September 9, 2024

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.

Live in Texas – Shop in Arkansas

You’ve seen a lot in recent issues of People & Properties about our presence in Texarkana, TX. It all started with the Lofts at the Grim, a historic hotel that was converted to affordable housing by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG). This was followed by our assuming management of the Sunset Apartments for a third-party client. And earlier this year, Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) began managing several properties for Village Communities of Texarkana – the public housing authority. One of the Village Communities assets is an 88-unit market-rate property called Woodbridge. Built in 1978, Woodridge consists of two-story garden-style buildings offering residents a clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, fishing pond, and a walking/jogging trail. Unit interiors are appointed with plank style flooring, ceiling fans, fireplaces, balconies/patios, and high-speed Internet access. One-bedroom units are 600 square feet and rent for $630 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are 800 square feet and rent for $710 - $760 per month. Three bedroom units are 1,000 square feet and rent for $860 – $885 per month.

Texarkana's economy benefits from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers such as Cooper Tire & Rubber Company and CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System provide substantial job opportunities for residents. Additionally, Texas A&M University-Texarkana contributes significantly to the local economy, attracting students and staff. This economic stability ensures that those looking for rentals in Texarkana will find a supportive community with robust job prospects. The Kennedy Lane Plaza and Central Mall shopping centers are .6 mile from the property. Texarkana is actually two communities that straddle the Texas/Arkansas state line.

Tonya Foreman (2024) is the Property Manager and Kotarra Rone (2024), is the Regional Manager. Leslie Whitney (2022), is the Property Accountant and Lana Frank (2022), is the Accounting Assistant.

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

Larry Daniel – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Lead Maintenance Technician
Trenton Hollie – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Maintenance Technician
Ashley Haywood – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Assistant Property Manager
Keith Donley – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Groundskeeper
Sharde Cobb – Park at Forest Hill, Memphis, TN – Leasing Agent
Travarus Washington – Oneida Mill Lofts, Graham, NC – Lead Maintenance Technician
Steve Ritchie – Bluejacket Lodge, Shawnee, KS – Maintenance Technician
Yolanda McDuffie – Big Chair Lofts, Thomasville, NC – Property Manager
William Alexander – Lofton Place, Fort Worth, TX – Maintenance Supervisor
William Westphal – Village on Main, Waunakee, WI – Maintenance Technician
Nina Turner – West Park, Sioux City, IA – Assistant Property Manager
Ceylon Land – Holiday Apartments, Grand Island, NE – Custodian

Meet the Residences at Franklin Park Team

Meet the team at the Residences at Franklin Park. (L to R) Jose Marin (2024), Lead Maintenance Technician; Linda Gefroh (2024), HUD Service Coordinator; Tammy Humphrey (2024), Property Manager; and Lili Ordonez (2024), Housekeeper. The Residences at Franklin Park is an 89-unit affordable community in Denver, CO, that is managed by Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) for a third-party client.

Transformational Construction

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

Cutting in windows at The Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO.

A spectacular view from a kitchen at Panorama Heights in Colorado Springs, CO.

Finishing unit interiors at the Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX.

Excess soil has been removed and construction of a huge retaining wall has begun at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Siding is being installed at Lewis Lofts in Mankato, MN.

New clubhouse addition takes shape at Village Park in Amarillo, TX – formerly called Astoria Park.

There’s a big trenching project happening at the Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.

Paving the road has begun at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

Congratulations to Mr. Rupert!

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Ryan Rupert (2018) to the position of IT Infrastructure Manager.

Ryan joined Cohen-Esrey nearly six years ago as our Network Administrator. Since then, he re-architected our network from the ground up including a state-of-the-art virtual server environment. Ryan has completely modernized our switches, Wi-Fi, remote monitoring, and security. He works tirelessly to ensure that our systems always have the latest patches to keep us secure. In his new role, Ryan will oversee all aspects of our technology infrastructure strategy including the network, servers, computer equipment, telephony, security, software licensing, Office/email, and IT Help Desk. He will also serve as the Technology KV Leader.

