December 2, 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.

Market Rate Affordability

Contree Manoir is a 66-unit market-rate apartment community built in 1978 and located in Muscatine, IA. The property features studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments. Studios are 312 square feet and rent for $608. One-bedroom units are 588 square feet and rent for $788 per month. Two-bedroom units are 816 square feet and rent for $868 per month. Residents enjoy high-speed Internet access, the usual interior appointments and a smoke free environment. Door-to-door trash pickup is a nice service that is provided for the residents.

Muscatine, IA, is a city situated along the Mississippi River and is the county seat of Muscatine County, IA. The population was 23,797 at the time of the 2020 census, and the local business association states that the name Muscatine is not used by any other community in the country. The population of the Muscatine Micropolitan Statistical Area is 54,184, which includes all of Muscatine and Louisa counties, making it the 283rd-largest micropolitan statistical area.

Major employers in Muscatine include Bridgestone Bandag, H. J. Heinz Company, The Raymond Corporation Carver Pump, Bayer, the Kent Corporation with its subsidiaries: Kent Nutrition Group, Grain Processing Corporation and Kent Pet Group, Musco Lighting and Stanley Consultants. The Musser Lumber Company was one of Iowa's pioneer lumber concerns. Headquartered in Muscatine, The HNI Corporation designs and manufactures office furniture including chairs, filing cabinets, workstations, tables, desks and educational furniture under various brand names The HON Company, Allsteel, HBF, Artcobell, Paoli, Gunlocke, Maxon, Lamex, bpergo, and Midwest Folding Products. Sarah Lacina, a contestant on reality TV show Survivor: Cagayan; winner of Survivor: Game Changers, hails from Muscatine.

Eric James (2021) is the Property Manager and Rebecca Grimm (2019), is the Regional Manager. Garrett Cook (2022) is the Property Accountant and Jasmin Santana (2024) is the Accounting Assistant.

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

Kendell Avery, Sr. – Kansas City Area – Roving Maintenance Technician
Lynn Jackson III – Alhaven, Kansas City, MO – Maintenance Technician
Daniel Fuston – Lofton Place, Fort Worth, TX – Maintenance Supervisor
Ashley Barton – Robison Terrace, Texarkana, TX – Property Manager
Jeremy Hollingsworth – South Pointe, Dallas, TX – Groundskeeper
Catherine Everetts – Corporate Remote – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Amanda Pfeffer – Corporate Remote – Mobile Leasing Consultant
Marqis Haywood – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Groundskeeper
Kristen Herrmann – Hamptons at East Cobb, Marietta, GA – Assistant Property Manager
Saul Delgado – Windsor Court, Arkansas City, KS – Maintenance Technician
Javara James – Hamptons at East Cobb, Marietta, GA – Property Manager
Devontae Johnson – Life Skills, Kirkwood, MO – Maintenance Technician
Jordan Mcmillen – Park Edge, Lenexa, KS – Groundskeeper

Meet the Corporate Accounting Team

Meet the Corporate Accounting team. (L to R) Eric Kirk (2011), Corporate Accounting Manager; Sarah Dawson (2021), Accounts Receivable Specialist; Kathleen Williams (2022), Corporate Accounting Assistant: Hayley Fisher (2023) Corporate Accountant, and Garrett Cook (2022), CE Accountant.

The Corporate Accounting Team, led by Eric Kirk and Marcie Teenor (2013), Chief Financial Officer, provide a myriad of accounting services for the various business units, partnerships, and investment funds.

Transformational Construction

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

Wrapping up exterior work at The Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO.

In-unit washers and dryers are being installed at Panorama Heights in Colorado Springs, CO, for a January 2025 opening.

A nice drone view of the nearly completed Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX.

Preparing the roadbed that will encircle the property at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Unit interior work progresses at the Lewis Lofts in Mankato, MN.

Installing trash dumpster pads at Village Park in Amarillo, TX.

Lumber has been delivered to the Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX, as vertical construction is set to begin.

An early season snowstorm at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

Cohen-Esrey Re-forming Roving Maintenance Program

Walker Stull

Kendell Avery, Sr.

