March 10, 2025

Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.

A Strong Market-Rate Performer

Built in 2017, the Loretto at Creekside consists of 320 units of market-rate housing in Live Oak, TX, a suburb of San Antonio. The property was acquired by a Cohen-Esrey Apartment Investors (CEAI) partnership in 2022. One-bedroom apartments range from 650 – 750 square feet and rent for $1,028 to $1,428 per month. Two-bedroom apartments range from 960 – 1,075 square feet and rent for $1,246 to $1,319 per month. Three-bedroom apartments are 1,250 square feet and rent from $1,937 per month. Loretto at Creekside is laden with amenities including a resort-style swimming pool, coffee café, fenced bark park, valet trash service, a gaming room, business center, fitness center, community lounge, barbeque grills, hammocks, a pet wash, and a parcel locker system. Apartment interiors are appointed with a ceramic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, attached garages, oversized pet yards, nine-foot ceilings, kitchen island, large walk-in closets, granite countertops, large patios and balconies, and a Smart Home package. The property is located in close proximity to numerous restaurants and retail stores.

San Antonio is the third-largest metropolitan area in Texas and the 24th-largest metropolitan area in the United States at 2.6 million people, and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country. The U.S. Armed Forces have numerous facilities in and around San Antonio including Fort Sam Houston which has Brooke Army Medical Center within it; Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, Kelly Air Force Base, Camp Bullis, and Camp Stanley. San Antonio is home to four Fortune 500 companies, and the South Texas Medical Center is the only medical research and care provider in the South Texas region. Notable attractions include the Alamo, River Walk, Tower of the Americas, SeaWorld San Antonio, the Alamo Bowl and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The city is home to the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs, and hosts the annual San Antonio Stock Show and Roado, one of the largest such events in the U.S.

San Antonio is a major market for Cohen-Esrey with 1,309 units in five market-rate and affordable apartment properties and another 340-unit affordable property in the development phase.

Rosalina Arce (2022) is the Property Manager and Alyssa Garza (2022), is the Regional Manager. Dominic Padilla (2024) is the Property Accountant and Seerat Imtiaz (2025) is the Accounting Assistant.

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

Jade Leak – Panorama Heights, Colorado Springs, CO – Property Manager
Michael Napovanice – Corporate Office – Regional Vice-President – Market-Rate
Jennifer Hughes – Geneva Towers, Cedar Rapids, IA – Assistant Property Manager
Demetry Parker – Greenwood Estates, Peoria, IL – Maintenance Technician
Kevin Roberts – Loretto at Creekside, Live Oak, TX – Maintenance Technician
Jonathan Brown – Corporate – Roving Maintenance Supervisor
Josh Keever – Andover Park, Kansas City, MO – Maintenance Supervisor
Jermaine Berry – Nexus 5 Group – Senior Project Manager
Matthew Perry – Idlewild Estates, Poplar Bluff, MO – Maintenance Technician
Victor Medrano – Preserve at Westover Hills, San Antonio, TX – Maintenance Technician

Meet the Bastion I Team

Meet the Bastion I team. (L to R) Charlesetta Feist (2025) Leasing Agent; Joshua Van Heck (2024) Maintenance Technician; and Robrelle Murray (2024) Senior Property Manager.

Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) manages the 58-unit Bastion I Apartments, an affordable community in New Orleans, LA, for a third-party client. The Bastion I team also manages the 37-unit Old School Senior Apartments in New Orleans. CEC manages five affordable properties in Louisiana totaling 306 units.

Transformational Construction

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

The playground is ready at Panorama Heights in Colorado Springs, CO.

Kitchen backsplashes are being installed at The Launchpad in Colorado Springs, CO.

The sidewalk to the dog park at the Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX, has been installed.

The Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX, is beginning to look like an apartment community!

A great looking kitchen at Lewis Lofts in Mankato, MN.

Clubhouse renovations are full speed ahead at Village Park in Amarillo, TX.

Many buildings now have roof decks at the Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.

Huge stem wall almost in place at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC.

Cohen-Esrey Welcomes Michael Napovanice

Karen Crouch (2019), Managing Director of Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC), has announced that Michael Napovanice has joined CEC as Regional Vice-President for the market-rate portfolio.