Please join us in offering congratulations to Ryan on his new role.

Trails at Lehow Grand Opening Photos

A Grand Opening event was held at the Trails at Lehow in Englewood, CO, on August 26, 2024. Bob Esrey (1970), Chairman, and his wife Sue Esrey were able to attend, and Bob informed the audience that this was the third grand opening he has attended in Colorado. The last one prior to this was 55 years ago! This 82-unit affordable project was developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG). Lisa Sorensen (2019), Development Director, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Here are several photos from the event that was attended by more than 50 people.

View the Problem as an Opportunity to Grow

By Brent Phillips, CPM (2021), Maintenance and Safety Director

Many of you know that my background in maintenance has spanned many different industries over the past two and a half decades (Wow, I am definitely feeling my age a bit). What you may not know is that this included a five-year stint in hotel maintenance. A large part of this time was spent working for Marriott Hotels at different locations.

If you have never worked for a Marriott Hotel before, I will let you in on a secret. Every location, no matter the brand, has something in common. In the “back of house” or employee-only areas of all these sites, painted or stenciled on the walls, are different quotes by JW Marriott the company’s founder.

At the site where I spent most of my time, and in the room where we held our daily morning manager’s meeting, each of the four walls had one of these quotes inscribed on it. They read:

“It's the little things that make the big things possible. Only close attention to the fine details of any operation makes the operation first class.”

“Take good care of your employees, and they'll take good care of your customers, and the customers will come back.”

“View the problem as an opportunity to grow.”

“See and be seen. Get out of your office, walk around, make yourself visible and accessible.”

These words had a deep impact on me and I have taken them with in my professional life since. I have found that I can apply them in any industry. For example, in the multifamily world the little thing that makes the big things possible, curb appeal, curb appeal, curb appeal! Show me a property with consistently exceptional grounds and I guarantee you that property is hitting occupancy goals, has above average NPS, and high team moral.

My favorite of them all though, and the one I will leave you with is, “View the problem as an opportunity to grow.” It’s my favorite because it is a challenge and it is about attitude. It is an easy thing to let the challenges we face throughout the day get us down and put us in a bad mood. It has been my experience though that not many good solutions are found when I am in that negative state of mind. However, when I am intentional about viewing the challenges I face as opportunities I find that better, more productive solutions are arrived at quickly and with a smile!

The Revenue Growth Champions!

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

Each month we recognize communities that have realized stellar year-over-year (YOY) revenue growth. For the month of August 2024, here are the standouts with growth of 5% or more. Congratulations to each team for the progress made! Nine properties are on the list this month!

A Healthy Tip

By Jennifer Turner (2018), Director of Human Resources

Essential Back-to-School Health Tips for a Successful Year

Practice healthy hygiene habits – discuss simple ways your child can stop the spread of germs and viruses which seem to spread like wildfire at school!

Wash Hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Teach them to sneeze or cough into their elbow or a tissue.
Remind children to keep their hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth.

Establish a consistent bedtime routine

Children who get adequate sleep can have a healthier immune system, better school performance and have been shown to have better memory and improved mental health.
Create a calming bedtime routine that includes reading a book, taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music.

Provide nutritious meals and snacks

Start the day with a balanced breakfast with protein, whole grains and fruits.
Pack nutritious lunches and snacks.
Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water or milk instead.

Stay hydrated

Hydration helps with children’s energy and concentration throughout the day.
Encourage your child to drink water regularly, especially during and after physical activity.

Choose the right backpack

To alleviate back or shoulder pain, choose a backpack with padded straps and multiple compartments to distribute weight evenly.

Stay home when sick

It is important to keep your child home when they feel unwell to prevent illness from spreading. Teach your child to recognize the signs of common illnesses, like fever, coughing and sore throat.

