February 2024 | News & Events Magazine by Greater Nashville Apartment Association

Skyrocketing Success

CHAIRMAN Jenn Mulholland, CAM CHAIRMAN-ELECT Katherine Morrow, CAM VICE CHAIRMAN Andrew Klahn, CAPS, CAM, HCCP, CALP SECRETARY/TREASURER Eddie Ivey, CAPS IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Stephanie Liston, CAM, CAPS MANAGERS REPRESENTATIVE Holly Duren SUPPLIERS REPRESENTATIVE DJ Arbogast MAINTENANCE REPRESENTATIVE Emir Skopljak, EPA, CAMT, CPO MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS Melanie Brink, CAM Sundae Caudle, CAPS Tabitha Gill Lauren Hartstern, CAM Alicia Jones, CAPS, CAM, CALP Sully Lemmons, CAM, CPM Erick Rocha, NALP Nicole Samson, CPM Julie Stayton, CALP Laura Watkins SUPPLIER DIRECTORS Nathan Lybarger, Esq. Jennifer McCoy, Esq. Rusty McDonald Alberto Suastegui, CALP, CAM Maria Williams, CAM MAINTENANCE DIRECTORS Brandon Etheridge Rusty Guilliams, CAMT, CPO IREM LIAISON Shelley James, CAM, CAPS, CPM LEGAL ADVISOR M. Wesley Hall, Esq. MDHA LIAISON Norman Deep PRESIDENT Ginny Johnson DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING Kendra Love DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & FINANCE Autumn Stiles COMMUNICATIONS & STATISTICS COORDINATOR Lauren High EDUCATION & MEETING COORDINATOR Anne Angel ACTIVE PAST CHAIRMEN Mary Bradley Stephanie Burns, CAPS, CAM, CALP Tracey Crowe, CAM Andy Gass, ARM Stacy Holt, CAM Shelley James, CAM, CAPS, CPM Andrew Klahn, CAPS, CAM, HCCP, CALP Tammy Lee, CAM Chari Lewis, CAM, CAPS, CPM Nancy Morris Linda Page, CPM, ARM Susan Sherfield, CPM Lisa Swick, CAPS Stacy L. Taylor, CAM Zac Ward, CPM

CONTENTS GREATER NASHVILLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION NEWS & EVENTS

FEATURES

05 07 09 11 13 15 19 23 25 27 29

Now Featuring

RPM Living’s Skyrocketing Success

Trade Show

Secure Your Booth Today!

NAA Update Join NAAPAC

Suppliers

Love Your Customer

Management

What Have GNAA and Committees Done for Me?

LEAD Program

Nominate Your Maintenance Personnel

Committees

Tap Into a Committee in 2024

On Trend

On Trend to Volunteer

NextGen

Rising Stars Series: Kelly Pendergrast

Statistics

GNAA’s Multi-Family Housing Market Insights

Human Interest

Meet Our New GNAA Chair

ASSOCIATION NEWS

04 06 10 22 24 30 31

February Managers Luncheon Fall in Love with a Committee

February Maintenance Luncheon Fall in Love with Your Pool

Membership Connection

Coffee & Donuts

Social

St. Patrick’s Day Mixer

February General Membership Meeting

Opportunity Unleashed: Your Game Plan for 2024

New Members

Welcome!

Calendar

Stay up to date

ABOUT THE COVER RPM Living

@gnaatn

Cover photo by: John Albani, John Albani Photography

FEBRUARY 2024

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Join us for the February Managers Luncheon

FEBRUARY 7TH | AT THE GNAA OFFICE | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Thank You to our Luncheon Sponsors BluSky Restoration • Commercial Restoration Company • Kastle Systems International MDX Print Doctors • Music City Removal • Republic Services Registration must be canceled within in 3 days of the event. Non-Attendance fee is $35.00.

NOW FEATURING

RPM Living’s Skyrocketing Success

From 10 Units to a Thriving Multifamily Empire In the heart of the bustling Greater Nashville market, RPM Living, a powerhouse in full-service multifamily management, is making waves with its phenomenal expansion. Currently holding the sixth spot on the MNHC Top 50 Largest Apartment Manager list, the company manages an impressive portfolio of more than 180 clients, 12 regional offices, and a staggering 200,000 units, boasting a total valuation of $3 billion. The latest chapter in RPM Living’s success story unfolds in Nashville, where the company has strategically opened corporate offices to enhance its commitment to the communities it oversees. Jason Berkowitz, CEO of RPM Living, shared the exciting vision for the future, stating, “Since entering the Tennessee market last year, we have grown rapidly. Our strategy moving into 2024 is to continue growing our footprint in Nashville and Memphis, and to break into the Chattanooga and Knoxville market.” With the leadership of Senior VP Kim Peavy, VP Rebecca Welch and Martha Hopkins, RPM Living has added 29 properties to its already remarkable Nashville portfolio, bringing the total number of managed units to an impressive 7,605. The anticipation for the grand opening of their new corporate office at 1222 Demonbreun Street, Suite 100, at Gulch Union, is building, promising a spring celebration filled with excitement and innovation. The new corporate office is not just a workspace; it’s an experience. Boasting an indoor-outdoor sky lounge and a state-of-the-art 48-seat training room, it reflects RPM Living’s commitment to creating not just living spaces but thriving communities. News & Events