Mike earned a BSBA degree in Accounting and Business/Management from Rockhurst University in Kansas City and has 30 years of multifamily management experience. He started his property management career in 1995 as the Chief Financial Officer and later the Chief Operating Officer of The Neighborhood Group which later merged with the Orion Property Group. Eventually he became President/Principal of Orion which was recently sold. His duties at Orion were all-encompassing and included oversight of property management, accounting, audit, human resources, information technology, finance, marketing, development, and brokerage divisions. During his tenure he grew the property management portfolio to 21,000 units across multiple states including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Ohio and Nebraska. Mike and Lee Harris (1975), Cohen-Esrey President and CEO, served together for many years on the board of directors for the Heartland Apartment Association.

In his new role, Mike will support the market-rate Regional Managers in maximizing property performance, streamlining operations, and enhancing Customer Fulfillment. His ability to identify growth opportunities, control costs, and implement innovative solutions has consistently delivered strong returns for property owners and investors. He will also be directly involved in pursuing new market-rate management assignments for CEC.

Welcome to Cohen-Esrey, Mike! It’s great to have you become part of our team after having known you for almost three decades.

Nexus 5 Welcomes Jermaine Berry

John Hinman (2011), Managing Director of the Nexus 5 Group has announced the hiring of Jermaine Berry as a Senior Project Manager.

Jermaine was born and raised in Wichita, KS, and played college football at Kansas State University. After college, he signed a free-agent contract with the New York Jets. Married for 18 years, Jermaine and his wife, Katie, have two sons, ages 14 and 12. He has 22 years of experience in commercial construction with some of his top projects including a $15 million Walmart remodel in Little Rock, AR, an $8 million Sam's Club remodel in Tulsa, OK, eight new Love gas stations, and three new Freddy's Frozen Custards. In additional to these projects Jermaine has many years of experience in multifamily construction as well.

As a Senior Project Manager with Nexus 5, Jermaine’s roles and accountabilities include:

Accountable for project budgets and schedules.
Assist division manager with feedback and strategy regarding current and potential future projects and personnel.
Coordinate regular meetings with lead Project Engineer and Superintendent regarding coordination and manpower of upcoming projects.
Creating and managing all prime contracts and subcontracts, client invoicing, sub invoicing and payments.
Ensuring the superintendent has everything they need to run a project successfully (expectations, updated drawings, schedule, sub list, RFI’s, change orders, etc.).
Managing pipeline ensuring accurate forecasting.
Mentoring, coaching, and training Project Engineers and Project Managers.
Performing job start-up/proper hand off to the project team.
Proactively communicating with clients and project teams.
Reporting to division manager current logistical and operations needs.
Reviewing/delivering accurate and timely proposals to meet or exceed client expectations

Please join us in welcoming Jermaine on becoming a new Nexus 5 team member!

Denise Holliday Promoted to Operations Support Manager

Karen Crouch (2019), Managing Director of Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC), has announced that Denise Holliday (2024) has been promoted to Operations Support Manager in the affordable portfolio. She began transitioning into this role in December 2024.

Denise is a proud southerner. Born and raised in Louisiana, she moved to Sioux City, IA, in 1987 and has called it home ever since. After settling in Sioux City, Denise began working in elder services. In 1995, she joined the Alzheimer’s Association as the Adult Day Care Supervisor, a role that supported caregivers who needed to work while caring for their loved ones. Over time, she took on additional responsibilities, serving as Interim Executive Director from 2010 to mid-2011.

In 2011, Denise became involved in the affordable housing industry by joining Oakleaf Property Management as a Service Coordinator. In 2016, she was promoted to Property Manager, managing Martin Towers, Century II, and West Park Apartments in Sioux City.

In her new role, she assists 13 affordable housing communities across Iowa and South Dakota. Her clear communication with residents, dedication to training staff, and practical problem-solving have supported her career growth. Her roles and accountabilities include assisting with compliance, preparing for MOR, state, and REAC inspections, performing file audits, coordinating funding requests as needed, working with site teams to ensure rent collections are optimized, and helping Property Managers with bids for significant projects.

Congratulations, Denise! We appreciate all the support you are providing to the properties in your portfolio.

Congratulations, Nicholas!

Congratulations to Nicholas Hense (2021), Principal with Innovation in Motion (iiM), on his graduation from the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program!