Brent Phillips, CPM (2021), Maintenance and Safety Director, has announced that Cohen-Esrey is re-forming its Roving Maintenance Program. This program previously was folded into the Nexus 5 Group several years ago. However, Nexus 5 has eliminated its Service Division to focus on its construction initiatives. Roving Maintenance Technicians will provide assistance to Kansas City area apartment communities when there is a need to supplement on-site maintenance teams. Cohen-Esrey has hired Walker Stull (2022), and Kendell Avery, Sr. (2024), both of whom worked for Nexus 5.

Walker is a Kansas City native and obtained his Universal EPA Certification during his time at Nexus 5. Prior to this he worked as a plumbing contractor in the Kansas City and Denver markets. Walker is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking and camping in his free time.

Kendell is also a Kansas City native and he too, obtained his Universal EPA Certification during his time at Nexus 5. He has more than seven years of experience working in the HVAC field. Prior to this he worked as a second shift supervisor at a local steel manufacturing plant. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring classic cars.

Phillips expects to hire at least one more Roving Maintenance Technician

Thanksgiving in Sioux City, IA

The residents at the Shire Apartments in Sioux City, IA, were recently treated to a Thanksgiving dinner. Because there is no Property Manager currently at this property, the West Park and Century II teams came together and made this happen. Sue Hartwell (2024) HUD Service Coordinator at Century II, made all the arrangements. Then, Sue, along with the rest of the Century II team including Denise Holliday (2024), Property Manager; Keith Rowland (2024), Maintenance Technician; Wesley Church (2024), Maintenance Technician; and Christy Dilks (2024), Operation Support Manager, assisted in serving the residents.

Grand Opening of Lofts at the Grim

On November 21, 2024, the cities of Texarkana, TX, and Texarkana, AR, in concert with the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, held a Grand Opening of the Lofts at the Grim, formerly the Hotel Grim. Built in 1924, the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG), re-developed this property after sitting vacant for more than 30 years, and created 93-units of affordable housing. The City Manager estimated that more than 300 Texarkana citizens turned out for the ribbon cutting ceremony. A dinner was held in the Palm Room and attended by 80 people. Thanks to Maelin Turner (2022), Marketing Coordinator, for being in attendance and taking many photos, some of which you see in the collage below.

Cohen-Esrey Welcomes Cathy Everetts

Cohen-Esrey is pleased to welcome Cathy Everetts as an Affordable Property Compliance Specialist. With over 30 years of experience in affordable housing, Cathy brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to this role. She holds several affordable industry designations, including COS, CPO, HCCP, BOS and CFS. Her comprehensive knowledge spans LIHTC, HUD, HOME, and RD programs. She has extensive experience working in multiple states, such as, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Arizona, Kentucky, and Nevada.

Cathy has a strong passion for affordable housing, particularly in compliance paperwork, resident qualifications, ledgers, vouchers, and HUD Special Claims. Her commitment to excellence was recognized in 2018 when she was honored as the ROCKY AHMA – Howard Roads Manager of the Year.

Outside of work, Cathy enjoys reading, camping, kayaking, and spending time by the water with her husband. She’s an avid traveler who especially loves cruises. Her family includes her husband, five adult sons and her beloved Shihpoo, Holly.

We’re excited to have Cathy join our team and look forward to the positive impact she’ll bring!

Core Value of the Month

A Healthy Tip

By Marilee Scheid (2019), Director of Learning and Development

How to Handle Burnout and Recharge Over the Holidays

The holiday season is around the corner, stress often compounds as work obligations overlap with personal demands. This means balancing year-end projects, managing extra holiday tasks, and planning gatherings — all while trying to make time for rest and reflection. If you're

feeling a sense of exhaustion or mental fatigue, you might be experiencing burnout. Let’s explore why burnout happens, how to recognize it, and ways to proactively address it so you can approach the holidays with renewed energy and focus.