RPM Living’s journey, which began in 2002 with a modest 10 units in Austin, Texas, has now unfolded across 50 markets in the United States. The company’s focus on financially sound multifamily development, innovation, and creating highly desirable living spaces has been key to its extraordinary success. “We have an incredible team who have operated in multiple Tennessee markets for many years, so we are well positioned to continue on the path of making this a fast-growing, high-performing region for RPM,” Berkowitz said. Beyond managing properties, RPM Living takes pride in its investment services, working collaboratively with investors to tailor solutions that align with project-specific goals. The company’s commitment to continuous education and career development ensures a team of top-notch professionals dedicated to producing measurable results. Diversification and returns are at the forefront of RPM Living’s priorities. RPM Living Investments strategically focuses on value-add, stabilized cash flow, and development opportunities, boasting a track record of successfully acquiring over 40,000 apartment units and managing 85 investments full cycle. As RPM Living unveils its grand corporate office in Nashville this spring, it’s not just a celebration of physical space; it’s a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and creating exceptional living experiences. The sky’s the limit for RPM Living as they continue to redefine the landscape of multifamily living across the United States.

TRADE SHOW

Secure Your Booth Today! Get ready for one of the highlights of GNAA’s calendar – the 2024 Trade Show booth selection extravaganza! We’re stepping up our game with a sleek digital platform, making it super easy for vendors to snag their spot at this year’s event. The excitement begins on Monday, February 5, at 9 a.m. sharp. How do you get your booth? Step 1: Select your booth space. Your booth space will be on hold for 72 hours. Step 2: Complete your company profile on ExpoFP – upload your logo, website link, services, etc. Step 3: Sign the Exhibitor Kit – this will be sent to you through DocuSign. Once we have received the signed Exhibitor Kit, your booth status will be changed from On Hold to Reserved. Please note: If the Exhibitor Kit is not signed within 72 hours, your selected space will no longer be On Hold and can be reserved by other members. Our theme for this year is “Let the Good Times Roll,” promising a celebration like no other. Mark your calendars for Thursday, July 25, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Farm Bureau Exposition Center will be transformed into a hotbed of innovation, spotlighting the incredible products and services tailored for the multi-family housing sector. Be sure to keep your eyes on your inboxes for the coveted link that grants you access to choose your booth.

News & Events

NAA UPDATE

Join NAAPAC Become an integral part of the political process, claim your seat at the table: Make a donation today to NAAPAC Want to have a voice in shaping the policies of the multi-family housing industry? Join NAAPAC, a bipartisan political action committee dedicated to supporting Congressional candidates who champion good governance and understand the unique needs of the apartment housing sector. The members of Congress – all 535 members – play an integral role in shaping policies and even the economic climate of the multi-family housing community. That means that bills passed have the power to heavily impact our jobs – either good or bad. By supporting NAAPAC, you become a vital part of a collective effort to ensure our industry has a seat at the table during critical policy discussions. Your involvement not only lends political credibility to the sector but also amplifies our influence on Capitol Hill through advocacy, grassroots initiatives, and lobbying efforts. No one understands the apartment industry better than those who work in it day-in-and-day-out, and that means you.

News & Events

Building relationships with Congressmembers allows us to guide policy decisions that enable us to continue constructing and managing quality apartment communities across Tennessee and the entire nation. It’s imperative to note that NAA cannot use general fund money for federal elections, relying on individual contributions from members like you to actively participate in the political process. While businesses cannot make donations to NAAPAC, your personal contributions are the driving force needed to make our voices heard. GNAA is currently halfyway to o ur 2024 goal. Ready to make a difference? Be a part of the change by contributing to NAAPAC. To donate, visit www.naahq.org/contribute-naapac

SUPPLIERS

Love Your Customer A great sales rep is a lot more than just making the sale and delivering goods or services to their customers. With it being February and Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I want to share a few personal tips on how you can love your customer. • Communicate • Problem Solve • Continue to Grow Communication is easy, but learning to speak your customer’s language is much more difficult. Learning how to communicate with each unique customer is more important than following a script and treating them like a number. Seek to listen so you understand the information your customer is sending, then you can deliver the proper response. When responding, make sure you are clear and concise so the information you are sending is received the way you intended. Any good sales rep can answer the phone or return a text or email. It takes a great sales rep to understand exactly what the customer is asking and to provide them with an accurate and timely response.

