June 2023 | News & Events Magazine

Carter-Haston

As a fully integrated real estate firm with both fund management and property management capabilities, Carter-Haston has significant experience in sourcing, underwriting, acquiring, selling and managing multifamily real estate. The majority of the six-member executive team has been together for more than 20 years. The company is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee and employs more than 300 people across the country with regional offices in Atlanta, Georgia; Tampa, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina and Dallas, Texas. Middle Tennessee properties include Albion at Murfreesboro, Albion in the Gulch, The Artessa, Cumberland on Church, Duet, The Enclave, Martin Flats, Note 16, The Preserve at Hardin Valley, Providence Trail, Rutledge Flats, The Sawyer at One Bellevue Place, The Shay, and West End Village.

Carter-Haston places the highest emphasis on developing a culture of taking care of our people and our properties. Our management philosophy begins with a commitment to care for each other, which is the foundation for developing positive partnerships and sustaining our history of success.

Our management foresight is built upon a foundation of five fundamentals for successful property management, which include:

• Intentional Presentation – Providing a well-maintained and inviting place for residents and their guests. We recognize the importance of first impressions.

• Dimensional Management – Committing to provide superior levels of service to residents from the first point of contact with residents through the last.

• Exceptional Properties – Working diligently to ensure our apartment homes exceed resident expectations upon move-in.

• Attentive Service – Recognizing that occasional in-home maintenance is needed and working quickly and effectively to complete all requests while minimizing inconveniences. 24/7 emergency response is available across all our communities.

• Customer Satisfaction – Measuring success by the customer experience and feedback of our residents. The best way to make our communities better is to listen to those who have called them home.

Photos: Albion in the Gulch

Hot Takes on Summer Shenanigans

by Alex Reynolds, The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy

Picture this: You’re giving a potential new resident an amenity tour when you notice a resident lying by the community pool enjoying an adult beverage that is dripping condensation off the glass bottle onto the concrete, creating a perfect circle next to his red, white, and blue towel. While considering how to handle this lease violating behavior on a hot, sunny, 85-degree day, you notice another resident lighting a grill on her third-floor balcony overlooking your pool, all the while allowing the fresh summer air to flow freely through her wide-open balcony door. This seemingly perfect summer day has suddenly turned into one giant lease violation. So what should you do? Let’s go through some of the hottest summer community shenanigans and how to cool them down!

Pool Perils

To be sure, your beautiful apartment community should have its pool policies, rules and regulations listed in the lease and posted prominently at the pool. These policies exist to protect both your residents as well as your asset. All glass and sharp objects, for example, should be banned from the pool and surrounding area, as such items create a potentially hazardous environment and could cause significant injury. Violators of any pool policy should receive a 14-Day Notice to Cure for failure to comply and perhaps even a possible ban for the remainder of the pool season.

Hot Grill Summer

Hamburger or hot dog? Don’t care, as long it isn’t being grilled on an apartment balcony. Not only does your

lease prohibit gas, charcoal, propane tanks/grills or any open flame to be used or stored on patios/balconies, but it is also a violation of local fire codes. The use of any grill or open flame poses a serious fire hazard to the community. Like his neighbor receiving a lease violation notice for glass by the pool, Mr. Grill Master3000 should also get a 14-Day Notice to Cure for violation of the lease. Regardless of whether the grill is being used or not, if a grill is present on a resident’s balcony, it is important to act immediately to prevent a potentially catastrophic event. If your community is equipped with a public grilling station, encourage your residents to utilize this amenity.

What’s Bugging You?

Summertime provides myriad possibilities for your residents, like opening their windows for some of that sweet, summer air. This, however, could potentially cause some serious issues for your property, including the dreaded pest infestation. Unless otherwise specified in the lease, it is the resident’s responsibility to notify you, the landlord, of any suspected pest problem. Additionally, it is your residents’ obligation to cooperate with the treatment of any confirmed presence or infestation of pests. Make sure you keep an eye on your pest inquiries and stay in touch with your pest vendor!

