CHAIRMAN Tracey Crowe, CAM CHAIRMAN-ELECT Stephanie Liston, CAM, CAPS VICE CHAIRMAN Jenn Mulholland, CAM SECRETARY/TREASURER Katherine Morrow, CAM IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Stacey Holt, CAM MANAGERS REPRESENTATIVE Anne Adams SUPPLIERS REPRESENTATIVE Mark Darnell MAINTENANCE REPRESENTATIVE Brandon Etheridge MANAGEMENT DIRECTORS Melanie Brink Brigitte Byron, CAM Meredith Dixon, CALP Eddie Ivey, CAPS Tabitha Knox Sully Lemmons, CAM, CPM Erick Rocha Nicole Samson, CPM Wes Schmitz Giovanna Suastegui, CAM SUPPLIER DIRECTORS Nathan Lybarger, Esp. Jennifer McCoy, Esq. Loyd Owen, CAS Lacey Smithson, CALP Alberto Suastegui, CALP, CAM MAINTENANCE DIRECTORS Jeremy Byrd, CAMT, CPO Rusty Guilliams, CAMT, CPO IREM LIAISON Richard Wright, CPM LEGAL ADVISOR M. Wesley Hall, Esq. MDHA LIAISON Norman Deep PRESIDENT Victoria Tobin DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & EVENTS Ginny Johnson COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Katelyn Cheatham STATISTICS COORDINATOR Jenny McWhorter MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Autumn Stiles FINANCE MANAGER Jenny McWhorter ACTIVE PAST CHAIRMEN Mary Bradley Stephanie Burns, CAPS, CAM, CALP Brad Cather, CPM, HCCP, SHCM, COS Kirby Davis Faye Ellis, CPM Andy Gass, ARM Shelley James, CAM, CAPS, CPM Andrew Klahn, CAPS, CAM, HCCP, CALP Tammy Lee, CAM Chari Lewis, CAM, CAPS, CPM Stacy L. Molen, CAM Nancy Morris Linda Page, CPM, ARM Ellen Parker Susan Sherfield, CPM Lisa Swick, CAPS Zac Ward, CPM Joyce Wolfe
CONTENTS GREATER NASHVILLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION NEWS & EVENTS
FEATURES
05 07 09 11 17 19 21
Now Featuring MAA
Maintenance Winter Prep
Suppliers
Shelters to Shutters
Election Night Recap
Monster Bash!
On Trend
Thankfulness
Marketing
Oh What Fun!
NextGen
Rising Stars Series
ASSOCIATION NEWS
04 08 10 13 18 20 22 23 25
Education
Collecting with Class & Sass
DEI Committee
Can You See Me Now?
Education
Certified Pool & Spa Operator Training Program
December Managers Luncheon
Ugly Christmas Sweater
DEI Mixer
The GNAA Living Library
NextGen
Coffee Connection
Education
2023 Education Schedule
New Members
Welcome!
Calendar
Stay up to date
ABOUT THE COVER MAA
Thank you to our sponsor: Floors First Nashville
@gnaatn
Cover photo by: John Albani, John Albani Photography
NOVEMBER 2022
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NOW FEATURING MAA is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on the acquisition, selective development, redevelopment and management of multifamily homes throughout the Southeast, Southwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Our mission at MAA is to deliver superior service and value for residents, employees, and shareholders. We refer to this as creating “A Brighter View” and we are doing it every day. The Nashville metro area encompasses 14 counties in Middle Tennessee, making in the largest metro area in the state. And it continues to grow. The great job market, high quality of life, and low cost of living are just a few reasons people flock to the luxury apartments for rent in Nashville, Tennessee. Acklen West End
Nashville may be part of the Deep South, but the heat is never unbearable and winters are mild, making outdoor activities a delight year-round. The city itself is full of attractive green spaces – for instance Centennial Park and Shelby Park. When you live in our luxury apartments for rent in Nashville, Tennessee, you can also enjoy all the festivals and outdoor events the Music City has to offer. Watch the latest indie flick at the Grande View Nashville Film Festival, bring your family to the Tennessee State Fair, and enjoy the wide spectrum of options available in the state capital. From the arts and culture it’s known for, to the many companies that call the area home, Nashville is a great place to live, work, and play. Whether you’re here for the exceptional schools such as Vanderbilt University and Avondale at Kennesaw Farms Tennessee State University, the Fortune 500 companies, the music scene, or simply a safe city to raise your family, our luxury apartments for rent in in Nashville, Tennessee are waiting for you!
