ABODE August 2019 by HAA Publishing

cover aug for print.qxp_Layout 1 7/23/19 11:51 AM Page 1

THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

ABODE August 2019

THE HONORS AWARDS

corelogic IFC.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:00 PM Page 1

TPI pg 1.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:00 PM Page 1

ameritex movers pg 2.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:01 PM Page 1

Table aug pg 3.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:03 PM Page 1

CONTENTS August 2019

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

16 On the Scene – Photos from the HAAPAC Luncheon.

Honors Awards – In this month’s ABODE, we recognize the recipients of the 2019 HAA Honors Awards and introduce the management personnel winners. Cover Image by Deborah Nix, HAA Staff

30 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Sponsorship Auction. 34 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Honors Awards. 42 Honors Awards Nominees and Winners – A list of all the honorees for the 2019 Honors Awards.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – There is a noteworthy amendment to the animal addendum in the TAA lease that you may not know about. 8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Interior Logic Group Property Services.

44 Meet the Honorees – Meet the best of the best in apartment management for the 2019 Honors Awards.

9 Legislative Update – Clay Hicks shares his experience of bringing the late fee bill to the Texas Capitol with the TAA government affairs team.

58 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at five of the Honors Awards winning properties.

11 It’s The Law – Here is the second part of a synopsis of the new laws affecting the apartment industry.

72 On the Scene – Photos from the NEXT Breakfast.

14 Resident Relations – Learn more about a recent case mediated by the HAA Resident Relations Committee. 19 Upcoming Education – Find out what education courses the Houston Apartment Foundation is offering in August and September. 20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months. 26 NAA Update – NAA sessions provided a wide range of valuable information for operations teams. 28 On the Road with HAA – See photos from Baytown and Lake Jackson events. 64 Go-Getters – Active members recruiting new members. 67 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members. 68 The Ambassador ONE Society – The Ambassadors make connections. 70 Portfolio Changes and In the News – Property updates and industry news clips from our members. 74 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication. 75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers. 76 BackPage – News from around the community.

We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org.

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

Officers pg 4.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:04 PM Page 1

OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP CLAY HICKS President-Elect

TINA CAVACO Vice President at Large

STARLA TURNBO President

IAN DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

STEPHANIE GRAVES Vice President at Large JOHN BORIACK Secretary/Treasurer

CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Vice President at Large

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

JEFF HALL Executive VP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michelle Pawelek Immediate Past President Swapnil Agarwal Mack Armstrong Jeff Blevins Jill Bounds Kyle Brown Joseph Bryson Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Grant Crowell Derek DeVries Scott Douglas John Fedorko Gina Erwin Israel Garza Diane Gilbert Ira Gross Alison Hall Bryan Head Melissa Herrera Deborah Holcombe Jacob Kunath Barby Lake Laura Lestus David Lindley Robert Lopes Sonia Lopez Kristin McLaughlin Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley Michelle Pahl Jenifer Paneral Mark Park Velissa Parmer Jackie Rhone Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Roman Stephens Debbie Sulzer Dana Tucker Shelley Watson Quintina Willis Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Gary Blumberg Ken Bohan Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry David Hargrove Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P David Onanian John Ridgway Kim Small Eileen Subinsky Steve Sweet Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley H J Tollett Jr. Pat Tollett Vic Vacek Jr. Beth Van Winkle Jerry Winograd ADVISORY DIRECTORS Tamara Foster Billy Griffin, CAS Monica Gracia Debbie Kelm Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Patrick Magnuson Betsy Marshall Bruce McClenny Nikki Sekunda Penny Sprang Laura Van Dyck Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert

Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS Jacob Kunath, CAS, President Century A/C Supply Laura Lestus, CAS, Vice President The Liberty Group David Lindley, CAS, Secretary FSI Construction Derek DeVries, CAS, Treasurer Camp Construction Services Grant Crowell, CAS, Immediate Past President The Urban Foresters MEMBERS Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living Dixie Caldwell-Greer, CAS, The Liberty Group Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Peggy Charles, CASE, Fidus Construction Services Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Designs By Holmes

Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services Debra Knight, CAS, Valet Living Stephanie Krop, CASE, Poolsure Liz Levins, CAS, Rasa Floors Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Doug Oehl, CAS. Flooring Warehouse Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, The Urban Foresters Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Rasa Floors Mat Tilley, CAS, WeDoTrash PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1986 Craven Carpet 1994 AAA Plumbers Presto Maintenance Supply 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 RentPath 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2003 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. Dixie Carpet Installations 2009 Camp Construction Services 2013 Interior Logic Group Property Services 2018 Apartments.com

SPONSOR MEMBERS 1968 Century A/C Supply Hoover Slovacek LLP Reliant 1973 Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc CORT Furniture 1974 Mueller Water Conditioning 1976 Great American Business Products 1977 Webb Pest Control 1978 Houston Metro Electrical Corp The Liberty Group 1981 AmRent Marvin F Poer & Company 1983 Sherwin Williams Company 1984 RENCON 1985 Gemstar Construction Development Inc 1986 ApartmentData.com 1988 W Partnership 1992 Alexander-Rose Associates Saint Clair & Sons Inc 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions 2000 Moveforfree.com Inc Pura Flo Corporation 2001 Apartment Life Inc 2002 American Fire Systems Southwest Painting Contractors Inc 2003 Sign-Ups & Banners 2005 Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management United Protective Services 2006 Bell's Laundries CAD Restoration Services DoodyCalls Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Masonry Solutions Inc Roto-Rooter Services Co TXU Energy Multifamily Services Valet Living 2008 ARE Business Solutions LLC Flavor Finish Resurfacing HARCO Insurance Services Texas Turf Management 2009 Contractors Inc Moen Inc Redevelopment Services Storm Maintenance & Monitoring 2010 ALN Apartment Data Inc BAC Products Belfor Property Restoration Certified Termite and Pest Control FTK Construction Services 2011 Fantastic Floors Infinite Energy Inc Parking Management Company/PMC Towing 2012 ABC Supply Co Inc Accent Sign & Awning Co BGE/Brown & Gay Engineers Cantrell McCulloch Inc EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff, Inc Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Nationwide Eviction Texas Concrete Professional Company 2013 ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Arbor Contract Carpet Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Comcast Gambit Construction Outdoor Elements Pool Works LLC Tidal Renovations LLC 2014 Adventure Playground Systems Inc Chadwell Supply Classic Same Day Blinds J National Jonah Digital Agency MX2 Commercial Paving Pathfinder Insurance Group Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Texas Apartment Pool Services WCA Waste Corporation Zillow Group 2015 Air Pro Systems America Outdoor Furniture

ASAP Personnel Inc BSI Cameras Onsite DeNyse Companies Division-9 Inc Gateman Inc Greater Houston Pool Management Holder's Pest Solutions Infinity Power Partners Kathy Andrews Interiors Notifii LLC Pace Mechanical Services The Allshouse Group LLC The Lane Law Firm Wilsonart 2016 Action Window Coverings Allied Fire Protection LP Bath Fitter Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete E-Systems Pest Management Inc Ecolo Environmental Inc Embark Services Fidus Construction Services Fun Abounds Green City Security LLC Guardian Chimney Sweep Halo Doors Inc JLL Johnstone Supply KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting Liquid Waste Solutions Paul Davis Restoration North Houston RAM Construction Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing Texas Southwest Floors Inc The Home Depot WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems WellKept Whitmans Contracting and Roofing 2017 ACT Security Group All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion American Fire Protection Group APTexx Inc BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning South Houston Buddy's Roofing & Construction Co Cano Electric Inc Classic Towing Continental Adjusters Inc Creative Surface Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc D&C Painting Designs by Holmes Disaster Restore 365 Fast Forward Services LLC Frost Insurance Agency Gage Multifamily Services General Recon, LLC Lithotech Printed Products/Forms Center McMahan's Flooring Inc MPS Direct Norman Construction NorthMarq Capital On Site Towing LLC Pack-It Movers Paul Ryan Windows SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Swiff-Train Company Symmons Industries Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting USA Patrol Division Vima Decor Willbanks & Associates Inc 2018 12 Stones Roofing A Homestead Specialist LLC AAdvantage Laundry Systems AirAide LLC Allura Apartment Lines Apex Lighting LLC Archcon Arizona Tile Astros Carpet & Painting Inc BBO Professional Carpet Cleaning Bee Man Dan Benefits 4 Rent Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design C&D Towing LLC Capital Sign Associates CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction CenturyLink CG Sorelle Group LLC Construction ECO Services Durastone Corporation Featherston Sign Partners Finish Factory Inc Green Garbology Greenseen Guardian Gutters H&H Fire and Security H&R Operator Services Inc Higginbotham HMS LLC Jet Wrecker Service

K-Simon Construction Kastle Systems Ledge Lounger Lockmer Collins Roofing LLC DBA Roof Repair Squad Matrix Construction Services Merricks Company MirrorMate Frames O'Conor, Mason & Bone PC OnDemand Cabinet Solutions Penco Access Control PERQ LLC Phoenix Roofing & Construction Inc Platinum Enterprises LLC Power Design Inc Preventive Pest Control Quatro Tax LLC Red Dog Dumpsters Red Nova Energy Rent Debt Automated Collections RG Miller Engineers Saifee Signs & Graphics Signal 88 Security Smart Shield Security Spray and Play Surface Designers Remodeling Inc Swadley Roof Systems LLC Tanza Granite Inc Texas Steam - Laars Heating Systems Tropical Roofing Products USI Southwest Vistex Graphics LLC Westlake Home & Commercial Services Wholewood Cabinets Wildlife Removal Experts Windstorm Restoration Wonder Wall Wraps Inc WS National Construction Services LLC 2019 3 Men Movers AAA Texas Absolute Construction LLC Action Towing, Inc Advance LED Solution Al Hicks & Associates / Allstate AmCap Insurance Anchor Roofing Inc Andrews Myers PC Atom4 Security Camera & Electronics August & Suttles Contractors Beekman Company LLC Beyond Contractors LLC Builders Direct Depot Classic Touch Painting CLS Technology Inc Consolidated Communications Cougar USA CSI LED & Hardware Dal-Tile Corporation DNM Contracting Inc Door Clearance Center Enforce Security Services Epic Air Conditioning Green Faubourg Lawn & Landscaping LLC Harding & Carbone Inc Hive Technology Howitzer Building Engineers Hurtado Roofing & Construction IGD Plumbing LLC In Service Security LLC Insta Relo (An Apartment Mover) Interior Logic Group Property Services J and B Carpet Services Kerely Towing Solutions Ledtech LP Building Solutions: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation LSR Multifamily Max Digital Printing McKenzie Drake Corporate Housing Morris Contracting NSJ Painting & Flooring Odor-DeFence/BugDeFence One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Opiniion PHR A/C & Heating Pool Knights Prime Texas Metal Roofs Prime Texas Surveys LLC Rainey Richardson Interiors, Reliable Roofing Signal 88 Security of The Woodlands & East Houston Slime Busters Inc Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Surface Experts League City Target Restoration Services LLC Texas Management Group LLC Three Amigos Texas LLC Total Renovation Services Inc Turnage & Associates Window World Winhill Advisors Woodlands Water Restoration YottaReal

Mast pg 5.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:04 PM Page 1

ABODE

AUGUST 2019 I VOLUME 42, ISSUE 8 Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Writer/Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP, CAE ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE ateas@haaonline.org Vice President of Finance NANCY LI LO, CPA nlo@haaonline.org Director of Information Technology ART EIDMAN aeidman@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN WOLFSON, CMP lwolfson@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Director of Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Specialist ALPA PATEL apatel@haaonline.org Education and Meetings Coordinator KAREN MITCHELL kmitchell@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Membership Engagement Assist. MONSERRAT BUFFINGTON mbuffington@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STARLA TURNBO . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Program & Budget . . . . . . . . . . . .CLAY HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Nominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE PAWELEK . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BETH VAN WINKLE . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Fair Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE PAWELEK . . . . . . .JEFF HALL By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KYLE BROWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Past Presidents Council . . . . . . .ALISON HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Strategic Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAUREN TURNER Legislative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLAY HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS HAA Political Action Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STACY HUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN FEDORKO . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Developers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TODD TRIGGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Century Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEREK DEVRIES . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL PAC Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVID JONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NORMA ALVEAR . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KIM SMALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Leadership Development . . . . .JACKIE RHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Product Service Council . . . . . . .JACOB KUNATH . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Community Outreach . . . . . . . .TRACIE YODER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Resident Relations Appeals . . .DARLENE GUIDRY . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations A . . . . . . . . . .ELAINE LEEPER . . . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations B . . . . . . . . . .KATHY MOTIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRYSTAL JACKSON . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Ambassador ONE Society . . . .MARIVEL BOWNDS/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RYAN WEIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY 2019 Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAURA LESTUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Education Advisory Council . . .STEPHANIE GRAVES . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON Career/Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KELLY SUESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PATRICK MAGNUSON/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NIKKI SEKUNDA . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON ACES Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIANE GILBERT . . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON HAF Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE BRIDGES/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAN JAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAUREN WOLFSON HAA Street Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BRANDON THOMAS . . . . . . . .LAUREN WOLFSON Property Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RICHARD WALL/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PENNY SPRANG . . . . . . . . . . . .TINA DEFIORE IT Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOE BRYSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ART EIDMAN HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION: HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association. ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties. ABODE, AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 42 ISSUE 8 ABODE (USPS 024-962) is published monthly by the Houston Multi Housing Corporation. Publishing, editorial and advertising offices are located at 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Telephone 713-595-0300. The $50 annual ABODE subscription rate is included in all member dues and additional subscriptions are available. The annual subscription rate is $50 for members, $65 for non-members. Advertising rates are available upon request. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Houston Apartment Association. Copyright Â© 2019 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

lifetime achieve cesar pg 6.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:05 PM Page 1

2019 Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon honoring

Cesar Lima

AAA Plumbers Thursday, September 19 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hotel ZaZa Museum District

5701 Main Street, Houston, TX 77005 Table of 10: Early bird rate - $550 Standard rate - $750 Individual seats: Early bird rate - $55 Standard rate - $75 The deadline to receive early bird pricing is September 5.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, Crestmark Construction Services and Guardian Construction All proceeds benefit the Houston Apartment Foundation 501 (c) (3) and its educational programs. See www.haaonline.org for more details and to register.

pres pg 7.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:09 PM Page 1

Letter from the President

By STARLA TURNBO, 2019 HAA President

SERVICE AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS HAVE PRESENTED MANY CHALLENGES IN THE APARTMENT INDUSTRY IN RECENT YEARS. With just a click of a mouse, essentially any animal can be certified as a service and/or assistant animal, creating a number of issues for property owners and managers alike. The TAA pet addendum states while a written verification is allowed to be requested by property management, an apartment property cannot charge an animal deposit, additional rent nor any other fee for any authorized assistance or service animal. There is, however, a noteworthy amendment to the animal addendum in the Texas Apartment Association lease documents that you may not know about. The assistance or service animal amendment to the animal addendum clarifies the resident acknowledges that no animal, whether or not they provide or are intended to provide assistance or service, may disturb or threaten the rights, comfort, health, safety or convenience of others in or near the apartment community and rental premises, behave in loud or obnoxious manner, engage in any violent activity, or disrupt business operations. According to the service or assistance animal amendment to the animal addendum, the resident acknowledges that if the animal does any of the above, poses a direct threat to person or property, or otherwise violates the provisions of the animal addendum, the assistance or service animal amendment to the addendum or the lease, the resident will be in default under the lease. The commentary at the bottom of the amendment includes that the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Housing and Urban Development states it is not permissible to charge a security deposit for assistance or service animals for disabled residents, however, the guidance does agree that a disabled resident is still liable for any damages the assistance or service animal may cause. According to TAA, in light of these guidelines, TAA members should not seek a security deposit for cases in which a resident has a legitimate and obvious or documented need for an assistance or service animal. Additionally, federal guidance provides that assessments concerning whether an animal poses a sufficient problem to other persons or to property must meet a threshold on an individual basis and not be speculative or hypothetical. TAA prompts readers to see the article titled “Reasonable Modifications and Accommodations for People with Disabilities.” You can view the sample of this amendment online by accessing the TAA REDBOOK online. Locally, we have a lot going on as summer comes to an end. The Take 5 Business Exchange is happening on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Ayva Center located at 9371 Richmond Ave. This event is a must for supplier partners. At the Business Exchange, you get to sit down with property management personnel, from owners and executives to regional and maintenance supervisors. This event raises money for the Houston Apartment Foundation Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing industry credentials. If you are a supplier partner, please visit the event page on the HAA website to register: www.haaonline.org/businessexchange. The HAA Bowling Tournament is back at Copperfield Bowl on Friday, Aug. 16 with a new theme: Bowl Improvement. Get your bowling bag ready and start practicing your best Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor grunt! This issue is filled with Honors Awards coverage! See Page 34 for select photos from the event, with the full album available online through the “Event Photos by Partners” link on the HAA homepage at www.haaonline.org. ABODE sits down with all the individual winners to learn more about their careers, the impressions they’ve made on their properties and what motivates their success starting on Page 44. The rest of the winners in the maintenance and supplier categories will be featured in the September issue. Now through the end of the year, ABODE will also feature Honors Awards property winners. You can view the first group of properties starting on Page 58.

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

Patron pg 8 interior logic.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:09 PM Page 1

These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

Houston Planned Energy Systems

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Interior Logic Group Property Services

HAA Member since 1982

Presto Maintenance Supply HAA Member since 1983

CSC ServiceWorks HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services HAA Member since 1994

August Patron of the Month

ABODE

August 2019

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc. HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations HAA Member since 1987

RentPath HAA Member since 1979

www.haaonline.org

leg update pg 9, 73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 4:03 PM Page 1

Legislative Update

By CLAY HICKS, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

THANK YOU, TAA!

