OPENING DOORS FOR YOU...
SERVING ORANGE, SEMINOLE, OSCEOLA, VOLUSIA, AND LAKE COUNTIES
APARTMENT ASSOCIATION OF GREATER ORLANDO
THE KEY A DIGITAL MAGAZINE
2023 Q4 ISSUE
VOLUME 49, NO.4
TABLE OF CONTENTS 04 AAGO'S 2023 Leadership
06 2023 Premier Partners
07 Q4 Education Schedu le Check out what is happening in Q3 for Education
11 Q4 Events Schedu le Check out what is happening in Q3 for Events and what is to come in 2024
12 2024 Installation Dinner & Appreciation Join us as we acknowledge our volunteer leaders and induct the 2024 Board of Directors
19 2023 Maintenance Appreciation Check out photos from 2023 Maintenace Appreciation
23 Golden Key Awards Nominees Check out our 2023 Golden Key Awards Nominees
26
16 2023 Boots, Bling, and BBQ Check out photos from 2023 Boots, Bling and BBQ
AAGO| 02
Hispanic Heritage Month Article Read the stories of our members with Hispanic Hertiage
30 Can a Landlord be Liable for a Criminal's Bad Aim? Read more about the case of McSwain v Community Havana, LLC
Monica Ramsey (Monica@aago.org)
AAGO| 03
AAGO'S 2023 LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION STAFF
OFFICERS
Monica Ramsey PRESIDENT Debbie Gentry
VICE PRESIDENT Kathy Hensley
CAM, CAPS, HCCP
CMP
Concord Management
Greystar
TREASURER Melissa Dugas
Executive Vice President
CAPS
Royal American Management
Carina Rawley Director of Meetings & Events
SECRETARY Eddy Perez
ASSOCIATES VICE PRESIDENT
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Wendover Housing Partners
Justin Frost
Rachelle Hundley
Affinity Waste Solutions
Highmark Residential
CAM, CAPS, LEAP, ARM
ARM, HCCP, CPO, CAPS
DIRECTORS
Alex Colasuonno Amanda Otey Bridge Property Bell Partners Inc. Management
Domonique Messeroff ConAm
Meredith Torres CAPS Greystar
AAGO| 04
Director of Career & Professional Development
Ashlee Partin Affinity Waste Solutions
Joelis Barandica Linda Beach - Rodriguez Massey Services ConAm Inc.
Michael Krause
Atrium
Heather Alzate
Shana Jackson CAM Epoch Residential
Austin Cotton David Bales Stephens and Cushman & Wakefield Residential Company LLC
Linsay VanWagoner Contravest
Sheena Griffin Asset Living
Mallory Hoffmeyer Range Water Real Estate
Melanie Santiago Director of Member Engagement
Torquiose Ware Communication & Branding Manager
MEET OUR 2024 INCOMING LEADERSHIP
AAGO Officers President: Kathy Hensley, Greystar Vice President: Melissa Dugas, Royal American Treasurer: Eddy Perez, Rangewater Secretary:Meredith Torres, Greystar Secretary: Associates’ VP: Ashlee Partin, Affinity Waste Solutions Immediate Past President: Debbie Gentry, Concord Kathy Hensley 2024 AAGO President
AAGO Directors
Brent Dickson, SweetWater Restoration Brittany Smith, Atrium Management Nicole Johns, Southern Roofing and Renovations
Julie Smith, Venterra Living
AAGO Foundation Officers President: Kimberly Maggard, Royal American Vice President: Sydney Jamieson, 407Apartments Treasurer: Lori Agudo, Royal American Secretary:Tami Swanson, Massey Services Secretary: Immediate Bryce Heath, Real Floors Past President: Kimberly Maggard
2024 AAGO Foundation President
AAGO Foundation Directors Brigitte Desko, Contravest
Debbie Gentry, Concord AAGO| 05
2023 PREMIER PARTNERS
AAGO| 06
Q4 EDUCATION CALENDAR
CERTIFICATE FOR 30 CAMT: APARTMENT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
NOVEMBER
FEBURARY
CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR
20 (CPO)
DECEMBER
7 MAINTENANCE LEADERSHIP
SERIES: BUDGET REVIEW SESSION
13 LANDLORD/TENANT LAW TAKE A SNEAK PEEK OF
2024 EDUCATION CALENDAR JANUARY HOUSING WEBINAR: 10 FAIR DISPARATE IMPACT MEDIA BEST 17 SOCIAL PRACTICES UNIVERSAL 19 EPA CERTIFICATION IN ENGLISH
