November 18, 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.

Where Quality of Life is a Cardinal Rule

The official slogan for South Sioux City, NE, is “where quality of life is a cardinal rule.” And that also goes for Canterbury Village, a 96-unit affordable property managed by Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC). Constructed in the 1970s, Canterbury Village features one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. One-bedroom units are 600 square feet and rent for $836 per month. Two-bedroom units are 800 square feet and rent for $941 to $977 per month. Three-bedroom units are 1,000 to 1,100 square feet and rent for $1,146 per month. Residents enjoy a central laundry facility, clubhouse, business center, playground, and the buildings are smoke-free.

South Sioux City, NE, is a small yet thriving community in Dakota County, located in the northeastern corner of the state along the Missouri River. Known for its unique blend of rural charm and industrial economy, South Sioux City is part of the larger Sioux City metropolitan area, which spans three states (Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota). It has a population of about 13,000 residents, making it a smaller city with a close-knit community vibe. The larger metro population is 146,000 people.

Agriculture and food processing have long played essential roles in the local economy, given its proximity to rich farmland and the Missouri River. Additionally, South Sioux City has diversified its economy with various manufacturing and service industries, contributing to a relatively low unemployment rate and steady economic growth.

South Sioux City is known for its well-maintained parks, recreational trails, and scenic views along the Missouri River. The city has a vibrant park system, including scenic spots like Crystal Cove Park, which offers a lake for fishing, trails, and picnic areas. The area’s recreational amenities make it a popular place for outdoor activities, particularly during warm months. The Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center (see photo) is a tourist attraction hosting more than 30,000 visitors annually.

Carmela Dunnick (2024) is the Property Manager and Kristina Viera (2017), Senior Regional Vice-President, is the interim Regional Manager. Mike Gioia (2020) is the Senior Property Accountant and Nancy Lewis (2021) is the Accounting Assistant.

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

Christopher McGee – Loretto at Creekside, Live Oak, TX – Maintenance Supervisor
Harry Bowman – Tiger Island Senior, Morgan City, LA – Maintenance Technician
Emily Anderson – Andover Park, Kansas City, MO – Leasing Agent
Craig Franklin – Libertad Des Moines, Des Moines, IA – Maintenance Technician
Frank Leos – Trails at Lehow, Englewood, CO – Maintenance Technician
Steven Squires – Lincoln Heights Townhomes, Hastings, NE – Maintenance Technician
Maya Hibbler – The New Broadview, East St. Louis, IL – Leasing Agent
Jesus Monsivais – Loma Vista Lofts, San Antonio, TX – Courtesy Patrol Officer
Mwamba Ngeleka – Centennial Manor, Sioux City, IA – Maintenance Technician
Cierra Brown – Corporate Remote – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Mabel Haro – Corporate Remote – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Val Quezada – Corporate Office – Recruiter
Mister Gardner – Lofton Place, Fort Worth, TX – Maintenance Technician
Ruth Moore-Nickelson – Old School, New Orleans, LA – Leasing Agent
Christina Casebolt – Nexus 5 Group – Project Manager

Meet the Village Park Team

Meet the Village Park team. (L to R) Claudia Ruiz (2020), Assistant Property Manager; Alex Dominguez (2021), Maintenance Technician; Cameron Dawn (2023), Maintenance Technician, and Elizabeth Duey (2024), Property Manager.

Village Park is a 164-unit affordable community being re-developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) in Amarillo, TX.

Transformational Construction

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

A little snowstorm at The Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO.

Great looking unit interiors at Panorama Heights in Colorado Springs, CO!

This is the site of a soon-to-be constructed swimming pool at the Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX.

The retaining wall is several hundreds of feet long at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Lewis Lofts in Mankato, MN, is nearing completion (foreground). Sinclair Flats is in the background.

New carport roofs are being installed at Village Park in Amarillo, TX.

The construction site at the Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX, is massive.

Footings will soon be poured at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

Halloween Costume Contest Results

There was a great deal of creativity on display in the Corporate Office and at various apartment communities on Halloween. See for yourself.

First Place – Residences at Franklin Park

Second Place - Carlyle Apartments

Scary Perry 81

Orchard View

Park at Forest Hill

Brighton Creek

Summit at Osage

The Scooby Doo Crew at Lofts at Ventura

Corporate Office – 1st Place Winner – HR Department – Wizard of Oz.

Corporate Office – 2nd Place Winner – Legos.