President-elect Clay Hicks of the Dinerstein Companies shares his experience bringing the late fee bill to the Texas Capitol with the TAA government affairs team.

THIS SPRING, I had the opportunity to work with the Texas Apartment Association’s government affairs team on the late fee bill and what may have been the most important piece of legislation introduced by our industry in the last decade. The time I spent in Austin with our TAA government affairs team changed everything for me, and it makes me so proud to be a part of TAA and this industry. I want to scream from the mountaintops how unbelievably fortunate we are in the state of Texas to have Vice President of Government Affairs David Mintz, General Counsel Sandy Hoy and Director of Government Affairs Kyle Jackson representing us at the Texas Capitol. From what I witnessed that day at the Capitol, they are our real-life industry superheroes. Unfortunately, there are no mountaintops to scream from here in flat, dense, hot and humid Houston, (which I oddly love), so this magazine article is my mountaintop. If you want to know what pressure feels like, imagine being asked to testify in front of both a Texas House of Representatives Committee as well as a Texas Senate Committee on behalf of your entire state on a bill you know could make or break our industry. TAA asked if I would come in the morning before the committee hearings to prepare with the government affairs team. They me sent the proposed bill beforehand, and after reading it over and over, I knew the bill we were behind was absolutely right for our industry and for our residents, but there was still the fear of the unknown when getting in front of a congressional committee. On Monday morning March 25, as I drove to Austin, my stomach was in knots and all kinds of thoughts were running through my head as I played out different scenarios in my car. Naturally, I stopped at Buc-ee’s for some beaver nuggets and turkey jerky to take the edge off. www.haaonline.org

Once I arrived at the TAA offices that bills are being presented and discussed in morning, there were David, Sandy and Kyle front of the committee as I continued to waiting in the conference room with big study my notes. In and out, out and in, smiles and confidence you could feel. San texting, talking and impromptu meetings go Antonio Apartment Association’s General David, Sandy and Kyle. The next thing I know, Counsel David Fritche was my wingman, they are pulling us out of the room and into a who would also be testifying on behalf of private conference room next door with our TAA, and was there to prep as well. We sat in lobbyists to discuss what was happening – that room late into the night (thank you late our Senate hearing was being postponed for night Chinese food delivery) going through a variety of reasons. Expect the unexpected. every scenario, every possible question that Now, it was vital that we get in front of the could come up, key players on both sides, House that afternoon. We had four hours what if this, what if that – I mean everything. until that was to happen, so we headed back They were determined to make me as confito the TAA office to get lunch and prep some dent as they were, and we weren’t walking more. When I say “we” headed back, I don’t out of that room until I was. mean Sandy, Kyle and David. They wanted to The next morning, we got up early to meet stay at the Capitol to pop in and out of other at the offices again to get ready. We had a big hearings they were tracking that day, (little day ahead of us, as we were on the schedule did I know at the time, they were tracking 390 to go in front of both the House committee bills), to meet and talk with legislators, lobbyand Senate committee on the same day. ists and aides who they knew would be walkAs they had warned me, expect the unexing around the Capitol all day, which would pected. After David Fritche and I got through end up benefiting us later on. security, took our oaths, signed in and got We finally got in front of the House comour seats in the hearing room is when I mittee that afternoon and I felt good, really / See Legislative Update, Page 73 began to see first-hand what makes our TAA government affairs team the best in the business and my new heroes. Sandy gets a text and walks out, Kyle jumps up and walks over to someone standing at the back of the room and David (Mintz) walks over to pat me on the shoulder to make sure I’m ready to “expect the unexpected” and then walks out as well. TAA Vice President of Government Affairs David Mintz, As I sat in the hearing General Counsel Sandy Hoy and Director of Government room waiting for our Affairs Kyle Jackson bill to come up, other August 2019

ABODE

cotton ad pg 10.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:13 PM Page 1

law pg 11,12.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:13 PM Page 1

It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

THE 2019 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IS OVER, PART 2 Here is the second part of a synopsis of the new laws affecting the apartment industry. View the first part of this synopsis in the July issue.

LAST MONTH, WE covered new laws pertaining to deceased residents, parking permits, late fees, family violence and firearms. Below, we have summarized new laws pertaining to other topics connected with the ownership, operation and management of apartment properties. Please note that the entire bills can be viewed on the Texas Legislature website at https://capitol.texas.gov/. Price Gouging (HB 1152 amends Section 17.45 and Section 17.46 and adds Section 17.4625 to the Texas Business & Commerce Code) applies to acts or practices that occur on or after Sept. 1. Change in the Law: The new law modifies the Texas Deceptive Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA). The DTPA prohibits certain false, misleading or deceptive acts or practices. Section 17.46(b) of the Texas Business & Commerce Code defines “false, misleading or deceptive acts or practices.” The current law provides that taking advantage of a disaster declared by the governor by selling or leasing an exorbitant or excessive price or demanding an exorbitant or excessive price in connection with the sale or lease of fuel, food, medicine or another necessity is a “false, misleading or deceptive act or practice,” which is prohibited by the DTPA. The new law clarifies that the disaster can be declared by the governor or the president and adds “lodging, building materials or construction tools” as items that cannot be sold or leased in times of a disaster for an exorbitant or excessive price. The new law also defines a “designated disaster period” as beginning on the earliest of: (i) the date of the disaster; or (ii) the date of the proclamation or declaration of the disaster by the governor or the president; and ending 30 days after the date the disaster www.haaonline.org

declaration expires or is terminated. Effect of Change: Rental properties were already considered to be covered under the DTPA’s protection against price gouging based upon the analysis that rental properties are a “necessity.” However, the law clarifies that the selling or leasing of lodging is subject to the DTPA’s prohibition against exorbitant or excessive pricing during a designated disaster period. Additionally, building materials and construction tools are also covered. Consequently, in times of a disaster, exorbitant or excessive pricing of building materials and construction tools would also be prohibited under the DTPA. The originally filed bill provided that the price of a necessity is considered exorbitant or excessive if the price is 15 percent or more than the price at which the necessity is sold or leased, offered for sale or lease, by the seller or lessor in the usual course of business immediately before the earlier of the date the disaster occurred or the date of the disaster proclamation or declaration. The definition of exorbitant or excessive pricing of 15 percent is not in the bill that passed. However, in 2012, the attorney general entered into an agreed judgment against a motel owner for charging a price in violation of the DTPA during the week after Hurricane Ike. Pursuant to the agreed judgment, the motel owner was prohibited from taking advantage of any disaster by charging excessive prices in excess of 10 percent of the average price for those goods and services (during times when there is no disaster declaration). If you take in residents after a declared disaster, caution should be taken to avoid excessive pricing. Large increases in rental rates (more than 10 percent from pre-disaster rates) should be avoided for at least as long as the disaster period lasts.

Eviction Delays (HB 2730 amends Chapter 27 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code) applies to actions filed on or after Sept. 1. Change in the Law: Chapter 27 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code pertains to “anti-slap” actions. The existing law provides that if a legal action is based on, relates to or is in response to a party’s exercise of the right of free speech, right to petition or right of association, that party may file a motion to dismiss the legal action. The motion to dismiss must be filed not later than the 60th day after the date of service of the legal action. The court must rule on the motion not later than the 30th day following the hearing on the motion. If the court grants the motion, the case is dismissed. If the court denies the motion, the movant can appeal the court’s order and delay the underlying proceeding. Section 27.010 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code provides for exemptions to the anti-slap statute. One of the exemptions added under the new law is with respect to an eviction suit brought under chapter 24 of the Texas Property Code. Effect of Change: The anti-slap statute has been used in eviction actions. This has caused a delay in evictions and has made evictions more expensive. The rules pertaining to evictions require that an eviction trial be held within 21 days after the eviction is filed. The procedure outlined in the anti-slap statute does not coincide with the eviction procedure. The trial for the eviction should be held long before a party has the opportunity to file a motion to dismiss under the anti-slap statute. The new law expressly exempts eviction actions from the anti-slap statute.

August 2019

ABODE

law pg 11,12.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:14 PM Page 2

Medical Ma rijuana (HB 3703 amends Chapter 169 of the Texas Occupations Code) effective Sept. 1. Change in the Law: The current law allows a physician to prescribe low-THC cannabis to a patient diagnosed with epilepsy. Section 169.003 of the Texas Occupations Code in the new law has been modified to allow a properly authorized physician to also prescribe low-THC cannabis to a patient diagnosed with a seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, autism, terminal cancer or an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Effect of Change: As with the previous law, a physician is able to prescribe low-THC cannabis to a patient only if the physician determines the risk of the medical use of low-THC cannabis by the patient is reasonable in light of the potential benefit for the patient. The term “medical use” is defined in Section 169.001 as the ingestion by a means of administration other than by smoking of a prescribed amount of low-THC cannabis by a person for whom the low-THC cannabis is prescribed. Consequently, a physician’s authorization to prescribe low-THC cannabis to a patient under the old and new law is limited to cannabis that is ingested by a means other than by smoking. If you have a no smoking policy, the law does not

ABODE

August 2019

require you to change this policy, even for smoking marijuana. Justice and County Court Jurisdictions (SB 2342 amends Sections 27.031, 25.003(c) and 22.004(h-1) of the Texas Government Code) applies to causes of action filed on or after Sept. 1, 2020. Change in the Law: The existing law provides that justice courts have jurisdiction of cases in which the amount in controversy is not more than $10,000. Section 27.031(a) of the Texas Government Code is amended to provide that the justice courts have jurisdiction for civil matters in which the amount in controversy is not more than $20,000. The justice court’s exclusive original jurisdiction of eviction cases is unchanged. Section 25.003(c) of the Texas Government Code is amended to provide that statutory county courts have jurisdiction of civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $500 but does not exceed $250,000, excluding interest, statutory punitive damages and penalties and attorney’s fees and costs. Under existing law, the jurisdiction of the county courts is $200,000. Section 22.004(h-1) is added to the Texas Government Code and provides that the supreme court shall adopt

rules to promote the prompt, efficient and cost-effective resolution of civil actions filed in county courts at law in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $250,000. Effect of Change: The change in the jurisdictional limit of justice courts from $10,000 to $20,000 will not affect where an eviction is filed. However, the court has additional jurisdiction for a money judgment for delinquent rent up to $20,000 (the previous jurisdictional limit was $10,000). Additionally, claims filed against the owner in justice courts such as security deposit cases, repair and remedy cases or other types of cases requesting the recovery of damages can now go up to $20,000. This may increase the number of cases filed against you in the justice court. The increase in the jurisdictional limit of the county court from $200,000 to $250,000 will allow more cases to be filed in the county court, but the effect on the apartment industry may be negligible. If you have not already done so, the policies and procedures should be reviewed to be sure that they are in compliance with the new laws. Many of the laws take effect in September. The time to act is now! Want more Law? Visit the ABODE archives at

http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

www.haaonline.org

Afford Quality Electric pg 13.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:14 PM Page 1

Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

DON’T BE A PEST

A resident is charged for an issue she addressed in her move-in condition form. A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with HAA to dispute charges. In her complaint, the resident requests management remove all unreasonable charges. The resident expressed that management did not address maintenance issues. The resident lived in this apartment home for six years and submitted a $350 security deposit. Management responded to HAA and that response was forwarded to the resident. Management did not address any of the points made by the resident but attached all required documents. It was clear management felt the resident was charged accordingly. Enclosed were copies of the lease, the appli-

The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide

cation form, the move-in an impartial review of resident complaints using condition form, the the documentation provided by both the resident notice to vacate, the acand management. count statement and the final bill. Upon move-out, the resident had outstanding water and trash fees. committee removed the carpet cleaning Management then charged the resident with charge, as well as the pest control fees. The cleaning fees, pest control fees, blind replacepest problem was noted in the resident’s ments and carpet cleaning and replacement, move-in condition form. After the adjustments totalling $395. were made, the resident owes the property The committee ruled in favor of manage$115. The resident may wish to pursue this ment with adjustments. Residents are not complaint in small claims court. responsible to pay for normal wear and tear, and the committee decided six years of usage If you are a manager with a resident constitutes the need for a cleaning. The issue or question, call HAA at 713-595-0300. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. surprised that they nominat said, laughing. “ I’ve been w business for 15 years. I neve anything. For me, if I get my or get it right, I’m satisfied w don’t need recognition. As l resident and my manageme owner are happy, I’m happy good experience, though, fe way. I didn’t know that som watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

Iw sur said bus any or g don resi ow goo way wat

fsi pg 15.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:18 PM Page 1

pac pg 16.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:19 PM Page 1

On the Scene with the HAAPAC

HAAPAC Luncheon Thursday, June 6 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center Sponsored by 1 Hoffer Furniture Rental & Sales The June HAA Political Action Committee luncheon featured a candidate screening for Houston City Council District J.

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ALL ABOUT BETTER GOVERNMENT Threats from government are coming at the apartment industry at a rapid pace. The HAAPAC, the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, needs your help to fight bad legislation. HAA members can participate in the PAC on several levels. 2019 registration forms are available. To join, renew or learn how to become involved with the PAC, see online at www.haaonline.org/haapac or contact apatel@haaonline.org. 16

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

bus exchange pg 17.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:19 PM Page 1

Property management supervisors and executives: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this free networking opportunity that supports our industry.

Join Jill Bounds, Abbey Residential, and Shelley Watson, Morgan, for the 13th annual HAA Business Exchange, a great opportunity to learn about the latest industry products and services in a professional, controlled environment and give back to your industry.

Owners/Property Management: The Business Exchange is a forum where property management leaders are seated at tables while supplier representatives move around the room, selecting the individuals they wish to visit. Each visit has a five minute limit. Supplier companies pay for this opportunity and your attendance makes this possible. It is a great opportunity to support industry education at no monetary cost to you or your company. To take part in this great fundraising event, contact HAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org.

Suppliers: You will have access to a number of property management leaders from owner executives to maintenance supervisors.

Thursday, August 8 9 a.m to 11 a.m. Ayva Center 9371 Richmond Ave., Houston 77063 See more at: www.haaonline.org/businessexchange or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0313 for more information.

The first two participants from your company pay $350 each with an option for a third participant at $375. Register at www.haaonline.org/business exchange and thank you for your support.

directory ad pg 18.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:20 PM Page 1

get to ce n a ch E N O r u o y is This ll year! ective as you match ONE price for ONEtiofu and eﬀ nal budget more eﬃcient e d i u G s ’ r e y u 2020 B ale! s n o w o n e c ad spa rates, visit

g e/ For advertisin aonline.org/BuyersGuid .ha http://www t to miss this n a w ’t n o d u Hurry! Yo pportunity! o R A E Y A E C ON

can make your promo A's Directory & Buyer’s Targeted print advertising more than five decades, HA For t. rke ty ma he nic a of erests ferred resource for proper your message with the int ily industry and is the pre am ltif for mu l a too are VE onHA ust ST Ho is a MU Guide has been serving the services. The Buyer's Guide en selecting products and wh companies and tell er ers nag oth ma the m and s fro t ner ou ow nd sta ing list ur yo nal. Make every multifamily professio at you do. wh t ou ab re members mo

ll you. r’s why they should ca ye bu ll te d an e r category ac sp te. ad Purchase buyer's guide websi You played at ferred positioning on the

o dis Full page advertisers get pre ng with your company log TOP of the search page alo the ll as to we ved as mo ce, be spa l nt wil s me listing r printed advertise you of t par ased as m .co ide not kage and can be purch www.haabuyersgu DED as part of your ad pac LU 's INC yer is s Bu Thi the ad. on nt ad pri r ner E rotating ban a live link to you rs get all of this PLUS a FRE ise ert adv r ide div Tab . separately ce.) Guide website. (Limited spa nities and 900 management n 2,800 apartment commu tha re mo m Association fro s ker ma n on the Houston Apartment Steer more decisio rely o wh ies pan com r plie 800 sup e their communities. companies and more than mber companies to servic me for ing rch sea en wh Directory and Buyer's Guide

Educ pg 19,27.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:21 PM Page 1

Upcoming Education

AUGUST It's the Law Luncheon Friday, August 9 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: $35 Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA Join HAA's Legal Counsel, Howard Bookstaff, for lunch and a legal discussion in a casual environment allowing for questions and answers. Avenues: Mainstreet Session 3 – “Confidence in Sales” with Lori Snider Thursday, August 15 9:00 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by Best Plumbing Confidence has nothing to do with the genes you were given, how traditionally beautiful you are or how fit you are. High selfesteem comes from how you feel in any moment. In this session, you will learn 10 actionable ways to improve your confidence and your leasing abilities. See Page 22 for details. Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, August 20 and Wednesday, August 21 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Program fee: $75 if payment is received before Tuesday, August 20; $85 at the door An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals, as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. This day and a half program also includes TAA lease paperwork curriculum. Topics covered include: greeting and qualifying the customer; executing the lease contract; overcoming objections and

SCHEDULE AND FEES

From the HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

closing techniques; an overview of Fair Housing and more. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate, as well as a listing of placement agencies and management companies that are members of HAA. If you are not working for a member company of HAA, download the registration form www.haaonline.org. HAA NEXT: A Night in Monaco Thursday, August 22 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Program fee: $20 Sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services and Gemstar Construction Development See Page 23 for details. Avenues: Marketing Session 3 – “Compliance and Marketing Can Be Friends” with Megan Orser Tuesday, August 27 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data Inc. In the world of compliance, there often isn’t room for pizazz and sparkle, but that doesn’t have to be. If you are looking for a session focused on the strengths of compliance and the necessity of marketing collaboration, the rainbow you dream about is on the horizon. In this session, participants will see how these two uniquely distinctive functions can harmoniously soar together through communication, organization and participation. See Page 22 for more details. EDUCATION OUTREACH: Rosenberg Marketing “SMARKeting” with Megan Orser Wednesday, August 28

are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund, less a $25 administrative fee. Seats are guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis when payment and registration are received in advance of the program. Unless otherwise indicated, courses are held in either the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room or the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room at the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. on the second floor of the HAA Office www.haaonline.org

8 a.m. to noon SpringHill Suites Houston Rosenberg, 6815 Reading Road Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Sponsored by Texas Apartment Pool Services and The Liberty Group Are you looking for marketing strategies beyond the basics? Then stop looking and start SMARKeting! Whether you are at a conventional property, affordable property, lease-up or even a distressed turn-around, Smart Girl Dawn and Smart Chick Megan will give you the tools to: Determine your community's changing demographics; build effective outreach methods to maximize synergy with businesses and residents; create amenities your residents actually want; advance your community's marketing presence and amplify your brand; track, delegate and manage projects; and understand marketing math and enhance communication with ownership.