Over the past two years, Nicholas’ involvement with Centurions included:

Completed over 50 community service hours serving organizations such as the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, The Hope Center KC, Growing Futures Early Education Center, Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City and other local organizations.
Served as Chairman of the Mental Health and Wellness Task Force, which explored mental health and wellness in Kansas City from three essential perspectives – employer, community, and individual. He planned and coordinated a full-day immersion into this topic with keynote addresses from community leaders, panel discussions covering topics such as mental health innovation in the workplace, site visits and breakout sessions with community organizations, and individual wellness activities.

Participated in the Community Leadership Committee during the two years helping plan events such as the Women’s Leadership Forum and exploring ways to help Centurions serve others to fulfill civic responsibilities. Also helped plan other Leadership Up Close sessions to give Centurions the opportunity to learn from reputable leaders in the community.
Served on the Entrepreneurship Task Force Day team during his first year as a Centurion which explored the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and culminated with a Shark Tank-like business pitch competition, where Lydia Kinkade (2013), iiM Managing Director, was featured as a guest judge.
Participated in the monthly task force days planned by other Centurion members covering topics such as Criminal Justice System, Arts Culture and Entertainment, Housing, Special Education, and many others.
The Centurions’ mission was achieved by acquainting members with current community issues; providing a framework for meeting other outstanding current and future community leaders; promoting greater awareness of community resources; exploring diversified segments of our city; and offering avenues to become more civically involved through Centurions’ projects or other civic opportunities presented to Centurion members.

It was a tremendous honor for Nicholas to be selected for participation in the Centurions program. Clearly, he maximized the opportunity for the benefit of the community. Nice work, Nicholas!

A Healthy Tip

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

Spring into Fitness: How to Start Small to Make a Ripple Effect on Your Health

Starting a fitness journey can feel overwhelming, but the key to lasting success is to begin with small, manageable changes. These small actions create a ripple effect, leading to long-term habits that improve overall health and well-being. Here’s how to get started:

Set Micro-Goals

Instead of committing an hour at the gym every day, start with 10-minute workouts or a daily step goal. Small achievements build confidence and momentum, making it easier to stay committed.

Make Simple Swaps

Healthy choices don’t have to be drastic. Swap soda for water, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or add an extra serving of vegetables to your meals. These minor adjustments add up over time.

Find Enjoyable Movement

Exercise doesn’t have to mean lifting weights or running on a treadmill. Try dancing, hiking, or yoga – anything that gets you moving and feels enjoyable. Consistency is easier when you love what you’re doing.

Lower Your Stress Through Fitness

Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and promote relaxation. Even a short walk or stretching session can help clear your mind, lower cortisol levels, and provide a mental reset. Making movement a daily habit not only benefits your body but also helps you manage stress more effectively.

Focus on Daily Wins

Progress isn’t just about numbers on a scale. Celebrate small victories like increased energy, better sleep, or improved mood. Recognizing these benefits reinforces motivation.

Create a Ripple Effect for Others

Your commitment to small fitness changes can inspire those around you. Whether it’s a coworker joining you for a walk or a family member adopting healthier habits, your actions can positively influence others.

By starting small and staying consistent, your fitness efforts will create lasting ripples that extend far beyond yourself. This spring, take that first step – no matter how small – and watch your health and well-being bloom!

Core Value of the Month

How to Sell Without Selling: The Power of Curiosity and Listening

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

In a world filled with aggressive marketing and hard-selling tactics, the concept of selling without actually "selling" might seem counterintuitive. However, building genuine connections through curiosity and active listening can lead to more successful sales outcomes. This approach enhances relationships with customers, fosters trust, and ultimately drives sales without overt pressure.

1. Embrace Curiosity

Curiosity is the cornerstone of engaging with potential customers. Instead of leading with your product, consider leading with questions. This not only shows genuine interest but also allows you to understand your customer's needs and pain points better. Here’s how to cultivate curiosity in your sales approach:

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of simple "yes" or "no" questions, encourage dialogue. Questions like, "What challenges are you currently facing in your housing needs?" invite thorough responses and open up discussions that can reveal opportunities for your products or services.
Focus on Their Story: People love to talk about themselves and their experiences. By inviting your customers to share their stories, you can build a rapport that might lead them to naturally gravitate toward your offerings.
Stay Engaged: Show that you’re truly interested in their answers. Nodding, making eye contact, and offering affirmations can all communicate that you value what they’re saying.