Nexus 5 Group

Corporate Office – Debbie Van Dyne as Pennywise.

Cohen-Esrey Welcomes Val Quezada!

Val Quezada has been hired as a Recruiter and joins Dee Krause (2022), Recruiter, on the Human Resources Team! Val began her career in HR and recruiting in 2016. She has experience filling roles for Regional Above Store Supervisors, General Managers, Customer Service and Crew Members. Most recently she did full life cycle recruiting for KBP Brands, think KFC, Taco Bell, and Arby’s. This involved sourcing, interviewing, and onboarding management level team members. She was involved with E-Verify case management for all KPB Brands 1,000+ store locations. Val is bilingual (Spanish) and has tracked the hiring cycle metrics and performances to forming applicant flow through 3 ATS (PM and TalentReef,) Indeed, Chattr, LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, hiring events, flyers, job postings and budgeting.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Val!

Introducing the Cohen-Esrey Mobile Leasing Team

We are pleased to announce the creation of our Mobile Leasing Team, a dynamic and strategic initiative to support the lease-up efforts of Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) properties. This team is designed to provide both remote and onsite leasing support, playing an instrumental role in generating leads, guiding applicants through the leasing process, and facilitating efficient file approvals. By streamlining these essential processes, the Mobile Leasing Team is poised to help our properties reach crucial lease-up deadlines and drive occupancy goals to new heights.

Our newest team members bring a wealth of experience and dedication to Cohen-Esrey. They have demonstrated a strong Commitment to excellence, and we’re excited to see how their talents will elevate our leasing capabilities.

Meet the team:

Sherry McGee (2023) – Sherry came to Cohen-Esrey as a Customer Fulfillment Specialist and then moved into a position as Revenue Manager for CEDG. Recently, she has been helping with lease-ups at Trails at Lehow in Englewood, CO, Lofts at the Grim in Texarkana, TX, and Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX.
Gina Dickerson (2022) – Gina has previously held Property Manager positions for Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC). She also served as an interim Property Manager for CEC. She was instrumental in completing the lease-up at Trails at Lehow and has been leasing at the Lofts at the Grim and Loma Vista Lofts.
Naomi Sedberry (2024) – Formerly the Assistant Property Manager at Lofts at Ventura, Naomi joins the Mobile Leasing Team with a strong background in the mortgage industry. Known as a "file processing pro," she has consistently excelled in ensuring compliance and accuracy in file management, a skill that will be invaluable in supporting our leasing goals.
Tiffany McCarty (2024) – Previously serving as Cohen-Esrey’s Customer Fulfillment Specialist, Tiffany is passionate about creating outstanding experiences for everyone she interacts with. She brings a commitment to exceptional customer fulfillment, ensuring applicants and residents feel welcomed and valued at every stage of their journey.
Cierra Brown – With five years of experience as a Leasing Manager in the multifamily industry, Cierra is known for her meticulous approach to organization and attention to detail. She thrives in creating structured, efficient environments that support effective leasing operations.
Mabel Haro – Transitioning from the digital solutions industry, Mabel brings a strong focus on goal completion, customer fulfillment, and leadership. Her background equips her with unique insights into process optimization and customer engagement, skills that will enhance our Mobile Leasing Team’s success.

Naomi, Tiffany, Cierra, and Mabel are joining forces with Sherry and Gina to drive these lease-up initiatives forward. Two more Mobile Leasing Consultants are being hired, bringing the total to eight. Together, this talented team is set to make a powerful impact on our leasing efforts, ensuring our properties achieve their ambitious occupancy goals.

Nexus 5 Group Welcomes Christina Casebolt

The Nexus 5 Group is pleased to welcome Christina Casebolt as its newest multi-family Project Manager, to the Nexus 5 Group family. Christina comes to us with over 35 years of experience across multiple industries including construction, retail sales and management, claims adjusting, insurance compliance, auditing and multifamily property management.

For the past 20 years she has been a leader in multifamily property management, specializing in operations, and facility oversight. We are excited about the relationships, energy and drive that she brings to our team.

Outside of work Christina enjoys traveling, visiting distilleries, boating, swimming, gardening and crafting. A fun fact: Christina’s first river rafting experience included a terrifying moment in a Level 5 rapids where she was thrown out of the raft and nearly drowned – a reminder that sometimes the best adventures come with a splash of danger.