SEPTEMBER CAMT Interior and Exterior Maintenance & Repair Tuesday, September 10 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search The CAMT Interior and Exterior Maintenance course gives learners what they need to know to keep the interior and exterior apartment communities in excellent shape, both through repair and preventive maintenance. This course also teaches students how to perform "make-ready" activities and gives them helpful checklists to use on the job.

CAMT Electrical Maintenance and Repair Wednesday, September 11 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Johnstone Supply The CAMT Electrical Maintenance and Repair course provides the solid foundation in electrical work that learners must have to be successful on the job, especially when working with appliances and HVAC. Content includes understanding systems and circuits; switches, receptacles and fixtures; using meters; making diagnoses and repairs; following regulations; and safety issues. CAMT Plumbing Maintenance and Repair (2 days) Thursday, September 12 and Friday, September 13 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers The CAMT Plumbing Maintenance and Repair course teaches students how to maintain and repair plumbing systems and fixtures. Content includes an overview of the systems; key materials and equipment; pipes, fittings and valves; and fixtures and appliances. Certified Pool Operator Course (2 days) Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $299 A two-day class Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18. Successful completion of this course will result in a five-year certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and ensures pool chemicals are being used properly and when appropriate. / See Education, Page 27

Building. Seating is limited. You must pre-register. For more information and to register, go online at www.haaonline.org. Notice to Attendees: All pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door if not received prior to the event. Start times listed above include a 30-minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $15 administrative fee. August 2019

ABODE

calendar pg 20,21.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:23 PM Page 1

AUGUST S M T

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

W T 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29

F 2 9 16 23 30

S 3 10 17 24

SEPTEMBER S M T W T

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30

S 1 8 15 22 29

AUGUST 7

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, August 7 3 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Pearland Region Meeting Tuesday, August 13 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: TBA Formally known as Area Council Meetings, the HAA Outreach department is continuing to bring education to outlying counties with a new title. More information to come. Contact Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by Advanced Waste Solutions

Bowling Tournament Friday, August 16 Noon to 4 p.m. Program fee: $300 per five-person team; $30 spectators Copperfield Bowl 15615 Glen Chase Drive, 77095 This year’s theme is Bowl Improvement, so grab your tool bag, and nail down your best players for the 2019 HAA Bowling Tournament. Build your best team to compete in the team and individual scoring contests. Fix up your creative costumes for the team and individual costume awards. Restore your energy with lunch and libations. See Page 24 for details. Sponsored by Crestmark Construction Services and Gemstar Construction Development

Avenues: Marketing Session 3 – “Compliance and Marketing Can Be Friends” with Megan Orser Tuesday, August 27 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data Inc.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, August 7 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

8 Take 5 Business Exchange Thursday, August 8 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Program fee: $350 for first two; $375 for a third Ayva Center 9371 Richmond Ave., 77063 This event raises money for the HAF Scholarship fund which provides monetary assistance to students who are pursuing a career in the apartment industry. For just $350 per person for the first two representatives and $375 for a third representative, supplier partners will have access to a number of property management personnel from owners, to executives and maintenance supervisors. See Page 17 for details.

9 It's the Law Luncheon Friday, August 9 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

14 Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, August 14 2 p.m.

15 Blue Star Class Thursday, August 15 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Braeswood Assembly of God 10611 Fondren, 77096 The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and the Houston Apartment Association. Created for rental properties of all sizes, the program's goal is to help law enforcement officials and the multifamily housing industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties. Register online at www.houstontx.gov/police/multi_fa mily. Please direct questions to officer Clark at donna.clark@houstonpolice.org. Sponsored by Dixie Carpet Installations and Ferguson Facilities Supply Avenues: Mainstreet Session 3 – “Confidence in Sales” with Lori Snider Thursday, August 15 9:00 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Best Plumbing

19 HAAPAC Luncheon Monday, August 19 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: $30 per PAC member; $40 per non-PAC member Contact Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org for registration and details.

20-21 Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, August 20 and Wednesday, August 21 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

28 Rosenberg Education Outreach – Marketing “SMARKeting” with Megan Orser Wednesday, August 28 8 a.m. to noon SpringHill Suites Houston Rosenberg, 6815 Reading Road Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Sponsored by Texas Apartment Pool Services and The Liberty Group

29 Onsite-Goes-Offsite: The Woodlands Thursday, August 29 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: TBA Due to limited seating, this meeting is open to on-site personnel only. Calling all The Woodlands and surrounding-area onsite personnel, come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions. Sponsored by Johnstone Supply

HAA NEXT: A Night in Monaco Thursday, August 22 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. See Page 23 for details. Sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services and Gemstar Construction Development

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. See www.haaonline.org for an interactive calendar. 20

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

calendar pg 20,21.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:23 PM Page 2

Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendars at www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date information.

SEPTEMBER 2

Offices Closed Monday, September 2 The HAA offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day.

CAMT Electrical Maintenance and Repair Wednesday, September 11 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Johnstone Supply

4 HAAPAC Luncheon Wednesday, September 4 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: $30 per PAC member; $40 per non-PAC member Contact Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org for registration and details. Sponsored by FTK Construction New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, September 4 3 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details. Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, September 4 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

10 CAMT Interior and Exterior Maintenance & Repair Tuesday, September 10 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

Resident Relations Committee B Wednesday, September 11 2 p.m.

12 CAMT Plumbing Maintenance and Repair (2 days) Thursday, September 12 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers Avenues: Marketing Session 3 – “Fumbles, Bumbles and Apologies: How to Effectively Combat the Biggest Challenges in Raising Rents” with Amy Kosnikowski Thursday, September 12 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data Onsite-Goes-Offsite: Pearland Thursday, September 12 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Due to limited seating, this meeting is open to on-site personnel only. Calling all Pearland and surrounding-area onsite personnel, come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions. Sponsored by Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

Take a seat at the table to support your business and our industry www.haaonline.org

17-18 Certified Pool Operator Course (2 days) Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

19 Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon Thursday, September 19 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hotel ZaZa Museum District 5701 Main St., 77005 Join us for lunch as we honor the Houston Apartment Association’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement award recipient Cesar Lima of AAA Plumbers. See Page 6 for details. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, Crestmark Construction Services and Guardian Construction

20 IROC Breakfast Friday, September 20 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sponsored by Crestmark Construction Services

24 Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, September 24 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Baytown Region Meeting Wednesday, September 25 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Formally known as Area Council Meetings, the HAA Outreach department is continuing to bring education to outlying counties with a new title. This event is free, but we kindly ask you to RSVP yourself and/or team members. RSVP to outreach@haaonline.org. More information to come. Sponsored by The Liberty Group Go-Getters Happy Hour Wednesday, September 25 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cadillac Bar 1802 Shepherd Drive, 77007 Join the Go-Getters and help strengthen your association with new members and new involvement. New and prospective members are welcome! Visit the Go-Getters Corner at www.haaonline.org/gogetters for tips and tools for recruiting. Sponsored by Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search and Pavement Services Corporation

27 Board Meeting Thursday, September 27 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by Redevelopment Services ACES September Luncheon Friday, September 27 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: TBA Sponsored by Apartments.com and CORT Furniture

Join the HAA Political Action Committee Luncheons on Monday, August 19 and Wednesday, September 4 See www.haaonline.org for details.

August 2019

ABODE

avenues pg 22.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:25 PM Page 1

Main

Avenues: Main Street – 3 August 15 Confidence in Sales With Lori Snider Confidence has nothing to do with the genes you were given – how traditionally beautiful you are, or how fit you are. High self-esteem comes from how you feel in any moment. In this session, you will learn 10 actionable ways to improve your confidence and your leasing abilities. Competence + Charisma = Confidence…an irresistible sales equation.

Marketing

Avenues: Marketing Place - 3 September 12 Fumbles, Bumbles & Apologies: How to Effectively Combat the Biggest Challenges in Raising Rents With Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio As rental rates continue to rise the challenge continues as onsite teams fail to provide effective responses and even apologize to customers for their community’s higher rental rate. Why oh why? Amy will share the top reasons of low confidence along with the solutions to combat fumbles to score successfully in discussing higher rates with customers. Learn Amy’s four easy steps to prove value and worth that will reduce stress and increase success immediately.

Sponsored by

• Fix up your creative costumes for the team and individual costume awards. • Restore your energy with lunch and libations.

2019 HAA Bowling Tournament Registration/Practice – Noon to 12:45 p.m. Tournament begins at 12:45 p.m. Spectators – $30/person Teams (5 players) – $300 Maximum of two teams per company. Price includes 3 games, shoes and lunch.

Friday, August 16

Copperfield Bowl

15615 Glen Chase Drive Houston, TX 77095 Register online at www.haaonli ne.org

brandt pg 25.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:26 PM Page 1

naa update pg 26.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:27 PM Page 1

Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTIHOUSING COUNCIL

NAA #APARTMENTALIZE RECAP Six hot topics: Sessions provided a wide range of valuable information for operations teams.

Not All Remote Workers Are the Same Members of remote teams have different motivations and shouldn’t be managed the same way, according to Jackie Ramstedt, CAM, CAPS, CAS, Principal, Ramstedt Enterprises. “Some want to be ignored—and that works for them; others need handholding,” Ramstedt said. “You can’t manage them all in an equal manner. Culture equals: Work ethic plus common sense. “Strong leadership should not be defined by what happens when you are there, but what happens when you are NOT there,” according to Ramstedt. “Don’t over-train. If you do, the employee doesn’t have enough time to do what you are asking or to learn on their own.” Gen Z Wants to Engage Gen Z is the most diverse and inclusive demographic group, according to Kate Good, Principal, SVP of Development and Operations, Hunington Residential. “When marketing to Gen Z, you can’t just offer, ‘One-month free rent,’ Good said. “You have to do it in a way that gives them a chance to engage with you and connect with you through visuals, etc.” One way to connect with them is through reviews. “Gen Z loves to record their product reviews,” Good said. “Offer a ‘shelfie’ contest where they share images of their apartment shelves and the best ones win gift cards.” The 55-plus Crowd is Arriving In Boston, Alan King, Managing Director and President, Property Operations at Berkshire Residential Investments, sees a growing trend. Baby boomers are selling their primary homes (while often holding on to their retirement homes) and moving to luxury apartments. They want to be near their grandkids and

in areas with urban amenities. Alexandra Jackiw, CAPS, COO, Hayes Gibson Property Services, said the industry needs to be aware of this wave of 55plus renters. “There is huge rental cohort coming our way,” she said. “Baby Boomers don’t want to be in God’s Waiting room anymore. They want to live in a mixed-age environment and I don’t know if we as an industry are prepared for that.” A Great Maintenance Tech Does Not Equal a Great Maintenance Manager Great maintenance technicians often move into management, but many times they’re not prepared. “Great technicians see an issue, diagnose it and go fix it,” said Ed Shaffer, CAMT, Director of Maintenance Operations, HHHunt. For maintenance managers, the essential skills are different. “There is an important communication aspect with team management,” said Fred Kicsak, Vice President of Maintenance and Service, Blue Ridge Property Management. “You are helping define a purpose for the people you lead and giving them a vision.” But the broad skills of fixing problems apply to both maintenance leaders and technicians. “As a leader, you’re using the same troubleshooting methods that you used as a technician,” said Andy Meador, CAMT, VP and Director, Capital Projects, McDowell Properties. Mentorship Can Help with the Training Gap Kristi Fickert, NALP, VP, Marketing and Training, 30 Lines, sees a big issue facing the apartment industry. “Lack of training is one of the challenges we see today,” she said.

One way to give associates the skills they need for success is to start a mentorship program. “But even if you have a great mentorship program, it doesn’t guarantee a great mentor,” said Daniel Melton, Senior Director of Business Analytics, Village Green. However, there are ways to help your mentorship program succeed. “You should have a process in place so you can assign the best possible mentor to the new associate,” Fickert said. “You want the mentee getting someone who is qualified and has been vetted.” Maintenance Needs to Be in the Construction Process As National Director of Facilities for The Michaels Organization, one of Tyler Davidson’s roles is to be a liaison to the development team when projects are drawn up. “The best strategy is to get as many eyes on plans as early as possible,” he said. That role has been important. For instance, there was a 1,200-unit project in Northern California that seemed to be in good shape until Davidson noticed a problem. “I took a cursory glance [at the plans] and saw there was no maintenance shop.” David Jolley, CAMT, National Director of Maintenance, Pinnacle, tries to take a similar approach on construction projects. “We are the ones that have to live with what they [the contractors] have built,” he said. Jolley urges construction managers to not only sit in on meetings but also get the names and numbers of all of the key contractors. “Be friends with the pool guy and the wiring guy so you have a relationship with them if there’s a problem,” Jolley said. – Les Shaver

Did you know you have access to more member benefits than just the lease contracts and forms? If you’re receiving this magazine, your company has joined and made your company and YOU part of the largest local apartment association in the nation! Every employee of your team is a member of HAA and also a member of the TAA and NAA. Check us out online at www.haaonline.org. This is YOUR HAA!

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

Educ pg 19,27.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:21 PM Page 2

Education, continued from Page 19 We will dispel the myths in pool care and tremendously reduce chemical expenses and extend the life of your pool. This is recommended for anyone working with pools as well as property managers, so they are up-to-date regarding local codes, reducing risk and liability. The course fee of $299 per person includes textbook, exam fees and meals for both days. This course is presented in English and Spanish language text and exams are available upon request. IROC Breakfast Friday, September 20 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Program fee: $25 per non-member Sponsored by Crestmark Construction Services The Independent Rental Owners' Connection (IROC) offers customized education and networking programs just for you! Whether you're a brand-new apartment community owner or have been a part of the industry for many years, we encourage you to network within your fellow independent owners. Leasing 101 (Day and a half) Tuesday, September 24 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Program fee: $75 prior to September 24; $85 at the door An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. This one-day program covers topics including: greeting and qualifying the customer; executing the lease contract; overcoming objections and closing techniques; an overview of Fair Housing and more. See the August 20 class listing for more information. ACES September Luncheon Friday, September 27 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Location: TBA Program fee: $55 Sponsored by Apartments.com and CORT Furniture Please note this program is open only to executives in property management (owners, presidents, regionals, supervisors, marketing/training directors, etc.). Eligible attendees to ACES luncheons are permitted to invite any of their staff to the programs, provided the registration also includes at least one person at the supervisor level or above. REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.HAAONLINE.ORG www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

outreach pg 28,29.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:28 PM Page 1

On the Road with HAA

Baytown Legal Seminar Tuesday, June 11 Sponsored by 1 Brook Furniture Rental and 2 The Liberty Group The HAA Legal Seminar is on the road again, this time in Baytown. Area managers heard from HAA General Counsel, Howard Bookstaff on legislative updates, service animals, evictions and much more.

HAA IS REACHING OUT to better serve our members by bringing targeted networking and educational events to different parts of our 12-county service area. Contact Director of Outreach Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org to sign up for these FREE, management-only events where you can learn about issues affecting your area and network with your fellow managers. Want to host an event? We are looking for member properties to host a Region Meeting. Contact lturner@haaonline.org. 28

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

outreach pg 28,29.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:29 PM Page 2

Onsite Goes Offsite â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lake Jackson Thursday, June 20 Sponsored by 1 Rasa Floors HAA Onsite Goes Offsite is back, this time in Lake Jackson. Local industry professionals had the opportunity to network with each other.

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

auction pg 30,31,32,33.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:30 PM Page 1

On the Scene with HAA/HAF “Biscuits & Business” Sponsorship Auction Thursday, June 20 at the HAF Education Center Goodness gracious! Our generous supplier members had another record-breaking June auction, raising more than $201,900 for HAA’s education and membership offerings. Events in the lineup included the Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon, the Dinerstein Golf Tournament, Annual Business Meeting, Chili Fest and many educational seminars and courses. A big thanks to co-auctioneer Gina Erwin, GWR Management, and lead auctioneer Billy Griffin, Camp Construction Services. Interested in becoming a sponsor? HAA will have another auction in January. Visit the HAA website at www.haaonline.org/sponsor for more information.

Thank you to our generous supplier sponsors: Camp Construction Services Crestmark Construction Services CORT Furniture Century A/C Supply AAA Plumbers Gemstar Construction Development Inc. Guardian Construction Texscape Services Maintenance Supply Headquarters Reliant Matrix Construction Services The Liberty Group Apartments.com Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services LLC Best Plumbing ALN Apartment Data Inc Cotton Commercial USA Inc. Smart City Apartment Locating Arbor Contract Carpet FSI Construction Johnstone Supply Texas Southwest Floors Presto Maintenance Supply Earthworks Inc.