Be Cool

After a long day by the pool, you certainly do not want to hear from a resident that his or her air conditioning is not functioning properly. First things first – do a little investigating. Have windows been left open with the air

QR Codes: Not Just for Marketing

by Carl Hanly, CAS, Regional Manager, KeyTrak

As technology advances, QR codes have become increasingly popular. You’ve probably seen them on restaurant menus, ads, and product packaging. These small, square images were originally created in 1994 to streamline an automotive brand’s vehicle manufacturing process. Nowadays, they’re used everywhere, providing an easy and efficient way to connect people with the information they’re looking for.

But did you know that QR codes can also be used to make your job as a multifamily professional easier? Here are three different ways you can incorporate QR codes into your apartment community:

Provide Virtual Tours

Adding a QR code to your door with video tours and other apartment information can be a great alternative to self-guided tours. This option allows potential residents to learn more about your community on their own time, even when the leasing office is closed.

Quickly Check Out or Return Keys

If you’re already using an electronic key control system, you can return or check out keys with a quick QR code scan. For example, some electronic key management systems have a mobile app that allows you to complete all the steps of checking out or returning a key from

your phone. The app then generates a QR code that you can scan with a QR code scanner at the system. The drawer will unlock, and you can remove or return keys with ease.

Securely Identify Key Tags

When maintenance professionals need to check out multiple keys at once, it can be difficult to keep those keys in order during service calls. Placing a piece of tape on it with the apartment number defeats the purpose of keeping keys secure. But going back and forth to get one key at a time isn’t ideal either, especially at large properties. Instead, you can print a label with a unique QR code and attach those to each key tag. Then you can scan that QR code with your phone to identify a specific key.

Using QR codes to help you manage your property provides you with the convenience you’re used to in every other aspect of your life. And even better, you don’t have to sacrifice security. By taking advantage of QR codes, you can provide better service to your residents and streamline your day-to-day tasks.

2023 Golf Tournament - Superhero

Superhero Scramble

Kirby Davis

by Chris Smith, Shelters to Shutters

Kirby Davis, a leader at GNAA and the Nashville Multifamily Housing Industry, recently retired from Freeman Webb after a 37-year career in the industry. He was honored with a retirement party at Freeman Webb on May 23.

Kirby attended high school in Nashville and both undergraduate and law school at UT-Knoxville. He joined his father’s management firm in the late 80’s after serving a two-year clerkship with a federal judge. He continues to enjoy discussing strategy and use of capital with his 91-year-old father, whom he calls a great mentor.

Kirby has been a key player in the development and growth of GNAA and served as President of GNAA in 2002. He was given the lifetime achievement award in 2018. Kirby believes in the value of GNAA and thinks it is a great way to meet other professionals in the industry, collaborate, and even recruit future employees. His hope is GNAA will continue to cultivate the health of the multi-family housing industry and advocate for its best interests.

When asked what the biggest change in the apartment industry has been, Kirby’s quick answer is “technology.” “For years we kept up with rental payments in pencil on a ledger card. If the rent was not paid on time, we just changed the locks.” (Those days are long gone.) The

second change is the expectation of the customer and even the power the customer now has through online reviews and comments.

Kirby acknowledges that he has been fortunate to be in the right industry at the right time with the right people. Nashville was coming out of a real estate slump in the early 90’s and multi-family housing was significantly underbuilt. With the growth of Nashville, the increasing demand, and the expansion of building, Kirby modestly says of his business success, “It was hard not to mess it up.”

In addition to his work in the industry, Kirby is also known for his interest in the issue of homelessness. First Management Company and later Freeman Webb have provided housing for the homeless, and Kirby has been involved in non-profits like Shelters to Shutters and other organizations that assist this segment of the population.

This desire to help those in need is a product of Kirby’s Christian faith. “We are put on this earth to help others. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” In explaining his commitment, Kirby also references the story of Ruth in the Old Testament. In that account we are told everything was not harvested, but some was to be left in the field for those in need. Kirby’s summary of that story for today is, “We don’t pick up every nickel.”

CHRIS SMITH Shelters to Shutters

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Juneteenth

by Tracey Crowe, CAM, Lion Real Estate Group

Juneteenth is an annual celebration that commemorates a specific date – June 19, 1865, the day many enslaved people in Texas learned they had been freed.

The federal holiday will be observed on Monday, June 19. As a result, government buildings will be closed and many Americans will have the day off from work. When Juneteenth falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday will be an observed legal holiday.