More on Open Enrollment

By Gina Long (2022), Human Resources Business Partner

It’s time to enroll for your 2025 benefits.

See the link below that will assist you in making decisions for Open Enrollment, which lasts through Friday, November 22. Please make your 2025 selections early, if possible. Spanish notices are available at request.

Please note: Our Medical provider has changed to United Healthcare. If you want to enroll in a medical plan, you must make an election.

If you utilize a Health Savings Account, you must update it each year.

All other benefits remain the same. Please log in and verify all elections.

https://flimp.live/MyCohenEsreyBenefits

To accomplish enrollment:

Login to Paylocity
- In the top left corner click on the gray “HR & Payroll” box
  - From the side menu, click on “BSwift” (locate the icon)
  - You will be taken to the BSwift site.
In Bswift:
- Click on Start Your Enrollment
- Verify your personal information
- Via radio button, select and view the various benefit options and per pay period costs.
- If you choose not to enroll, simply click on “WAIVE” in one or all benefit options.

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have questions – glong@cohenesrey.com and (913) 671-3343.

Zoom Zoom Zoom

By Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer

In today’s virtual workspace, practicing good Zoom etiquette is essential to keeping meetings respectful, professional, and distraction-free. Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:

Turn on your camera whenever possible. This shows engagement and respect for others, creating a more personal connection even in a virtual setting.
Adjust your camera to frame your entire face — not just the top of your head or your chest. This makes your expressions clear and ensures effective visual communication.
Dress professionally. Even if you’re attending from home, appropriate attire reinforces a sense of formality and respect for the meeting.

For a smoother meeting experience, it’s important to manage audio and background distractions:

Mute your microphone unless you’re speaking. Background noise, whether from typing, pets, or other household/office sounds, can easily disrupt the flow of conversation.
Choose a quiet, isolated area whenever possible to minimize background noise and ensure everyone can focus on the discussion.
Avoid having people move in and out of the camera view during the meeting, as motion in the background can be distracting for others on the call.
Test your microphone ahead of time. When you join the Zoom meeting, zoom gives you a private moment to test that your mic is working and that you have the right mic selected.

Finally, remember that behaviors, even small ones, are noticeable on camera. Actions like fidgeting, grooming, or fiddling with your nasal apparatus can distract or annoy others. To keep your Zoom meetings polished and professional:

Stay seated and attentive, avoiding distracting habits.
Actively listen and remain focused on the conversation, contributing to a respectful and productive meeting environment.

By following these simple tips, you help create a smoother, more polished, and respectful Zoom experience for everyone involved.

Resiliency: The Power of What Ifs and Even Ifs

By John Hinman (2011), Managing Director – the Nexus 5 Group

In life, we often face challenges that test our limits, push us to the brink, and force us to confront fears that seem insurmountable. But it is precisely in these moments of adversity that the concept of resiliency becomes crucial. Resiliency is not simply about bouncing back from hardship; it is about how we navigate the terrain of fear and faith in the face of uncertainty. To explore resiliency through the lens of fear and faith, let's look at two powerful constructs: what if statements and even if statements.

What If: Fear of the Unknown

"What if" statements often arise in moments of fear, uncertainty, and doubt. These are the questions that swirl in our minds when we're confronted with a challenge or change. They reflect our anxieties about the future and our vulnerability to outcomes we cannot control.

For example:

What if I fail?

What if I’m not good enough?

What if things don’t work out the way, I hope?

These questions tap into our fear of the unknown and our instinct to protect ourselves from potential harm. They represent the mental barriers we must overcome if we are to build resiliency.

Fear has a way of paralyzing us, preventing us from taking the necessary steps forward. When we focus too much on "what ifs," we become trapped in a cycle of rumination and inaction. Yet, this is where resiliency is born. It is not about eliminating fear, but about learning to navigate it with courage and clarity.

Even If: Faith in the Face of Adversity

On the other side of fear lies faith — not necessarily in religious terms, but in the belief that we can overcome difficulties, regardless of the outcome. Faith is what propels us to move forward despite the uncertainty. It’s the quiet confidence that we are capable, even when the road ahead looks difficult.

Consider the "even if" statements:

Even if I fail, I’ll learn from it.

Even if I’m not good enough today, I will keep trying.

Even if things don’t go according to plan, I will adapt.

"Even if" statements reflect an attitude of resiliency, where the focus shifts from the fear of what could go wrong to the faith that we can handle whatever comes our way. They are rooted in trust. Trust in ourselves, in our capacity to cope with adversity, and in the belief that setbacks are not the end but opportunities for growth.