Address worries and anxiety

Talk to your child about their feelings starting a new school year and reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous.
Create an open environment where they feel comfortable discussing their worries.

Encourage physical activity

Regular physical activity is important for your child’s physical and mental health. Encourage them to participate in sports, join a school club or play outside with friends.
Be a role model and lead by example.

Limit screen time

Set limits on recreational screen times and encourage other activities.
Try to avoid any screens in bedrooms to help promote healthy sleep habits.
Be a role model by also managing your own screen time.

Why We Do What We Do . . .

We continue our new feature for People & Properties focusing on stories about why members of our team do what they do. In this issue, Connie Riley, CPM (2012), Senior Regional Vice-President, shares another inspirational story.

“What truly inspires me is witnessing the profound impact we make in providing quality housing to those who need it most. Over the years, my inspiration has evolved to focus on the successes we achieve as a team. I find immense joy and motivation in seeing team members who are deeply committed to their roles, our properties, and to Cohen-Esrey.

The individuals who embody this Commitment inspire me the most. They consistently go above and beyond, tackling challenges with unwavering dedication and a genuine desire to support residents and their colleagues. It's their passion for their work and career growth that drives them to excel every day.

I often refer to these exceptional team members as the Cohen-Esrey cheerleaders because they exemplify our Core Values in action. They contribute to our collective success effortlessly, demonstrating trust, initiative, and a willingness to help wherever needed. Examples – whether it's the leadership of Alyssa Garza (2022), Regional Manager for South Pointe, where she fearlessly continues to address significant challenges and achieves positive outcomes, or the steadfast support and proactive approach of James Huss (2013), Regional Manager, at taking on new responsibilities when shorthanded, saying, “I’m here boss lady – where do you need me” their actions inspire me deeply.

Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and the positive impact they have on our properties, teams, and the company as a whole. It's their continuous dedication and enthusiasm that keep me inspired and motivated to always do my best.”

Core Value of the Month

Treasures

By Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer

Thirty years ago, my then soon-to-be-wife, Heidi, and I spent a semester in Israel taking history courses in the mornings and working on an archaeological dig in the afternoon at the ancient Philistine city of Ekron. Working under the direction of a team of archaeologists, small groups of students were assigned to a five-meter by five-meter square of earth. Together, each group of students would spend the next three months excavating that square, slowly digging deeper and deeper, surveying the sides of the square as each layer of earth was removed.

Heidi was assigned to a square a half-mile away from mine. At the end of each day, Heidi and I would talk about the treasures we discovered. Heidi unearthed dozens of pots, jewelry, figurines, and even human remains. My square had unearthed several feet of dirt. Good quality ancient dirt. We would fill our rubber buckets (called gufas) with the carefully unearthed soil and carry it away from the square, where we sifted it for any small artifacts. As the weeks progressed, I became discouraged. Other than a few pottery shards, my group had not uncovered anything interesting. Then one day, as I sifted a bucket of earth, a small shiny ball became visible. I was thrilled. I held it in my hand and marveled at who might have owned it all those thousands of years ago. Was it a bead or a pearl? I couldn’t tell. I ran to our group leader and excitedly showed her my treasure. She carefully examined it and declared to our group triumphantly that I had found the first PR of the season. Thrilled, I proclaimed, “Outstanding! … what’s a PR?” to which she replied dryly, “a pretty rock.”

Nope. Not a treasure. However; at the end of that semester, I did come home with a real treasure. That summer, I had proposed to Heidi and she had accepted. Shortly after, we were married.

Some days, just like 30 years ago on that dig site, I feel like I toil and toil without achieving any wins. Recently, Heidi asked me how my day went. I told her that I was feeling discouraged. I wasn’t making progress on several efforts. I wasn’t solving the problems. Heidi could sense my disappointment. She then asked, “Who did you influence for good today? Who did you encourage? Perhaps,” she said, “you are focused on the wrong things. Maybe you should try focusing on people instead of problems.”

