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May 19, 2025
Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.
Sinclair Lewis Would Be Proud
It’s with great pleasure that the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) announces the opening of the Lewis Lofts a 55 and older community in Mankato, MN. Previously, CEDG completed and opened the 48-unit Sinclair Flats, located across the parking lot from the Lewis Lofts. The 64-unit project cost was $17.6 million and used affordable housing tax credits as a source of funds. Lewis Lofts features a community room, fitness center, business center, computer center, storage units, a community garden, pet wash station, parcel locker system, and a picnic area. Apartments have in-unit washers/dryers, plank style flooring, stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, and high-speed internet access. These are Energy Star certified apartments as well. One-bedroom apartments are 654 to 716 square feet and rent for $987 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are 877 to 925 square feet and rent for $1,182 per month.
Sinclair Flats and Lewis Lofts were named to honor the famous American novelist, Sinclair Lewis (1885 – 1951), who spent some of his childhood in Mankato. He was the first American Nobel Prize winner for Literature in 1930, and is renowned for his incisive social critiques and vivid portrayals of American life. His novels, including Main Street (1920), exposed the conformity and materialism of small-town America, capturing the struggles of individuals against societal norms. Babbitt (1922) satirized the hollow aspirations of the American middle class, while Arrowsmith (1925) explored the ethical dilemmas of a scientist navigating commercial pressures.
Lydia Bargabus (2023), is the Property Manager and Rebecca Grimm (2019), is the Regional Manager. Jasmin Santana (2024), is the Property Accountant and Jalen Havel-Stephens (2024) is the Accounting Assistant. Heather Sauerwein (2010) from our Mobile Leasing Team has been assisting with the lease-up.
We welcome the following new team members to Cohen-Esrey and the Nexus 5 Group.
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Breanna Schreier – Fairfield West Townhomes, Lincoln, NE – Assistant Property Manager
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Willie Strong, Jr. – Hawthorne Hills, Cedar Rapids, IA – Maintenance Technician
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Jordan Douglas – Corporate – CEDG Development Manager
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Eric Davis, Jr. – Corporate – CEDG Development Manager
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Taylor Branch – The Launchpad, Colorado Springs, CO – Property Manager
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Julie Merrill – Century II, Sioux City, IA – Property Manager
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Callie Vannier – Corporate Office – Property Accounting Assistant
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Rhianna Jones – Corporate Office – Property Accounting Assistant
Meet the Fairfield West Team
Meet the Fairfield West team. Kevin Lewis (2025) Maintenance Technician; Breanna Schreier (2025), Assistant Property Manager; Monte Richardson (2025) Maintenance Technician; and Antoine Lewis (2025) Property Manager.
Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) manages the 50-unit Fairfield West Townhomes, an affordable community in Lincoln, NE, for a third-party client. In addition, the Fairfield West team manages the 50-unit Glenbrook Townhomes, also in Lincoln, NE.
Transformational Construction
Construction continues at Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) future communities.
The Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO has been completed and is an imposing structure.
Construction of the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX is moving at a rapid pace.
Painting inside the clubhouse at Village Park in Amarillo, TX.
Stone masons are hard at work at the Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.
Plumbing and electrical underground work is progressing at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.
Welcome Eric and Jordan!
Jon Atlas (2015), Managing Director of the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG), has announced the hiring of Eric Davis Jr. and Jordan Douglas as Development Managers.
Eric’s experience includes more than two years with Price Development Group as a Development Associate where he focused on the due diligence process, market analysis, site selection, and project development components for market rate Class-A multifamily projects in Nashville, Houston, Denver, and Kansas City. In May 2025, he will receive his Master of Business Administration with a Bloch Commercial Real Estate Certificate from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.
When not working, he is a lover of the outdoors, an avid cook, and a plant lover with 16 total cacti in his collection. He also volunteers with the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department on weekends to do community cleanups, invasive plant removal, composting, and other green thumb activities to help the environment.
Eric will be working with Jack Brenton (2018), Development Director, on developments in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa.
Jordan has four years of experience in real estate development and economic development. His work experience includes:
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Port KC, where he worked on development bond financing.
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Sky Real Estate, LLC, a private equity firm where he worked on acquisitions and REIT management; and
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The Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, where he conducted RAD conversion projects, LIHTC deals, and managed the project-based voucher rent subsidy program, along with owner representation of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan for the West Bluff public housing site.
Jordan holds a B.S. from Missouri State University in Community and Regional Planning as well as a Post Graduate Certification from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Commercial Real Estate and is currently finishing his M.S. Entrepreneurial Real Estate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, reading, trying new foods and restaurants, watching movies and shows, spending quality time with his family, and he’s an occasional gamer.
Jordan will be working with Clark Mills (2022), Development Director, on developments in the Southeast Region
Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Eric and Jordan!