2. Foster a Listening Culture

Listening is perhaps even more important than asking questions. Effective listening goes beyond merely hearing words—it involves understanding the emotions and motivations behind those words. Here’s how to foster a culture of listening:

• Practice Active Listening: Demonstrate your engagement by summarizing what the customer has shared and asking clarifying questions. This not only confirms your understanding but also shows that you value their input.

• Avoid Interrupting: Allow customers to express themselves fully before interjecting with your own thoughts or solutions. This helps build trust and shows respect for their perspective.

• Observe Non-Verbal Cues: Pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. These non-verbal signals can provide valuable insight into how customers feel about the conversation and your offerings.

3. Create Authentic Connections

Building authentic connections is essential in a selling context where traditional sales tactics might fall flat. When customers feel connected to you as a person, they are more likely to trust you and consider your products. Here’s how to create those connections:

• Share Your Own Stories: A little vulnerability can go a long way. Sharing a relevant personal story can make you relatable and show that you genuinely care about the customer's experience.

• Tailor Your Solutions: Instead of pushing a single product, customize your suggestions based on the insights gained from your conversations. This personalized approach illustrates that you’re focused on helping them solve their unique issues.

• Follow Up: After the initial conversation, reach out to check in or provide additional resources. This reinforces the relationship and shows that you’re invested in their success beyond the initial sale.

4. Build Trust Over Time

Selling without selling is ultimately about trust. Trust takes time to build and is influenced by repeated interactions and shared experiences. Here’s how to nurture trust with potential customers:

• Be Transparent: Honesty about your products and services fosters trust. Don’t oversell the benefits—acknowledge limitations when appropriate.

• Provide Value: Offer insights, resources, or advice that may not directly lead to a sale immediately but will add value to the customer’s experience. This positions you as a helpful consultant rather than just a salesperson.

• Celebrate Successes Together: When your customers achieve their goals or overcome challenges, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate these milestones together. This builds a positive relationship that can lead to future sales.

Conclusion

Selling without selling is a powerful approach that relies on curiosity and listening to create genuine relationships with customers. By embracing these principles, you can foster trust, deliver personalized solutions, and cultivate long-term success. In a landscape where customers are often wary of sales tactics, this method offers a refreshing alternative—one that transforms the sales process into an experience rooted in connection and understanding.

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 February 2025, here are the standouts with positive rent growth. Congratulations to each team for the progress made! Ten properties are on the list this month.

An Empowerment Story

By Jasmin Santana (2024), Property Accountant

Jasmin Santana, (2024), is a Property Accountant for Cohen-Esrey. Here is what she has to say about her Empowerment:

“When I interviewed for an Accounting Assistant position at Cohen-Esrey, I had just moved from California to Kansas. I was nervous about finding a new work home but felt an instant connection here when I met Emily Fletcher (2022), Property Accounting Assistant-Supervisor, and Kurt Parrett (2008), Property Accounting Manager. Their warmth made me excited to start working for Cohen-Esrey. The company’s culture was apparent from my very first day, everyone was welcoming, and many came to my desk or reached out via teams to introduce themselves. My fellow Accounting Assistants were eager to help me during my training and demonstrated true teamwork by always providing support when needed.

Working here has helped me feel more at home, especially from meeting such awesome and kind people who I now consider friends. I have been working here for ten months now and have learned so much. Recently, I was promoted to Property Accountant. Learning a new role can be intimidating and even overwhelming at times, but my team has been supportive and patient while I acclimate to my new position.

Becoming a part of the Cohen-Esrey family has Empowered Me to Thrive by providing a work home where I feel valued, appreciated, and supported. I truly enjoy where I work and what I do. I look forward to growing into my role and with the company.

A Fun Photo!

Here’s a photo from the company Christmas party in 2008. That’s Pam Oakes (1984), RealPage System Administrator, seated third from left. Next to her is her mother, Pat Eversole, who was a member of the Cohen-Esrey team for decades. We miss you, Pat! Over Pat’s shoulder, seated, with the beard, is Kurt Parrett (2008), Property Accounting Manager. Amazingly, Kurt doesn’t look any different almost 17 years later!

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of March 7, 2025, and the leaders remain the same. In the 50-Units or Less category Willow Point (Concordia, MO) is in first place with a score of +84.38. In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Pam Apartments (Pampa, TX) for the second month in row is the leader with an NPS of +84.48. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, The Boulevard (Springfield, IL), tops the charts with an NPS of +90.57. There are 21 properties on Leaderboards – three more than last month.