Board of Directors Election Let Your Voice Be Heard
Through the Ranks Entryway Graduate Tasha Spurlock
Election Night Cocktails and Costumes
Education Schedule
Luncheon
the Candidates
for Beginners / HVAC for Advanced
Bruncheon
of Highly Successful Multifamily Professionals
DRIVEN BY INTEGRITY COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
Founded in 1992, Timberland Partners began with the acquisition of a modest 46unit apartment community in Minnesota.
What initially began as a partnership between founder Bob Fransen and some real estate friends as grown into a national organization. 32 years later, the organization now owns and manages 90 apartment communities, totaling over 20,000 units across 18 states.
As they continue to grow, Timberland Partners remains committed to providing exceptional service to its residents, and opportunities to each of its 500+ team members.
Since entering the Tennessee market in 2014, Timberland Partners has acquired a portfolio of ten multi-family properties encompassing over 2,390 units. They recognize and appreciate that the area has emerged as one of the strongest apartment markets in the country with its growing, diversified economy and surging population growth due to its business-friendly environment, low cost of living and high quality of life.
Timberland Partner’s first Tennessee purchase was Rivergate Meadows located in Goodlettsville in 2014, followed a year later by Legacy Village in Springfield. They quickly acquired a three-property port-
folio in 2016, which included Fountains at Meadow Wood in Clarksville, Lakes of Columbia in Columbia and Falls at 109 in Lebanon. They continued their expansion with the acquisition of Brookes Edge in Cleveland, Ashton Creek Farms in Smyrna, the Villas at Oak Crest in Chattanooga, and Heritage Lake in Knoxville. In 2023, Timberland Partners acquired the most recent Tennessee community Addison at Rossview (pictured on the cover) in Clarksville. The seven Greater Nashville communities are led by Regional Manager Lauren Miles. Lauren brings nearly 13 years of multifamily industry experience. She is an active member of the GNAA and is currently a Leadership Lyceum candidate.
Timberland Partners remains committed to its presence in Tennessee, with aspirations to continue acquiring well-constructed, high-quality assets in thriving locations throughout Tennessee. “We plan to add further value by implementing upgrades and improving the living experience of the residents,” noted Matt Fransen, Chief Investment Officer for Timberland Partners. “Nashville continues to be a strong market performer with continued prospects for future growth. We look forward to continuing to build upon our portfolio in the Nashville area.”
Mark your calendars for this year’s Women’s Conference
The countdown is on for one of the most empowering events of the year—the GNAA Women’s Conference, happening on October 24, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the beautiful City Winery located at 609 Lafayette Street in Nashville. This year’s theme, “Strength in Every Woman,” promises a day of inspiration, leadership, and community, showcasing the power of women in the real estate industry.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker: Dr. Debbie Phillips
We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Debbie Phillips, CPM, as our keynote speaker. As the president of The Quadrillion, Dr. Phillips brings over three decades of experience across a variety of property types. Her impressive career has earned her numerous accolades, including being named a Woman of Influence in Real Estate by Globe Street in 2019 and receiving the Real Estate Award of Excellence from the Institute of Real Estate Management in 2015.
Dr. Phillips is known for her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the real estate industry. Her keynote speech is sure to leave attendees inspired and ready to take on new challenges in their personal and professional lives.
Dynamic Panel Discussion
In addition to Dr. Phillips’ keynote, attendees will have the chance to learn from a powerhouse panel of industry leaders during the dynamic panel discussion. This year’s panelists include:
Alex S. Jackiw, CPM – CEO of Hayes Property Services LLC
Cindy M. Clare, CPM – CEO of Bell Part-
ners
Ronda L. Puryear, CAM, CPM – President of Management Solution
These trailblazing women bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the stage, offering insights into leadership, property management, and the unique challenges faced by women in the real estate industry. Whether you’re an established professional or just starting your journey, this discussion will provide valuable takeaways for all.
What to Expect
The GNAA Women’s Conference is more than just a professional event—it’s a celebration of women’s strength, resilience, and achievements in real estate. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals, hear from inspiring speakers, and participate in discussions that address the evolving landscape of the industry.