Fear vs. Faith: A Dance of Resilience

In the journey of resilience, both fear and faith coexist. Fear is not something to be eradicated, but something to be understood and managed. Faith is not a guarantee of success, but a tool that helps us persist despite uncertainty. Together, they create a dynamic where resiliency thrives.

For instance, when faced with a challenge at work, you might think, what if I get rejected? What if I’m not prepared enough? These "what if" thoughts trigger fear and hesitation. However, by transforming those fears into "even if" statements, you create space for resiliency to emerge. Even if I get rejected, I will keep improving. Even if I'm not prepared enough today, I'll learn from the experience and try again.

Resilience is not about avoiding fear but learning how to move forward despite it. It’s about recognizing that life will always present us with uncertainties, but we have the inner strength to navigate them. The balance between what if and even if becomes the bedrock of our resiliency.

So, the next time you're confronted with a challenge, ask yourself: What if I fail? And then respond with an even more powerful question: Even if I fail, will I still rise?

In that answer lies the true essence of resilience.

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, Nick Emenhiser (2022), Development Director for the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG), shares his inspirational thoughts.

“Growing up in Moore, OK, which is a dreadfully boring working-class suburb south of Oklahoma City, I became deeply passionate about urban design, community planning, suburban infill (‘retrofitting’), and historic preservation – all the interventions that I wish my town had. As a 90s kid, my favorite video game was SimCity (all of them, and I dreamed of ‘fixing’ towns like my own. I have always been drawn to the ‘bricks and sticks’ aspect of development work, and particularly inspired by opportunities to totally reimagine a site for the better.

On the flip side of that opportunity, I always resented how developers in Moore would get unimaginable variances for additional curb cuts, or cheaper materials, or other issues that I felt further cheapened our community. I was a feisty kid with a blue-collar chip on my shoulder. And I was wrong about a lot, with much to learn. These days I have been completely dispelled by that obsession with physical outcomes to the exclusion of a human outcome. What does that mean? Well maybe Joe Blow in Moore had a legitimate need for a variance and those compromises were necessary to finalize a deal that brought investment, grew a small business, and created jobs in our community. Those human outcomes outweigh an extra curb cut or whatever else it takes.

Today, when I check-in with our non-profit partners in Colorado, I focus on the human challenges they are facing. One occasionally has homeless youth turn up deceased right before they get approved for housing, the other often has families being torn apart by addiction or mental illness. These human crises take a serious toll on the social workers assigned to work these cases, and these social workers need support, encouragement, and occasionally a nice lunch. These partners are looking to us for more than delivering buildings.

Our projects with these partners are not about ‘fixing a site’ or even making a developer fee – these projects are about stemming the bleeding on our streets and improving human outcomes for entire communities. They must focus on human outcomes, such as the Fulfillment and Empowerment of residents, to the exclusion of anything else. These projects bring so much reputational benefit to Cohen-Esrey in Colorado, and they may be mildly profitable as well. These are smaller developer fees than we could otherwise prioritize, but these deals have their own long list of advantages, and I hope they inspire all our staff who interact with them. I am extremely grateful that Cohen-Esrey allows me to play a small role in this work as well, because it is an honor to be a ‘Launchpad guy.’

All our projects do this in different ways. In this company, you’re either housing homeless youth, or revitalizing a Midwestern main street, or preserving a beautiful historic landmark, housing the workforce needed for American manufacturing, or some other great cause. I love Cohen-Esrey because of our mission to create steady, sustainable housing opportunities grounded in community partnership. And in the end, the only thing that matters are the people.”

An Empowerment Story

By Lana Frank (2022), Property Accounting Assistant

Lana Frank, (2022), is a Property Accounting Assistant. Here is what she has to say about her Empowerment:

“In 2022, I chose to shift my career into accounting. I was familiar with the field and had over 16 years of experience assisting and consulting in accounting departments at Kazakhstan Railway Company. I was looking for a role within a company that truly supports and empowers its employees, providing a foundation for growth and development.

My daughter once told me how her best friend, Emily Fletcher (2022), Property Accounting Assistant-Supervisor, loved working at Cohen-Esrey, a company known for its Commitment to its people. Inspired, I applied for an open Accounting Assistant position, and after several interviews, I was thrilled to join the accounting team. Emily turned out to be a fantastic mentor, always there to guide me and help me succeed.