19 DE&I LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
A 2-PART SERIES
CREDIT 22 HOUSING CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL Webinar
Date, times, and instructors are subject to change for the full and most up-to-date education calendar, please visit: aago.org/events/education AAGO| 07
AAGO| 08
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 NAAEI DESIGNATES Jessica Coffrin, CALP Genesis Rivera, CALP
Melissa Feliciano, CAS
Aubrey Wolfe, CALP
Marisa Abell, CAM Frank Barberena, CAM Cheryl Colosuonno, CAM Denise Diaz, CAM Elizabeth Ely, CAM Shablyse Gandy, CAM Franny Herrea Romero, CAM Danuelle Johnson, CAM
Samantha MacDonald, CAM Harley Pena, CAM Sabrina Phillips, CAM Bria Revels, CAM Julliana Rios, CAM Vanessa Serafin, CAM Kristen Randle, CAM Jessica Romero, CAM
Kevin Anderson, CAMT Duany Baez, CAMT Rodney Borrero, CAMT Kristian Bowman, CAMT Pedro Camacho, CAMT Chiquan Campbell, CAMT Ryan Cruz, CAMT Jose Flores, CAMT Ron Gilbert, CAMT Paul Horstman Jr. CAMT Shane Mills, CAMT
Michael Mortimer, CAMT Richard Rivera, CAMT Enrique Robinson, CAMT Jim Shepley, CAMT Jesse Spencer, CAMT Vanessa Sweeney, CAMT Lenin Tigrera, CAMT Ryan Vargas, CAMT Angel.Velazco, CAMT Franscisco Velez, CAMT
Marisa Boreggio, CAPS Gina DaSilva, CAPS
Courtney Fieni, CAPS Leanna Rich, CAPS
AAGO| 09
AAGO| 10
Q4 EVENT CALENDAR MARK YOUR CALENDARS, SO YOU DON'T MISS A THING DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
2 2024 GOLDEN KEY AWARDS
BREAKFAST 20 ASSOCIATES’ Q1
JANUARY
18 INSTALLATION DINNER
MARCH LEADERSHIP 18 WOMEN’S SUMMIT
Dates are subject to change. For more event details, please visit aago.org/events
AAGO| 11
REGISTER TODAY!
aago.org/events/2024-installation-and-appreciation-dinner AAGO| 12
REGISTER TODAY!
aago.org/events/2024-womens-leadership-summit AAGO| 13
REGISTER TODAY!
aago.org/events/2024trade-show AAGO| 14
AAGO| 15
AAGO| 16
2023 BOOTS, BLING, & BBQ
AAGO| 17
AAGO| 18
2023 MAINTENACE APPRECIATION
AAGO| 19
AAGO| 20
Register Today for the
Fifteenth Annual Golden Key Awards SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023
Scan Here To Learn More & Register!
AAGO| 21
Congratulations to Our Nominiees Individual Nominees
Lisa Fiumara Gamalier Maldonado Claudio Afanador Aline Garcia Gamalier Maldonado Velez Carrie Aldridge Basilio Garcia Madeley Maribona Doris Alicea Israel Garcia Miguel Marrero Kirkland Allen Angel Garcia Mojica Marissa Martin Juan Almenar Jessica George Andrea Martin-Brown Jorge Alvarado Fransheska Geronimo Maria Martinez Valerie Aponte Nick Girraputo Gabriel Mayea Mandy Arenas Hector Gonzalez Jennifer McGowan Tony Arlesic Jeannette Gonzalez Joncarlo Medina Emmanuel Baez Albert Gonzalez Celenia Medina Joelis Barandica-Rodriguez Jeff Gormley Megan Melik Amber Barrett Jade Grabow Taylor Moritz Passion Bartley Doris Granger Allison Murrell Eugenia Berrios Carol Green Cheryl Nasca Rob Boggs Tony Grover Luz Nelly Marin Ayala Thomas Bohr Brandon Grubbs Briana Nieves Kevin Bonifacio Eric Guadalupe Christian Nova Diana Bonilla Jay Guinto Christy Nunez Nina Bowser Tonya Gunn Tom O'Neill Craig Burcky Natasha Hamilton Adrienne Ocasio Enrique Cabrera Timothy Handley Gaby Ortiz Luis Cabrera Ashlee Harris Giovany Ortiz Anthony Camacho Holly Hartel Edgardo Ortiz Jennifer Camacho Kathleen Hays Ty Owens Juan Candelario Jasmin Hazley Nydia Perez Juan Carlos Ochoa Rafael Henriquez Debra Perry Luis Carrion-Rosa Sarah Herrera Shannon Piedrahita Genesis Cartagena Rick Herrera Nolan Pierce-McAnally Alex Cavallo Priscilla Hildalgo Kimberly Polito Giselle Cintron Latavia