Love your customer by listening to understand. Making a sale is easy when all things are smooth and simple, but how does one become a great sales rep when a problem arises? Those of us who have been in the multi-family industry for any amount of time

BY ABRAHAM McCARVER

Bravo Flooring

News & Events

know things rarely go as planned. Being able to offer solutions to your customer’s problem is what will make you an invaluable asset. If your customer comes to you with a problem, take it as a personal challenge to offer a solution. All suppliers should have a vast network, so even if the problem isn’t something in your wheelhouse, go the extra mile and connect your customer with the appropriate person in your network.

Love your customer by being a problem solver. There is no such thing as perfect in this world. As an integral part of an ever-growing and changing industry, it is our responsibility as a supplier to always learn more. The old adage “If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backwards” has never been truer than in the apartment industry. Suppliers should always try to expand their knowledge, whether that is with products, customers, or services. Learn more about our industry, and continually help to improve yourself so you can support those around you.

Love your customer by being a better version of yourself. Always find a way to be more for your customer than just a good sales rep. Be their go-to for all things industry related. If you are a good sales rep who is great at communication, great at problem solving, and always growing yourself, then you will be a great sales rep. Love your customer by being a GREAT sales rep.

MANAGEMENT

What Have GNAA and Committees Done for Me? I remember my very first GNAA event. It was the St. Patty’s Day membership mixer at Dan McGuiness. I was a fairly new leasing specialist and knew barely more than the few team members with whom I worked and others within my company. I went to hang out with my co-workers and have a drink on someone else’s dime. That was roughly 12 years ago. I attended a luncheon or two, and the Beer, Butts & BBQ event after those. Then I went to the Gala and I was hooked. I could win an award? For doing my job? Sign me up! I asked my colleague, and now friend and mentor, how to win. She chuckled and simply said, get involved. I wanted to attend all the events and meet all the people. At that time, I didn’t see GNAA as a networking opportunity. I wasn’t the decision maker at my property and loved my job, so I wasn’t in the mindset of needing to meet people to grow my career; but situations change fast in our industry. Within a short time period, I was promoted to Community Manager of a lease-up and found myself

needing to build a team and in need of vendors to help care for my property. Enter the connections I had made and the network I had built through GNAA the previous years. These connections became friends and my network continued to grow. I became involved in multiple committees, finding my niche in Apartment Tour, made my way onto the Board of Directors, went through the Leadership Lyceum program, attended and received my CAM credential and attended multiple education and leadership conferences. Yes, I won an award! I also experienced career growth from meeting the people who propelled me to my current position and company – a move I wouldn’t have otherwise known to pursue. When I entered into the field of property management, it was never planned to become a career. I started out part-time in a temporary position while I was building a clientele for a totally different career path. I’ve stayed and thrived in this field for more than 13 years and I can absolutely attribute professional and personal growth to GNAA. In property management, it always comes down to the people: The people we take care of, the people who take care of us, the mentors that help us grow, the confidants who keeps us sane, and the soulfully connected friends with whom you get to celebrate life. I’m so thankful for the people I’ve met and experiences I’ve gained from my GNAA membership. So my tip to you, just get involved!

BY MELANIE BRINK

Carter-Haston Real Estate Services, Inc.

News & Events

LEAD PROGRAM

Act Now!

Nominate Your Maintenance Personnel for This Year’s LEAD Program Calling all managers! Do you have maintenance personnel who you’d like to give the opportunity to tap in, grow their career and learn more about the multi-family housing industry and GNAA? The time is now to submit nominations for this year’s LEAD Program, which is set to kick off on March 5. The deadline to submit nominations is February 16.

Attendance to the required list of events is tracked in the GNAA database. Once completed, students will be recognized in the News & Events magazine and presented a tool pouch with standard hand tools at the October Maintenance Luncheon.

Inviting new maintenance employees to participate in the LEAD program provides them with opportunities to tap into diverse skill sets, fostering collaboration and promoting professional growth. It enhances their engagement, encourages knowledge-sharing and contributes to a more dynamic and innovative work environment.

(1) Managers, Supplier, Maintenance or General Membership Meeting Luncheon

The LEAD Designation is an honorary distinction certified by the Greater Nashville Apartment Association. LEAD provides a complete development curriculum for current and aspiring maintenance professionals. LEAD is designed to recognize the development efforts of maintenance professionals upon completion of a specific task.

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Students are required to attend one of each of the following events:

(1) Basics of Maintenance Course (1) Committee Meeting of the student’s choice (1) Maintenance Appreciation Event Attendance at the required events is complimentary to LEAD students. To nominate a member of your maintenance staff, send your nomination to ginnyjohnson@gnaa.org. For more information, visit https://www.gnaa.org/ lead-program.

January Event Highlights SUPPLIERS LUNCHEON

Greater Nashville Apartment Association

COLLECTING WITH CLASS & SASS!

News & Events

COMMITTEES

Haven’t joined a committee yet?