MAA Bellevue
News & Events
MAA currently manages 12 communities in the Nashville area, and these include Monthaven, MAA Charlotte Avenue, Avondale at Kennesaw Farms, Aventura at Indian Lake, Verandas at Sam Ridley, Acklen West End, MAA Cool Springs, Grande View Nashville, MAA Bellevue, Brentwood Downs, Park at Hermitage, and The Paddock Club Murfreesboro.
Park at Hermitage
5
MAINTENANCE
Winter Prep It’s that time of the year when we are starting to experience lower temperatures. As we all know how unpredictable this weather can be, I would like to advise everyone to check their drum drips, heaters, weather-exposed plumbing and faucets (mechanical, riser and pool pump rooms, stairwells, backflow preventer enclosures, etc.). Make sure all heaters are in good working order before you need them; if they are not in working order, this will give you enough time to order and replace any parts needed. For those of you with a dry fire sprinkler system, make sure you drain all the drum drips, and make sure your drum drip valves are in good working order and end caps are in place. If you aren’t sure if you have a dry sprinkler system or you’ve never dealt with one before, please let me know before you attempt to do this and I will be glad to stop by and do it with you. This is very important, and if not done correctly or on time it can cause a lot of headaches and damage. If you’re doing this for the first time this year, I would suggest you use a five-gallon bucket to catch the water so you can compare it with next time you do it, so you will have a better understanding of how often you need to perform this task.
Every dry fire sprinkler system is different, and things like humidity will play a big part in the amount of water collected. Some areas should be drained weekly, some bi-weekly, some monthly, depending on the amount of water you collect the first few times. This is why it is important to know your dry sprinkler system so you can plan accordingly. When temperatures are below freezing this needs to be performed weekly, no matter how much water your system collects. If you have exposed copper and CPVC pipes (faucets/ spigots) in garages/crawl spaces or on the side of the buildings, make sure you winterize these on time and/ or insulate them if you can’t fully winterize. Also, if you have exposed PVC P-traps in the garages/crawls spaces, make sure they are insulated and they have heat cords around them. Our landscaping vendors are winterizing irrigation sprinkler systems around this time, and I would encourage everyone to reach out to your landscaping vendor just to confirm they have you on schedule, because just like everyone else, they may be shortstaffed and way behind.
EMIR SKOPLJACK
Regional Maintenance Supervisor 1, Lincoln Property Company
News & Events
7
SUPPLIERS
Shelters to Shutters by Chris Smith How do you get a job without an address and how do you get an address without a job? This is the problem a local nonprofit attempts to solve. Shelters to Shutters helps those who are experiencing situational homelessness find entry-level positions in the multi-family housing industry. The industry partner gets a pre-screened, trained, and qualified candidate, and the candidate gets a job along with discounted housing. It is truly a win-win.
JOURNEY TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY APPLICANTS
Applicants determined to be eligible are accepted into the program.
SCREENED BY S2S INTAKE TEAM BACKGROUND CHECK CONDUCTED INTERVIEW WITH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PARTICIPANTS
COMPLETE SKILLS ASSESSMENT RECEIVE INDIVIDUALIZED ONLINE LEARNING PATHWAY VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE RESUME AND INTERVIEW COACHING
S2S uses a robust online program through Edge2Learn, a virtual training software platform, customized to provide participants in pre-employment and during employment with technical training, soft skills and financial literacy.
HIRED PARTICIPANTS
INDUSTRY PARTNERS QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS ARE REFERRED FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT AND DISCOUNTED HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES WITH OUR PARTNERS
PAIRED WITH A TRAINED MENTOR FOR A FULL YEAR RECEIVE HOUSEWARES AND FURNITURE FROM CORT & LOCAL PARTNERS PROVIDED LAPTOP AND WIFI TO CONTINUE ONGOING TRAINING THROUGH S2S
All candidates referred to Shelters to Shutters come from non-profits and government agencies. The referring agencies have determined their clients are ready, willing, and able to work. After an additional round of screening, background checks, virtual and in-person training, the participants are then recommended to industry partners. When the participant wins the job, they have a new career and a safe place to live. Additional benefits to the participants come from a nationwide partnership with CORT. For each Shelters to Shutters participant, CORT supplies free of charge a housewares kit and furniture to fill an apartment. A local food bank offers food upon move-in, and S2S supplies a mentor to walk alongside each participant for the oneyear program.