Hodges Pedro Pratt Marchellee Clemmons Mallory Hoffmeyer Jason Ramos Lopez Angie Colon John Holleman Ashley Ramos-Rivera Vieri Cornelius Paul Horstman Michael Reed Joceline Cotto Ruiz Paige Horton Errick Rees Jay Cruz Jessica Jerez Fiorella Rehman Alejandro Cuartas Amanda Johnson Jeanette Reyes Adrian Daniels Janet Jones Carlos Reyes Donald Davenport Keri Kaune Scott Richardson Joseph De La Cruz Abbigale Kautzman Melisa Richie Joseph Demeglio Carly King Alma "Jimena" Rios Ranuro Leroy Devonish Kenneth Klezmer Ana Rivas Frederick Diaz Sarah Koch Janette Rivera Brent Dickson Jaimee Lake Jean Rivera Jason Dionne Carol Lehnert Vladimir Rivera Ashlei Douglas Amber Lenise Robinson Heather Roberts Sam Elazhari Brandy Lewis Kelvin Robertson Liz Ely Fabiola Lima Robert Robinson Timothy Entler Nicole Lobelo Enrique Robinson Zachary Epple Elisa Lopez Sandra Robles Pedro Feliz-Castillo Miguel Lopez Jessica Robles Martinez Carlos Ferrer Jeniper Luther Ashley Rojas Leon Limaris Ferrer Franciso Maisonet Dania Rosario Courtney Fieni Emilio Malave Jordan Rose Karla Figueroa Direlis Maldonado John Russo
Alvaro Salazar Chandra Samaroo Kelsey Sampson Denise Sanchez Edgar Sandoval Alex Santiago Steven Schur Heidy Sepulveda Daniel Serrano Alan Seward Alexandra Shulusky Kimberly Shuman Eric Silva Emily Smith Yanil Sosa Angela Soto Collin Sugaski Kievoughn Tavernier Shelby Teufel Jorge Tirado Maribel Toro Crissel Torres Adeliz Torres Josie Toung Duane Underwood Tiana Valequez Gisela Vasquez Vanessa Vazquez Edward Velasquez Juan Velazquez Edwin Velez Dani Ward Gabriel White Shalonda White Michael Willis Allyssa Wilson Denise Wilson Shawn Wilson
AAGO| 22
Congratulations to Our Nominiees Team Nominees 19 South Apartments
Sanctuary at West Port
Affinity Waste Solutions
Solamar Kissimmee
Allure on Parkway
Stratford Point Preservation
Aqua At Millenia
Summer House at Lake Apopka
Bell Lake Forest
Summerwell Avian Pointe
Calirosa Winter Park
Sunburst Trees and Lawncare
CitiTower Apartments
The Addison on Millenia
DMI Paving & Sealcoating
The Adeline
Emerson at Celebration
The Alibi at Lake Lilly
Gallery at Mills Park
The District Universal Boulevard
i4 Waste Valet & Recycling
The Henry
Kestra and Zen
The Lodge at Hamlin
Kinsman Pointe
The Overlook
Lakeside Villas
The Retreat at Windermere
Martinez Painting Group LLC DBA MPG Management
The Strand
AAGO| 24
Messina Luxury Apartments
The Vineyards at Hammock Ridge
Millennium MetroWest
The Yard at Ivanhoe
Minneola Hills
Trelago
Park Central
Urbana
Parks at Hunters Creek
Utility Ranger
Parkside at Avalon Park
Vale East Student Living
Prime
Venetian Isle
Prose Stevens Pointe
Warley Park
Sanctuary at Eagle Creek
Windermere Cay
HISPANIC
LISSETTE PEREZ American Landmark
JOHN MENDIETA Pothole Repair.com
MICHELLE BORGES Essential Staffing Solutions
BENNY VELAZQUEZ Highmark Residential
JULIE LANCASTER Southeast Floors
MONICA RAMSEY AAGO
HERITAGE MONTH
DISCOVER THE STORIES OF OUR MEMBERS WITH HISPANIC HERITAGE
Q:
WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH? I believe it is important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because Hispanics have contributed to the
LISSETTE: American way of life and will continue to advance communities across the country. Hispanics have
influenced the American job market as business owners, public servants, veterans, teachers, and engineers, amongst many other professions. Our impact as a community affects the American culture and that’s beautiful and should be celebrated. This month recognizes our achievements as a community and how our story is woven into America’s story.
