April 20, 2026

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.

John C. Fremont Would Be Proud . . .

Fremont, NE, approximately 35 miles northwest of Omaha, is home to Yorkshire Manor, an 84-unit affordable community managed by Cohen-Esrey. Built in 1971, the property offers one-bedroom units of 640 square feet renting for $886 per month. Two-bedroom units are 823 square feet and rent for $951 per month, and three-bedroom units are 957 square feet and rent for $1,114 per month. Amenities include a community room, business center, playground, bike rack and storage, picnic area, shared laundry facilities, and controlled access with an intercom system. Unit interiors boast updated bathrooms and kitchens with Energy Star appliances. Water and gas utilities are paid by the property. Residents enjoy nearby businesses including multiple restaurants, a bowling alley, numerous stores, as well as local schools.

Fremont, NE, is a vibrant city in Dodge County, serving as the county seat in the eastern part of the state. Founded in 1856 and named after explorer and politician John C. Fremont, it quickly became a key stop along the Overland and Mormon Trails. The arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad in 1866 transformed it into a thriving trade center for farmers and cattlemen.

Nestled in the valley between the Platte and Elkhorn Rivers, Fremont offers a blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. With a 2020 population of 27,141 – making it Nebraska’s sixth-largest city – it continues to grow steadily. The city is home to Midland University, contributing to a strong educational foundation alongside excellent public schools.

Fremont’s economy has deep agricultural roots, supported by manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. Its historic downtown district features antique shops, local businesses, and cultural attractions like the Louis E. May Historical Museum, housed in a Victorian mansion built in 1874. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy parks, fishing, boating, camping, and the popular Splash Station water park.

The city provides reliable utilities, with water service dating to 1885 and electric power since 1895. Families appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere, quality of life, and proximity to Omaha. Fremont balances rich pioneer history with contemporary opportunities, making it an appealing place to live, work, and visit in the heart of the Midwest.

Kasey Gaughen (2025), is the Property Manager, and Heather Sauerwein (2010), is the Regional Manager. Mike Gioia (2020), is the Senior Property Accountant, and Nancy Lewis (2021), is the Property Accounting Assistant.

We welcome the following new team members to Cohen-Esrey and the Nexus 5 Group.

Christina Flowers – Northwoods, Kansas City, MO – Maintenance Technician
Kenneth Harris – The Landing at 818 – Sun Prairie, WI – Maintenance Technician
Jimmy Carter – Holiday Garden Townhomes – Grand Island, NE – Property Manager
Steven Zuniga – Lofts at Creekview – San Antonio, TX – Lead Maintenance Technician
Tierra Bennett – Carlyle Apartments – Shawnee, KS – Property Manager
Eric Browning – Centennial Park – Kearney, NE – Maintenance Technician
James Schultz – Oakwood Apartments – Vermillion, SD – Maintenance Technician

Meet the Elmhurst Terrace Team

Meet the Elmhurst Terrace team. (L to R) Bennie Gates (2022), Maintenance Supervisor; Peter Done (2025), Maintenance Technician; Robin Scaro (2024), Assistant Property Manager; Randy Richards (2023), Custodian; Celi Lopez (2024), Leasing Agent; Jorgji Pazolli (2021), Maintenance Technician; and Lisa Ralston (2020), Property Manager.

Elmhurst Terrace is a 315-unit market-rate apartment community in the Chicago suburb of Elmhurst, IL. It is managed by Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) for a Cohen-Esrey Apartment Investors (CEAI) partnership.

Transformational Construction

Construction continues at Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) future communities.

The fitness center at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX, will soon have a wide selection of exercise equipment.

A brand new kitchen in Building 3 at the Lofts at Creekview.

Sheetrock installation has begun at The Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

A corridor takes shape at Overlook 157.

More Great Customer Fulfillment!

Panorama Heights has done it again! Recently a special movie night was provided and sponsored by AT&T and Quantum Fiber. The residents truly look forward to the events hosted by management throughout the year. These gatherings give neighbors a chance to connect, build friendships, and create lasting memories together as a community. It’s always rewarding to see everyone come out, enjoy themselves, and share in the fun.

The support of AT&T and Quantum Fiber is sincerely appreciated as it helps bring engaging, high-quality experiences to Panorama Heights residents. Partnerships like these allow the community to continue creating events that everyone can look forward to!