Why Burnout Happens

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress. It often arises in response to work demands, high personal expectations, and a lack of recovery time. Common causes of burnout may include:

Work Demands: As workloads increase near the end of the year, pressure mounts, and it’s challenging to stay productive without feeling depleted.
Lack of Work-Life Harmony: Juggling work with personal responsibilities can lead to burnout, especially if boundaries are blurred. Working from home, for example, can make it harder to "clock out" and disconnect.
Perfectionism and High Expectations: Many people set high standards for themselves, which can create added pressure to perform perfectly.
Emotional Exhaustion: If you’re handling difficult personal or family situations, financial stress, or feeling pressure to meet holiday expectations, the emotional strain can lead to burnout.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

Before burnout escalates, it’s essential to recognize its symptoms. These may include:

Physical fatigue even after rest
Emotional numbness or detachment
Reduced performance and motivation
Irritability or feeling "on edge”
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Identifying these signs early can help you implement strategies to reduce stress and avoid deeper burnout.

Tips for Handling Burnout and Recharging During the Holidays

Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Burnout happens when you’re constantly expending energy without refueling. Prioritize rest by scheduling downtime and committing to it. Plan for restful activities, such as reading, meditating, or taking short naps, which help reset your energy.
Set Boundaries: End-of-year demands and holiday pressures, establishing boundaries is vital. Politely declining extra responsibilities or social obligations that feel overwhelming.
Be Realistic with Your Holiday Expectations: Perfectionism can make holidays more stressful than joyful. Simplify your plans, ask for help when needed, and remember that the holidays are meant for connection, not perfection. Accept that not everything needs to be Pinterest-perfect.
Practice Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or guided meditation, can reduce stress and anxiety.
Practicing Gratitude: Writing down three things you’re thankful for each day — can shift your focus from stress to positivity.
Re-evaluate Goals and Priorities: It’s okay to reassess and adjust your goals. Instead of piling on extra tasks or taking on too many holiday projects, focus on a few achievable goals. Identifying and honoring your limits will help keep your workload manageable.
Plan Self-Care into Your Day: Self-care isn't a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially when dealing with burnout. Whether it’s a walk outside, a hobby you love, or even just a few minutes of silence, prioritizing time for yourself can recharge your mind and body.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Strong social support can buffer against burnout. Be available for friends and family, even if it’s just a phone call or a virtual chat. Sharing experiences and talking through challenges can help reduce stress and provide comfort.
Get Moving: Physical activity can boost mood and reduce stress by releasing endorphins. It doesn’t have to be a rigorous workout — even a gentle walk, yoga session, or stretching can relieve tension and boost your energy.
Unplug Regularly: The constant flow of information and messages can contribute to burnout. Schedule time each day to unplug from screens and step away from emails and social media. Doing so will help you clear your mind and improve your ability to focus.

Seek Help if Needed

If you find that burnout persists despite trying to recharge, it may be time to seek support. Mental health professionals can offer strategies for managing stress and building resilience. Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be beneficial during challenging times.

Move Forward

Burnout doesn’t have to overshadow your holidays or year-end. By recognizing its signs, setting boundaries, and being available for rest and joy, you can reduce stress and create a more meaningful and balanced holiday season. Taking these steps not only helps with recovery but builds resilience for the future. Remember to focus on what truly matters, give yourself permission to recharge, and enter the new year with renewed energy.

The Revenue Growth Champions!

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

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

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, Sonya Shifflett-Bly (2018), Development Manager for the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG), shares her inspirational thoughts.

“I know, firsthand, how important it is to have housing with dignity. I grew up in a tiny house in Roeland Park. I shared a bedroom with my brother until I was 12. The one bathroom was always occupied when you needed it most. We moved to a larger house in Merriam, but it needed so much work. Water poured through the ceilings when it rained. The house was freezing in the winter and steaming in the summer. One day, my hand went through a rotting shower wall when I leaned in to turn on the water. The bathroom remained demo’ed for months as my parents looked for the time and money to fix it. A friend asked to use the restroom one afternoon. I showed her this room with no walls, no floor, no sink, a bare dangling lightbulb, but a working toilet. She turned a bit pale and said, ‘I’ll hold it.’. The house remained in a permanent state of repair for the next 20 years as all its systems were slowly replaced.

