprised of policies that will impact our owners negatively.”

In recognition and appreciation for the apartment industry and AAA, Ellmer donated a generous amount of money to the AAA’s Education Foundation, a 501c3 organization exclusively for educational and charitable purposes for the rental housing industry in the 11 central Texas counties the Austin Apartment Association serves.

Ensuring that many generations of future employees are well-educated, and that the multifamily rental housing industry remains strong and successful, Ellmer’s gift will make a lasting impact on the lives of various members and industry leaders. “He has been a generous contributor to the Austin Apartment Association 501c3 program to keep our members, both new and seasoned, informed,” Arrona says. “He never stopped wanting to help the association in any way that he could.”

Deborah Vogel

From onsite manager to sales, Deborah Vogel held many positions within the apartment industry during her career. Additionally, within AAA she served on multiple committees, as well as on the Board of Directors, Products and Services Council, and as Membership Chair, a role she truly excelled in. “She was the ultimate salesperson and was instrumental in recruiting multiple new members to the association over her years of involvement,” Arrona says. “She was recognized locally and statewide for her recruitment of new members and was always open to new ideas and anxious to try anything new.”

Holmes adds, “Deborah was always the sunshine in the room. She was someone you just gravitated towards and such a bright energy in the industry. She was the ultimate membership recruiter and had a passion for advocating for this industry. She fostered that same passion in others and was a top recruiter statewide for years.”

While Vogel passed away in 2022, her legacy will live on through a new AAA award, the Deborah Vogel Lifetime Achievement Award.

Conclusion

Through these trailblazers and legacy members, the Austin Apartment Association has not only benefited from their wisdom and generosity during their tenure as members and in leadership roles, but also through the programs that will carry on their name, leaving a lasting impact to future generations of AAA members.

Current Executive Vice President, Emily Blair, reflecting on the Association’s recent accomplishments, shares: “I am proud to see the key elements of the Association’s history carry into the future. Even in just five years, we have accomplished so much, and I feel very proud to be part of the history of the association. We have grown tremendously, been recognized nationally for our success, and have a clear strategic vision. This also meant redesigning the structure of the volunteer leadership, all to set us up for even more great things to come. It is an exciting time to be a part of this organization.”

As we traverse the corridors of AAA’s history, it becomes evident that the legacy programs are not just a reflection of the past but a living testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration, innovation, and community engagement. Through these programs, the Austin Apartment Association continues to forge new paths and build upon the foundations laid by its remarkable pioneers. In honoring the legacy of these individuals, AAA not only pays homage to its roots but also charts a course for a future defined by excellence, unity, and community impact.