Q1 2023 HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS!
Homestead America Starts the CEO Summit Tradition!
Kicked off by our CEO, Dave Anderson, The CEO Summit began with an inspirational speech that set the tone for the day ahead. From there, team members gave informative presentations on various topics, from effective communication strategies to the latest trends in community management.
But The CEO Summit wasn't just about learning new skills and strategies but also about building connections with other community managers. Throughout the day, you had ample opportunities to network with your peers, share best practices, and build relationships that could help you excel in your role long after the event had ended.
Whether you were a seasoned community manager or just starting out, The CEO Summit had something to offer you. By attending, you gained new insights, connected with other professionals, and left feeling inspired and energized to take your community management skills to the next level.
We look forward to next year!
In The News: ‘Age is a State of Mind’ at 55+ Communities
Older adults who want to blend an independent lifestyle with social activities and fewer maintenance responsibilities could find a 55+ community to be the right move.
Such communities give older adults, whether they are working from home or retired, the opportunity to live with like-minded neighbors and be surrounded by amenities and activities that cater to their interests and needs.
Age is a state of mind, right?
In the past, many 55+ communities had been income-based, said Tanya Brand, Regional Manager at Homestead Village. Over the last several years, however, companies have begun to see a need for active, independent communities for this age group, especially for those looking for alternatives to assisted living facilities.
“This kind of environment is brand new, in my opinion,” Brand said.
Residents at Homestead Village like the all-inclusive price, which covers a variety of utilities, internet, and cable. The community also offers a salon, café, fitness center, game room, banquet room, and other amenities.
“It’s just like an apartment complex, but it’s for 55 and over, independent, active living,” she said.
At Homestead Village, residents aren’t responsible for maintenance, including landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal.
Many residents who move in are downsizing, and as our population continues to age, there is a growing need for independent senior housing. Communities like Homestead Village Active Living 55 Plus provide an alternative to traditional retirement homes by offering a range of housing options designed specifically for seniors who want to maintain their independence while also having access to services and amenities that make daily life easier. By providing a sense of community, peace of mind, and opportunities for socialization and engagement, independent senior living communities like Homestead Village can help seniors live their best lives in their golden years.
Quarter 1 Champ Chain Winner: Joseph Jurcak
Please join us in congratulating Joseph Jurcak, Community Manager of SkyGaarden, for winning the Quarter 1 Champ Chain Award!
Joe has been one of Homestead U's top performers since joining us when SkyGarden was added to our student portfolio. He has developed strong relationships with his team and residents and cares deeply about their well-being. His passion, drive, and dedication to excellence are admirable, and we are lucky to have him as a member of our team.
Joe, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and we look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the future!
Quarter 1 Medal of Excellence Winner: Heather Osborne
Please join us in congratulating Heather Osborne, Community Manager of Homestead Village Miamisburg, for winning the Quarter 1 Medal of Excellence Award!
Heather has been described by her peers as helpful, knowledgeable, and kind, always offering creative solutions to the challenges we face. She has made a significant impact in her first year, and we are excited to see her grow with contribute to our organization.
Heather, congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, and we are so fortunate to have you on our team!
Big Wins for SkyGarden!
SkyGarden Joins 100% Club
In February, we welcomed our team at SkyGarden Apartments to the 100% Club for the 2023-2024 leasing season! The SkyGarden team has worked so hard to hit 100% pre-leased occupancy and did it in record time, too! Congratulations to the SkyGarden team on this big accomplishment - we are so proud of your hard work and dedication!
SkyGarden Ranks 21st!
We are thrilled to share that SkyGarden has been ranked 21st out of the country's top 100 student housing properties by J Turner Research! This achievement is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication to providing an exceptional resident life experience. We are proud to continue our efforts in delivering the highest quality of service to our residents. Great job, SkyGarden!
Quarter 1 Promotions
Travis Hallman - Skygarden - Promoted from Maintenance Tech to Maintenance Supervisor
Cassie Skinner - Promoted from Assistant Community Manager at Georgetown to Community Manager at Tivoli
Todd Westover - Homestead Construction - Promoted from Project Engineer to Assistant Project Manager
Sara Ralston - 2818/Parkway - Promoted from Maintenance Tech to Business Assistant
Audrey Higgins - Helix - Promoted from Leasing Consultant to Senior Leasing Consultant
Congratulations on your new role!
Introducing Signature and Buckstone: Two New Apartment Communities with Brand New Logos
Exciting news for apartment hunters in the Kentucky and Ohio areas - two new apartment communities, Signature, and Buckstone, are currently in development and are set to welcome residents in the near future. Both communities have recently revealed their brand-new logos, signaling the start of their branding and marketing phase.
Signature is a student housing community located near the University of Kentucky. With 288 beds, it will provide ample housing for students in the area. The community is expected to be ready for move-ins for the Fall of 2024 school year, giving students plenty of time to secure their living arrangements before the school year starts. The community's logo features a stylized script font, evoking a warm yet modern feel.
Buckstone, on the other hand, is a multifamily community located in Obetz, OH. With 252 units, it offers spacious and comfortable living options for individuals and families alike. Buckstone's first residents are expected to move in during the Summer of 2023, making it a great option for those looking for housing in the near future. The community's logo includes an icon that will be carried throughout the branding.
The Blueprint: Insights on Construction
Homestead Construction has many projects underway, and they have made significant progress over the last quarter! Below, you can find the latest status updates for each project from John Gornall, Vice President of Operations for Homestead Construction.
Hayden Park Apartments - Huber Heights, OH
The Clubhouse at Hayden Park was nearing completion, with landscaping work underway as the final touches were being added. The roofing for buildings 1-3 had been completed, and the finishes and rough mechanicals were proceeding as planned. Building four was undergoing roofing work, and framing for Building five had already begun. For Building 6, the team was working on underground plumbing. Overall, the project was progressing well and on schedule.
Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates - @livehaydenpark.
Camden Park Apartments - Fort Wayne, IN
The clubhouse at Camden Park was almost complete, with landscaping work in progress as final touches were added. Roofing for 5 out of 6 buildings had been successfully completed, and each building was sequenced in the correct stages of completion. Framing for the 6th and final building had begun. The exterior finishes were progressing quickly and turning out great.
Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates - @livecamdenpark.
Lusso - Italian Village, Columbus, OH
The construction of the parking garage is almost halfway finished, and once it's done, the framing work will begin. The primary entrance route is expected to open soon. Additionally, we are now getting the site ready to start building the second and third structures.
Stella - Italian Village, Columbus, OH
The parking garage has been finished, and the first-floor framing work has started on building A. Building B is currently focusing on rough mechanicals, while the framing work for Building C is almost done, and the roofing work is in progress. As for the Club House, we are currently working on underground plumbing.
Signature Apartments - University of Kentucky - Lexington, Kentucky
We are in the early stages of construction at Signature Apartments! Earthwork is nearing completion, and utilities and building foundations are getting ready to start.
Homestead Village - Fort Wayne, IN
The framing and roofing stages have been finished, and our focus has shifted toward working on the internal mechanicals. Additionally, we plan to commence exterior finishes in the upcoming weeks.
2818 and Parkway Get a $5 Million Facelift!
2818 Apartments and Parkway in College Station, Texas, recently underwent a $5 million renovation. The renovation included a revamped pool, basketball court, volleyball court, and hangout area with a fire pit, making it the perfect place for residents to relax with friends. The units received updated flooring, as well as new countertops and backsplashes.
Shannon Latsko, Regional Manager helped oversee the project and noted, “The $5 million renovation at 2818 Apartments and Parkway has shifted the market and solidified its position as the value leader in College Station. With updated amenities and renovated units, residents can enjoy high-quality living at an affordable price point."
2818 Apartments
Parkway Apartments
We’re Hiring!
Dear Homesteader,
As a valued team member, we believe you have a network of talented professionals who could make great additions to our organization. That's why we're excited to announce our employee referral program, which rewards you for referring top talent to our company.
For every candidate you refer who is hired and successfully completes their 90-day probationary period, you will receive a referral bonus of $250. Not only will you be rewarded for helping us find great people, but you'll also be helping to grow our company and expand our network of talented professionals.
To refer a candidate, direct them to our job postings on our website and ensure they include your name in their application. If the candidate is hired and completes their probationary period, we'll make sure to send your reward to you promptly.
Please remember that we're looking for talented professionals who fit our company culture and values well. We're interested in individuals who are passionate about what they do, take the initiative, and are committed to continuous learning and growth.
Thank you for your commitment to our company and for helping us build a talented and engaged team. We look forward to hearing from you and receiving your referrals.
Employee Spotlight: Joseph Jurcak
1. Name: Joseph Jurcak
2. Job Title: Community Manager
3. Community: SkyGarden
4. How long have you been with Homestead? Going on 2 years
5. What were you doing before Homestead? Student Housing
6. Where are you originally from? Hudson, Ohio
7. What are your favorite hobbies? Golf, Ski, Surf
8. What would you most likely tell your 13-year-old self? Buy land, they don't make it like they used to.
9. If you could have coffee with three people, dead or alive, who would it be? John Jacob Astor, Donald J. Trump, Neil deGrasse Tyson
10. Who is the most famous person you have ever met? Dave Chappelle
11. What is your dream vacation? Ski The Swiss Alps
12. What is one THING you can't live without? Chicken Wings
13. What is your proudest moment at Homestead? SkyGarden Ranked #21 in the nation by J. Turner Research for 2022
14. What is on your retirement bucket list? See the Great Pyramids
January
Tanya Brand, Home Office, 12 years
Jason George Hollands, Home Office, 6 years
Qiletha Caston, Home Office, 5 years
Doug Falor, Home Office, 3 years
Cole Kinker, River Park, 2 years
Sharron Giles, Hoover – HSL, 2 years
Todd Jessup, UV, 2 years
February
Kaitlyn Key, College Station, 5 years
Gregory Burchwell, Hoover – HSL, 15 years
Christina Johnson, River Park, 5 years
Madison Bowers, River Park, 1 year
Tyler Burns, The Heights, 1 year
Jack Kerley, SkyGarden, 1 year
Nicholas Troisi, The Valley, 1 year
Amy McPherson, The Heights, 1 year
Braiden Blaser, The Heights, 1 year
Grace Benningfield, The Heights, 1 year
Bradley Watson, The Heights, 1 year
Patrick Swope, Miamisburg – HSL, 1 year
Christopher Palmer, UV, 1 year
March
Niya Mickens, Helix, 2 years
Floyd Castle, N 4th St, 4 years
Jim Vest, Orchard Grove, 5 years
Richard Arrington, Schrock Park, 5 years
Sam Casarez, College Station, 7 years
Jennifer Spaulding, Hoover – HSL, 3 years
Alexis Croce, The View, 2 years
Travis Robison, Clintonville Commons, 2 years
Michael Koch, The Valley, 2 years
Lorrie Bitner, Home Office, 2 years
Dasean Rogers, College Station, 1 year
Emily Jones, Home Office, 1 year
TJ Manfrass, Home Office, 1 year
Mindy Henson, Home Office, 1 year
Savannah Matthews, UV, 1 year
LeeAnn Sapp, UV, 1 year
Patrick Boland, College Station, 4 years
Paul Zirkle, Orchard Grove, 3 years