Congratulations, Jalen!
Marcie Teenor (2013), Chief Financial Officer, has announced the promotion of Jalen Havel-Stephens from Property Accounting Assistant to Property Accountant.
Jalen joined the company in December 2024, as a Property Accounting Assistant, the same month he graduated from Emporia State University with a B.S. in Accounting. In his current role, he has been responsible for bank reconciliations, responding to Help Desk tickets, and supporting the F16 training sessions. He has consistently exceeded his KPIs and shown a strong commitment to excellence.
In his new role as Property Accountant, Jalen will be responsible for the financial reporting and cash management for a portfolio of properties. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games, watching soccer and football, and has recently picked up golf.
Please join us in congratulating Jalen on this well-deserved promotion—we look forward to the great work he’ll do in his new role!
New at Cohen-Esrey . . .
By Marilee Scheid (2019), Director of Learning and Development
We’re thrilled to introduce the Predictive Index (PI) Behavioral Assessment to our Cohen-Esrey family!
If you were hired in April 2025 as a Property Manager, you may have already experienced this quick and insightful tool during the interviewing process. The PI helps us better understand how each of us is naturally wired to work—how we communicate, make decisions, and interact with our teams.
What is the Predictive Index?
• A powerful, quick assessment that uncovers behavioral drives and work preferences.
• Not a test—there are no right or wrong answers!
• It gives us insights into how we all work best and how to connect and collaborate more effectively.
Why Are We Using It?
• New Hire Insights and enhanced communication: Tailoring how we work and interact with others.
• Team alignment: Helping us understand each other’s strengths and how we can collaborate better.
• Support and development: Ensuring team member fulfillment by customizing support and coaching.
Got Questions?
• If you have any questions or would like more information on the PI Assessment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Marilee Scheid at mscheid@cohenesrey.com.
Empowering Growth
By Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer
How the Accountability Pattern Supports Team Success
At Cohen-Esrey, we believe the best way to Empower People to Thrive is by providing them with the clarity, support, and follow-through they need to succeed. One of the most effective tools we use to do this is the Accountability Pattern—a leadership approach designed not just to correct performance, but to encourage, guide, and develop our team members consistently.
When used proactively, the Accountability Pattern becomes a framework for positive reinforcement, growth-focused coaching, and meaningful conversations that build trust and momentum.
A Positive Path to Performance
Rather than being a response to problems, the Accountability Pattern helps leaders and team members stay aligned, build mutual respect, and celebrate progress along the way. It fosters ownership and pride in outcomes, making it easier to keep goals in focus and identify opportunities for improvement—together.
Here’s how it works:
1. Measure – Success starts with clarity. Whether it’s a KPI, a daily checklist, or a project deadline, defining what success looks like ensures everyone knows the target. Measurement helps team members track their progress and gives leaders a way to provide feedback based on facts, not feelings.
2. Review Results – Regular, one-on-one conversations about results help reinforce expectations and highlight achievements. This isn’t about criticism – it’s about celebrating wins, identifying patterns, and staying connected to the work. When team members see that their contributions are noticed and valued, motivation grows.
3. Seek to Understand – Even when things are going well, it’s important to check in. What’s working? What feels challenging? Are there opportunities to streamline or elevate the process? By listening and asking open-ended questions, leaders show they’re invested in each person’s success – not just the outcomes.
4. Resolve Concerns – All teams run into obstacles, but great leaders help remove them. This step is about brainstorming solutions, offering support, and making sure people have what they need to do their best work. It’s a collaborative approach to continuous improvement.
5. Commit – The final step is reinforcing alignment: “Will you…” This question isn’t just about accountability – it’s about confidence and shared ownership. When a team member says, “Yes, I will,” they’re stepping forward with clarity and commitment. And when leaders follow up with encouragement and recognition, they reinforce trust and drive performance.
Leadership in Action
The Accountability Pattern is leadership at its best: thoughtful, consistent, people-centered. It reminds us that supporting someone’s performance isn’t about pressure – it’s about partnership. Used regularly, it becomes a rhythm of engagement and growth.
At Cohen-Esrey, we use the Accountability Pattern not to react – but to lead with purpose. Because when people are Empowered, supported, and seen, they don’t just meet expectations – they surpass them.
Cities of Cohen-Esrey
Texarkana, TX
A few years ago, we ran a series featuring several of the larger cities where Cohen-Esrey has or has had a concentration of properties. We’re resuming this series to focus on some of the newer markets we have entered.