ABODE

August 2019

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Contractors Inc. Flooring Warehouse HD Supply Ideal Towing CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions Redevelopment Services ApartmentData.com Hoffer Furniture Rental & Sales Texas Apartment Pool Services Pavement Services Corporation Ram Jack Foundation Solutions FTK Construction Services The Lane Law Firm Chadwell Supply Corinthian Roofing Fidus Construction Services Advanced Waste Solutions LP Richmond & Associates Landscaping Horisons Roof & Exterior Solutions LLC Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd. WeDoTrash Perfect Surface LLC The Urban Foresters LLC

www.haaonline.org

auction pg 30,31,32,33.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:30 PM Page 2

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

auction pg 30,31,32,33.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:31 PM Page 3

On the Scene with HAA/HAF “Biscuits & Business” Sponsorship Auction

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

auction pg 30,31,32,33.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:31 PM Page 4

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:33 PM Page 1

On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 2019 Honors Awards Thursday, June 13 at the Hilton Americas Sponsored by 10 Ameritex Movers, 11 FSI Construction Inc., 12 The Liberty Group and 13 Texscape Services Reception sponsored by 14 AAA Plumbers More than 1,200 attendees honored the best of 2019 in multifamily. Want to see more? All the photos from the event are available on the HAA website at www.haaonline.org. Click the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Photos by Partnersâ&#x20AC;? link at the bottom left of the homepage.

1. Leasing Consultant of the Year Ashley Fafatas 2. Maintenance Technician of the Year Angel Quiroz 3. Assistant Manager of the Year Amber Tristan 4. On-Site Manager of the Year, 1-150 Units, Wendy Reyes 5. On-Site Manager of the Year, 151-349 Units, Jason Richards 6. On-Site Manager of the Year, 350 or More Units, Alisha Cain 7. Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Single Property, Osrick Mitchell 8. Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Multiple Properties, Francisco Hernandez 9. Administrative Support Professional of the Year Marilyn Rivero

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:33 PM Page 2

17 16

10. Property Awards Sponsor Ameritex Movers 11. Individual Awards Sponsor FSI Construction Inc. 12. Individual Awards Sponsor The Liberty Group 13. Property Awards Sponsor Texscape Services 14. Reception Sponsor AAA Plumbers 15. Cornerstone Award winner New Hope Housing Harrisburg, New Hope Housing Inc. 16. Inglewood Village, Creative Property Management 17. New Development 2018 Creekside Park The Residences, The Howard Hughes Corporation/The Dinerstein Companies 18. Canterbury Court, SMI Realty Management

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:34 PM Page 3

On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 2019 Honors Awards 1

1. Old Farm, BH Management 2. Go-Getter of the Year Terri Clifton 3. Marketing/Training Director of the Year Merideth Savoie 4. Portfolio Supervisor of the Year Scott Douglas 5. Independent Owner of the Year Joe and Stephanie Bryson 6. Foundations at Rivers Crest and Lions Head, Highmark Residential 7. Rising Star Supplier of the Year Blaise Spitaleri 8. Owner/Management Executive of the Year Diane Gilbert 9. Supplier of the Year Grant Crowell 10. Sierra at Fall Creek, Asset Living 11. Holden Heights, Francis Property Management 12. Domain Lofts at City Centre, Greystar 13. One Lakes Edge, The Howard Hughes Corporation/ The Dinerstein Companies 14. Villas of Park Grove, Allied Orion Group 15. Chateaux Dupre, Asset Living 16. Ravella at Eastpoint, The Morgan Group 17. Montelago, Duck Pond Realty/Greystar

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:34 PM Page 4

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:35 PM Page 5

On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 2019 Honors Awards

1. Certified Apartment Manager graduates 2. National Apartment Leasing Professional graduates 3. Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor graduate 4. HAA Leadership Lyceum graduates 5. Certified Apartment Supplier graduates

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:35 PM Page 6

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:36 PM Page 7

On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 2019 Honors Awards

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

gemstar pg 41.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:36 PM Page 1

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:37 PM Page 8

2019 Honors Award Individual Nominees and Winners Leasing Consultant Ashley Fafatas, NALP Francis Property Management The Woodlands Lodge Aisha Ashraf Asset Living Park at Voss Dakota Barron Greystar Residences at Gramercy Martha Caballero Creative Property Management Unity Pointe Ariann Neville Faison Michael Stevens Interests Oaks of Charleston Yesenia Hernandez DayRise Residential Bristol Maria Jaramillo Veritas Equity Management Pointe at Steeplechase Demi Johnson Oden Hughes Parkside Bella Terra Amina Khalid Greystar Eclipse Stacey McIntyre Asset Living Parc at South Green Tamara Middleton Radco Residential City Station Lyndsey Naschke Greystar Aris Market Square Wilbert Palma Carroll Organization Arium City Lake Stephanie Sanford Landmark Management Group The Landmark Justin Walls Greystar The Ivy River Oaks Amanda Williamson Francis Property Management Harbor Cove Assistant Manager Amber Tristan Francis Property Management Holden Heights Kelly Ammons Asset Living Capri Villas at the Lake Cecille Araujo Greystar Valencia Place Lydia Baez Oak Leaf Management Morgan Oaks David Valdez Barcelo Asset Living Memorial Towers Myra Constante Oak Leaf Management Ranch at Rollingbrook Rebekah Dixon Martin Fein Interests Aria at Willowick Park

ABODE

Josh Fuentes Asset Living The Daphne Jill Hernandez Greystar The Ivy River Oaks Taylor Johnson DayRise Residential Lakeside Villas at Cinco Ranch Chas Keyser Southhampton Management 1300 North Post Oak Patrick Magnuson, CAM Greystar The Circle at Hermann Park Aubrenda Mandrell Bo Management Delta Residence Darla McCall Asset Living Park at Voss Erica Parada Asset Living Sierra at Fall Creek Kayla Pete Gables Residential Gables Upper Kirby Miriam Salazar Asset Living Country Club Place Fatima Salinas SMI Realty Management Woodcreek of Northwest Crossing Vanessa Torrecilla Mosaic Residential Sunrise by the Park Patricia Trevino Greystar Walden Pond Arbresha Tahiri Highmark Residential Emerson Park Cristina Turcios Greystar Breakers at Windmill Lakes Karina Valencia Asset Living Chateaux Dupre Maria Vazquez Asset Living Park at Voss Jael Veliz LEDIC Realty Village Park Melissa Zuniga The Morgan Group Pearl Washington On-Site Manager, 1-150 units Wendy Reyes, CAM Triumph Equity Management Las Velas at Hillcroft Elvia Busto, CAM Veritas Equity Management Crossings at Cherry Eryn Cotton Greystar The Cabochon at River Oaks

August 2019

Kiwi Hall, NALP Rockstar Capital Management Falls of Maplewood Jerry Martinez Asset Living Memorial Towers Marlene Molina Bo Management Tara Oaks Christine Purchase Oak Leaf Management Edgewood Aurora Saucedo Better World Properties LLC The Palms On-Site Manager, 151-349 units Jason Richards, CAM Greystar Valencia Place Sabina Alvarez Oak Leaf Management Camden Station Norma Alvear SMI Realty Management Stone Forest Nick Arellano Mosaic Residential Sunrise Briar Forest Julie Arredondo Asset Living Chateau Dupre Gio Arias Greystar Crossing at White Oak Regina Carr Mosaic Residential Cobble Creek Candace Castillo Greystar Domain New Forest Diana Craven ZRS Management Laurelwoode Beth Crisp The Landmark Group Landmark at Cypress Falls Cherie Cruz Greystar The Ivy River Oaks Kristi DeLuke IMT Residential IMT Kingwood Janine Ferrone Greystar The Pines at Woodcreek Karla Fulker Gables Residential Discovery at Shadow Creek Ranch Tammie Garcia Greystar La Maison River Oaks Dayle Marie Gieske Finger Companies Victoria Gonzales Fairfield Properties Montfair at the Woodlands Kim Guillet Asset Living Sierra at Fall Creek

Allison Hoop, CAM Shamrock Property Management The Sapphire Nicole Johnson Martin Fein Interests Belvedere Springwoods Chavonne Lafleur Greystar Memorial Mariana Leyva DayRise Residential Windshire Christi Lindauer The Morgan Group Pearl Washington Gracie Lopez Oak Leaf Management Savannah Place Norma Martinez Asset Living The Ellis Clara Narvaez, NALP Rockstar Capital Management Deerbrook Forest Christopher Palacios, CAM, NALP Francis Property Management Midtown Arbor Place Tifini Ramirez Rockstar Capital Management Parkside Wallace Reed, CAM Francis Property Management Holden Heights Laura Reyes JMG Realty Southwind Brenda Reyes, NALP Veritas Equity Management Pointe at Steeplechase Diann Salgado US Residential Cambridge Place LaToya Sanders Allied Orion Group Park at Fort Bend Rebecca Slater Gables Residential Gables Upper Kirby Javier Solis Asset Living Nottingham Village Sasha Trimble Asset Living Grove at White Oak Aaron Twyman, NALP Rockstar Capital Management Deerbrook Garden Susana Yerena LEDIC Realty Coral Hills On-Site Manager, 350 units or more Alisha Cain, CAM Greystar Houston House Jeanne Cambra Cottonwood Residential Regatta

Diana Craven ZRS Management Laurelwoode Linda Dominguez Asset Living Country Club Place/ Redwood Garden Jeffrey Hope Greystar The Circle at Hermann Park Jollie Kirkland BH Management Old Farm LaDonna Martin GVA Property Management Huntington Glen Ruth Reyes The Morgan Group Pearl City Centre/ Pearl Residences City Centre Danielle Scherwin W3 Luxury Living The Mansions Woodland Katie Schieffer Asset Living Parc at South Green Tracy Sosa, CAM Highmark Residential Foundations at Lions Head/ Rivercrest Isela Tejera-Mason LEDIC Realty Village Park Anna Towns, CAM Asset Living Park at Voss Lauren Scruggs, NALP Francis Property Management Pereserve at Spring Creek Kyle Webb UrbanOne Properties LLC Montrose Maintenance Technician Angel Quiroz Veritas Equity Management Pointe at Steeplechase Florencio Arcea Veritas Equity Management Rosa Castro Greystar The James River Oaks Mario Garcia Oak Leaf Management Morgan Oaks Francisco Javier Leon Veritas Equity Management Crossings at Cherry Moises Melgar Veritas Equity Management Windfern Pointe Alan Pineda Greystar Breakers at Windmill Lakes Belbin Quintanilla Greystar Valencia Place

Maintenance Supervisor Single Property Osrick Mitchell Greystar Voyager at Space Center Carlos Alvarez Francis Property Management 7Seventy Sergio Aranda Stellar Equity Management Bella Spring Townhomes Victor Baez Asset Living Grove at White Oak Rafael Barba Creative Property Management Southern Oaks Yeferson Cabrera Veritas Equity Management Windfern Pointe Christian Escamilla Asset Living Park at Voss Hector Garcia Knightvest Management The Grayson at Baybrook Leonidas Garcia Veritas Equity Management Crossings at Cherry Victor Gonzalez The Morgan Group Pearl Washington Angel Gutierrez The Hanover Companies Hanover Rice Village Gerson Hechaverria SMI Realty Management Canterbury Court Donald Hendrix Tanglewood Property Management Fox Hall Carlos Ixchui Q10 Property Advisors Madison at Bear Creek Eliseo Jarquin Mosaic Residential Queenston Manor Alfredo Manriquez Allied Orion Group Park at North Vista Samuel Montoya Landmark Management Group Landmark at Spring Cypress David Martinez Greystar The Cabochon at River Oaks Oscar Mejia Allied Orion Group Park at Humble Feliciano Ramos Lincoln Property Company Skyhouse Main Phillips Rangel Mosaic Residential Lodge on El Dorado Eduardo Sanchez LEDIC Realty Village Park www.haaonline.org

honors pg 34,35,36,37,38,39,40,42,43.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:37 PM Page 9

Property Nominees and Winners Cecil Thompson Greystar Breakers at Windmill Lakes Daniela Valdez Highmark Residential The Villas at Shadow Creek Joshua Walker Greystar Valencia Place Ruben Zepeda Francis Property Management Harbor Cove Maintenance Supervisor Multiple Properties Francisco Hernandez Veritas Equity Management Jose Alvarado, CAMT Rockstar Capital Management Julio Briones Oak Leaf Management Nestor Dominguez Asset Living Chateaux Dupre Austin Francis Francis Property Management Alex Quezada, CAMT Greystar Corporate Marketing/ Training Director Meredith Savoie The Dinerstein Companies Deepika Agarwal Karya Property Management Nikki Chambers The Hanover Companies Allison Culver Asset Living Jennifer Martelli Greystar Christine Rivers Mosaic Residential Brandon Thomas Camden Yolanda Walters Mosaic Residential Administrative Support Marilyn Rivero, CAM, CAPS, IROP Q10 Property Advisors Suzanne Felix Stellar Equity Management Laura Kinard, SHRM-CP Mosaic Residential Amber Molina Oak Leaf Management Joanne Moya Oak Leaf Management Stephanie Velasquez Q10 Property Advisors

Portfolio Supervisor Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS Creative Property Management Jaqueline Aguirre Veritas Equity Management Susan Dear, CAM, CAPS The Morgan Group Margie Fielder, CAPS The Morgan Group Daniela Flores, NALP Rockstar Capital Management Cynthia Gregg, CAM Midway Companies Karen Hefner Asset Living Audrey Ingram DayRise Residential Crystal Jackson, CAM, CAPS The Dinerstein Companies Tory Jenkins-Williamson, CAM The Conerly Group Tim Lohrman American Landmark Bushra Majeed PhD Karya Property Management Betsy Marshall, CAM, CAPS Allied Orion Group Rose Martinez, CAM US Residential Whitney Moore Allied Orion Group Natalie Spratt, NALP, CAM, IROP Better World Properties LLC Codi Stepanski Carroll Organization Courtney Vitek, CAM MLDC Management LLC Amanda Walker, CAM Q10 Property Advisors Jocelyn Williams, CAM Stellar Equity Management Independent Rental Owner Joe Bryson, CAM, CAPS, IROP, and Stephanie Bryson, CAM, CAPS, IROP Stellar Equity Management Ruoxu Hu GPI Real Estate Management Robert Martinez, IROP Rockstar Capital Management Lee Reeves, IROP Triumph Equity Mangaement

Owner/Management Executive Diane Gilbert, CPM Asset Living Swapnil Agarwal Karya Property Management Ginger Bernstein Q10 Property Advisors Tina Cavaco Centra Partners Terri Clifton Better World Properties LLC Stephanie Graves, CAM, CAPS, IROP Q10 Property Advisors Robert Lopes, CAMT, IROP Relik Realty Claus Nielsen, IROP, CAPS Bo Management Velissa Parmer Mosaic Residential Kelly Scott Capstone Real Estate Services Debbie Sulzer Francis Property Management Suan Tinsley DayRise Residential Shelley Zepeda, CAPS Francis Property Management Supplier Grant Crowell, CAS The Urban Foresters Marivel Bownds, CAS Valet Living Shaun Callaway, CAS Earthworks Deborah DeRouen, CAS Designs by Holmes Derek DeVries, CAS Camp Construction Services Benjamin Gil LaSalle Landscaping Fernando Gomez Century A/C Supply Debra Knight, CAS Valet Living Laura Lestus, CAS The Liberty Group David Lindley, CAS FSI Construction Lacie Lugo Winhill Advisors Doug Oehl, CAS Flooring Warehouse Aaron Potier Find Me A Vendor Mindy Price J Turner Research Nikki Sekunda, CAS The Liberty Group Mat Tilley, CAS WeDoTrash Jessica Wheeler, CAM, CAPS Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corporate Lodging Amber Whitaker, CAS FSI Construction

Less than 100 Units: Inglewood Village Apartments, Creative Property Management 100 to 150 Units: Canterbury Court Apartments, SMI Realty Management Built Before 1980: Chateaux Dupre, Asset Living Built 1980 to 1989: Foundations at River Crest and Lions Head, Highmark Residential Built 1990 to 1999: Old Farm, BH Management Built 2000 to 2009, Garden, 150 to 300 Units: Sierra at Fall Creek, Asset Living Built 2000 to 2009, Garden, More than 300 Units: Montelago, Duck Pond Realty/Greystar Built 2000 to 2009, Mid/High Rise: Domain Lofts at City Centre, Greystar Built 2010 to 2017, Garden, 150 to 300 Units: Ravella at Eastpoint, The Morgan Group Built 2010 to 2017, Mid-Rise, 150 to 300 Units: Holden Heights, Francis Property Management Built 2010 to 2017, Mid-Rise, More than 300 Units: One Lakes Edge, The Howard Hughes Corporation/The Dinerstein Companies 2019 New Development: Creekside Park The Residences, The Howard Hughes Corporation/The Dinerstein Companies Senior Living: Villas of Park Grove, Allied Orion Group Tax Credit: New Hope Housing Harrisburg, New Hope Housing Inc. Cornerstone: New Hope Housing Harrisburg, New Hope Housing Inc. 7637 Harwin, The Axcell Group LLC Alta West Gray, Wood Partners Ashford Crescent Oaks, HK Capital/Ashford Communities Avenue R, The Morgan Group Avenue Terrace, Texas Inter-Faith Housing Camden Post Oak, Camden Property Trust Camden Spring Creek, Camden Property Trust Cedar Bluff, Q10 Property Advisors LLC Cobble Creek, Mosaic Residential Inc. Crossing at White Oak Apartment Homes, Pennington/Chen-Managed by Greystar Elan Med Center, Greystar Elan Memorial Park, Greystar Gables Cityscape, Gables Residential Hardy Oaks Place Apartment Homes, CKR Property Management Highland Meadow Village, Allied Orion Group Idlewood Park, ParaWest Group/ParaWest Management Las Velas at Hillcroft, Triumph Equity Management Latitude Med Center, Greystar Mainstream, Allied Orion Group Mason Senior Apartment Homes, Allied Orion Group Millennium High Street, The Dinerstein Companies Sevona Tranquility Lake, Lincoln Property Company Stone Canyon, Asset Living Sunrise Briar Forest, Mosaic Residential Inc. The Abbey at Champions, Abbey Residential Services The Woodlands Lodge, Francis Property Managment Unity Pointe Apartments, Creative Property Management Upper Kirby, Greystar Valencia Place, Greystar Villas At The Palms, Heather and Shawn Conerly/The Conerly Group Westmount at Braesridge, Westmount Capital/ParaWest Management Willow Lake, BH Management

August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:22 PM Page 1

Meet the Honorees Owner/Management Executive of the Year Diane Gilbert, Asset Living You’ve known HAA Hall of Famer David Hargrove for most of your career. Tell me about your relationship with him. David has been the greatest mentor – he's part of my family. He's just been a joy to work for because he has so much integrity. He's never asked me or anybody else to do anything unethical. All he’s asked of us is to do the very best for our clients. When you work for someone like that, it’s amazing. I don't think I've ever met someone who had an unkind word to say about David, and it makes me very proud to have a 25-year career relationship with him. Before I started working for David at Greystar, I worked for the Hudson Group with Lenny Blevins, another respected mentor, for seven years. It was a great start to my career. I was a property manager, a marketing director and a regional manager for him. I knew I wanted to work for Greystar, so I interviewed with David at Greystar 13 times over a three-year period. Different things would come up and it wouldn’t work out. They either didn't get a portfolio, hired someone else – something always happened, but I finally got a job with Greystar. Then, he and Monica Morrison rolled out Greystone from Greystar. I knew I wanted to continue to work for him, so I followed him across the street. I stayed there for about 15 years until Greystone sold to Asset Plus five years ago. I always knew I would follow David wherever he went.