HR Corner

By Franci Rabinowitz (2025), Recruiter

Let’s Talk About Weight Loss at Work

Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

When it comes to weight loss, there’s no one size fits all solution. Healthy weight loss often isn’t about dramatic diets or intense workouts—it’s about building small, sustainable habits that fit into daily life, including the workday.

Here are a few practical, realistic ideas to help support healthy weight loss—at your own pace.

Focus on Habits, Not the Scale

While the number on the scale is one measurement, long term success often comes from focusing on behaviors such as:

Choosing balanced meals that include protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Moving your body a little more each day.
Staying consistent rather than striving for perfection.

Even small daily improvements can lead to meaningful results over time.

Making Movement Part of Your Day

You don’t need long gym sessions for weight loss to happen. Simple additions can help:

Take short walking breaks between meetings.
Try a walking meeting or post lunch stroll.
Stretch or stand up every hour.

These moments of movement not only support weight management but can improve energy and focus.

Weight Loss Support Through Your Cohen-Esrey UHC & Surest Plans:

*We are highlighting this information in response to the feedback HR received from our recent Benefits Survey.

As interest in weight management options continues to grow, we want to share an important update on the resources available through the UHC and Surest medical plans – and clarify how weight loss is covered.

GLP-1 Medications: Coverage Overview

Prescription weight-loss medications, including GLP-1s, are not covered for weight loss under the UnitedHealthcare (UHC) and Surest plans. GLP-1 medications are covered only when prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

While medications are not available for weight loss under the plan, there is a comprehensive, no-cost program available to support healthy, sustainable weight management.

Real Appeal®: Weight Management at No Cost to You

Both UHC and Surest plans include the Real Appeal® program at no additional cost to members. Real Appeal is an online weight management and healthy lifestyle program designed to help participants build lasting habits through education, accountability, and community support.

What Real Appeal Offers:

Personalized coaching with trained health coaches.
Live online group sessions and a supportive member community.
Goal setting and progress tracking through an easy-to-use app.
Expert-led workouts and educational resources.
A Success Kit mailed to your home after your first live session, which may include tools like food and weight scales and a portion plate.

The program focuses on realistic, sustainable lifestyle changes – nutrition, activity, and mindset – to support long-term health.

Getting Started

Eligible members can enroll here. Participation is voluntary and included as part of your medical benefits..

Bracket Brilliance & Buzzer Beaters: March Madness Takes Over at Cohen-Esrey

By Kipp Keffel (2024), Director of Training and Customer Fulfillment

The Fun Team Committee brought energy, excitement, and a little friendly competition to the workplace this March with its annual March Madness Bracket Challenge. This year’s event saw strong participation, with nearly 50 team members submitting brackets for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments.

Throughout the tournament, participants kept a close eye on game results, upsets, and buzzer-beaters, making for plenty of conversation and camaraderie across teams. The dual-bracket format added an extra layer of engagement, giving everyone more opportunities to showcase their college basketball knowledge (or luck!). The nets have been replaced, the confetti has been picked up, and new champions have been crowned! Congratulations to Michigan and UCLA on their big victories! But some would argue more importantly, we have our winners for the Cohen-Esrey Bracket Challenge!

Men’s tournament bracket challenge top three:

1st place: Jennifer Miller (2025), Director of Human Resources

2nd place: Rhianna Jones (2025), Property Accounting Assistant

3rd place: Mary Drainer (2024), Property Manager – Brookshire Estates

Women’s Tournament bracket challenge top three:

1st place: Brian Weber (2020), Project Manager – Nexus 5 Group

2nd place: Lisa Moore (2021), Draw Specialist

3rd place: Dee Armstrong (2022), Recruiting Manager

The event was a great example of how a little friendly competition can bring people together, spark connection, and a little boost of fun while at work. A big thank you to everyone who participated and to the Fun Team Committee for organizing another successful and engaging event! If you have any interest in joining the Fun Team Committee to help plan for events throughout the year, reach out to me, Kipp Keffel, kkeffel@cohenesrey.com.

Historic Buildings of Cohen-Esrey

Cohen-Esrey has a long history of developing and/or managing some really cool historic buildings. In this series, we feature one such building in each issue.

Owensboro Historic Residences

The Owensboro Historic Residences located at 301 E. 9th Street in Owensboro, Kentucky, represent a successful example of historic adaptive reuse. The property originated as the Kentucky Buggy Manufacturing Building (also known as the MPD Warehouse), a late-19th-century industrial structure constructed around 1895. For decades, it served as a key part of Owensboro’s manufacturing economy, producing buggies and wagons during the city’s growth as a river port and industrial hub along the Ohio River.