With a combination of inspiring keynotes, insightful discussions, and the chance to connect with other driven professionals, this year’s conference promises to be an unforgettable experience.
How to Register
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering event! Registration is now open, and seats are filling fast. To sign up, visit www.gnaa.org/events and secure your spot today.
Whether you’re looking to grow your network, learn from industry leaders, or simply be inspired by the incredible women shaping the future of real estate, the GNAA Women’s Conference is the place to be.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD
Time is winding down to vote in this year’s GNAA BOD election
The clock is ticking, and the time to cast your vote is almost over! The Greater Nashville Apartment Association (GNAA) 2024 Election is in full swing, and the voting period runs from September 17 to October 17, 2024. This is your chance to shape the future leadership of the GNAA by electing dedicated professionals ready to serve our community. Whether you vote online or in person, your voice matters—and the window to make it count is closing fast!
Here’s a quick look at the nominees vying for key positions this year: FOR CHAIRMAN: Tammy Lee FOR CHAIRMAN-ELECT: Stephanie Burns and Andrew Klahn
FOR VICE CHAIRMAN: Eddie Ivey FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER: Alicia Jones and Nicole Samson FOR MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR:
Melanie Brink
Jay Cathey
Haley Flood
Amy Heskett
Chad Vasquez
Laura Watkins FOR MAINTENANCE DIRECTOR:
Rusty Guilliams and Emir Skopljak
FOR SUPPLIER DIRECTOR:
DJ Arbogast
Nathan Lybarger
Abraham McCarver
Jennifer McCoy
Bridget Opfer
Christina Race FOR MANAGERS REPRESENTATIVE:
Alex Moore
Annie Orso
Taylor Rodrigues
Amber Sabato
Kellie Sleeper
Holly Wauford
FOR MAINTENANCE REPRESENTATIVE:
Cory Aswegan
Branon Saldana
Guy Wheeler
FOR SUPPLIER REPRESENTATIVE:
Marie Berry
Melinda Penny
Rachel Stewart
The GNAA Election Night will be the grand finale, taking place on October 17, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Lounge at Emerson Hall, 2512 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville. Join fellow GNAA members for a night of celebration and networking. Tickets are $45, and valet
parking will be available. It’s not just about the election results—it’s a great opportunity to connect with peers, reflect on the year, and look ahead to the future of our organization.
How to Vote
Voting is easier than ever with GNAA’s online platform. Starting September 17, GNAA members will receive an email with personalized login information, allowing them to access their ballot from anywhere. This includes your member ID, email, username, and password, which you’ll use to log in. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you haven’t seen this email yet. The system is designed with ease in mind—you’ll be able to review candidate bios, see headshots, and make informed choices before submitting your vote. After your ballot is cast, you’ll receive a confirmation email to let you know your vote has been counted. Remember, once you submit your vote, it’s final, so make sure your choices reflect your preferences!
For those who prefer voting in person, the GNAA office will be open for on-site voting during the election period, and ballots can also be cast on Election Night.
EDUCATION SCHEDULE 2025 2025
Jan. 3 CAM - Certified Apartment Manager $995 Collecting with Class and Sass
Jan. 28
$139
Feb. 56 CPO - Certified Pool Operator $599
March 6 HVAC Certification $399
April 2 Hands on Low Voltage $399
April 15 - 17 CALP - Certified Apartment Leasing Professional $799
April 30 Leasing like the Stars! $225
May 8 HVAC Introduction $225
June 24 Budget Round up Course $139
Aug. 6th Mental Health Class $299
Aug. 13 HVAC Certification $399
Sept. 11 HVAC Advanced $225
Sept. 18 Legal Conference $349
Oct. 1 HVAC Industry Changes $225
Oct. 21 Resident Retention and Marketing $139
Oct. 30 Women’s Conference $199
Nov. 12 - 13
LIHTC - Low Income Housing Tax Credit Course $350
ADVANCING THROUGH THE RANKS
Entryway graduate quickly excelling in multi-family maintenance, completes programs
Story by Chris Smith
Tasha Spurlock, known as “T” to her co-workers, is a Maintenance Tech at Ashwood Cove in Murfreesboro. She entered the multi-family world through the Entryway program in 2023 and quickly advanced.