ABODE

August 2019

Jeffery Fuller of Lighthouse Partners, an owner you’ve worked with for 10 years, raves about your performance and ability to exceed expectations. He gives you credit for increasing rents on two properties, dramatically improving operations, revenue and NOI. How were you able to achieve this? It's all about building the right teams. I like to joke and say I do nothing, because it’s my teams that do everything. I encourage, engage and mentor them to do the very, very best they can, but they are the most important part of a successful property. I have some long-term managers who have been with me for five, eight, 12 years. At the same time, my achievements are the result of having clients who trust in what we’re doing and who know we’re in it for the long haul. You can't gain success in one day or in one month. It takes consistency with a great team that's engaged and owners who listen and trust my expertise. What is the key in building a strong rapport with your team? Recognizing their talents and bringing out the very best in them. My rapport with my teams comes from encouraging, supporting and giving them all the credit. Like I said, I laugh and say I don’t do anything, it’s my teams. At Greystone, I learned the value of loyalty. We were like a family, and I learned that if you’re loyal to your employees and treat them like family, they will return that loyalty. Maybe they’ll stay for eight to 12 years. We may not offer the highest salaries, we may not have the very best benefits and we don't have a lot of things other companies might

Diane Gilbert Owner/Management Executive

have, but what we do have is loyalty to each other. When you do the best you can to keep employees no matter how many times the property or company sells, they will do the very best they can to stay. Each of us want to achieve success and want to see each other succeed. That’s the kind of teamwork that's required for any type of success. Fuller also speaks highly of your ability to properly handle challenges. What is the best way to address or overcome challenges in this business? That’s a tough one because we face challenges every day. Experience is almost everything in this business. Over time, you learn how to deal with challenges. Every time I’ve done something right, it's because I've done something wrong in the past and I’ve learned from it. I can tell you a lot of things I've done wrong, but never twice. In the 30 years I’ve been in this business, there weren't always good times. In the good times, I’m having fun. In the bad times, it isn’t so much fun anymore, but you have to tread on. It's never fun to tell a client your property is not doing well, but you have to, because sometimes you need to bring your owners in to keep it operating. That's not fun, but as long as you're upfront, honest and communicate with your client, those bad times won’t come as a total shock and it'll make it easier to diffuse any problems. You’re an HAA Honorary Life Member, meaning you’ve recruited at least 100 members. That’s a big deal! Why is membership important to you? HAA supplier partners have been so beneficial in

Stephanie & Joe Bryson Independent Owner

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:58 PM Page 2

Here are the best of the best individuals in apartment management, the recipients of the 2019 Houston Apartment Association Honors Awards. Compiled by

my success. A good supplier partner can help you out of a bind like nobody else can. A huge part of our success has been because of my supplier partners, and the way you get supplier partners is by recruiting them as members. Having fair pricing and quality service has been essential in our success with clients. One day you may need a service you've never needed before. You can pick up HAA’s Buyers Guide and find vetted, quality supplier partners that can give you proposals and the service. That's huge. What do you find the most rewarding about your job? I would say the associates I work with, building a team, taking over a distressed property, putting a team in place and giving them the tools to make it run. I love it when a team thinks something is too hard, that there's too many obstacles or they’re never going to get the rent, occupancy or produce income. I like coming in and getting people out of their shells and pushing them to achieve what they thought they couldn't last year. When I see they're succeeding, that's a huge win. It is very rewarding. Who has been your right hand throughout the years? I couldn't do what I do without Paula Daniels. I’ve worked with her for 12 years, and she's awesome. We met at Greystone and we became good friends. Paula is someone I really respect. She has a different type of portfolio and a different client base than I have but I rely on her partnership and knowledge every day.

Scott Douglas Portfolio Supervisor www.haaonline.org

MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Staff

Photos by

It takes a village and I have been very lucky to have loyal friends and mentors. Because of HAA, I’ve built friendships with executives from other companies who I can call, email or text to pick their brains or ask for guidance. That's huge! To think we're competitors, which we really are competitors, but I can name 20 people who would come to my aid professionally if I needed some advice or some mentoring myself, as I would for them. Portfolio Supervisor of the Year Scott Douglas, Creative Property Management Your father, Greg Douglas, and Dick LaMarche started Creative Property Management. What was it like growing up in the multifamily industry? To me it was always interesting and fun growing up in the industry. I always enjoyed tagging along with my parents when they would go to work. As a young kid, I can remember going to our main office and playing in my dad’s office, and if I got tired, I’d take a nap under our conference room table. We’ve been in the same office since 1979, so I get a bit nostalgic knowing I’ve been coming to Creative Property Management’s office for 35 plus years. Unfortunately, these days it might be frowned upon if I napped under the conference table! I have fond memories making the rounds at properties with my mom. I remember hanging out in the leasing office and walking make-readies amongst other things. One thing that will always

Merideth Savoie Corporate Marketing/ Training Director

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

bring back childhood memories is the smell of carpet deodorizer. What influence has your father and Dick LaMarche had on your career? They have both played a major role in advancing my career and both have been amazing mentors throughout my time at Creative. My father has always been really big on education, credentials and licenses, so he set high expectations when I was hired. I‘ve been able to knock many items off the list such as a degree in business management, obtaining my Texas real estate sales agent license and acquiring the National Apartment Leasing Professional, Certified Apartment Management and Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor credentials. I am currently working on the last few classes needed through the Texas Real Estate Commission to get my broker’s license, and then I’ll go on to get my Certified Property Manager credential through the Institute of Real Estate Management. My dad’s passion toward the industry has always kept me motivated to hit all these major milestones. Dick has always been a huge advocate of my involvement with HAA. He motivated me to join my first committee back in 2013. I’ve had amazing experiences and education during my time serving on several committees including the Resident Relations Committee, Strategic Outreach Committee, the HAA Political Action Committee’s Steering Committee and Property Awards Committee. Dick’s involvement in HAA

Wendy Reyes Manager 1-150 Units

Jason Richards Manager 151-349 Units

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 2:59 PM Page 3

has been a great motivator for me. With all of their advice, mentorship, education and push for HAA involvement, I’ve been able to succeed in my career and gain an active seat as a board member with HAA. Did you always want to work in the industry? I always had an interest in it since I was surrounded by property management growing up. It took me a while, but when once I got started in the industry, I fell in love with it! You’ve been involved with HAA for some time. How has HAA influenced your life and career? HAA has played a big role in my career. I’ve been able to learn a lot from the different committees I have served on and still continue to learn to this day. I have been able to attend classes and obtain my credentials, and not to mention all the seminars HAA offers to help us with risk management and media relations. I always walk away with a new perspective and ideas to share with the Creative team. HAA has been impactful in keeping the industry up to date with regulatory changes. My involvement has also opened new opportunities to network and meet so many great people in the industry. HAA always does a great job looking after its members’ best interest and I am grateful for that. What is the key in supervising a portfolio of 10 properties? I’m very lucky to have an amazing support system and team at Creative. I wouldn’t be able to oversee 10 properties without our crew. I have incredible bosses, back office team, managers and staff, making my day-to-day manageable. I also have to give credit to Creative Property Management Vice President Bill Elsbree, who I work closely with on a big part of our portfolio. There is an amazing spirit of teamwork at Creative, so everyone is always willing to support each other.

Alisha Cain Manager 350+ Units

How were you able to expand Creative Property Management’s online presence? I’ve been involved in optimizing our website to improve our ranking positions, ultimately leading to an increased volume of new business leads. Your nominator says you improved supplier relations for Creative Property Management. Why is it important to have strong supplier relationships? I’ve prioritized regular meetings with our suppliers and have developed great relationships. We’ve really been able to build a solid foundation of preferred suppliers that we can truly rely on. All of this has resulted to better partnerships, improved service and better rebates. Independent Rental Owner of the Year Joe and Stephanie Bryson, Stellar Equity Management Tell me about your background in multifamily. What inspired you to invest in multifamily and start your own management company? Joe: Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans in August of 2005. I subsequently lost my position as an IT manager in power utility and I was forced to uproot my family. We moved to Houston with our infant daughter and our young son. It was a traumatic time. Because of the indignation of the forced move, I decided to look for a better way than the job I had. I moved into the same company in Houston, but along the way, we found a real estate mentoring company, Lifestyles Unlimited, which put us on the path of acquiring single family rental real estate. I continued to work in the corporate world as an IT service manager for big oil and gas companies, and at the same time, I was buying real estate. Our first deal was five properties in one package. We just jumped right in. From the start, I was more focused on acquisitions and Stephanie was focused on operations.

Amber Tristan Assistant Manager

Stephanie: Our game plan was always that I would go back to teaching when our youngest was going into school. When we got into real estate, I was staying at home, helping manage our single-family homes. The income that was coming in replaced my income as a teacher. I have a master's in education, but this was the direction I really wanted to go in because it gives me more time to be with my kids and I'm still contributing to our family. Joe: Around 2012, with additional training through Lifestyles Unlimited and with Stephanie receiving her Independent Rental Owner Professional (IROP) credential in 2011, we managed to syndicate our first property deal, which was Cedar Gate Apartments. That was a 52-unit property in Spring Branch. With additional multifamily acquisitions that added to our passive income and business income, we were able to cover our cost of living, and in 2015, I was able to quit my corporate job. What was attractive to you about the real estate industry? Joe: I wanted to get out of the corporate world. I wanted to move away from W2 job, earned income and move towards passive income and building a business that I can control. I didn't want to be in another situation where a company could relocate me to some other state. Stephanie: When we were in Louisiana and Katrina hit, we were a single-income family. When Joe got laid off, that was it. It was such a crisis for us. It was scary because we went from living comfortably to not knowing what was going to happen. We had a two-year-old son and I was seven months pregnant with our daughter. When we were looking for options in Louisiana, everyone was in the same boat because everyone was affected by Katrina. So, any job potential there was at a fraction of what we he was making before. Joe: In 2014, the price of oil crashed, and it got

Ashley Fafatas Leasing Consultant

Marilyn Rivero Administrative Support

century pg 47.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:00 PM Page 1

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:00 PM Page 4

really bad. I went from utility to oil, and then all of a sudden, with the oil crash, I was told I was going to have to find something else. Because we had amassed all these assets, I was able to walk away from my corporate job and focus 100 percent on continuing to build the portfolio and run the business. The beauty of getting into real estate is it has allowed us to control our finances, where we live and where we are in our lives ultimately. Family is very important to us. Today, how many properties does Stellar Equity Management own? Stephanie: We currently own and manage three properties. We sold Cedar Gates Apartments in March. We went from 542 units to 490 units. What challenges did you two face early on in owning and operating? How did you guys overcome those challenges? Joe: Our first run going through the syndication process of a multifamily deal, the entity formation, the PPM subscription process – all of that was a real learning experience. There were concerns about whether we could raise the capital for the deal given our experience was in single-family. We had to learn that you won’t know everything about the acquisition and the operations of a multifamily asset ahead of time, and if you try, you will never get started. We had to accept that the information needed would always be right around the next corner when we needed it. The mentors at Lifestyles Unlimited helped us a lot. Regarding experience, we leveraged what we had. We had nine single-family acquisitions. Although it wasn't multifamily, it was something we could sell to our investors. I was able to display I had transitive skills from my 20-year IT career. Stephanie worked as a Montessori teacher at an inner-city school in Baton Rouge and had her IROP credential. Package all that together and we were able to get investors for the first deal, which was about $500,000. That seemed like a lot back then, but it’s such a small amount now. Still, we were so fearful. A lot of people will do their first on their own with their own nickel, however, we went straight in and did a syndication, and I'm glad we did. In the closing process, we learned we were not allowed by the bank to do the management. We always wanted to have a management company – we had created Stellar Equity Management and managed our single-family homes. We hired a third-party management company for 12 months, which allowed us to close the deal. It was really nice because Stephanie didn’t have any true multifamily property management experience, and this management company was gracious enough to treat her like one of their own. A year later, we took the reins back and we were managing it ourselves. That's truly when Stellar Equity Management was born. Stephanie: Them letting us shadow was very

ABODE

August 2019

helpful. One of the biggest challenges I think any company faces is staffing. What was particularly challenging is this was a 52-unit apartment community. I needed one part-time person inside and one part-time person outside. It's already challenging to find a maintenance team, but to find someone just for part-time work, we had to get creative. We ended up partnering with another apartment property down the road, and between the two of us, we created one full-time maintenance position. This person spent 50 percent of their time on my site and 50 percent of their time on the other person's site. We had to coordinate and be very communicative. What does a typical day look like for each of you? Stephanie: Family is very important to me. My day starts by getting up, making sure we get the kiddos ready and off to school. After they're off at school, I usually check my emails, see if there's anything important that has bubbled up or needs my attention. I check in with my regional to see if there's anything site-wise on any of our properties that requires my attention, I reach out to any supplier partners or general contractors depending on what projects we have going on across our portfolio. Then, it's exercising, reading, looking into team-building and improving processes. Our evening is usually tag-teaming between our three kiddos. We've got both boys in boy scouts and school activities. Most days end up with Joe grilling dinner in the backyard. Joe: My day is mostly focused around property locating and acquisition. I'm also on the board at HAA, so I attend board meetings and HAA Political Action Committee meetings. We're both on HAA committees; Stephanie is on the IROP committee and I chair the HAA IT Task Force in addition to other things. I like to say I'm on the board of directors and Stephanie's the true CEO operating the company. Why is it important to Stellar Equity Management to offer education and mentoring to its employees? Stephanie: Education has always been important to me; I come from a family of educators. My grandmother was a high school teacher, my mother was a preschool teacher and I was an elementary school teacher. The philosophy of education, learning and growing was a natural flow over into the management company. From day one, even in the interview process, we set that expectation of continuing education and sharing knowledge. We let them know this is expected when joining our team. If they aren’t learning and growing, our team and our company can’t grow. We have weekly and monthly meetings where team members are able to share their knowledge either from recent classes or real-life experiences. You can't grow within our company if you don't share and you can't help other team members be

successful. As a perfect example, we have a housekeeper who was really interested in becoming a leasing agent. She still has her housekeeping duties but we carved out time for her to pursue that interest. She took HAA’s Leasing 101 class and we have a schedule for her to shadow different leasing agents at our different sites. Joe: Watching someone move from a housekeeper position into a leasing agent position is just absolutely priceless. I get goosebumps thinking about it. How were you able to bring NOI up and occupancy from 73 percent to 95 percent? Stephanie: That was a lot of work! We were at 73 percent for about three months before we saw the numbers improve. It boils down to teamwork and integrity. This is where my Montessori training comes in. It’s making sure everyone knows the big picture, breaking it down to small achievable goals and making sure everyone understands where their part comes into play. Then, bringing it back out to big picture. Bringing NOI and occupancy up involved weekly team meetings, sometimes with the entire site, to really go over the marketing: price, product, promotion and people. Looking at the numbers we specifically needed for traffic, looking at our closing ratios – looking at all of that and really evaluating what we needed, where we were, what the results were and helping every person, from the manager to the porter, see how their role fit in that ultimate goal. It took a lot of communication and a lot of teamwork. It's really easy when you have a lot of growth and you need to do a lot of work for team members to just make the report look the way I want it. We needed the integrity and the work ethic to know we've got the true numbers, and that came in with internal audits and the compliance with processes. What has been the most rewarding part of owning and managing apartment communities? Joe: Working on our business and building a company from scratch is challenging but very rewarding. We have complete flexibility of time. We can schedule meetings when we want, we can schedule our work around our family activities or double book ourselves. Stephanie: For me, I like rebuilding communities and I like building people up. I like being able to take a property and improve its aesthetics and the way residents are treated. A lot of times when we take over communities, residents haven't received a lot of respect from the office team or from the previous management team. We're a small, growing company. We can't always compete with maybe the salaries or the benefits of some of the bigger companies, but the value that we have is team members do have a voice – they can have input in everything from the ground up. One of the things that I like to do is say, “Look, we're going to www.haaonline.org