During my onboarding, I had one-on-one sessions with Marcie Teenor (2013), Chief Financial Officer, and Kurt Parrett (2008), Property Accounting Manager. They helped me understand what was expected of me and Empowered me to find my strengths.

I am grateful to Emily Fletcher, Nancy Lewis (2021) Property Accounting Assistant, and Leslie Whitney (2022), Property Accountant, who led by example and encouraged me to build confidence and expand my knowledge as I started this new chapter in my career. The Cohen-Esrey team has always been helpful to me. Whenever I have questions or need support, they are always there. Their support inspires me to do my best to help others in return.

I enjoy my role as an Accounting Assistant because it inspires me to learn something new each day, keeping me motivated and engaged. Cohen-Esrey’s positive work environment Empowers Me to Thrive both personally and professionally, offering new experiences along my journey.

Fun Photo!

A great photo from the archives. This one is of Bob Esrey (1970) Chairman, and his wife Sue, at the 2010 company Christmas Party.

This is How It’s Done . . .

When Cynthia Cobbins (2016) became Property Manager at Justin Place, a 96-unit tax credit property in Kansas City, MO, she had several vacant units to fill. But Cobbins was up for the task. She assumed her role at Justin Place in October of 2021 when the property had only 82 percent occupancy. “I don’t like vacancies,” Cobbins said.

Cobbins hit the ground running and got her property in a condition to lease its vacant units. “A great way to maximize occupancy is to have good communication, regular contact, and a smile,” Cobbins said.

Justin Place’s current occupancy sits at 98.96 percent. Cobbins said she maintains that high occupancy by welcoming new prospects with her friendly demeanor and smile and by gaining the trust of the current residents so that they continue to renew their leases year after year.

Regional Vice President Cassie Colston (2004), said the turnaround at Justin Place occurred very shortly after Cobbins joined the team. “Occupancy at Justin Place when Cynthia arrived was 82 percent. She had it at 90 percent within six months,” Colston said. "The last time the site had achieved 90 percent occupancy was September 2015. By September 2022 the site hit 95 percent occupancy and kept it through 2023. The property has maintained occupancy over the last 12 months of 96 percent (or higher).”

Cobbins said she reaches her goals at Justin Place by constantly coaching her team, reviewing her processes, and keeping a smile on her face.

Colston said several attributes stand out about Cobbins in her role as a leader of the property including her “unwavering commitment to excellence and her relentless drive to succeed.”

“She leads by example every day, and the quality of her work is a true reflection of her character and the strong team she’s built around her,” Colston said. “She simply doesn’t accept failure – only growth and progress. Her resilience and resourcefulness have been crucial in transforming her property, and the passion and grit she brings to every challenge have turned it into a true success story. She proves that when you put in the work, inspire those around you, and never give up, anything is possible.”

The Justin Place team works together to ensure that the residents are happy and the units are full. From left, Maintenance Technician Anthoni Alexander (2021), Property Manager Cynthia Cobbins (2016) and Make Ready Technician Randen Woods (2023).

Under Cobbins' leadership, Justin Place has excelled at annual inspections. “The site has state-required annual inspections conducted by the Missouri Housing Development Commission for file, physical, and operational review,” Colston said. “Upon joining the property in late October 2021, they were faced with the 2021 state inspection within just four weeks of arrival. The previous year’s score was Below-Average, resulting in a 500+ page response requirement. Despite the short preparation time, the 2021 inspection produced a similar Below-Average rating, though Cynthia was able to reduce the response requirement to 128 pages. Determined to drive improvement for the next year's inspection, she made significant changes and, by the 2022 audit, achieved a Satisfactory score, reducing the response length to 32 pages. Continuing this trend, the 2023 inspection yielded an Above-Average rating, with the required response to only two pages – demonstrating remarkable progress. Most recently, the 2024 inspection took place on November 7, and preliminary feedback from the inspector indicates a Superior rating for file review and occupancy, with an Above-Average score for physical aspects. This reflects the Commitment to growth, success, and continuous improvement in property operations.”

The team at Justin Place has also increased its NPS score from +5 in 2021 to +93 at the end of 2023.

Cobbins still has more goals she wants to accomplish at Justin Place. She said she wants to achieve zero delinquencies and 100 percent occupancy. “That’s coming,” Cobbins said. “That’s my next goal.”