By the early 21st century, the century-old brick building stood vacant but retained its historic character, including exposed beams, large windows, and sturdy construction. In 2014, the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) recognized its potential and began a major renovation project. The building’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places qualified it for historic tax credits, enabling a sensitive conversion into modern affordable housing while preserving architectural details like interior brick walls, exposed piping, and historic windows.

The grand opening took place on September 20, 2018, transforming the former warehouse into 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Today, it offers income-restricted units with contemporary amenities such as Energy Star appliances, plank flooring, an elevator, community room, and off-street parking, all within walking distance of downtown attractions like Germantown Park. This project exemplifies Owensboro’s commitment to preserving its industrial heritage while addressing housing needs.

Thanks for An Amazing Thirty Years!!!

By R. Lee Harris (1975), President and CEO

On April 17, 1996, Jeanette Jayne joined Cohen-Esrey as my Executive Assistant. She had considerable experience in the property management world having worked for the REO department of a Kansas City area bank, where she was instrumental in preparing $20 million in foreclosed properties for disposition as well as providing financial management and reporting for numerous properties. Before that, she spent six years with a large commercial real estate firm as the Property Manager for five suburban office buildings totaling 581,000 square feet. At the time she joined us, she was raising a young family and wanted to step back a bit from the chaos and long hours of property management. Little did she know that was never going to happen!

In 1999, due to her IT experience, she was promoted to Chief Information Officer, having already launched Cohen-Esrey’s first webiste during 1997 and 1998. In 2001, she was again promoted to Chief Administrative Officer, and in 2007, she became Managing Director for Cohen-Esrey, LLC. As Executive Vice-President and Managing Director, she has overseen the administrative integration of all business units and profit centers. Jeanette also manages human resources, corproate office operations, information technology, legal matters, and provides leadership for the overall corporate infrastructure.

Jeanette has been instrumental in many of our initiatives over the years. She and I launched Commerce Village, LLC in 1999 where we built a website for a large shopping center we managed and then built websites for numerous apartment properties that surrounded the center. The objective was to drive traffic from the apartments to the shopping center. This venture was eventually sold to a technology company in St. Louis for a tidy profit. Jeanette also helped coordinate the sale of our commercial leasing, brokerage and property management operation in 2005, to a group of our commercial brokers.

Jeanette has played an important role in the community currently serving as Vice Chair of the board of Newhouse, a Kansas City organization dedicated to supporting victims of domestic abuse. She is a former board member for Lakeview Village, a 533-unit non-profit continuing care retirement community, and a past board member of the Greater Kansas City YMCA. She was a recipient of the Kansas City Business Journal’s Women of Influence award in 2015, and continues to mentor other businesswomen in Kansas City.

Cohen-Esrey has existed for 56 years and Jeanette has been a key team member for more than half of that time. Our company wouldn’t have succeeded without her drive, resilience, intellect, and leadership. She exemplifies the Cohen-Esrey Core Values every day with grace and humor.

Speaking of humor, I’ll never forget the day many years ago when we were meeting with a couple of IT salespeople who were very full of themselves. They were trying to impress us with their knowledge of their product and Jeanette and I were both becoming very frustrated. At one point, I asked them if their product worked in conjunction with a “pixel reduction componentizer,” to which they insisted that there was total compatibility. I looked at Jeanette who was working very hard not to laugh . . . because I had just made up the “pixel reduction componentizer” term. The meeting was over at that point – and of course the salespeople did not get the order. Afterwards, I’ve never seen Jeanette laugh so hard. Needless to say, we’ve had fun with that ever since.

Please join with me in celebrating and thanking Jeanette for her 30 years with Cohen-Esrey!

Waiting in the Wings

The Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) always has a pipeline full of projects. This is a periodic feature in People & Properties where we will focus on a development deal that is pending.

In this issue, we are featuring Lofts at Creston Hills in Oklahoma City, OK.

Funding Sources: Equity from federal affordable, and federal and state historic tax credits. Tax-exempt bond debt.

Estimated Project Cost: $25.871 million

Number of Units: 85 – combination of historic renovation of existing school and new construction.

Resident Profile: Workforce/Family

Construction Start: Early 2027

Development Director: Jon Atlas (2015)

Welcome to the Lofts at Creekview

The Lofts at Creekview recently received a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) for one building with TCOs expected any day for two more buildings. TCOs are expected to be received for the remainder of the buildings by the end of April. The Lofts at Creekview is a 301-unit affordable property developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) in San Antonio, TX. We will feature this property in one of the May issues of People & Properties. Stay tuned for more information soon.