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:01 PM Page 5

build you up as we're growing.” And, so that's what I find rewarding. How have you been able to achieve success with your properties? Stephanie: Our company motto is changing lives with the power of community. We really strive to build a great and supportive community through our team members, our supplier partners and mentors so that way we can produce stellar results for our residents, for our team members and for our investors. What is next for you in your career? Joe: We plan to grow and eventually add other regions within the state to our portfolio. We've been focused on Houston, and really more west Houston, but we expect to add a region or two. At some point, growth will allow us to hire a head of property management, a human resources manager, a maintenance supervisor. Stephanie can hand off some hats and she will eventually be squarely in the CEO seat. Marketing/Training Director of the Year Merideth Savoie, The Dinerstein Companies Over your career, you have climbed the marketing ranks to where you are today. What has been the driving force of your success? The driving force for my success has always been my passion for future forward thinking. I never settle for what works today. My career started out in single family, a career that lasted 10 years. During that time, I held several positions ranging from marketing assistant, social media and email marketing coordinator, to new development marketing coordinator before diving headfirst into multifamily with Greystar. I joined Greystar as a marketing manager overseeing a portfolio of 60 properties, including Greystar-owned assets. I worked there for five years before joining The Dinerstein Companies (TDC) as the vice president of marketing and management services. I’ve worked my way up throughout the years by putting in the time and energy to learn every aspect of the multifamily business including building relationships. Being a member of the Houston Apartment Association the last several years has helped me build friendships with supplier partners. I’ve been able to learn more about each company and how they can make us better. I thrive on having creative freedom to try an innovative method of marketing our properties. I aim to be ahead of the curve on programming our buildings with the best in features and amenities as well as trying new technologies to push our brand exposure in each market. I’m thankful to work for a company of leaders at TDC who are open minded and willing to let me think outside the box. Our owners put their trust in me and that motivates me to give it my all.

www.haaonline.org

“Our company motto is changing lives with the power of community. We really strive to build a great and supportive community through our team members, through our supplier partners and mentors so that way we can produce stellar results for our residents, for our team members and for our investors.” – Stephanie Bryson

What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is leading a team of talented people and giving them the flexibility and freedom to do their jobs in a way that will make our properties shine. I always welcome new ideas and encourage them to bring best practices from outside our industry to the table that we can use in multifamily. In addition to leading my team, I also love developing new brands with all the creative pieces that support it. I love watching the brands grow and gain exposure, which ultimately leads to our company being recognized for having the best new properties in the market. Because of your cost savings analysis pitch, all social media and online reputation management efforts are in-house tasks. Since this change, Dinerstein is among J Turner’s top companies for online reputation for student and conventional portfolios. Why was this important and how has it changed TDC’s online presence? For years we have outsourced our social media and online reputation efforts to various third-party companies. Although we had some success, I knew it could be done even better with a TDC team member who worked solely on our company brand and properties rather than an outside company who worked on many accounts. It has made all the difference in the world to have a team member who is connected firsthand with our properties and onsite team members to work together in making our social pages and online reputation what it is today. We have rolled out various contests, challenges and rewards internally, including online reputation bingo, to encourage team members to stay on top of their reviews. In addition to the corporate social media and online reputation position, we appointed a social media champion at every property who is responsible for ensuring the content on our social pages is fresh, relevant and fun. This includes real-time videos, photos and interactions with residents to keep their followers engaged. It has been the goal since joining TDC to be an experience company, not a management

company. This is most evident in our online reputation, as our promise is to build and encourage relationships, which create lasting memories at any TDC community. TDC was named the top student housing management company and one of the top places to work for three years in a row. How have you been able to successfully create TDC’s distinct brand and sustain it? The TDC brand has evolved because of the culture we have created. It’s all about hiring the right people for the right seats who embrace the customer service model we live by. Our brand has grown organically as we have continued to focus on our team, being a fun place to work, building the best product in the best locations and being open to trying new things so we can stay one step ahead. People are drawn to a company that values its team members, and they want to be a part of an organization that is doing something truly great. It’s an incredible feeling to have people reaching out for opportunities at TDC because they know our track record, love our product and want to be part of our culture. It’s easy to sustain our brand because of our TDC tribe of team members who truly are the ambassadors for this company. What is the key in leading teams? The key to leading my team is to lead by example, have an open mind and give them my time. I encourage them to join meetings to gain knowledge and expertise on the bigger picture of the company. It’s important to know why we do our job and how it impacts the business. I am always open to further education and training within our industry and specific conferences to help them grow in their roles. I give them weekly one-on-one time, which can be difficult for many leaders to do. Within our set weekly meetings, we talk about their projects, brainstorm ideas and strategize on our approach. Our overall goal is to provide the best customer service, support our onsite team members and create a collaborative environment that encourages and inspires growth. August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:01 PM Page 6

“We don’t offer specials and our deposits are high, but we’re 98 percent occupied. We’re here to take care of our residents. Our residents aren’t going to just move in for us to forget about them. All my residents know that even when I’m busy, they can always come in and talk to me. They know we will do whatever we can.” – Wendy Reyes

Property Manager of the Year , 1-150 Units Wendy Reyes, Las Velas at Hillcroft, Triumph Equity Management Let’s start with the basics. How did you get your first job in the industry? My sister was my opening into the industry. At the time, I had two jobs working for Jackson Hewitt and for McDonald’s as a manufacturer. I wasn’t looking for a job, but my sister called me and asked me if I wanted to interview for an open position at the apartment community she worked. When I walked in there, I was amazed by how beautiful and big the property was. I think there were about a thousand units. The property manager hired me without any industry experience. There were a lot of issues at Las Velas at Hillcroft when Triumph Equity Management took over this property. When you were hired, the property was red tagged by the City of Houston. It was also under watch by the Houston Police Department for criminal activity. Your nominator, owner of Triumph Equity Management, Lee Reeves, credits you with correcting all habitability, occupancy and crime issues. What all went into correcting these problems? When I was interviewing to work at Las Velas at Hillcroft, Lee told me all the issues acquired from the previous owners’ neglect – the red tag from the city for habitability issues, the lack of current occupancy certificates, the low occupancy rate, the high crime and etc. Occupancy was low, it was in the 87 to 89 percentage range, and delinquency was high. Once I got the job, we started putting a plan in place. It was a lot of work the first year. We worked hard to get current occupancy certificates and fix the habitability issue. It was a process, there was a lot of back and forth, so it took about five to six months to get everything passed with the city. We were also under watch by the Houston Police Department because the crime was high. There were a lot of residents living here who were not supposed to be, so we had to let those residents go. Then, we started the HPD Apartment Enforcement Unit’s Blue Star Multifamily Program. We had to do a lot with the bushes, the lighting,

ABODE

August 2019

the locks. We had an officer who would come out once a month to check on us and see how things were going, if we had any crime related incidents. At the time, we were working with police officer T.G. Johnson and he was great to work with. We also started attending the City of Houston’s Positive Interaction Program, which is really great because we as managers get to learn what other properties in our management district are going through. It was a lot of work with the city, with the police department, but finally, we did it. My maintenance team worked pretty hard, and Lee was here on a weekly and sometimes daily basis. In your nomination form, Reeves states you set a great example for your staff and the entire Gulfton submarket. Why was it important to you to enhance this apartment community? I've been at this community for almost three years now. We hear a lot of horror stories from residents who live at other apartment communities in the area. Many are blown away by our customer service. They can’t believe we sit down with them, ask them questions and explain things to them. We try to train and help residents of other properties, and they tell us how appreciative they are of our service and of how much we care. When we hear that, it makes us feel proud. We don’t offer specials and our deposits are high, but we’re 98 percent occupied. We’re here to take care of our residents. Our residents aren’t going to just move in for us to forget about them. All my residents know that even when I’m busy, they can always come in and talk to me. They know we will do whatever we can. My maintenance team – everybody loves my maintenance technicians and they know they can trust them. They never say no, they never complain. They are wonderful, and they really help make our property great. Because of your efforts, total income is up 22.8 percent, NOI is up 48.4 percent and the renewal rate is up 24.3 percent. Reeves says the property’s resident profile has improved remarkably. How were you able to achieve that? It has been chal-

lenging, but I just try to be a good manager. Just because I’m the manager, that doesn’t mean I’m going to sit at my desk and do accounting. I try to set a good example. We try to stay on top of our renewals and friendly reminders through email and text message, which is great. We try to be as organized as possible, and communication is the main thing. We all have the same goals and we all want the same results. You’re sort of like an occupancy guru. What’s the trick? The main thing is listening to my leasing agents when they handle prospect resident calls. If I’m my leasing agents don't have an answer for a prospect resident, I try to find a solution. If a leasing agent doesn’t have an answer right away and needs to come to me for the answer, they may not ever follow up with the resident. So instead of them telling residents they will get back with them or follow up with them, I try training my leasing agents to find solutions right then and there. We always encourage them to follow up, follow up, follow up. Follow up every day. When I was at least an agent, I found that following up really does work. My manager at the time had me doing follow-ups from the previous year. That week, we signed about 15 leases. Why is it important to stay educated in this industry? It's really important because the laws change all the time. Staying up to date on fair housing is really important because something new might come up. It’s also important to refresh your mind, because what we learned a year ago, we may forget an important part. It makes it easier for me, my leasing agents and my maintenance techs to be trained on the proper steps. I tell them these classes are for you to think like the owner. Lee gives us the opportunity and encouragement to attend classes. He encourages me to take a break from the office and go to a class. He said to me once, “Wendy, you’re always going to be busy. I need you to go do this,” and that’s what I really like about Lee. Tell me about getting your Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) credential and why it was important to you to acquire the credential? It was really important to me. I wanted to do something extra, to take that next step. I took time off to attend the classes, and it was challenging. It was hard for me. Dyslexia runs in my family, and a couple of my children have it, too. I thought, if I don’t finish this, I’ll never be able to push my children without them thinking about how I didn’t push myself to pass the exam. I did it to show them, that no matter what, even if we fail the first time, we have to keep trying until we pass. Manager of the Year, 151-349 Units Jason Richards, Valencia Place, Greystar Richards is now working as a property manager www.haaonline.org

aaa pg 51.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:01 PM Page 1

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:02 PM Page 7

for Arrive at River Oaks, a Trinity Property Consultants multipurpose apartment and retail community. You have a West Palm Beach, Florida zip code. Did you start your career in the industry there? No, I was actually working in Washington D.C. doing financial reporting for a staffing company (after graduating from Florida State University). I took a summer off, but during that time, I started part-time leasing at the apartment community I lived at. I ended up in Houston the following year, in 2011, and got into the industry through The Liberty Group. I've lived a lot of places – my family was in the army, but I was born in New York. You received the Greystar Regional Core Value award last year for teamwork and this year you led Valencia Place in winning the Kingsley Excellence award. What does teamwork look like to you? I'm really big on creating a culture that is based off teamwork. The biggest thing I would say is having a common goal and having the right people to work together to achieve that goal. What do you think won you the Regional Core Value Award? My team! In the two years I was with Greystar, I lost three people within my team and all three either got promoted and/or moved on to better opportunities. I'm really invested in the individuals on my team and what's going to make them better. You sat on the Greystar Connect team. What was the biggest thing you got out of that program? Greystar Connect is a program that was designed internally. Being that Greystar is the largest management company in Houston, we have to try to find a way to maintain the company culture even in the little properties. It’s about making sure you know your sister properties in the area. The Greystar Connect team was really designed to connect properties within local markets, and then also reaching back out so that it

ABODE

August 2019

didn't become a new face every time you went to a meeting. What I got out of it was the camaraderie, the friendships, the networking. It was fun planning different meetings. When we all got together, we had the opportunity to learn that we all share the same struggles. It really brought the smaller properties in different markets together. You’re pretty involved in the community. From 2018-2019 you raised over $8,000 for the Essential Friendship Foundation. Tell me about that. It’s a nonprofit organization through my fraternity that I pledged when I was in undergrad at Florida State University. We use 100 percent of the proceeds for college scholarships. Our biggest fundraiser is an annual golf tournament that we host, and throughout the year we find different avenues to raise money. In this case, we did a fundraiser where the local car dealership donated a car, which was the grand prize. We bought a couple of additional prizes like a TV and an iPad. We were able to get those funds through raffle tickets, and we were able to give out multiple scholarships for high school seniors who are going to college. I understand you’re the vice president for your fraternity Rho Beta Beta. Tell me about your role and why community service is important to you. Yes, right now I serve as the vice president, and we're the fourth largest in the district area. My chapter consists of 135 members. My role is essentially to run all the different committees we have. For example, we have a social actions committee where we have a social event every weekend throughout the city. We just did an orange campaign by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. He was there and so was our mentorship group. We’ve gone to high poverty areas in the city to give back – that was really cool. I’m also in charge of our mentorship group, which is a Lamp Lighters program. What we do is we look for inner city schools that

aren't doing as well as other schools and mentor those children. Annually, we take them on a trip to different colleges to explore those avenues. As I've gotten older and progressed in my career, I feel like we have to make sure we create avenues for other individuals who might not be exposed to that. As an example, I've traveled all around the world with my family because my father was in the military, so I was afforded it a lot more than my cousins. My favorite motto is lift as you climb, so keep going and bring the next person up with you. How do you keep your team motivated? It’s really based off individuality. You get to know your team, because for one person, money may motivate them, and for another person, getting all their work done to leave 30 minutes early so they can spend more time with family may motivate them. Some people are really driven based off of promotions and getting to the next level. I have my development meetings with my team quarterly, and I try to figure out what motivates them and then create an individual plan so that they can achieve what it is that they want to do. You’re now with Trinity Property Consultants! Congratulations. Tell me about your role here. Are you still a property manager? Thank you! I'm the property manager here. I went from a team of maybe seven to now I have a team of about 12 or 13. Arrive at River Oaks (a multipurpose apartment community with high-end shops and fine dining restaurants surrounding the property) has 397 units, and it’s the first mid-rise I've managed. It's really great because we have so many renovation projects that are going on as well as the retail side of it. Last week, the Astros had a pop-up party and signing at Tootsies, just downstairs. So, we really get exposed to a lot more, and it’s a lot of fun. Where do you see your career going from here? My end-all goal is be a director at a management

www.haaonline.org

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:02 PM Page 8

company. I want to focus on networking and relationships. I also want to make sure that I expose myself to different aspects of the industry, so that I have a full understanding of how it works, and use my skills and expertise to get there. Property Manager of the Year, 350+ Units Alisha Cain, Houston House Apartments, Greystar Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s begin with the basics. How did you get your first job in the apartment industry? When I graduated from Texas Tech University, I packed everything I could fit in my car and drove to Dallas to stay on my best friend's couch at his apartment. I was waiting tables at the time, when I went into the leasing office to submit a work order. They told me I was really bubbly and asked if I would answer phones for them on the weekends. Within two weeks, I started leasing full time. Then, within six months I got my first assistant manager position and then six months after that I got my first manager role. A year after college, I had no idea what was going to happen, and I ended up managing a property and starting a career. The downtown market is tough and your property, Houston House, is a 1965, 31-story high-rise. Regardless, you were able to increase occupancy from 88 percent to 95 percent in just four months of being onsite. How were you able to achieve this in such a short time frame? By motivating my team and knowing that I can't do anything by myself. My team is really important to me and gets me very emotional. When I started here, I was told I would probably have to get a new team, and I really pride myself on the fact that I didn't have to do that. Everybody here today was here when we were at 88 percent occupancy. Then, when we were at 95 percent occupancy, they were motivated to know what they were capable of, and that was the difference. They did it, but I just helped them see what they were capable of. How were you able to motivate them to see their capabilities and accomplish so much? A lot of cheerleading. It's been a long journey learning how to be a leader versus a boss. It started with my dad. My dad is an amazing leader. He owned several businesses when I was growing up and I watched him be a leader to different teams of people in his different businesses. I would say I had some great leadership training in college, but it really changed for me when I started working for Kelly Suess (Director of Real Estate, Greystar). When I started with Greystar, Kelly was the first person I worked for who I could say was a leader. She taught me what it meant to really care about a team and to invest the development of your team. Without realizing how important that was, it made me better â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a lot better than when I startwww.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:02 PM Page 9

ed working for her. My goal wasn’t to make me better, though. My goal has always been to make my team better and in turn it made me a much better person and a much better leader. In your Forty Under 40 feature last November, Suess said you have grown into a servant leader to your teams. I’m sure that meant a lot to you coming from her. It did. The whole thing makes me emotional. Her saying that I’ve grown into a servant leader – that’s 100 percent what I try to do. I don't want to ever ask my team to something I'm not willing to do myself. If there's a unit that's disgusting and needs to be trashed out, I have no problem going and taking care of business. I want to make sure everybody feels like I’m supporting them and that I can help them in whatever way I can. Of course, you achieved a stabilized occupancy of 95 percent just in time for a massive garage renovation, requiring hundreds of vehicles to be moved in Downtown Houston. Somehow, your residents stayed. Tell me about that experience. Over planning, over communicating and walking through every scenario of what could happen really helped us. We provided a lot of detailed communication, and I feel that was the only way we were able to get that project done. In spending a lot of time strategizing, we decided to add a valet service during that time. My thought was, if we're going to make their lives miserable, we have to give them something and offer it up front so that it's a little less painful and scary for our residents. We had to put ourselves in their shoes. There are a lot of young women in this building, and I also have a lot of young residents from all over the country who live here and attend South Texas School of Law. We were trying to protect them from having to park their cars on the streets at night and having to walk a distance to their apartments, we don’t live in the most dangerous city, but it’s still Downtown. It ended up being very successful. It was under budget, and it was finished a month early because we were over communicating with both the contractors and residents. You increased revenue by 7 percent and increased price per square foot from $1.75 to $1.89 in 2018. You achieved an average of 9.3 percent positive trade out on leases ALL without giving concessions. Considering the location, the product, the market – that is incredible. How were you able to achieve this? Some of it was just really digging into the research. I'm very analytical, and we have a lot of new product around us. I spent a lot of time researching where those properties were located, what concessions were being offered and how much effective rent was. Having faith in my team was also another part of it. I have a leasing agent who's been here for 20 years, a concierge who is going on 27 years and a main-