Tap Into a Committee in 2024 Are you new to GNAA or maybe you’ve been around for a while, but haven’t gotten involved in a committee yet? 2024 is the year to take the plunge and see what GNAA committees offer.

How do you join a committee?

Trade organizations, like GNAA, serve as hubs of knowledge, bringing together experts and enthusiasts alike. Joining committees in GNAA provides individuals with a unique platform to collaborate, exchange ideas and break down silos that could hinder innovation.

GNAA has many options for committees:

Beyond the confines of daily work routines, committee involvement offers professionals an opportunity to expand their networks. Whether it is sharing insights during meetings or connecting over shared goals, those who actively engage in committees find themselves not just being passive participants, but becoming catalysts for change in the industry. Being a part of a committee and actively engaging, members can help shape industry standards, work with their peers to address challenges and contribute to innovative strategies for the betterment of the industry and the people served. Committees are reservoirs of industry knowledge and a great way for those who are newer to multi-family to tap into the wealth of information or simply a way to give back to the community. DJ Arbogast, Co-Chair of the Programs Committee, said that when he first joined a committee, he didn’t know anyone, but found other committee members to latch onto as he learned his way around. Andrew Klahn, Vice-Chairman of the GNAA Board, said that joining a committee is a good way to build connections outside of your job. Jennifer McCoy said she really enjoys the Community Service Committee in which she is a Co-Chair because it gives the opportunity to give back to the community. News & Events

“You can just show up to a committee meeting,” McCoy said. “They are all hybrid, and there is no limit to how many you join.”

The APARTMENT TOUR/GOLF COMMITTEE organizes the annual Apartment Tour and Golf Tournament. The Apartment Tour highlights four apartment communities that are tied together with a tour theme. The committee arranges the transportation, tour itinerary, lunch location, and other details to ensure a smooth, enjoyable tour for participants and attendees. The committee also organizes the Golf Tournament which gives Supplier and Management Team members an opportunity to network in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while enjoying a day on the golf course. It is chaired by Melanie Brink and Sully Lemmons. The AWARDS COMMITTEE oversees the organization and judging procedures for the annual Apartment Community Beautification Awards, annual Diamond Awards and other award areas. The awards are presented at the annual GNAA Awards Gala & Installation. It is chaired by Tracey Crowe and Linda Page. The COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE meets every month to discuss, plan, and execute the GNAA Communication Strategic Plan that covers GNAA social media and marketing campaigns as well as working through the best ways to communicate to and engage with all GNAA members. Committee members do not have to be on the marketing or communications side of the multi-family industry to be a part of this committee; this committee welcomes professionals from all sides of the industry. It is chaired by Stephanie Burns and Lisa Swick. continued on p. 20 19

Committees, cont. from p. 19 The COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE offers a unique opportunity for GNAA members to get involved in giving back to the community with sponsored events and contributions for displaced and/or homeless residents and underprivileged children. This committee maintains the Emergency Relief Program to help rental housing residents displaced by natural disasters. It is chaired by Jennifer McCoy and Julie Stayton. The DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE serves as an advisory body to the GNAA President, the Executive Committee, the GNAA Board of Directors, and the team in fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. The committee works to develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders and serve as advocates to promote and share information throughout and outside the association about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and professional development. It is chaired by DJ Arbogast, Chari Lewis and Emir Skopljak. The EDUCATION COMMITTEE achieves the gold standard in education for GNAA, playing a key role in providing education courses for those new to the industry and those looking to advance their RPM careers, including management professionals and supplier partners. Programs include specialized courses, online courses, and industry credential programs designed to result in industry designations of proficiency. GNAA educational programs are offered in a state-of-the-art training facility! It is chaired by Susan Sherfield and Stacy Taylor. The GALA COMMITTEE is responsible for the GNAA’s annual black-tie celebration Awards Gala that honors excellence in the multi-family industry over the past year by presenting awards to individuals and companies that have achieved outstanding accomplishments in many categories. The Gala is the largest attended event for the GNAA, creating a memorable evening for the membership. This committee ensures everything related to the event is taken care of, from idea conception to décor, coordinating all the moving parts as well as day-of logistics. It is chaired by Tracey Crowe and Laura Watkins. 20