S2S mentors are committed to provide a safe, supportive space to assist in a participant's long term success. S2S Executive Directors provide critical support to ensure the goal of economic selfsufficiency is obtained. Hired participants graduate after 12 months of employment and positive rental history.
screening and training from Shelters, she was hired by a local apartment community as a groundskeeper. She now has a job she enjoys and is looking forward to receiving additional training and a promotion. Her children are happy in their local schools, their lives are stable, and she celebrates one year on the job in November 2022. To move from a shelter to a home is deeply satisfying for both the participant and the employer who gave her a chance. For more information about the program contact Chris Smith at chris.smith@shelterstoshutters.org.
According to Chris Smith, Executive Director of Shelters to Shutters-Nashville, a typical story is a mother who escaped domestic violence and was recommended by the YWCA domestic violence shelter to S2S. After News & Events
9
ELECTION NIGHT RECAP
Monster Bash! The costumes were faboolous! Election Night was a great success. Congratulations to all new and returning board members for the year 2023! The Bylaw revisions were also passed. Thank you to the Nominating Committee and the Bylaws Committee for all their hard work with the election and bylaws revisions. Winners of the costume contest were announced at the end of the night, along with the election results. The winners of the contest are as follows:
Greatest Group Costume
Best Costume
Most Original Costume
Apartments.com/CoStar Group: Pam Lavender, Jasmine Hammerstein, Kaylee Bush, and Stacey Mielnik
Lacey Smithson, Tolleson, Inc.
Brandi Savage, Career Strategies, Inc.
The Golden Girls
Frida Kahlo
Randy Savage
A special thank you to our Election Night sponsors:
Funniest Costume
Scariest Costume
Bridget Opfer, Contractors Inc
Tabitha Knox Gill, Rivergate Meadows; Paul Gill, Eastside Heights
Hagrid
News & Events
The Purge
BMS Cat Dish Fiber Greenway Waste & Recycling, LLC L.I.C.R.A.-Nashville The Liberty Group Nashville Apartment Locators
11
Congratulations to our 2023 Board of Directors! Our Newly Elected Board Members: Chairman: Stephanie Liston, Lighthouse Property Management Chairman-Elect: Jenn Mulholland, Lincoln Property Company Vice Chair: Katherine Morrow, MAA Secretary/Treasurer: Andrew Klahn, GVA Management Management Director: Anne Adams, Arlington Properties Management Director: Sundae Caudle, Freeman Webb Company Management Director: Lauren Hartstern, MAA Management Director: Alicia Jones, Freeman Webb Company Management Director: Julie Stayton, Lincoln Property Company Supplier Director: Rusty McDonald, AMI Construction, Inc. Managers Representative: Tabitha Knox, Timberland Partners Maintenance Representative: Brandon Etheridge, Lighthouse Property Management Supplier Representative: Maria Williams, Floors First Nashville
Our Returning Board Members: Immediate Past Chairman: Tracey Crowe, Lion Real Estate Management Director: Melanie Brink Management Director: Eddie Ivey, Freeman Webb Company Management Director: Sully Lemmons, Freeman Webb Company Management Director: Erick Rocha, Volunteer Properties Management Director: Nicole Samson, Carter-Haston Real Estate Services Supplier Director: Nathan Lybarger, Law Office of Hall & Associates Supplier Director: Jennifer McCoy, Law Office of Jennifer McCoy Supplier Director: Lacey Smithson, Tolleson, Inc. Supplier Director: Alberto Suastegui, Real Floors, Inc. Maintenance Director: Jeremy Byrd, Crest at Burkitt Ridge Maintenance Director: Rusty Guilliams, The Place at Fifth and Broadway Past Chairman: Mary Bradley, Arlington Properties Past Chairman: Stephanie Burns, NTS Development Company Past Chairman: Brad Cather, Elmington Property Management Past Chairman: Kirby Davis, Freeman Webb Company Past Chairman: Faye Ellis, IREM Past Chairman: Andy Gass Past Chairman: Stacey Holt, Continental Realty Corporation Past Chairman: Shelley James, High 5 Realty Advisors, LLC Past Chairman: Tammy Lee, Lincoln Property Company Past Chairman: Chari Lewis, Giarratana Management Past Chairman: Stacy Molen, Fogelman Properties Past Chairman: Nancy Morris, Freeman Webb Company Past Chairman: Linda Page Past Chairman: Ellen Parker, Brookside Properties Past Chairman: Susan Sherfield, Mercy Housing Past Chairman: Lisa Swick, Bell Partners Past Chairman: Zac Ward, Freeman Webb Company Past Chairman: Joyce Wolfe IREM Representative: Richard Wright MDHA Representative: Norman Deep Legal Advisor: Wesley Hall, Law Office of Hall & Associates 12