ABODE

August 2019

tenance guy who's going on 38 years. My team members know the building, they know the product and they know how to take care of it. Besides doing the research, knowing our value was important. Because we were built in 1965, there are a lot of people that would underestimate what we're able to achieve. I think that was a big thing for us as a team, to be proud of our product and push the market. Let's push the envelope and see what we can do. Jennifer Gaytan, who has had Houston House in her portfolio for five years has never seen a manager turn Houston House into a positive asset until you. What is the trick in being successful in Downtown Houston? Knowing your market better than anybody else and supporting your team to be their best. You were part of HAA’s 2018 Forty Under 40 class and this year you were named Manager of the Year for a property with 350 units or more. What or who has motivated you? I've always wanted to be the best at whatever I do, and I think I got that characteristic from my dad. He always taught me to not ever do something unless I’m going to do it the right way and to the best of my ability. That's what really motivates me. Doing things the right way and doing it to the best of your ability in this industry will continue to fuel you. Greystar’s culture is very much do it the right way and do it the best of your ability, too, and I think that’s why I’m a great fit for the company’s culture. What are you most passionate about? My people. I love my people; I love my team. I like teaching and seeing them learn, and I like watching them have their own aha moments. Assistant Manager of the Year Amber Tristan, Holden Heights, Francis Property Management Before you won Assistant Manager of the year, Francis Property Management began training you to be a property manager. How is that going? I’m loving the transition. I'm considered a seasoned assistant manager, meaning I work at other Francis properties when needed. Wallace Reed (Holden Heights property manager) is awesome about training me on a particular task and then allowing me to practice. When a fire broke out at one of our properties in Sugar Land, I was sent over there to learn from that experience, so that I’ll be prepared for some of the crazy things that can happen. I’m gaining a lot of hands-on experience. You’ve been in the industry for seven years. How did you get your first job in the apartment business? My mom! She worked for an independent owner named John Quinlan my whole life. When she was his property manager, I worked weekends at her property when I was 16

years old. I answered phones and provided quotes, small stuff. When I turned 16 or 17, I started showing apartments. I learned so much from class C apartments. You worked at SMI Realty under HAA President Starla Turnbo, right? I did a lot of administrative work for Starla at SMI Realty Management’s corporate office. After about six months of that, I did accounts receivable. I learned how to post rents and pay bills, but I missed being face-to-face with people. You’ve been with Francis Property Management now for three years. What do you love about this company? I am in love with this company! Every bit of it! At Midtown Arbor Place, I learned so much from Wallace and the new manager Chris Palacios on little things that I haven’t learned anywhere else, such as the why behind how much we charge for carpet. After a year, Chris started cross-training me, and I was moved to Holden Heights, where I am now. What challenges did you face when you arrived at Holden Heights? What helped you overcome those issues? The big one was the reviews, we really needed to improve our reviews. My company lets me attend HAA classes, which have really helped. I love all the customer service classes HAA offers, and I always come back onsite with my notes to share with my team. You’ve trained over 10 employees, some who have been recently promoted to higher positions. Why is mentoring important to you? I feel like everybody has an opportunity to learn. We all learn something new every day. I referred a family friend to our industry, Victoria Garza, who is one of our leasing agents. She had no experience, and she's loving every little bit of it. I said, you know what, this girl has potential. Everybody has the potential to be successful in our industry. I just like seeing people succeed. If I trained someone and I see they're doing well, that's awesome. It makes me so happy. Your nominator credits you for this property’s sense of community, which is what HAA member properties strive to do – go beyond apartment living by creating apartment communities. Well, it starts with the tour, but at Holden Heights, my staff and I weren’t here when Francis purchased this property. So, our opportunity to talk to our residents is when they renew or pick up packages. Anytime a resident comes into the leasing office, that’s an opportunity for me to make the time to get up from my desk and get to know them. I’ll ask residents what they love about living in the Heights and what they recommend doing for fun. You learn so much from your residents. Make the time to go to resident events and get to know them. I don’t want them to know me as just the person who works in the leasing office. I want them to view me as someone who, sure, www.haaonline.org

guardian construct pg 55.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:03 PM Page 1

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:03 PM Page 10

works where they live, but as someone who they can come to for anything. If there’s an issue, I want them to know I’ll take care of them. That’s the feeling we have created in the leasing office, and it’s all about being consistent with that level of customer service. Holden Heights won HAA’s property of the year! Congratulations! We were so shocked! We were up against great properties. What do you think sets your property apart from the other great properties? Family! We have such a great backbone. It’s our team! That night, two of our former leasing agents came to the event to experience that moment with us – it's all about the team effort. They might not have been here when the judges came, but we did this all together. Our supervisor was there and everyone who helped maintain this property was there. It was amazing. That's why I'm so in love with this company, because it's one big family. You might work at a different property and for a different company, but you're still a part the Francis family and it's amazing. What are the most important things a property must have or practice to be a leading HAA property? It goes back to maintaining consistency in service and having a great team to back you up. You don’t have be the most gorgeous community with all amenities to be a leading apartment community. What advice would you give to someone just starting in the apartment business? Be open minded and be willing to learn, because there is a lot to learn and you can get overwhelmed. A lot of people that come into our industry are so rushed and excited to know everything. You have to take your time and have the willingness to learn. Take notes! You’ll get a lot of information that first week you start, and then you really won't find your groove until two months or three months of doing the work. Leasing Professional of the Year Ashley Fafatas, The Woodlands Lodge, Francis Property Management How did you get your start in multifamily? Before multifamily, I was a waitress at a local bar in Market Street – The Woodlands for about two years. My boyfriend, Evan, knew my skills were not utilized in the service industry. He had recently moved into The Woodlands Lodge Apartments, and after talking to the property manager at the time, he learned a sister community was hiring. I interviewed and was hired part time. At first, I was unsure of myself and my future in this industry, but shortly after, I made the jump to full time at The Woodlands Lodge and the past three years have been an incredible adventure! What drives your success? I believe in being a servant leader, so my biggest reward is having an

ABODE

August 2019

impact on the lives of others. More notably, I love being creative and pushing the envelope in marketing and events. Rather than focusing on the problems, it’s important for me to find more ways to say YES! Last year, you were able to close 92 leases, winning you Francis Property Management’s Top Sales Award for that year. How were you able to accomplish that? I find that when you are genuine about your offer, prospect residents sense your honesty and will trust your insight. I also believe that it’s not what you tell your future residents, it’s how you interact with current ones that makes you stand apart. Tell me about your marketing campaign “Safe2Save.” I absolutely loved this campaign! Safe2Save is an app that promotes safe driving. For every mile you don’t use your phone while driving, you accrue points, redeemable at local restaurants, spas and more. I created a custom Safe2Save campaign for my community at The Woodlands Lodge and it was such a tremendous success that I then created similar campaigns for all of our sister communities in the Houston area. The best part is that all are welcome to participate, regardless of campaign enrollment. You can download the app and start getting points today. Why is it important for you to build relationships with organizations, businesses and people in your community? Through The Woodlands Township, I’ve been fortunate enough to make some wonderful contacts that have helped me when executing new events or activities. Whether we’re playing host at The Woodlands Lodge or stepping out into the community, making sure we have the okay from the township means we can operate more efficiently and effectively. Likewise, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and other networking groups have provided me the chance to hear from other professionals and businesses in our community. I believe that we are only as strong as our experiences, and networking has taught me to learn from others and their experiences, too. Specifically, our area chamber of commerce offers a lot of leadership and development opportunities. These events and committees cover a vast range of topics and causes, from the annual economic outlook conference to its hugely successful charity events like the “CrawPHish Festival,” which raised thousands of dollars to combat pulmonary hypertension. No matter the network or group, I enjoy challenging myself, meeting new people and giving back. Why was it important for you to acquire your National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) credential? I’d like to think that anybody can dream of becoming a champion racecar driver with a lead foot and a need to win. Even though these qualities could win races, they will not suswww.haaonline.org

honors pg 44,45,46,48,49,50,52,53,54,56,57,73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:04 PM Page 11

tain, however, the driver who possesses these skills and knows the inner workings of their car will have every advantage. Without the NALP credential, I would still have my leases, closing rate and charisma, but my goal is to see this through – to be my best self for as long as possible and help my team meet success for many years to come. The NALP credential gave me the knowledge and resources to better understand our industry and provided a solid foundation for my growth. Administrative Support Professional of the Year Marilyn Rivero, Q10 Property Advisors You worked onsite before going corporate as regional director. How has that previous experience helped you in your current role? My previous experience working onsite allows me the ability to understand the day-to-day details, and when a problem arises, I’m able to offer more of a realistic solution to a resident, the maintenance team and the office staff. I couldn’t imagine being able to do my role without having that prior knowledge. What drives your success? My hunger to get better at it all – to be more, do more, learn more. I want it all. It’s your responsibility to keep everyone, from the corporate team to the onsite staff, on task. What is the key in staying organized? I take it day by day. I focus on the task at hand until it’s completed and then move on to the next one. Knowing that we have incredibly strong leadership and accounting team that we can reach out for support is definitely what helps me most months. Love you SV. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job are the different roles I take on a daily basis. From leasing agent to assistant manager, there is never a dull moment in my day. This keeps me on my toes all the time. I have to say, my day is most fulfilled when I move in a first-time renter, a starting family or someone who is starting over. The emotion of happiness and excitement they transmit is overwhelming and I love it. Why did you obtain the Certified Apartment Manager, Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor and Independent Rental Owner Professional credentials? What did you get out of it? Early on in my career, I realized how important it was to have credentials for many reasons. I think it shows commitment to your career and a hunger for wanting to learn more. It too showed me how important it is to network and provided me with the opportunity to meet some amazing, influential people who I might not have ever met unless they were my classmates.

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by MORGAN, HAA STAFF

INGLEWOOD VILLAGE Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community with 100 apartment homes or less.

Property: Inglewood Village Apartments Owner/Management: Creative Property Management Location: 6363 Skyline Drive Units: 94 Built: 1972 Web: www.facebook.com/pages/category/Apartment---Condo-Building/ Inglewood-Village-Apartments-1678828662163825/ Interesting features: Inglewood Village Apartments takes great pride in this community’s revitalization. When Creative Property Management purchased this property in 2015, profits were suffering and residents weren’t staying. Just in the last year, total income increased by 12.2 percent and the average rent increased by 4.1 percent. The average renewal rate increased by 21.1 percent and physical occupancy sits at 96 percent, having increased by 6.67 percent from 2017. Inglewood Village Apartments emphasizes customer service, which can be seen in the property’s 80 percent renewal rate last year. The onsite staff treats their residents to resident functions, raffles and breakfast once a month. Residents have access to 24-hour maintenance, and all work orders are addressed on the same day of submission, followed by a phone call from the on-site staff to ensure satisfaction. Physical renovations since 2015 include new toilets, a fresh paint job, updated landscaping, ceramic tile and granite countertops. Congratulations, Inglewood Village Apartments!

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by CANTERBURY COURT APARTMENTS AND MORGAN, HAA STAFF

CANTERBURY COURT Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community with 100 to 150 apartment homes.

Property: Canterbury Court Apartments Owner/Management: SMI Realty Management Location: 3910 Sherwood Lane Units: 112 Built: 1970 Web: www.smicanterburyapts.com Interesting features: At Canterbury Court Apartments, resident satisfaction is a top priority. SMI Realty Management’s Service To All Residents or STAR initiative was created with elite customer service in mind. The STAR hotline allows residents to offer feedback, express concerns and address any issues. Customer service extends to maintenance requests, too. The STAR initiative provides routine maintenance for kitchen appliances, plumbing and more. Canterbury Court Apartments’ maintenance service guarantee provides next day service for maintenance requests and it ensures work orders will be addressed within the guaranteed time or residents receive a rebate on rent. The onsite staff hosts resident events throughout the year, including bingo nights, movie nights under the stars, ice cream parties and more. Physical occupancy for this property last year was at 97 percent and the renewal rate was at 85 percent, an increase of 7.59 percent from 2017. What’s really unique is SMI Realty Management has owned and managed this property for 30 years. Congratulations, Canterbury Court Apartments! www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by CHATEAUX DUPRE

CHATEAUX DUPRE Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community built before 1980.

Property: Chateaux Dupre Owner/Management: Asset Living Location: 7900 Locke Lane Units: 330 Built: 1964 Web: www.chateauxdupre.com Interesting features: If the French-inspired name this community holds doesn’t take you to New Orleans, stepping onsite will. Chateaux Dupre is a 55-year old apartment community with architect and courtyards reminiscent of the French Quarter. Located near the corner of South Voss Road and Westheimer in the Galleria-area, the oak-lined landscape and lush greenery surround residents in a peaceful nest, despite its Westheimer proximity. The staff at Chateaux Dupre has maintained this community with great attention. That same care and attention is given to its residents. The renewal rate last year was 65 percent, a 3.17 increase from 2017. From 2017 to 2018, Chateaux Dupre’s NOI increased by $164,382, and it was 94 percent occupied last year, a 2.17 increase from the previous year. Residents can let the good times roll, or laissez les bons temps rouler, with bi-monthly resident events hosted by the Chateaux Dupre staff. Of course, the staff also hosts an annual crawfish boil. Congratulations, Chateaux Dupre!

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by FOUNDATIONS AT RIVER CREST AND LIONS HEAD

FOUNDATIONS AT RIVER CREST & LIONS HEAD Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community built between 1980 and 1989.

Property: Foundations at River Crest and Lions Head Owner/Management: Highmark Residential Location: 1700 Rivercrest Drive in Sugar Land Units: 577 Built: 1983 Web: www.foundationsapts.com Interesting features: When Foundations at River Crest and Lions Head was selected to be an Honors Awards Property of the Year, it was managed by Milestone Management. It is now managed by Highmark Residential. Last year, the $65,000 spent on landscaping provided for the planting of abounding seasonal flora. Combined with the existing aged trees lining the community and surrounding neighborhood, Foundations at River Crest and Lions Head feels like a wooded oasis. The onsite team works together to maintain this community. The maintenance staff is credited for this 1983-apartment community’s pristine condition, but the upkeep of this community extends to the leasing team, too. Sales directors walk the property once a week to make sure the property’s high standards in appearance and operation. The Foundations at River Crest and Lions Head brought physical occupancy up by 3.7 percent from 2017 to 2018, which put it at 95.3 percent occupied last year. Congratulations, Foundations at River Crest and Lions Head! www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by OLD FARM

OLD FARM

Honors Awards Property of the Year for an apartment community built between 1990 and 1999.

Property: Old Farm Owner/Management: BH Management Location: 2500 Old Farm Road Units: 734 Built: 1998 Web: www.oldfarmapartments.com Interesting features: Old Farm is the second Honors Awards-winning apartment community located near the corner of Westheimer and South Voss Road in the Galleria area. What makes this apartment community stand out is its size. The 734unit apartment community has double the standard amenities: two fitness centers with 24-hour access, two business centers, two barbecue and grilling areas, two pools, two large clubhouses, each with coffee bars and two package lockers. At an apartment community of this size, keeping up with maintenance requests and delivering quick service is a must. The Old Farm onsite staff is able to stay on top of it all with a resident loyalty solution service that allows the team to provide a personalized and efficient service experience for each resident. Old Farm is eco-friendly, too. Recently installed water-saving toilets, aerators and shower heads help the keep water usage low on this massive property. Old Fam’s total income increased rent by 150 percent from 2017 to 2018 and total income increased by 28.95 percent. Congratulations, Old Farm Road!

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

sentriforce pg 63.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:09 PM Page 1

Go-gets pg 64,65,66.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:10 PM Page 1

The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

GO-GETTERS CELEBRATE Recruit for HAA and become part of the Go-Getter Club.

Mark your calendars! Recruit all year long! Go-Getter meetings are quarterly: September 25 • December 4 at Cadillac Bar & Grill, 1802 Shepherd Drive, 77007.