​Texarkana, TX, is a unique and historically rich city located in the northeastern corner of the state, right along the border with Arkansas. It forms one-half of the twin cities of Texarkana, with the other half in Arkansas. This unusual bi-state arrangement has become one of the city’s defining characteristics, with the downtown area literally split down the middle by State Line Avenue. City services and governance are coordinated independently, but the communities are closely linked through culture, commerce, and daily life. With a metro population of 150,000, Texarkana’s largest employer is the Red River Army Depot and Lone Star Army Ammunition
Plant with 7,200 employees. Other major employers include Cooper Tire and Rubber (1,700 employees), Domtar Paper Products (1,300 employees), International Paper (960 employees) and Southern Refrigerated Transport (750 employees). The Texarkana Post Office is unique in that it is in two states (see photo).
Founded in the late 19th century as a railroad and lumber hub, Texarkana grew rapidly due to its strategic location and access to multiple railway lines. The city's name is a blend of “Texas,” “Arkansas,” and “Louisiana,” though it sits just outside of Louisiana’s border. Today, Texarkana maintains its status as a regional center for trade, education, and healthcare, serving both rural and urban communities in the area.
Culturally, Texarkana is known for its vibrant arts scene, historical architecture, and musical legacy. The city is the birthplace of noted composer Scott Joplin, often called the “King of Ragtime.” Visitors can explore local museums, enjoy performances at the Perot Theatre, or walk through neighborhoods with well-preserved homes from the early 20th century.
With its distinctive geography, historical significance, and community spirit, Texarkana offers a small-town feel with big-city connections, making it a unique place to live or visit in the Lone Star State.
Cohen-Esrey currently manages 14 properties totaling 1,157 units in Texarkana. The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) completed the historic renovation of the Hotel Grim in December 2023, converting it into 93 affordable units now known as the Lofts at the Grim. It has become a crown jewel for Texarkana’s downtown.
Thank You, Bob!
Where were you in May 1970? Many of you weren’t even born yet! The Pulsar watch was introduced by the Hamilton Watch Company during May 1970 – it was the first wristwatch to use an LED display. The New York Knicks won their first NBA champtionship defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 113 – 99. English supermodel, Naomi Campbell was born in London. The first sale of a programmable desktop computer was made when the Computer Terminal Corporation (CTC) sold 40 of its Datapoint 2200 computers to the General Mills Company. And most famously of all, Bob Esrey launched Dresden Properties, shortly thereafter to become Robert E. Esrey and Company.
Bob likes to tell the story about Kansas Quality Construction, the company he worked for in the late 1960s. KQR was sold to Redmond Development, and the firm was moving to Dallas. Bob was given the opportunity to relocate as well but chose to stay in Kansas City and hang out his shingle. He rented a small office from an acquaintance of his named Ed Dreier. Dresden Properties was derived from the “Dr” from Dreier’s name, the “Es” from the Esrey name, and rounded out with the “den” to make it sound right. The partnership didn’t last long because Dreier was unable to provide the level of support initially promised, so Bob moved into his own office space and changed the name of the company to Robert E. Esrey and Company. He was officially in the property management business at the ripe old age of 32!!
Without Bob’s willingness to risk it all and start his own business in May 1970, Cohen-Esrey wouldn’t exist today. We are extremely grateful for Bob’s foresight and perseverance as he grew the Esrey Company over the years. On May 10, 2025, Bob celebrated his 87th birthday – so we say, Happy Birthday, Bob! And we also say thank you for launching us 55 years ago this month! Happy Anniversary, Bob!!
An Empowerment Story
By Eric Perdomo (2025), Property Manager, Trails at Bartram Park
Eric Perdomo (2024), is the Property Manager at Trails at Bartram Park in Jacksonville, FL. Here is what he has to say about his Empowerment:
“’I slept and dreamt that life was beauty, I woke and saw that life was duty.’ – Jim Rohn
I can only imagine how times, many of us have heard about Empowerment within the job force; hundreds I presume. Yet, with that said, I would like to present how my experience being part of the Cohen-Esrey family has provided me the Empowerment to excel.
The only words that come to mind when explaining how I’ve been empowered to thrive are those words that I started with in this short article by the famed Jim Rohn. At Cohen-Esrey, I've discovered that Empowerment isn't just another corporate buzzword thrown around in meetings—it's the heartbeat of our daily operations.
Drawing from my past in senior leadership positions prior to Cohen-Esrey, I've found that true Empowerment here flows from something deeper than a phrase: it’s that profound sense of duty that Jim Rohn captured so perfectly in his words above.
We all wheel in our "Experience Luggage" to Cohen-Esrey, packed with victories and lessons from past leadership trenches, and some failures too. But what makes this organization extraordinary is how they help us unpack that experience and transform it into something more powerful. For example: here at Trails at Bartram Park, as Property Manager, I've witnessed this transformation through an Empowering support system that's both practical and inspiring:
• Access to every level of leadership—from IT wizards to C-suite veterans if needed.
• Goals that stretch us beyond comfort, backed by real numbers and accountability.