The LEADERSHIP LYCEUM COMMITTEE helps develop and hone the skills necessary to meet today’s challenges and be an effective leader through an exclusive leadership development program for candidates who have been nominated by their management company or selected through a competitive application process. Members of this committee maintain the Leadership Lyceum principles and select nominees who will enter the program. It is chaired by Tammy Lee and Susan Sherfield. The LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE brings important legal issues in the rental housing industry to the attention of the Board of Directors for consideration. The committee actively monitors legislative issues that could impact GNAA on local, state, and federal levels. It is chaired by Eddie Ivey, Nathan Lybarger and Jennifer McCoy. The MAINTENANCE COMMITTEE is tasked to plan and organize the LEAD Program and to bring new ideas to help make the event more fun and create more involvement from maintenance teams around Greater Nashville. Maintenance Mania is a national competition where maintenance professionals compete against each other in skill-based games built around common maintenance activities. Winners from each local event get a chance to qualify for a spot at the National Championship held at the annual NAA Education Conference & Exposition. It is chaired by Rusty Guilliams and Alberto Suastegui. The MEMBERSHIP/DIRECTORY COMMITTEE is a key to strengthening GNAA by offering a unique blend of membership services that include opportunities for networking, volunteer leadership, and community involvement by recruiting, welcoming, and retaining GNAA members. The committee organizes and maintains the printed GNAA Directory which includes a Buyer’s Guide as well as GNAA’s online directory. The directory is published exclusively for the use of GNAA members and is a tremendous resource for all multi-housing needs. This committee also maintains the Go-Getter Program, a referral program rewarding current members who refer new members with a continued on p. 21

Greater Nashville Apartment Association

Committees, cont. from p. 20 monetary bonus. Join the Membership Committee to help plan and participate in GNAA quarterly connections to educate and excite our members on opportunities within the association. It is chaired by Sundae Caudle, Holly Duren, Rusty McDonald and Nancy Morris. The NEWS & EVENTS COMMITTEE is tasked with planning each issue of GNAA’s News & Events magazine, meeting once a month to explore creative content to publish in upcoming issues. The magazine is distributed in both online and print formats. Whether new to the industry or a seasoned professional, all are welcome to join the News & Events Committee. In addition to getting a first-hand account of all upcoming events, committee members also network with industry leaders and share ideas about what would be beneficial to the News & Events magazine and GNAA members. It is chaired by Lauren Hartstern and Alicia Jones. The NEXTGEN COMMITTEE engages new multi-family professionals and rising leaders through networking, community outreach, and career development. Past GNAA events hosted by NextGen have included Head Shot Happy Hour and Coffee Connection. NextGen collaborates closely with the Education Committee to host at least one annual educational event geared towards the interests of NextGen members. NextGen also supports the Community Service Committee in their endeavors by participating in some of their events including a NextGen booth at the annual Beers, Butts & BBQ. This committee meets monthly and is open to all GNAA members working within the rental housing industry. It is chaired by Stephanie Burns, Erick Rocha and Maria Williams. The PROGRAMS COMMITTEE – The General Membership Meeting, MEC, Supplier Luncheons, Manager Luncheons, and Maintenance Luncheon are some of the best ways to stay educated on industry trends and legal issues – providing a great networking

News & Events

opportunity for our members. The Programs Committee is dedicated to planning each luncheon throughout the year. It is chaired by DJ Arbogast, Holly Duren, Nancy Morris, Nicole Samson and Emir Skopljak. The RPM (RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT) CAREERS COMMITTEE strives to bring awareness of the multifamily housing industry and its career opportunities to local students and prospective individuals. There has never been a better time to consider a career in Residential Property Management (RPM), and the committee proudly works to provide networking opportunities that highlight the benefits of working in the industry. It is a growing industry that brings with it an increased need for talented, creative, and passionate individuals to lead and support it. It is chaired by Brandon Etheridge and Stephanie Liston. The STATISTICS COMMITTEE drives the GNAA’s Quarterly Market Survey GIS. The survey provides updates to individual community data featured in the interactive GIS system (included with your GNAA membership) plus downloadable reports. Join this committee to be in the know about speculative construction, construction underway, and community sales, as well as occupancy and rental rates. This committee thrives on participation and looks forward to sharing everyone’s knowledge! It is chaired by Stacey Holt and Sully Lemmons. The TRADE SHOW COMMITTEE is responsible for planning and executing the GNAA’s annual Trade Show. Member companies gain maximum exposure by showcasing their products and services at the Trade Show in front of hundreds of multi-family industry professionals with purchasing power. It is chaired by Tabitha Gill, Rusty McDonald and Maria Williams. For more information on committees or to join visit, www.gnaa.org/committees.

ON TREND

On Trend to Volunteer by Lisa Gunderson, Bristol Development

Did you know that GNAA has 17 committees? Falling in love with a committee is this month’s opportunity for you to be of service. What can you bring to the table? A unique voice, new ideas, and representation are all reasons you should find ways to engage with GNAA committee work. At the heart of GNAA, committee members define the infrastructure of everyone’s experience. These advisory groups make essential contributions to our events, ensure critical information is disseminated, education, and advocacy. How can you help? Through the GNAA website, you can find the member’s tab and committee section, review the different committees and what they are each focused on, and then follow the link in each to sign up for that specific one. The more participants we have, the more impact we make. Volunteering is not limited to areas in which you have the most experience. Committees offer a safe space to learn new skills, improve your knowledge base in new horizons, and meet new people in our industry. You get the satisfaction of making a difference and following through on a commitment to serve others in our community. You have a new item to add to your resume, demonstrating that you have collaboration, communication, and influence skills, as that is how most committee work is done.