After five months as a housekeeper, she was promoted to maintenance tech and has since received her CPO and EPA certifications.
Tasha also is a participant in the GNAA LEAD program this year. In that program she enjoyed being able to talk with maintenance techs at other properties.
Tasha said her father, who worked at a body shop, taught her all sorts of things when she was a kid, including how to reverse the doors on appliances and wet sand a car. The car experience offered additional lessons, however.
She sanded too far down into the metal and got a tutorial in applying bondo to repair the damaged metal. Her father was not amused.
Like most good maintenance techs, Tasha has the ability to figure out things on her own. “I watch a lot of YouTube videos.”
In fact, that is one of her favorite parts of the job. Learning how to do new things. “To go from not knowing how to do something to
doing it well gives me a sense of accomplishment.”
Tasha loves the variety in her job, from doing make ready’s to plumbing, general maintenance, and all things electrical. “It is something different all the time. I love it. It is exciting.” When asked what most people do not know about maintenance techs in multi-family, she says, “People do not realize we do such a large variety of work. Plumber, electrician, pest control. We wear many hats.”
Tasha said working at Ashwood Cove is by far the best job she has ever had. “We all come together and there is a real sense of community. We have lunch together frequently, and all of the techs cover for each other when someone needs to be out.”
Alicia Jones, the Community Manager at Ashwood Cove said, “We are thrilled to have T on our team! I am so proud of her growth since joining our team and Freeman Webb. She has excelled on the maintenance team since being promoted, and our residents have often given her rave reviews. She has accomplished so much in the last 18 months, both in her career and her personal life. She is truly an asset to our team and our communities.”
Beer, Butts and BBQ Recap
Now’s the time
to make plans on your properties for winter WINTER PREPARED?
Winter in Tennessee can be unpredictable, and this past January reminded us just how powerful a snowstorm can be. Middle Tennessee saw anywhere from 4 to 9 inches of snow, transforming familiar streets and buildings into a winter wonderland—and bringing a host of challenges for apartment maintenance professionals. With such significant snowfall, preparing your property for the season is more important than ever to keep residents safe and your buildings running smoothly.
Keep the Heat Flowing
When temperatures plummet, heating systems become the lifeblood of any apartment complex. The snowstorms from January left many residents cranking up their thermostats, pushing HVAC systems to their limits. To prevent breakdowns when they’re needed most, make sure your furnaces are serviced, filters are changed, and thermostats are functioning properly before winter settles in. A malfunctioning heater in freezing conditions is more than an inconvenience—it can lead to frozen pipes and water damage. A little preventative
maintenance now can save you from major headaches (and expensive repairs) later.
Fight the Freeze: Snow and Ice Removal
When several inches of snow blanket parking lots and sidewalks, maintenance teams become the frontline defense against hazardous conditions. Slippery walkways are a serious safety hazard, but with a solid snow and ice removal plan, you can help residents navigate winter safely. Stock up on ice melt, keep snow shovels and blowers in good condition, and clear high-traffic areas promptly. Don’t let the snow build up—your quick action not only prevents slips and falls but shows residents you’re ready to take on winter’s challenges.
Pipe Protection: Stopping Frozen Pipes Before They Start
Cold weather can wreak havoc on plumbing, especially when temperatures dip and stay below freezing. Frozen pipes are a common, costly problem, but they’re avoidable with some proactive steps. Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas, and encourage
residents to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach plumbing lines. Letting faucets drip during extreme cold can also keep water flowing and prevent pipes from freezing solid. A small drip can save you from dealing with burst pipes and the water damage that follows.
Winter Roof and Gutter Care
While snow-covered roofs may look picturesque, the weight of that snow can put your property at risk. Gutters clogged with ice or debris can lead to ice dams, which can cause leaks and water damage. To avoid issues, inspect your roofs and gutters before winter storms hit, and be prepared to monitor snow buildup. Keeping gutters clean and roofs in good repair will keep winter weather from creating costly problems
Take necessary steps to ensure your properties are ready ahead of the 2024-2025 winter season.
down the line.