Heidi was right. Looking back at 30 years of marriage, I can tell you that no treasure is more valuable than human relationships including friends, family, colleagues, and customers. They are each precious treasures.

At Cohen-Esrey, we are perfectly positioned because we play an important role in the lives of thousands of residents in a very personal way. We support and manage the place they call home. Like my very wise wife of 30 years said, maybe we should focus on people instead of problems. I’m taking Heidi’s challenge to heart and I extend the same invitation to you. Let’s look for solutions that focus on people. The Cohen-Esrey mission can help guide us: We empower PEOPLE to thrive. Cohen-Esrey’s Core Values can help shape our approach:

Act with Integrity: Always be honest and transparent in our dealings with residents and coworkers, ensuring they feel respected and valued in every interaction.
Demonstrate Commitment: Show our dedication to others by going above and beyond to meet their needs and improve their living experience.
Enhance Customer Fulfillment: Focus on creating a positive and fulfilling environment where residents feel truly at home and part of a supportive community.
Promote Community Impact: Engage with neighbors to build a vibrant, connected community that positively influences everyone’s quality of life.
Support Team Member Fulfillment: Empower our team to provide exceptional service, knowing that a fulfilled team is key to delivering outstanding customer experiences.

Family photo during first year of marriage – shortly after the invention of cameras, apparently.

The way forward will become more clear when we set the problems to the side and begin thinking of ways to Empower and lift everybody around us. We can do it. I know we can.

An Empowerment Story

By Levi Cook (2022), Level 1 Web Developer

Levi Cook, (2022), is a Level 1 Web Developer for Cohen-Esrey. Here is what he has to say about his Empowerment:

Since joining the Cohen-Esrey team, I have had numerous opportunities to thrive both in and out of the office. Cohen-Esrey has supported my growth by providing opportunities to continue my education and develop my skills. From the beginning, my manager at the time, Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer, has been a consistent source of Empowerment. One of Mark's favorite sayings, "Onwards and Upwards," has resonated with me throughout my journey here.

Starting as a Help Desk Technician and advancing to my current role as a Web Developer, I’ve not only gained new technical skills but also grown in confidence and capability. Ryan Rupert (2018), Network Administrator, played a key role in teaching me these technical skills, while Mark's encouragement and mentoring, along with the example set by the leaders at Cohen-Esrey, have pushed me to strive for excellence in everything I do. Their leadership has instilled in me the "Onwards and Upwards" mentality. This mentality has been invaluable, not just at work but in all aspects of my life. During my time at Cohen-Esrey, I've celebrated many personal milestones, including getting married, buying a home, and starting a family with a baby girl and another on the way. It is wonderful to know that I work at a place that cares about my future and Empowers Me to Thrive in so many ways.

I am deeply grateful to Cohen-Esrey for the skills and values that have enabled me to thrive both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing this journey and moving "onward and upward" with the amazing Cohen-Esrey team.

A Fun Photo

Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer, donned the Ice Cream costume and toured the Corporate Office passing out cold treats on a hot summer day.

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of September 6, 2024, and the leaders remain the same from the previous month. In the 50-Units or Less category Rankin Mills (Boonville, MO) is the leader with a score of +86.49. In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Justin Place (Kansas City, MO) is firmly in first place with an NPS of +78.57. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, The Boulevard (Springfield, IL), continues its multi-year hold on first place with an NPS of +95.71. There are 20 properties on Leaderboards. Only slightly more than 16% of the properties in our portfolio are on a Leaderboard. The overall NPS has dropped to +2, and the Nexus 5 Group continues to hold steady at +88. It would be so easy for our score to be higher with better delivery of Customer Fulfillment. We read many comments from residents about trash, dirty hallway carpets, unfriendly team members – easy things to fix. We would love to see ten more properties on the Leaderboards next month.