Greater Nashville Apartment Association
October Event Highlights APARTMENT TOUR
ELECTION NIGHT
LOW INCOME HOUSING TAX CREDIT COURSE
HOW TO LEVEL UP
MANAGERS LUNCHEON
TENNESSEE BUSINESS EXCHANGE
ON TREND
Thankfulness by Lisa Gunderson, Bristol Development My favorite cycling instructor starts every class with encouraging words, gratitude, and thankfulness that we all have the opportunity to be there. In a world populated with fear and divisiveness because it generates the most clicks, take this time of year to reflect on what you can do to express your gratitude to others. What does that mean in the day-to-day? Be kind, thank people for showing up and do the unexpected. This morning started with an email sent to our leadership team, letting them know what a joy it is to work with my team and how thankful they are for our business. This was a one-time, heartfelt appreciation that was unexpected. I am grateful for all of you, our work in property management, and the opportunity to write this column. You can make a difference with your words and actions – thank you!
News & Events
17
MARKETING
Oh What Fun! by Allison Zong, Lincoln Property Company We are just a few short weeks away from the holidays, which means it’s Holiday Party Time! Community holiday events are the perfect way to bring our residents together and close out the year on a positive, and festive, note!
Flannel and Fizz
Time to flannel up! Have your residents attend in their best flannel, whether it’s their favorite flannel shirt or even flannel pajamas and onesies! Everyone stays comfy while they sip their champagne, plus you will have the added bonus of your social postings looking cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. #ChannelYourFlannel
Grinchmas Party
Spreading Grinchmas Cheer! The Grinch is a classic holiday movie, loved by everyone of all ages. Encourage your residents to wear Grinch green and red, and be sure your décor and food/ beverages are all on brand as well! #GrinchYoSelf For those of you whose residents enjoy activity-based events more than just eating and drinking and being merry, here are some crafty and culinary holiday events:
Boughs of Holly Wreath Making Party Wreaths and Wine!
Let’s face it, sometimes our residents’ taste in holiday wreaths is…“eclectic” to say the least. Not only will this event give your hallways a beautiful cohesive News & Events
look, it could also be a way to manage your residents’ creativity! Reach out to your landscaping suppliers for sponsorship by providing the greenery for you! I also suggest searching for a local artisan to lead the class, and supply the adornments. This takes the pressure off your team and also gives small businesses love to a local retailer/artist! Oh, and don’t forget the WINE! #DeckTheDoors
S’Mores Party Night!
The Holidays are S’More Fun with You! Who doesn’t love a good s’more! Make your s’mores a bit more merry by adding peppermint bark instead of the standard chocolate. Also during the holidays, you can even find peppermint marshmallows if you just can’t give up that milk chocolate! You can bundle everyone up and head out to your community grilling areas, or take it inside and purchase electric s’more makers! #LetsGetToasted Nashville is overflowing with music talent, and a lot of this talent more than likely lives right at your community!
Ho Ho Ho-Down Holiday Open Mic Night Carols and Country!
Hosting Open Mic Nights is a total winwin for everyone! You’re highlighting local artists while also providing interactive, holiday entertainment for your residents. Plus adding a Country Holiday theme to the event makes for a very authentic Nashville Night! #JollyJingles 19
NEXTGEN
Rising Stars Series BRANDI SAVAGE – Staffing Coordinator, Career Strategies Inc Years in the Industry 12 years on site - 3.5 years supplier
Volunteer Positions Currently and Previously Held Habitat for Humanity
What brought you to the apartment industry? I moved to Nashville with my dad when I was 14, and the property manager where we lived sort of became like my second mom. She let me sit in the office with her after school and on the weekends to watch what she did, then when I turned 18 she got me my first leasing job with her company.