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for details

Join our Quarterly Meetings! Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win one of four fabulous prizes! 1st Quarter: 2-nights at the Hotel San Luis 2nd Quarter: Portal Package from Facebook 3rd Quarter: Ring Doorbell 4th Quarter: $500 Holiday Cash Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250! JOIN A TEAM and build relationships with like-minded members. Get involved with Go-Getters and make lasting industry connections. Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters to get all the information you need. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Members who have recruited more than 100 companies Claude Arnold Monette Reynolds Kenn Brown Sherry Stevenson Tina Cavaco Kirk Tate Kevin Fenn Suan Tinsley Diane Gilbert Sonny Unverzagt Anita Harrison Del Walmsley Dwayne Henson Nancé Wells Mike Koch H.P. Paul Young Merry Mount Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks

THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future. To join the club and get going on recruitment, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact Amanda and Kaylon in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org. 64

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

Go-gets pg 64,65,66.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:10 PM Page 2

Go-Getters Happy Hour Wednesday, June 19 at Cadillac Bar & Grill

1. Top Teams of the quarter for recruiting, The Better Getters and Marvelous Membership Maniacs 2. Event co-sponsors Crestmark Construction Services and Rasa Floors 1

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

Go-gets pg 64,65,66.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:11 PM Page 3

The Go-Getters HAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

Bourne Properties Allen Aydogdu 23104 Richards Road Hempstead, TX 77445 936-857-3200 Panther Hill Apartments

Be Ready Staffing Leslie Washington 7171 Hwy 6 N. #200L Houston, TX 77095 281-671-0079 Personnel Agency, Temporary Personnel

Caldwell Companies Todd Johnson 9955 Barker Cypress #250 Cypress, TX 77433 281-664-6631 Cohen Legacy Investments Lance Cohen 1817 W. 24th St. Houston, TX 77008 713-876-1226 Referred by Randa Dick Dennis J. Gafford Dennis J. Gafford 1001 Melody Lane Friendswood, TX 77546 832-683-7898 Referred by Randa Dick GPS Real Estate Assets Cynthia Barnett 2300 Anders Kemah, TX 77565 281-967-9719 906 Earlsferry 1715 Ramada

Block Builders LLC Jason Keller 619 Jefferson Hwy #2G Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-930-9960 Builder-Developer, General Contractors D & D Virtus Construction Norma Davis 302 Melton St. Magnolia, TX 77354 281-989-9917 General Contractors, Roofing Contractors Referred by Carla Carlson, CAPS

Innovative Multi-Family Management LLC Graciela Ybarra 518 E. Ramsey Road #204 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-858-2011 Shadow Bay Apartments

Insta Relo (An Apartment Mover) Stephane Leveque 3536 Hwy 6 #196 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-509-3499 Movers, Moving Supplies

Joseph Nayfach-Battilana Joseph Nayfach-Battilana 7626 E Jordan Cove Houston, TX 77055 415-847-8346 Edison Sanmore Investments LLC Boris Sanchez 7530 Canal St. Ofc #1 Houston, TX 77012 832-703-2668 Winslow Asset Management Roger Best 4503 Olive Green Houston, TX 77059 713-582-2263

www.haaonline.org

Fox Corporate Housing LLC Tanya Leach 21325 Eva St. #1 Montgomery, TX 77356 1-844-440-4369 Apartments-Furnished, Corporate Housing Hive Technology Casey Lund 8556 Katy Fwy #120 Houston, TX 77024 713-861-2200 Computer Networking, Computers - Service & Repairs

Kerely Towing Solutions Joe Gonzales 6029 Hertford Houston, TX 77048 832-614-8954 Towing Service, Wrecker Service Marton Roofing Industries Ltd Jeremy Jackson 5207 Ashbrook Drive Houston, TX 77081 713-664-7000 Roofing Contractors, Sheet Metal Work

Max Digital Printing Sandra Sanchez 3810 Fondren Road Houston, TX 77063 713-315-0888 Banners, Flags & Pennants, Embroidery, Graphic Designers, Graphics Service, Paper Products, Promotional Products, Screen Printing, Signs, T-Shirts, Trophies & Plaques, Uniforms, Wallpaper & Wallcoverings Slime Busters Inc James Buscemi 15823 Oak Mountain Drive Houston, TX 77095 713-955-5969 Pressure Washing - Equipment & Service, Roof Cleaning Solid State LED Dilip Ashar 11235 Southwest Fwy Houston, TX 77031 713-478-0364 Light Bulbs & Tubes, Lighting Fixtures & Supplies Stratis Marlo Simmons 3721 Midvale Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19129 844-797-2847 SMART Technology Referred by Marivel Bownds, CAS Texas Pride Disposal Kevin Atkinson P.O. Box 1186 Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-342-8178 Dumpster Service, Garbage Collection, Recycling Services, Trash Hauling, Trash Service - Valet, Waste Reduction/Disposal/ Recycling I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.

August 2019

ABODE

ambassadors pg 68,69.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:12 PM Page 1

The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

CHARITY & NETWORKING The Ambassadors collect school supplies for needy students and network with members.

Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned:

Join us for our monthly meetings at Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer Road, Houston 77077 Mark your calendars and join us! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month: August 7, September 4 October 2 November 6 1. “ONE of the Month” Janell Richter, JMI Contractors, with 248 points. 1

Janell Richter Vanessa Guerrero Raedean Mitchem Liz Levins Amanda Kelly Shera Lehman Kyle Turney Jennifer Devine Tito Estrada Tracey Leach-Moore Arely Pena Will McGinnis Marcy Holmes George Morrison Kerri Eckes Blaise Spitaleri Blake Subinsky Doug Oehl Kelsey Eggleston Shaun Callaway Megan Stone Angel Lopez Jarred Henrietta Chelsea Urbanczyk Danyell Wilkerson Juana Estrada Logan Richter Alan Young Susan Alvarado April Shane Karen Nelsen Alexa Ramey Giovanna Gone Phillip Price Amy Anderson Dave Byrnes Deborah DeRouen Stephen Webster Jim Martensen Marcus Wheatfall Ryan Hess Will Carroll Matthew Nunn Chelsea Quinteros Dana Mowe Amelia Mantilla Jason Norbeck Shannon Russell Day Linda Ledesma Sean Cunningham Andrew Creamer *James Bearb Alex Varela Joey Rodriguez *Andrew Vasquez Cody Hodge Jarrett Bennett Candis Mohr Crystal Varela Steven McGuff Clint Beck Shaun Lewis Jennifer Gutierrez *Eddie Santiago Ashley Wiggin Danny Passmore Kelly Aylesworth Peggy Charles

JMI Contractors 913 Home Turf Texas 265 ApartmentData.com 200 Rasa Floors 177 Corinthian Construction 123 Texscape 84 Impact Floors 65 Valet Living 62 Multifamily Ancillary Group 51 Flooring Warehouse 43 The Liberty Group 39 Infinity Power Partners 38 Designs by Holmes Interior Design 38 Bio-One Houston 37 Fish Window Cleaning 36 Rasa Floors 28 HD Supply 26 Flooring Warehouse 25 Valet Living 25 Earthworks, Inc 25 The Liberty Group 25 Metropolitan Staffing Solutions 24 Impact Floors 23 CORT Furniture 22 ApartmentData.com 22 Century A/C Supply 20 JMI Contractors 19 Dixie Carpet 18 Century A/C Supply 18 Presto-X 17 ALN Apartment Data, Inc 17 Willbanks 17 Earthworks, Inc 17 HD Supply 16 Impact Floors 16 Advanced Concrete Designs 15 Designs by Holmes Interior Design 15 RentPath 15 Camp Construction Services 15 Triple Seal Insulation 14 Horisons Roof & Exterior Solutions 14 Paul Davis Restoration of North Houston 14 Camp Construction Services 14 Gail Construction 13 Houston Furniture Rental & Sales 13 Green City Security 12 Impact Floors 12 Ferguson Facility Supply 12 Hire Priority 12 Flooring Warehouse 12 Building Engineering - Consultants, Inc 12 R & L Building Group Inc 12 Gulf Coast Flooring & Services 12 The Urban Foresters 12 WellKept 11 Camp Construction Services 11 Ferguson Facility Supply 11 AAA Plumbers 10 RentPath 10 Impact Floors 10 Presto Maintenance Supply 10 Sherwin-Williams 10 Frost Insurance Agency 10 Rasa Floors 10 Reliant 10 Sherwin-Williams 10 WaterLogic 10 Fidus Construction 10

Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news.

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details on how to join and for meeting dates, visit www.haaonline.org/ambassadors or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org. 68

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

ambassadors pg 68,69.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:12 PM Page 2

2. First Place Team “Stay Classy” with 410 points 3. Second Place Team “The Bomb Squad” with 144 points 4. Third Place Team “Green Machine” with 25 points www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

prop news pg 70,71.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:12 PM Page 1

Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Adara Communities: District at Westborough, 340 units at 1550 Westborough Drive in Katy. • Allied Orion Group: Villas at Eastwood, 200 units at 19333 Hussion St. • Asset Living: Sierra at Fall Creek, 252 units at 14951 Bellows Falls Lane in Humble. • Atlantic Pacific Management: Langwick Senior Residences, 128 units at 955 Langwick Drive. • The Axcell Group LLC: Country Club Place Apartments, 241 units at 950 Villa de Matel Road. • Berkshire Residential Investments: Vargos Apartments, 276 units at 2411 Fondren Road. • Bo Management: Woodgate Townhomes, 100 units at 36 Woodland Hills Drive. • CAF Management LLC: Harbour Point Apartment Homes, 210 units at 16460 Highway 3 in Webster. • CKR Property Management: Residence at Garden Oaks, 98 units at 500 W. Crosstimbers St. • Friedman Management Company: Forest View, 158 units at 301 Tri City Beach Road in Baytown and Arlington Place, 230 units at 116 E. Edgebrook Drive. • Greenline Apartment Management LLC: Pine Lake Village Apartments, 96 units at 1325 Greens Pkwy. • Greystar: TrailPoint, 271 units at 2301 S. Millbend Drive in The Woodlands; Aston at Cinco Ranch, 228 units at 22400 Westheimer Pkwy in Katy; and Ascend at Bridges, 296 units at 14100 Will Clayton Pkwy in Humble.

ABODE

August 2019

• Hilltop Residential Management: Memorial West, 288 units at 14900 Memorial Drive. • Imperion Investments Management LLC: Riverwalk Apartments, 104 units at 450 Normandy St. • Indus Management Group LLC: La Carmona Apartments, 275 units at 8917 S. Gessner Road and Cantera Apartments, 256 units at 10555 Spice Lane. • Innovative Multi-Family Management LLC: Shadow Bay Apartments, 232 units at 1700 Baywood Drive in Bay City. • Internacional Realty Inc.: Crystal Bay, 320 units at 2323 W. Bay Area Blvd. in Webster and Cambridge Place, 336 units at 10901 Meadowglen Lane. • Krishna Management LLC: Schroeder Apartments, 97 units at 5918, 5910, 6013 Schroeder Road. • Lamppost Capital Management: Union Square, 18 units at 407 to 411 Union St. in Richmond. • Lincoln Property Management: Windmill Landing, 259 units at 10121 Windmill Lakes Blvd.; Southpoint Apartments, 244 units at 12801 Roydon Drive; Cambria Cove, 240 units at 16350 Ella Blvd.; and Lincoln Heights, 292 units at 700 W. Cavalcade St. • The Lynd Company: Harmony Park, 273 units at 2625 Harmony Park Crossing in Spring. • Midway Companies: St. Andrie, 232 units at 3663 Washington Ave. • Oak Leaf Management Co.: Three Fountains III Apartments, 200 units at 1617 Fountain View Drive and The Broadway, 0 units at 8965 N. Broadway. • Pinnacle: Magnolia Terrace, 328 units at 3939 Synott Road in Houston. • Portico Property Management: Bayou Parc at Oak Forest, 392 units at 4000 Watonga Blvd.

www.haaonline.org

prop news pg 70,71.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:13 PM Page 2

• Tennison Lofts: Kiam Condo, 1 unit at 5435 Kiam St. • TI Communities: Urban Palms, 659 units at 8701 Town Park Drive. • Topaz Asset Management: Cranbrook Forest, 261 units at 13875 Ella Blvd. • ZRS Management LLC: Sanctuary at Jacob’s Reserve, 384 units at 165 Carriage Hills Blvd. in Conroe.

In the News Kristin Settles, NALP, CAM, joins Thompson Thrift Development as a property manager. Marlo Simmons joins Stratis. Settles

Monica Gracia joins The Barvin Group. The Houston Business Journal announces the following Houston Apartment Association members Simmons and non-profit partners as part of its list of honorees for the 2019 Most Admired CEO Awards. Congratulations to Swapnil Agarwal, Nitya Capital; Brian Greene, Houston Food Bank; Robert Martinez, Rockstar Gracia Capital Management; Rudy Mui, ApartmentData.com; Joy HorakBrown, New Hope Housing Inc.; and Sharon Zachary, Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries Inc.

Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.

www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

next breakfast pg 72.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:14 PM Page 1

On the Scene with the HAA NEXT

HAA NEXT Breakfast Friday, June 7 at the HAF Education Center Sponsored by 1 ICONstrux Design + Build The June NEXT Breakfast featured a panel of “famous HAA rockstars:” Christy Rodriguez, Cesar Lima, Stephanie Graves, Kelly Scott, Kristin McLaughlin, Marlo Simmons and moderator Betsy Marshall.

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members 35 and younger. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To Learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next. 72

ABODE

August 2019

leg update pg 9, 73.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 4:03 PM Page 2

Legislative Update, continued from Page 9 good. I was able to tell my story and why this bill was so vital to our industry and residents. Then, when I got stumped with a question from a congresswoman, I had Fritche to step in and help me out, because that’s what a wingman does! We finished a long day that evening and walked down Congress Avenue to go have a well-earned drink and then to dinner, but the work didn’t stop for those three. They were mingling around, talking to people at other tables, inviting people to come over and sit with us to talk, and juggling a dozen text strings and phone calls at once. They knew exactly what they were doing. It’s all about relationships and trust, and they are the best I’ve seen at it. You walk through the Capitol or even the immediate area with David, Sandy or Kyle and you are walking with a TAA celebrity. Everyone knows them, everyone likes them, everyone smiles at them and everyone stops to talk to them. You have no idea how passionate they are about what they do and what they stand for. You have no idea the number of hours, and although maybe not blood, trust me, there are a lot of sweat and tears. Walking out of the Capitol that evening with our TAA government affairs team changed me. I was so proud. Proud to be a part of this industry, proud to be a part of the Texas Apartment Association, proud to represent my company and employees, proud to represent HAA. Here are a few of their superhero stats from this legislative session: • 7,195 bills filed • 390 bills tracked by TAA because of potential impact on rental housing industry (5 percent) • Record attendance at TAA Day at the Capitol • TAA volunteers orally testified 3 times before legislative committees • TAA staff orally testified 19 times before legislative committees • TAA initiated changes were carried forward in at least 9 substantive bills • TAA government affairs team logged 3,000 plus hours at the Capitol over 140-day legislative session We are making a difference and although you may not be able to see it every day from where you are, trust me when I say this: We have a team of suit-wearing superheroes fighting for us every day and I couldn’t be more proud of David Mintz, Sandy Hoy and Kyle Jackson. If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Public Affairs. www.haaonline.org

August 2019

ABODE

ad index pg 74.qxp_Ad Index pg 74 7/18/19 3:14 PM Page 1

Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Landscape Contractors

Swimming Pool Service

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com

Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Careers Landmark Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 713-855-3814 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.LMhomes.net

Laundry Equipment & Supplies Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems . . . . . . . . . .5 281-967-9507 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.washlaundry.com

Trash Hauling Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

HAA Products & Services Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Locks & Locksmiths

Collection Agencies Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com Maintenance Supplies

Electric Contractors Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . .25 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Maintenance Supply Headquarters . . . . . . . . . .14 281-530-6300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.supplyhq.com

HAA reserves the right to reject any advertising if its content is inappropriate or inconsistent with HAA’s standards for publication or HAA’s business interests, in HAA’s sole opinion.

Movers Ameritex Movers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 713-484-MOVE . . . . . . . . . .www.stressfreemove.com

Foundation Repair Church Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Paving Contractors

General Contractors

Pavement Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 281-758-8434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.nopothole.com

Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com

Personnel Agency

Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottongds.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . .41 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com

Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 713-266-9100 RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

Resident Screening Service CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com

TPI Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 713-668-7986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tpiinc.com

Resurfacing

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Perfect Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 713-952-0202 . . . . . . . .www.perfectsurfaceinc.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Screens

Insurance

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

Security Control Equipment/Systems SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

www.haaonline.org/rcr

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode. Or view this issue on your computer, iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_aug2019. 74

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

Marketline pg 75.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:15 PM Page 1

MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com

HOUSTON

115.0 –

Snapshot 90.2% $1,045/mo. $1.18/sq.ft./mo. 883 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 0.7% rental rate growth 11,583 units absorbed

• •

– 90.0

– 89.0 100.0 – – 88.0

•

Recently Opened (12 months): 44 communities 11,491 units

110.0 –

•

Under Construction: 69 communities 19,922 units

– 87.0 Jun 19

May 19

Apr 19

Mar 19

Feb 19

Jan 19

Dec 18

Oct 18

Nov 18

Sep 18

Aug 18

Jul 18

Jun 18

May 18

Apr 18

Mar 18

Jan 18

Feb 18

Dec 17

Nov 17

Oct 17

Sep 17

Aug 17

Jul 17

90.0 –

Proposed Construction: 97 communities 28,494 units

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,795 communities 655,486 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized % of Market Rank Submarket Absorbed 1 Katy/Cinco Ranch/Waterside 11.9% 2 Montrose/Museum/Midtown 21.0% 3 Tomball/Spring 8.9% 4 Med Center/Braes Bayou 13.2% 5 Clear Lake/Webster/League City 11.1%

Rental Rate Growth % 3.2% 1.8% 2.1% 1.0% 1.2%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 287,002 A 73,814 B 110,977 C 91,445 D 10,766

% of Total Units 44% 48% 45% 44% 24%

Average Special -2.9% -4.0% -2.3% -2.3% -1.4%

Citywide Effect -6.3% -8.0% -5.3% -5.2% -5.8%

One Month Free = -8.33%

THE FIRST TABLE ABOVE GIVES A SNAPSHOT of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of 42 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

TEXAS

Dallas/Ft. Worth

San Antonio

Austin

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

91.7% $1,147/mo. $1.31/sq.ft./mo. 875 sq.ft.

91.1% $970/mo. $1.14/sq.ft./mo. 851 sq.ft.

91.8% $1,290/mo. $1.48¢/sq.ft./mo. 873 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 2.4% rental rate growth 19,481 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 3.3% rental rate growth 6,006 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 3.4% rental rate growth 10,600 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,097 communities 728,762 units

Operating Supply: 906 communities 192,325 units

Operating Supply: 994 communities 230,881 units

www.haaonline.org

ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. ApartmentData.com provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 3.5 million apartment units in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee. For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2019 ApartmentData.com August 2019

ABODE

Backpage pg 76.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:15 PM Page 1

Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

HAA Blood Drive benefits the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Thank you to all the HAA members who came out to donating blood during the HAA Blood Drive.

ABODE

August 2019

www.haaonline.org

rencon inside back cover.qxp_Layout 1 7/18/19 3:15 PM Page 1

camp ad Back Cover.qxp_Layout 1 7/23/19 11:52 AM Page 1

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77041

Return Service Requested