News & Events

Join us for the GNAA February General Membership Meeting

OPPORTUNITY UNLEASHED: YOUR GAME PLAN FOR 2024 FOCUS. ACHIEVEMENT. SATISFACTION. Each can be a word that describes your year ahead. But where do you begin? Join Kayla Curry, founder and CEO of Organization Impact, as she shares the practical steps that will equip you with the skills to cut through the noise, maintain clarity, and make 2024 your most focused and successful year yet. Fuel your enthusiasm and seize the opportunities the year ahead has for you.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND AT MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY FEATURING VOLUNTEER PROPERTIES AND WILLOW BRIDGE PROPERTY COMPANY $45.OO ATTENDANCE FEE | EVENT BEGINS AT 11

Thank you to our sponsors!

Cort | Google Fiber | Intex Contracting, Inc. | R+ R Wellness Swift Lawn and Land, Inc. | The Liberty Group

#MYGNAA

NEXTGEN

Rising Stars Series KELLY PENDERGRAST

Area Manager, The Liberty Group

Years In the Industry 16

Volunteer Positions Currently & Previously Held in GNAA

I serve on several committees including but not limited to Membership, Trade Show, NextGen.

What brought you to the apartment industry?

My freshman year of college I moved into a student housing community and quickly became friendly with the leasing office. A few months after moving in, I was offered a community ambassador position which would allow me to work at the leasing office a maximum of 20 hours and receive free housing. I will be honest – I had never seen myself in this industry due to not really knowing anything about it, but after a few months I quickly found my passion and realized this was where I saw myself long-term.

Was this the career path something that was always on your radar? No, and that was because I did not truly know about this industry prior to moving into and working within student housing.

Did you have any unrelated jobs growing up that unexpectedly prepared you for the apartment industry?

I had always worked in customer service-based jobs from the food and nightlife industry to hospitality which greatly impacted my ability to excel in the apartment industry.

Why is property maintenance an attractive career path?

Property maintenance is an attractive career path because there are so many different opportunities within our industry and so much room for growth. As a staffing company we work with so many candidates who come from a construction background, landscaping, family remodeling business or trade school and do not realize how their skill sets can fit perfectly in the News & Events

apartment industry. Maintenance teams are truly the backbone of their community and can make or break the residents’ experiences.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Spend time with my husband, two kids, Adeline and Liam, and our sweet Lab, Coco.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, a sweet chocolate Lab named Coco.

Coolest place you’ve ever traveled? Mexico for my honeymoon.

Give us a fun fact about you! I was born in Germany.

What upcoming GNAA event are you excited to attend and why? I love all the events, but I am very excited for the Golf Tournament and Beer, Butts & BBQ. I am also looking forward to the St. Patty’s Mixer as it is a smaller event but always a lot of fun!

Do you have a motto you live by?

Life is not ever guaranteed so live every day to its fullest and enjoy it!

If you could get a “do over” for something in your career, what would it be and why?

I do not think there is anything I would “do over.” The mistakes I’ve made in the past and lessons I’ve learned from them is what made me who I am today and helped me get to where I currently am.

Any advice you could give to the rising stars of GNAA? Always be true to yourself and never be afraid to go for what you want. I have also learned over the years that it is okay to say no sometimes and not always feel pressured to say yes. Remember that although our industry is large it is also a tight-knit community and to always value relationships and be respectful of those relationships.

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STATISTICS GNAA’s Multi-Family Housing Market Insights

More than Just Numbers, It’s a Strategic Roadmap Every quarter, GNAA unveils the ultimate playbook

analyses that need more than just a glance. The

for the Greater Nashville multi-family housing

GNAA staff has a deep, nuanced understanding of

market – a treasure trove of insights that goes

the local multi-family market.

beyond just numbers. It’s not your typical data

GNAA’s stats program allows organizations

dump; it’s the compass guiding our members through the terrain of planning for tomorrow and meeting the needs of residents, both present and future.

to address industry-specific challenges and gain insights that are directly relevant to their operations. The market intelligence provided through stats at GNAA is crucial for organizations

Sure, other platforms may throw data your way, but

to stay informed about changes, opportunities, and

GNAA is your backstage pass to the local market.

threats in the marketplace.