Juneteenth takes place annually on June 19 and marks the true end of slavery in the United States. The holiday is officially recognized in 48 states, and last year President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making the day a federal holiday.

The holiday observes the day when slaves in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom upon the arrival of federal troops on June 19, 1865 – two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and about two months after the end of the Civil War.

Today, Americans celebrate this important day in history by attending local parades, serving Juneteenth-inspired recipes and reflecting on the true meaning of freedom.

Juneteenth has grown from a national holiday into a global one with a variety of celebrations worldwide, including cookouts, festivals, marches, pageants, parades, picnics, rodeos, readings and vigils. Events commemorate African-American culture, achievements and food, while honoring a monumental change in American history.

Many universities and private companies have joined state governments in recognizing Juneteenth as an official holiday. The NFL declared Juneteenth a league holiday in 2020, following in the footsteps of companies like Nike and Twitter.

TRACEY CROWE Lion Real Estate Group

Rising Stars Series

EDDIE WILLIAMS– Operations Manager, Trash Scan App

Years In the Industry

Five

Volunteer Positions Currently & Previously Held in GNAA

None currently – first year but eager to get more involved.

What brought you to the apartment industry?

There was an opportunity to fill a digital void within a fast-growing amenity that we couldn’t ignore.

Was this the career path something that was always on your radar?

Multifamily, no, but my goal has always been to be an entrepreneur. This has allowed me that opportunity.

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

I was in Retail Operations for companies for various Fortune 500 companies.

Why is property maintenance an attractive career path?

Attractive because there is a constant and ever-growing need for them.

Best professional advice you have ever been given?

Focus on what you can control, not what you can’t.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

I really love to grill.

Do you have any pets?

Nope, too close to having kids.

Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?

Cabo, so far.

Give us a fun fact about you.

I’m related to Drake (yea, the “I’m On One” Drake).

What upcoming GNAA event are you excited to attend and why?

DEI Bingo Mixer. Just the energy around the committee and the opportunity to network while having a little fun!

Do you have a motto you live by?

“No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

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

Being more outspoken. I’ve always been a man of action, but speaking could have probably helped me get promotions sooner.

Any advice you could give to the rising stars of GNAA?

Come to events looking to get to know people. People buy who you are before they ever buy your services.

NEW MEMBERS

MANAGEMENT COMPANIES

Avenue 5 Residential

Melissa Means

901 5th Ave.

Seattle, WA 98164

Brentwood Oaks

Commonwealth Management Corporation

464 Hickory St., Suite C

Fond du Lac, WI 54935

920-638-4800

j.caddy@cmcproperties.net

APARTMENT COMMUNITIES

Brookwood

Tiffany Hartley

800 Academy Ln.

Columbia, TN 38401

72 apartment homes

931-982-6466

thartley@volprop.net

Volunteer Properties

Cambridge

1045 Fisk Rd.

Cookeville, TN 38501

80 apartment homes

931-267-8290

thebellevue@volprop.net

Volunteer Properties

Chartwell Commons

Kevin Burton

300 Sutton Dr. Spring Hill, TN 37174

124 apartment homes

615-387-9437

chartwellcommonsmgr@elmiongtonpm.com

Elmington Property Management

Dunbar Townhomes

291 Dunbar Cave Rd.

Clarksville, TN 37043

20 apartment homes

Volunteer Properties

Highland on Briley

Chinise London

2131 Elm Hill Pk. Nashville, TN 37210

408 apartment homes

615-392-3407

clondon@arbaliving.com

Arba Living

Jackson Manor Townhomes

Dillon Lovall

1500 Hampshire Pk. Columbia, TN 38401

96 apartment homes

931-982-6466

management@volprop.net

Volunteer Properties

Luna

1009 Eighth Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37023

108 apartment homes

615-680-7039

lunamgr@cushwake.com

Cushman & Wakefield

Parkview Place

495 Ringgold Rd. Clarksville, TN 37042

88 apartment homes

931-546-5033

parkviewplace@volprop.net

Volunteer Properties

Skyline Flats

103 Hart Ln. Nashville, TN 37207

13 apartment homes

615-933-4209

skylineflats@volprop.net

Volunteer Properties

Spring Creek

1558 S. Spring St.

Manchester, TN 37355

10 apartment homes

Volunteer Properties

Townes at Hamilton

Shanekah Crews

1020 Hamilton Crossing

Antioch, TN 37013

105 apartment homes

615-551-7311

cdtownesathamilton@liverangewater.com

Rangewater Real Estate

SUPPLIERS

All Dry Services of Greater Nashville

Omar Arguello

1529 Rachaels Rdg.

Hermitage, TN 37076

615-379-7575

admin615@myalldry.com

Biohazard Waste Cleanup; Moisture Control; Mold Abatement; Odor Removal; Water Extraction/Damage

Austermiller Roofing, Inc.