JOHN:
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage is incredibly important! It’s all about recognizing our rich history, culture, and the contributions of Hispanics in the US. It’s about breaking stereotypes and making sure we and everybody understand that we can contribute to this great country in various aspects of our society. Reminding myself of my roots and family traditions is extremely important for me to highlight because it is very
MICHELLE: easy to forget your traditions and language if it's not practiced. This provides me an opportunity to share my culture to bridge the gap of misconceptions of Latin American and the Caribbean countries to promote cultural sensitivity and awareness. As I’m the only one in my family who lives in central Florida, I'm excited to share with my ESS family my traditions and the Day of the Dead festivities.
BENNY:
AAGO| 26
Growing up in Puerto Rico and living in Central Florida for many years now, I’ve spent much of my life and career in areas with considerable and impactful Hispanic and Latino populations. Our food, entertainment, and celebrations are never too far away, but I realize that this is not necessarily the case in other parts of the country or even our own state for that matter. I always welcome and embrace the opportunity to learn about other cultures and traditions (especially through the delicious food from around the world) so I believe it is a great initiative to draw attention and in some cases introduce for the first time the culture, traditions, and contributions of the diverse population Hispanic and Latino Americans for those that might not have the privilege to come across them in their everyday lives.
JULIE:
We celebrate the diversity in our country every day. Most interactions only scratch the surface. Hispanic Heritage Month gives an opportunity to dive deeper and learn more about the large and growing Hispanic community. A great example is 5 years ago a bodega customer base would be 99% Hispanic. Today that customer base is closer to 70-75% Hispanic. I think it's great that 25/30% of non-Hispanic community members have embraced Hispanic cuisine. When you go to a sporting event like college football and Latin music is played everyone sings along and dances. 25 years ago, when I got married, we had 2 DJs one for the more traditional American music and one for Latin music. Because of highlights like Hispanic Heritage Month, you can see the change. Preserving the traditions of our ancestors is crucial as we strive to make a significant impact. With Hispanics
MONICA: projected to make up over 22% of the US population within the next five years and having a consumer buying power of over 3.2 trillion, it is more important than ever to maintain our heritage. We celebrate our humble beginnings and look forward to a bright and powerful future.
Q:
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY? I got started in the industry by a referral from a relative who was working at a community that needed a
LISSETTE: leasing agent. At the time I was going to school for nursing and was looking for a job to work around my
school hours, and it was a match made in heaven! After falling in love with the industry, I changed my major to Business Management and started growing my career from Leasing Professional to Property Manager, and District Manager to Regional Manager.
JOHN:
I started in the industry with PotholeRepair many years ago, but back then, I was working as a service provider. I became directly involved with the company and its operations two years ago when we moved to Florida 2 years ago. The industry is fantastic, and the people involved in it are even better. I have been involved in so many industries, but this is just the best. I became involved with the multifamily when my neighbor introduced me to a supplier opportunity. After
MICHELLE: getting involved with AAGO and meeting like-minded people, I fell in love with the multifamily industry. I met my mentor, Chellee. I admired her leadership, and wisdom and appreciated her time in sharing her gems with me even prior to joining the ESS family. The stars aligned and now I’m in a new role as a Client Relationship Manager for Essential Staffing Solutions for central Florida.
BENNY:
Like many others in this part of the industry, I’ve been working with my hands for as long as I can remember. I found my love for construction at the age of 12 when I worked with my uncle building houses in Puerto Rico. Beginning as a groundskeeper for an HOA community, I looked beyond my immediate role and knew that my professional interests and skill set would eventually create opportunities for me if I stewarded my current role with humility, excellence, and a willingness to learn. Not long after, my employer gave me my first opportunity as a maintenance technician. With a constant focus on bettering myself, seeking opportunities to grow, and the virtue of great leadership and a whole lot of help from God, I progressed into the role of assistant maintenance supervisor. Unfortunately, after some time in the role, I made a mistake that ended my time with the company. As one could imagine, this was incredibly discouraging, but it served as an incredible learning opportunity. One lesson that I hold dear is that it matters less how many times you fall, but instead, how many times you get up.