Was this career path something that was always on your radar? No
Did you have any unrelated jobs growing up that unexpectedly prepared you for the apartment industry? No
Why is property management an attractive career path? I started property management at a young age so I was able to experience the good, the bad, and the ugly firsthand. It has taught me how to handle/manage certain situations as they arise, and to be more patient. It was a great learning experience for me and there is always room to grow.
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Watch movies and make blanket forts with my kids.
Do you have any pets? Yes, a Maltipoo named Mini.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled? Disney World
Give us a fun fact about you. I played soccer and softball in middle school and was a cheerleader all through high school.
What upcoming GNAA event are you excited to attend and why? The Gala! I love to dress up, get my hair and makeup done and take pictures!
Do you have a motto you live by? Always be kind.
If you could get a “do over” for something in your career, what would it be and why? I would set goals to challenge myself a little more, and be more confident.
Any advice you could give to the rising stars of GNAA? Stay involved and active in all the GNAA events and classes they offer. It is a great way to meet some amazing people and network.
Best professional advice you’ve ever been given? You have to separate your work life from your personal life.
News & Events
21
NEW MEMBERS MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
SUPPLIERS
Abberly Foundry (231)
Air duct cleaning; alarm systems; hvac contractors; plumbing contractors
HHHunt Lance Goss 800 Hethwood Blvd. Blacksburg, VA 24060 919-461-0587 logoss@hhhunt.com
APARTMENT COMMUNITIES
300 Hickory 300 Hickory Hollow Pl. Nashville, TN 37013 615-731-4770 300hickoryasst@elmingtonpm.com 276 apartment homes Elmington Property Management Crockett 4042 Shurgard Way Nashville, TN 37076 615-866-2277 thecrockett@lincolnapts.com 199 apartment homes Lincoln Property Company Fifty Forty Flats 5042 Linbar Dr. #300 Nashville, TN 37211 629-225-7012 5040flatsmgr@elmingtonpm.com 116 apartment homes Elmington Property Management Sonoma Ridge at Fairview 150 Fairview Ln. Clarksville, TN 37040 931-551-5670 lgambrel@volprop.net 78 apartment homes Volunteer Properties
News & Events
AMS Industries, Inc. Dakota Brown 3314 Ambrose Ave. Nashville, TN 37207 331-775-5249 dbrown@ams-pmt.com
Arrco Blake Thurman 820 E. 20th St. Cookeville, TN 38501 931-510-5255 blake@arrcoair.com HVAC supplies
Filterforfridge.com Scott Folis 2101 Deerfield Dr. Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 615-852-1497 scottfolis@tds.net
Appliance parts; maintenance services/supplies
Joshua K Olson, LLC DBA Rug Rover Carpet Cleaning/Rug Rover Property Services Keith Falkowski PO Box 84 Grand Haven, MI 49417 615-560-3583 jared@rugrover.com
Cabinet repairs; carpet cleaning & repair services; floor restoration; general contractor (remodeling/repair); odor removal; tile floor cleaning/stripping; water extraction/damage
Spruce Maribeth Graham 601 W. Parmer Ln. Austin, TX 78753 419-265-2174 sales@getspruce.com Cleaning services
23
Law Office
Hall & Associates M. Wesley Hall III
Nathan C. Lybarger Matt Schulenberg LandlordAdvocate® Landlord Advocate® 223 Madison Street • Suite 212 • Madison, TN 37115
6 1 5 . 8 6 8 . 4 1 0 1 • Fa x 6 1 5 . 8 6 8 . 3 8 9 3
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
Education Committee
NOVEMBER
9am
2
Friday
3
6
7
8
Saturday
4
5
11
12
Suppliers Luncheon 12pm
10am
Daylight Saving Time Ends
News & Events
News & Events Committee
Thursday
9
10
Can You See Me Now? 10am
Veterans Day
Statistics Committee 9am
13
14
Membership Committee
15
DEI Committee
16
17
18
Omni Nashville
9am
9am
19
GNAA Awards Gala
Communications Committee 10am
20
21
22
23
Thanksgiving Day
24
25
GNAA OFFICE CLOSED
26
GNAA OFFICE CLOSED
27
28
29
NextGen Committee
30
9am
25
October Event Highlights MAINTENANCE LUNCHEON
26
Greater Nashville Apartment Association
October Event Highlights WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE
APARTMENT TOUR
HOW TO LEVEL UP
MANAGERS LUNCHEON
News & Events
27
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FUN PRODUCTS
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800-931-1562
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