The staff isn’t just fluent in numbers; they speak

Statistics meetings with GNAA aren’t just meetings;

the language of the community from every angle. The GNAA staff knows the market’s heartbeat, not just its pulse.

they’re an avenue for clearer communication and building stronger relationships. In the local market, understanding what is important is more than half

GNAA isn’t just in the business of data like other

the battle to ensure that members continue to be

companies with similar data. They’re plugged into

successful.

the multi-family housing market in ways that go

For management companies, apartment

beyond numbers. It’s not just about pulling and analyzing data; it’s about spotting the unspoken needs of our members because they walk hand-inhand with us. In a world where decisions often hinge on intuition, GNAA brings the power of evidence and data. The staff doesn’t just understand stats; they understand the local market, culture and dynamics of the Greater Nashville market. This is crucial for

News & Events

communities, and suppliers, GNAA’s data is more than information; it can be a roadmap for the future. It helps them unearth patterns, spot trends, and navigate the landscape of decision-making. GNAA stats aren’t just merely a checklist. The stats provided show the narrative and story at play in the local market through properties under construction, recently completed projects, communities that are continued on p. 28

Statistics, cont. from p. 27 hot in the market and how the market fares in affordability. Stats provided include information such as properties currently under construction, speculation construction, completed construction, communities that are on the market, affordable and conventional statistics by submarket,

Stats Snap Unveils Quarterly Insights Into Greater Nashville’s Multi-Family Housing In an effort to keep GNAA members well-

comparison of occupancy versus average rent,

informed, News & Events magazine is thrilled

apartment sales, and more.

to introduce a brand-new segment, Stats Snap,

Market research provided by GNAA isn’t just about

coming in March.

numbers; it helps us journey into the minds of

This quarterly feature is dedicated to presenting

consumers in the multi-family housing industry.

the latest statistics in the multi-family housing

The data provided helps us know what makes

sector in the Greater Nashville area.

residents tick, tailor amenities, and services to

Stats Snap aims to provide our readers with a

their desires, create living spaces that resonate and help us to continue serving the needs of the people of Greater Nashville. The statistical data provided by GNAA makes it possible for us to make predictions about future trends and outcomes. This is especially important for housing demand forecasting, inventory

comprehensive “snapshot” of the local market trends, offering a data-driven exploration of the ever-evolving landscape. From occupancy rates to emerging neighborhoods, this segment will be your go-to source for insightful and relevant information.

management and even strategic planning. Best of all, the data provided by GNAA is part of our membership to GNAA while other services charge large sums of money for similar data. GNAA’s quality stats program is a cornerstone for making informed decisions through meaningful research. The data provided is like a key that unlocks the door to solving industry challenges, empowering individuals and organizations to shape a future in multi-family where decisions are not just made but made right.

Greater Nashville Apartment Association

HUMAN INTEREST

Meet Our New GNAA Chair Jenn Mulholland, current GNAA Board Chair, is a Senior Regional Manager with Willow Bridge Property Company (formerly Lincoln Property Company). She oversees nine communities in Middle Tennessee and Kentucky and helps onboarding and mentoring all new RPMs in this area. Jenn’s career path is a relatively common one – leasing agent, assistant manager, manager, regional manager, and now senior regional manager. She says of all the positions, she has enjoyed assistant manager the most because she got to do a lot of different things. She continues to thrive on the ever-evolving nature of her job and likes the fact that she has a variety of properties in her portfolio. Jenn began her career in multi-family 16 years ago in her native Colorado and worked in Chattanooga before coming to Nashville ten years ago. At each step of her career, she has been involved with the local market’s Apartment Association. Jenn joined GNAA at Chari Lewis’s encouragement and has served on the Board since 2018. Among her goals for this year are to strengthen the committees, promote greater participation, and further align the committees with the NAA. Jenn’s advice for any new employee in the industry is to participate in GNAA. She says, “Making connections

through the apartment association is how you grow in the industry and in your career.” Jenn has lived in Germantown and the Gulch before moving outside of the city a few years ago. She lives on five acres and is kept company by her two dogs, Finley, a pit bull, and Ruger, a German Shepherd. (I was too embarrassed to let Jenn know that I have a six-pound teacup poodle. She has “real” dogs.) When asked her most memorable experience in her career, Jenn referenced the 2020 tornado. None of her properties were directly damaged, but she recalled walking through a pitch-black property, One MetroCenter, putting out battery-powered lights with the team so residents could see. But what she especially remembers is the good that was done during a difficult time. “It was cool to see everyone coming together during that time to help others. Owners waived fees and deposits and onsite personnel worked overtime to do everything they could to accommodate those who were displaced. The kindness displayed during that time was remarkable.” Jenn, thank you for your leadership this year as Chairman of the Board for the Greater Nashville Apartment Association.

BY CHRIS SMITH

Entryway

News & Events

NEW MEMBERS APARTMENT COMMUNITIES

Banner at Westfield Emily Smith 1000 Banner Dr. Gallatin, TN 37066 615-989-0011 bannerwestfieldmgr@willowbridgepc.com 288 apartment homes Willow Bridge Property Company The Duke Emmie Griffin 131 Great Circle Rd. Nashville, TN 37228 615-349-8663 thedukemetrocentermgr@willowbridgepc.com