Preparation Is the Best Defense
With the heavy snow Middle Tennessee saw this past winter, it’s clear that winter preparation is key for apartment maintenance professionals. From keeping heating systems running efficiently to ensuring safe walkways and protecting against frozen pipes, every step you take now will help ensure a smooth winter season. By being proactive, you’ll keep your property safe, your residents comfortable, and avoid scrambling when the next winter storm rolls in.
Winter can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
The GNAA Membership Committee invites all new members and current members to partake in a membership networking mixer We will have members speak on topics of how to maximize your membership and to connect with other GNAA members. This is a FREE event and is open to all members of GNAA!
Membership Connection Flyer
Covering a wide range of topics about productivity hacks, work/life balance and how to advance your career. AMY HESKETT Greystar
LETISHA UWAIFO Urban Housing Solutions
October 3rd 9:30 - 11:00 AM
ON TREND ON TOUR
by Lisa Gunderson, Bristol Development
Recently, an article about creating the best customer experience was published in UNITS, the National Apartment Association’s bimonthly (August/September) publication. It heavily focused on our customers’ changing needs. They want seamless, convenient, digital, and transparent processes. How are you applying that to your apartment home tours?
Earlier this year, my marketing director shared the TikTok trend of the “speed tour,” a quick, narrated runthrough video tour of an apartment. Attention spans are short. What are you doing to make the experience of touring your community stand out? Ultimately, this quick video trend makes moments fun, memorable, and perhaps a little quirky.
We have not entirely adopted that trend on all our assets, but we have embraced the video component,
having our photographer comply with video montages that we feature at the top of all our websites –highlighting the best aspects of our community. We have always utilized an interactive site map to help potential residents select their homes. Over the past year, we added a feature to allow a quick video tour of each unit to be uploaded to the map.
We empowered our teams to make these videos using a gimble to ensure they are easy to watch. Using the map, they can navigate to their desired floor plan and location and “see” their new home. They can also start and stop as they wish, without many complexities. Without a significant investment in a website upgrade, you could make the same type of videos for your vacant apartment homes to share with prospective residents. Happy touring!
Flats
Flats
Wedgewood - Houston 8:45 AM - 3:00 PM
Assembly
DEI - Embrace, Engage, Empower Recap
MANAGEMENT COMPANIES
AJ Capital Partners
Amber Cone
429 Chestnut St. Nashville, TN 37203
615-663-6676
acone@ajoperations.com
APARTMENT COMMUNITIES
Chartwell at Marathon Village
Zozan Omer
801 12th Ave. N. Nashville, TN 37203
389 apartment homes 615-985-8301
chatwellatmarathon@rpmvillage.com
RPM
Emblem Park
Oscar Sanchez 1414 Fourth Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37210
346 apartment homes
629-209-6904
emblemparkmgr@elmingtonpm.com
Elmington Property Company
Holbrook
Laura Cameron
100 Madison Dr. LaVergne, TN 37086
88 apartment homes
holbrookmgr@freemanwebb.com
Freeman Webb Company
Local Nashville
Daniel Jackson
1904 Hayes St. Nashville, TN 37203
307 apartment homes
615-732-0300
localnash@willowbridgepc.com
Willow Bridge Property Company
Madison Century Farms
Ruthann Curry
4101 William Turner Pkwy. Antioch, TN 37013
266 apartment homes 629-220-0832
centuryfarms@madisoncapgroup.com
Madison Communities
Sumner Pointe
Connie Kauffman
1048 100 Magnolia Springs Rd. Portland, TN 37148
64 apartment homes 615-802-8340
sumnerpointe@royalamerican.com
Royal American
SUPPLIERS
Carrier Enterprise
Robert Westmoreland 6719 Flagstone Dr. Ooltewah, TN 37363 423-355-5810
The GNAA Membership Committee invites all new members and current members to partake in a membership networking mixer We will have members speak on topics of how to maximize your membership and to connect with other GNAA members. This is a FREE event and is open to all members of GNAA!