Brad Hatcher

9485 Lebanon Rd.

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

615-553-2041

brad@austermillerroofing.com

Roofing Contractor

FSI Construction

Chad Watts

Jay McClain

4424 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N., Suite 440

Houston, TX 77036

615-450-4215

chadwatts@fsiconstruction.com

General Contractor (Remodeling/Repair)

Plan Left

Jenn Peden

615 Main St., M1

Nashville, TN 37206

615-649-0690

support@planleft.com

Internet Advertising; Internet Rental Marketplace; Internet Services/Consulting

Steve Ward & Associates

Darien Payne

7330 Cockrill Bend Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37209

615-389-8511

darien@swainc.com

Countertop Materials Distributor; Countertop Sales/ Service

Maintenance Lucky Hour Highlights

ON TREND Diversity

by Lisa Gunderson, Bristol Development

We want our communities to reflect the people who live there. A mistake is that many developers focus on a specific target demographic in their design efforts. For example, we have all been to those properties that feel like they are recreating a nightclub experience in their interior design and marketing. This immediately alienates a larger group of potential renters because they feel excluded.

How can we inclusively design? We begin by ensuring everyone is represented in our stock photo selection for our website. Is it time to revisit your imagery to make sure it is inclusive?

Next, I remind my team on every project that this is not about you, it’s about the people who will live here. I might like an interior design choice, but it might not be suitable for the project if I am trying to speak to a broader audience than just my specific representative niche. Next time you redecorate, ask your team for input on what residents and prospects might want to see.

It’s the Law, cont. from p. 7

conditioning blowing full blast? If so, it is possible that the A/C unit is failing to properly cool down the space while regulating the outside air. Consider instituting more frequent maintenance checks during the summer months to ensure that your residents are adhering to the mold and moisture addendum of the lease. Remember, the lease affords you the right to enter at any time, so long as you provide your residents with proper notice.

As hotter temperatures draw near, it is imperative that you and your staff are well versed on your community’s policies and procedures so you are prepared to deal with the lease-violating behaviors synonymous with the summer months. Doing so will ensure a spectacular summer season for all residents to enjoy. And, as always, contact your friendly neighborhood landlord attorney with any questions or concerns!

Human Interest, cont. from p. 17

When asked what he has enjoyed the most about his career, Kirby answers the people he has been blessed to work with and forming teams. “I am proud to provide a good home for people and a living for our employees. It is a virtuous circle.”

As a relative newcomer to this industry in my role as Executive Director of Shelters to Shutters, I have been so impressed with others’ comments about Kirby. Over the past two years, whenever I have mentioned Kirby’s involvement with our organization, the universal response from everyone has been, “Kirby Davis. What a great man!”

Indeed.

Thank you, Kirby, for all you have done to bless our community.

GNAA Expands Reach to Local School Systems

New Committee Announced

As part of the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, GNAA sets its sights on reaching out to local high schools to bring awareness to the multifamily industry and all the benefits it has to offer. GNAA representatives attended a total of four career fairs in March and June in Wilson County. These schools included Green Hills High School, Mt. Juliet High School, Lebanon High School, and Wilson Central High School.

GNAA has also recently established the Residential Property Management (RPM) Careers Committee, modeled after NAA’s committee. The RPM 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. Chairman Stephanie Liston has named three co-chairs: Jeremy Byrd, Maintenance Supervisor for Arya North Gulch; Eddie Ivey, Vice President of Operations for Freeman Webb Companies; and Tammy Lee, Vice President of Special Services for Lincoln Property Company.

If you are interested in joining the committee, please fill out the GNAA Committee Signup Form (google.com).

Eddie Ivey Jeremy Byrd

Tammy Lee

MEC Breakfast Highlights

Suppliers Luncheon Highlights

Directory Celebration