194 apartment homes Willow Bridge Property Company Fatherland Flats 400 Fatherland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615-499-1679 fatherlandflatsmgr@elmingtonpm.com 47 apartment homes Elmington Property Management The Gables Pam Bridges 75 E. Veterans Dr. Cookeville, TN 38501 931-400-0244 thegables@leasekibo.com www.leasekibo.com 332 apartment homes Kibo Property Management Grindstaff Cookeville Properties 75 E. Veterans D. Cookeville, TN 38501 931-400-0244 thegables@leasekibo.com www.leasekibo.com 19 apartment homes Kibo Property Management Landmark Josie Campbell 2827 S. Rutherford Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN 37130 615-890-9088 landmarktnmgr@hrpliving.com Hawthorne Residential Partners

SUPPLIERS

Memoir Nashville Emmie Griffin 1125 4th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210 629-206-9095 wh_pm@memoirresidential.com 273 apartment homes Willow Bridge Property Company

AFR Furniture Rental Clif Walker 720 Hylton Rd. Pennsauken Township, NJ 08110 856-406-1200 cwalker@rentfurniture.com

Northerly 620 Due West Ave. Madison, TN 37115 629-257-6440 northerly@rpmliving.com 297 apartment homes RPM

American Leak Detection Keith J. Bailey PO Box 1145 Brentwood, TN 37024 615-242-6144 aldnashville@comcast.net www.americanleakdetection.com

Residences at Woodbine Park Tonya Landry 311 Carter St. Nashville, TN 37210 615-833-2001 woodbineparkresidences@rpmliving.com 92 apartment homes RPM Towne Nashville Jasmine Bibbs 808 Garfield St. Nashville, TN 37208 615-471-8187 jasmine.bibbs@quarterra.com 329 apartment homes Quarterra

Ikon Electric Jennifer Swaim 126 Madeline Way #1528 White House, TN 37188 629-244-2212 jswaim@ikonelectricalservices.com Electrical Contractors

Furniture Sales/Rental

PuroClean of Hendersonville, LLC Wayne Zumwalt 129 Highland Ridge Hendersonville, TN 37075 615-348-7200 ssorrells@puroclean.com

Air Quality Testing; Biohazard Waste Cleanup; Carpet Cleaning & Repair Services; Cleaning Services; Commercial/ Insurance Restoration & Reconstruction/ Repair; Mold Abatement; Odor Removal; Water Extraction/Damage

Leak Detection/Repair; Plumbing Contractors; Swimming Pool/Spa Repairs/Service

Elevated Facility Services Steve Meyers 129 Space Park South Dr. Nashville, TN 37211 615-946-9139 steve.meyers@efsteam.com www.efsteam.com

Sims-Lohman David Disspayne 777 Swan Dr. Smyrna, TN 37167 615-708-8964 ddisspayne@sims-lohman.com

Cabinet Sales & Services; Countertop Sales/Service

Maintenance Services/Supplies

Goat Turf Blair Lee 821 USA Today Way Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-542-3044 blair@goatturf.com www.goatturf.com

Titan Security Group Stephen Johnson 301 S. Perimeter Park Dr. Suite 123 Nashville, TN 32711 615-899-4050 sjohnson@titan-security.com www.titan-security.com

Vintage 1857 Jonitha Kelly 4100 William Turner Pkwy. Antioch, TN 37013 615-645-2191 vintage1857mgr@elmingtonpm.com www.vintage1857apts.com 217 apartment homes Elmington Property Management

Dog Park Equipment/Servicing; Landscape Installation/Design; Playground Equipment

Vintage Franklin 871 Oak Meadow Dr. Franklin, TN 37064 615-488-2154 vintagefranklinmgr@elmingtonpm.com www.vintagefranklinapts.com 241 apartment homes Elmington Property Management

Cleaning Services; Paint Contractors; Pressure Washing; Waste/Trash Removal Services

Green Monkey Service Samir Plavotic 9745 Touchton Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32246 727-251-9754 info@greenmonkeyservice.com www.greenmonkeyservice.com

Gate/Access Control Systems; Key Control Systems; Security Consultants/Systems; Security Services

WithMe Kaileen Santos 1556 W. Carroll Ave. Chicago, IL 60607 773-797-2118 sales@withme.com www.withme.com

Coffee Service & Equipment; Printing/ Mail Services

Greater Nashville Apartment Association

COUNTERTOPS

BATHTUBS

SHOWERS

TILE

CABINETS

Law Office Hall & Associates, plc M. Wesley Hall III

Nathan C. Lybarger

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772.3234 getagrip.com

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Apartment Tour/Golf Committee

FEBRUARY

9am

Trade Show Booth Selection Opens

Programs Committee 9:30am

Managers Luncheon

12-1:30pm

Trade Show Committee

Membership Connection

Saturday

9:30-11am

Testing Day 10am - 2pm

News & Events Committee

NextGen Committee

CPO Course 9am - 4pm

12-1:30pm

10am

Presidents Day

Maintenance Luncheon

Directory/Membership Committee

Valentine’s Day

Maintenance Committee

Board of Directors 9am

Statistics Committee 9am

General Membership Meeting Maggiano’s 11am

RPM Careers Committee

DEI Committee

News & Events