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Dubuque, IA: Mississippi River Proud

Dubuque, IA, is one of the oldest cities in the state, located along the scenic Mississippi River. Founded in 1833, it has a rich history rooted in lead mining, river trade, and early Midwestern settlement. The city is named after Julien Dubuque, a French-Canadian trader who was among the first Europeans to settle in the area.

Today, metro Dubuque with a population of 100,000, blends its historic charm with modern development. Its downtown features beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture, including brick warehouses and Victorian homes that reflect its prosperous past. The city has worked hard to revitalize its riverfront, transforming it into a vibrant area with museums, restaurants, and recreational spaces. One notable attraction is the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, which highlights the importance of the river to the region’s culture and economy.

Dubuque is also known for its strong sense of community and quality of life. It offers a mix of outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, and skiing, thanks to its unique rolling hills—unusual for Iowa’s typically flat landscape. Educational institutions like the University of Dubuque and Loras College contribute to a lively, youthful atmosphere.

In 2019, the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) completed the renovation and adaptive reuse of an historic school into Marquette Hall, providing 28-units of affordable housing for the community.

An Empowerment Story

By Michele Rollo-Burns (2018), Director of Leasing and Revenue

My journey with Cohen-Esrey is one defined by growth, trust, and the power of being truly supported. I first joined the company in November 1992 as an Assistant Property Manager at Hunter’s Glen Apartments, early in my career and still finding my footing in the property management industry. It was there that I met a leader who would shape my future – my Regional Manager, Carol Smith. She didn’t just teach me the business; she believed in me. Her mentorship and encouragement gave me the confidence to set goals, push beyond my limits, and build a strong foundation that would carry me throughout my career.

After five impactful years, that foundation stayed with me as I continued to grow in the industry. When I returned to Cohen-Esrey in April 2018 as a Regional Manager, it felt like coming home – but with new purpose and perspective. Over the past eight years, I’ve been given opportunities that have continuously challenged and inspired me. I’ve stepped into multiple roles, each one allowing me to stretch my abilities and make a meaningful impact.

From Regional Manager to Deputy Managing Director, I quickly found myself leading teams, overseeing more than 20 properties, and navigating a dynamic period of acquisitions and dispositions. I played a key role in developing onboarding and offboarding systems that are still used today – work that has left a lasting mark on the organization. I then embraced the opportunity to step into the Director of Revenue role, helping to define the position and set the standard for success. When the need arose to focus on delinquency, I once again stepped forward, building the role from the ground up and driving solutions to complex challenges.

Now, as I take on the additional role of interim Regional Manager over four market-rate properties, I am energized by the opportunity to once again elevate performance and support my teams.

What truly defines my ability to thrive at Cohen-Esrey is trust. I am trusted to lead, to innovate, and to deliver results. That trust has Empowered me to take initiative, adapt to change, and confidently step into new challenges time and time again.

Cohen-Esrey has been part of my career for a total of 13 years – first as the place that built my foundation, and now as the place where I am able to give back, lead, and make a difference in meaningful ways. Empowerment, to me, is not only about the opportunities I’ve been given, but also about how I carry that forward – mentoring others, supporting my teams, and creating an environment where they, too, can thrive.

Being trusted, valued, and needed – those are the things that make empowerment real. And that is what Cohen-Esrey has given me..

Educational Assistance is a Difference Maker!

Cohen-Esrey offers educational assistance to team members. Here is what Lisa Moore (2021), Draw Specialist, and Destiny Kraemer (2023), Senior Property Manager for Marshalltown Senior Residences and Waverly Lofts, had to say about this program.

“The Educational Assistance Program has made a big difference for me during my time with Cohen-Esrey. As a first-generation college student and a returning student after spending a few years in the workforce, it gave me the opportunity to go back to school and pursue a degree I likely wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. I’ll be graduating this May with an associate’s degree in Applied Science in Accounting.