So, I was used to living in those conditions. I lived in various houses in various states of disrepair. These were owned by friends or family members, and the rent was cheap. The last house I lived in, when I was finishing college, didn’t have flooring, just underlayment. Its kitchen had been ripped out. There was a fridge but no counters or cabinets. There was no stove, only a microwave. The bathroom was knocked down to the studs too. It was difficult to prepare for work, much less prepare a healthy meal. It was overwhelming. I was working at a CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization), and I was income eligible for housing. I moved into a 750 square foot two-bedroom unit for $450 a month. It had walls with no exposed studs or holes in the ceiling. It had new carpet. It had a fully functional kitchen and bathroom. That affordable apartment was the nicest place I had ever lived. Co-workers and friends commented that I looked healthier and happier. I felt healthier. I felt happier. I felt proud. I finally had a decent place to call home. The impact of that little LIHTC apartment on my life, and how I believed I deserved to live it, was profound.

So that’s why I do this. I develop affordable housing to keep paying it forward to another family that might be struggling to get by, to another senior who can no longer keep up with a house, to another young person who had to switch schools again because their family could not afford the rent. Housing cannot just be walls and a roof. Housing must be safe; it must be affordable, and it must be functional. Only then can it provide dignity. That dignity allows us to walk through the door to opportunity with our heads up. It allows us to walk away from merely surviving and move on to thriving.”

An Empowerment Story

By Chasity Green-Rand (2023), Assistant Property Manager – Geneva Tower

Chasity Green-Rand, (2023), is the Assistant Property Manager at Geneva Tower in Cedar Rapids, IA. Here is what she has to say about her Empowerment:

“Due to some career and life changes, I found myself working for a temp service in Cedar Rapids, IA. While this is not exactly where I had imagined being, this stop in my career took me on what started to be my journey in property management. During my time as a temp, I was assigned to multiple roles, one of which being a leasing agent for another company. These roles helped me start to understand the property management world.

I had learned as much as I could in my role and was eager for new challenges and opportunities for advancement. In 2023, I applied and gained the role of Leasing Agent at Geneva Tower. While I was searching for a permanent position, I was drawn to Cohen-Esrey's reputation for excellence and innovation in the property management industry. I was particularly excited about the opportunity to work at Geneva Tower.

As we rolled into 2024, it became clear to me that Geneva Tower was a property that has it challenges, so I dove in to day to day operations, made sure I was learning everything I could, ensuring that the residents and prospects were taken care of and assisting maintenance where I could. I learned how to process the move-in and recertification paperwork and followed directives of my supervisor. Team Member Fulfillment was also a huge priority for me and something I pride myself in.

In May of 2024, my supervisor let me know that because of all my hard work, dedication to my role, team, and community, that she wanted me to consider stepping into the Assistant Property Manager role. This was something that I did not hesitate to accept and dove into head first! I settled into my new role pretty quickly and was impressed by the high standards and attention to detail that Cohen-Esrey brought to the table.

I am grateful for the appreciation and trust that has been given to me in my current role and at this property and I am dedicated to continue learning. My next step and goal is to become a Property Manager and because of the support and resource that Cohen-Esrey has continued to provide, I am on the path to meet that goal.

I've looked back on my journey with pride and have realized that I have come a long way from my days as a temp worker. I feel like I have established myself as a rising star in the property management industry. I am grateful for the opportunities that Cohen-Esrey has provided me and cannot wait to see what happens in my next chapter!”

Fun Photo

We recently had a visitor at the Corporate Office . . .

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of December 1, 2024, and the leaders remain the same from November. In the 50-Units or Less category Rankin Mills (Boonville, MO) is in first place with a score of +85.71. In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Justin Place (Kansas City, MO) maintains the lead with an NPS of +73.33. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, The Boulevard (Springfield, IL), closed the month with a solid grip on first place with an NPS of +96.88. There are 22 properties on Leaderboards – one less than last month.