I was later extended an opportunity as a maintenance technician at the Wilson Company and after two years, the Community Manager and the Regional Manager saw my potential and decided to offer me a position as a maintenance supervisor. Over the next several years, I would have the opportunity to work as a supervisor at Pinnacle and then find a home with my current employer, Highmark Residential. Highmark would afford me the opportunity to grow into regional leadership roles as a service inspector coordinator and now as a project manager. One of the greatest decisions in my life was stepping into this industry, but growth and progress happened through a willingness to learn, grow from mistakes, work with quality and excellence, and care for others. I carry all these principles into the work that I do today and am always looking for what God has in store for me next. AAGO| 27
JULIE:
I had spent the prior 10-plus years in the payroll industry. Southeast Floors decided to take a chance on me, and I took a chance on them. It’s really the best decision I could have ever made. I work with a great team at SE Floors and love the teams at all the properties I have the pleasure of being a part of. 33 years ago, I began my journey as a part-time leasing professional at a community located right across from
MONICA: my high school. Though I never thought of it as a career, I soon became captivated by the world of multi-
family housing. Assisting families in finding their dream homes brought me immense joy and satisfaction, and I've been dedicated to this field ever since.
Q:
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER? One piece of advice I would give someone starting out in any career is to know your “ why”. We know what
LISSETTE: we do, we know how we do it, but we don’t know “why” we do it. Once you identify your “why” in life it
doesn’t matter who you work for, what your title is, or what your pay is, you will fill fulfilled because you are doing what you were created to do. Mark Twain said it best “ The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
JOHN:
For someone starting in this industry, it's crucial to prioritize embracing and understanding the company culture. A thorough onboarding process is essential for a new representative. From my perspective, company culture should be the number one priority. Actively listening and learning about your clients, your own company, as well as our vendors/suppliers, and understanding your market audience, is the key to success. My advice is to operate from hope and optimism, not fear. When you chase your happiness, you begin to
MICHELLE: operate bravely and happiness becomes sustainable. Attend AAGO events, ask all the questions, get involved in committees, and answer the call to action. We are all on the multifamily journey together.
BENNY:
JULIE:
Always dream big and never give up, but most importantly, always place God at the center of everything you do. I would not have been able to accomplish anything without His grace and direction in my life. If you fall, take accountability, pick yourself up and keep moving. Always treat people the same way you want to get treated, no matter the circumstance. Always remember those that gave you a hand and pushed you to be successful and do the same for others when given the opportunity. You must have gratitude and appreciation for everyone you encounter. I might be in the flooring industry but people are my passion.
Be open-minded and consider all the possibilities! By embracing openness, we can learn from others,
MONICA: challenge our assumptions, and broaden our knowledge and understanding of the world.
AAGO| 28
AAGO| 29
Written by Kevin Knight A recent Florida trial court ruling dealt with a
In response to the landlord’s motion for summary
landlord being sued by a guest of a tenant who
judgment, McSwain and her daughter offered a
was struck in their apartment by bullets fired from
police grid (summary of criminal activity reports)
a car and whether the landlord could be held
for the subject property for the four years leading
accountable.
up to the subject incident. Among other things,
This article will review the case of McSwain v
the reports document: multiple incidents of
Community Havana, LLC, 2dCircuit Gadsden
fighting with knives and guns, gun shots, robbery
County February 14, 2023)
at gunpoint, and at least one injury from gunshot.
THE MCSWAIN FACTS:
THE COURT’S RULING:
On January 2, 2019, Community Havana owned
the Court denied the summary judgment motion
and operated an apartment complex (“Havana
finding that there was enough evidence for a jury
Heights”). McSwain and her daughter were
to determine whether the landlord was negligent
visiting a tenant in one of the units. While in the
and should be held accountable.
unit, McSwain heard gunshots and she went to the bedroom window to investigate. After the shooting stopped a vehicle made a u-turn and
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RULING:
additional gunshots were heard. During this 2nd
The trial court’s ruling points out the need for
onslaught, McSwain and her daughter were both
landlords to make sure they have adequate
struck by the bullets.
security for their apartment complex especially in a high crime area.
McSwain and her daughter sued the landlord for negligent security. The landlord sought summary judgment claiming that it had no legal duty to McSwain and her daughter and the criminal acts were unforeseeable.
AAGO| 30
2023 CHARITY PARTNERS ENGAGE
GIVE
SERVE
DONATE TODAY!
AAGO| 31
AAGO| 32