I plan to continue my education and work toward a bachelor’s degree, and I know that without this program, it wouldn’t have been possible. I’m very grateful for the support and would encourage others to take advantage of it.” Lisa Moore

“I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to take advantage of the Educational Assistance program. It has allowed me to work full time while also maintaining a full-time school schedule, with limited financial stress. Through the program, I’ve been able to continue growing professionally while applying what I’m learning directly to my role. I would definitely encourage others to take advantage of it – it’s a great way to invest in yourself while advancing your career.” Destiny Kraemer

As part of Team Member Fulfillment, Cohen-Esrey recognizes the value of your continuing education and encourages you to seek self-improvement through formal and informal education. In certain circumstances, the company may pay the fees and other costs associated with course work or reimburse you for course work completed during the time of your employment. All the following situations must be approved in writing, in advance, by your Manager and Human Resources.

For courses and training the company requires you to take as a function of your position with the Company, Cohen-Esrey will pay 100% of the cost of the course or training including any travel, lodging and meals associated with it. There is no tenure requirement for participation when the company requires training.

The company may also reimburse you, up to a maximum of $3,000 annually, for other education expenses such as continuing education, tuition for coursework, seminars, conferences, and dues for approved organizations. To qualify for these kinds of educational reimbursements, the following will apply:

Team members must have completed six months of service with the company and be in good standing to request educational assistance.
Prior to enrolling in courses, team members should complete and submit the Educational Assistance Form to their manager and Human Resources for approval. Please contact Human Resources or visit K-Net to access the form.
Approval will be based on the applicability of the class/classes or program to your current or possible future role(s) at Cohen-Esrey.
Team members may be reimbursed for the cost of the class tuition, books, and/or other educational expenses upon the completion of the course and providing the following documentation:
- (a) Proof of receiving a grade of C or better (when an A, B, C grading system is used) or a Passing grade (in a Pass/Fail grading system), and,
- (b) Copies of your paid receipts for the course. You will not be reimbursed for any amounts for which you have received other forms of reimbursement such as student loans or grants.
Team members must be actively employed with the company to be eligible for reimbursement payments.
Team members who voluntarily leave the company will be required to repay any amount paid by the company during the prior 24 months for expenses in this category.

Click on the link below to access the Education Assistance Form.

Educational Assistance Form

A Fun Photo!

Signs, signs, everywhere a sign (thank you Five Man Electrical Band for all you youngsters who might have never heard that 1971 song)! Check out the signs on various Cohen-Esrey properties.

This is How It’s Done . . .

By Arley Hoskin (2022), Leasing Performance Strategist

Robrelle Rocks as Senior Property Manager

Senior Property Manager Robrelle Murray (2024) got her start in property management as a volunteer, offering community services to the residents at a property 17 years ago. “The property was in need of a manager, and since I had been there so long volunteering services, they asked me if I would like to manage the property,” Robrelle said. “I enjoy it, and I’m still doing it.”

Robrelle currently works for Cohen-Esrey as the Senior Property Manager for several Louisiana properties, including Bastion 1 and 2, Arts Apartments, Old School, and Tiger Island. Robrelle has been with Cohen-Esrey for about two years. “I love the community service piece,” she said. “I love serving people.”

Despite managing multiple properties, Robrelle doesn’t sacrifice her commitment to each of the residents she serves. “What stands out most about Robrelle is her exceptional leadership as one of four Senior Property Managers for Cohen-Esrey, skillfully managing a large portfolio while remaining unwavering in her Commitment to helping others and consistently maintaining a positive attitude, even in the most challenging situations,” Regional Manager Alisha Brooks (2017) said.

Alisha serves as Robrelle’s Regional Manager and has noticed Robrelle’s passion for the people she serves. “Robrelle’s passion for people makes her a better manager because she genuinely invests in the well-being and success of those around her, fostering strong relationships with both residents and her team,” Alisha said. “This people-first approach builds trust, improves communication, and creates a supportive environment where challenges are handled with empathy and efficiency, ultimately leading to stronger performance across her properties.”

Bastion 1 is currently ranked sixth on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) leaderboard for properties with 50 units or less, with a score of +65.

Robrelle looks at each resident she encounters as a chance to create a positive experience. “Property management gives you the opportunity to change lives, or at least touch lives,” she said. “Every person that comes through the door, I see that as an opportunity.”

Alisha said there are plenty of qualities and traits that property managers can learn from Robrelle. “Other property managers can learn the value of leading with both excellence and empathy. Robrelle shows that success isn’t just about managing properties – it’s about building relationships, staying positive under pressure, and being consistently willing to step in and help wherever needed,” Alisha said. “Her example highlights the importance of strong communication, a people-first mindset, and the ability to balance a demanding workload while still supporting others, all of which contribute to a more effective and respected leader.”