• A tool chest of problem-solving resources that grows with each challenge.
• A clear path forward that turns experience into excellence for professional growth within the company as just recently seen in our yearly conference.
This isn't just support—it's true Empowerment with purpose.
Take our occupancy targets for example: When faced with that 95.8% goal that I placed on myself, I didn't just accept it – I challenged myself to push higher. Yes, we landed at 94.14%, missing it by three move-ins, but here's where the Culture and Empowerment shines: what could have been a disappointment becomes fuel for our next victory, coming from a 90% when I first started. That's the beauty of ‘Duty Meeting Opportunity.’ This type of Empowerment has led me to Thrive here at Cohen-Esrey.
Our mission that 'We Empower People to Thrive' isn't some flashy slogan painted on office walls. It's alive in:
• Leadership that answers when you call.
• Mentorship that corrects with purpose.
• Resources that turn challenges into opportunities.
• A Culture that welcomes innovative thinking.
This beautiful dance between duty and Empowerment isn't just making us feel warm and fuzzy—it's creating results that matter, transforming properties, and changing lives. As I reflect on Rohn's wisdom each morning, I'm reminded that here at Cohen-Esrey, we're not just dreaming of beauty – we're waking up to the noble duty of excellence, one challenge at a time.
When I walk our property each morning, that sense of duty doesn't weigh heavy like a burden – it lifts me up with intentionality. Because I’ve learned that true Empowerment comes from embracing our duty to Excel, to Serve, and to Lead. So, I will close with the statement that I started with that represents in words, how Cohen-Esrey, has Empowered Me to Thrive.
‘I slept and dreamt that life was beauty, I woke and saw that life was duty.’ – Jim Rohn”
A Fun Photo!
Here’s a photo from a 2008 company event featuring (L to R) Becky Trost (2006) CEDG Accountant, Debbie Van Dyne (1987), Corporate Office Manager, and former team member Sarah Maxwell. They haven’t changed a bit in 17 years!
This is How It’s Done . . .
By Arley Hoskin (2022), Leasing Performance Strategist
Dee Bosier (2022) joined the team at Lofts at Ventura in San Antonio, TX, to work closer to home, but the property quickly became her passion. Bosier had previously worked for the property management company RPM. “They were building this location a little bit closer to my house,” she said, referring to Lofts at Ventura. “I was pregnant, and I wanted to be close to home, but I also wanted to work.”
Cohen-Esrey provided the perfect solution for Bosier. She interviewed while she was pregnant and then started the job two weeks after giving birth. “I’m literally about five to seven minutes from home on a busy day,” she said.
When describing Bosier, her former Regional Manager, Alisha Brooks (2017), often uses the word unwavering. “Dee's unwavering positivity and eagerness to serve her residents truly set her apart,” Brooks said. “She approaches every interaction with enthusiasm, warmth, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those she serves. Her uplifting attitude not only brightens the day of those around her but also fosters a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether she’s addressing a concern, offering a kind word, or going above and beyond to ensure residents feel valued and cared for, Dee’s dedication shines through in everything she does.” (Eulalia Mendoza [2025] recently became Bosier’s Regional Manager).
​The Lofts at Ventura team celebrate their property’s high occupancy. From left to right, Assistant Property Manager Wesley Huel (2024), Maintenance Technician Chris Paniagua (2023), Property Manager Dee Bosier (2022) and Maintenance Technician Carlos Martin (2022).
When it comes to Bosier’s leadership qualities, Brooks said, “Dee displays an unwavering commitment to her role, demonstrating integrity, confidence, and patience in every interaction. Her exceptional communication skills allow her to connect with her team effortlessly, ensuring that all team members feel heard, valued, and supported. Whether she is addressing concerns, providing guidance, or simply offering a kind word, Dee’s ability to engage with warmth and professionalism sets her apart. Her dedication and strong moral character make her an invaluable leader.” Bosier said Brooks has served as one of many mentors that she has had at Cohen-Esrey, particularly when it came to the lease up. “Lease ups are challenging,” Bosier said.
Bosier proved to be up to the test. Lofts at Ventura is an affordable property with 200 units, which currently is 98% occupied. “Throughout the years that I have been here we have not dropped less than 96% occupancy,” Bosier said. “It’s great.”
Bosier lists resident retention as her favorite part of the job. “Retaining them is what’s the best. That means that we have lived up to every expectation that they have regarding the property,” she said. “People like coming home and knowing that they have someone who cares.”
Bosier also said she has received a lot of support from the corporate staff at Cohen-Esrey including CEC Executive Assistant Noelle Wilson (2022), Affordable Housing Compliance Specialist Lisa Paszkiewicz (2008), and Human Resources Business Partner Gina Long (2022). “You need support from many people,” Bosier said. “It takes a village to keep properties operating successfully.”
