IN THIS ISSUE From the Executive Director-----------------------------------------------4 Pac Members--------------------------------------------------------------------6 Following her own Path -----------------------------------------------------7 Education Calendar-----------------------------------------------------------8 Committee Meeting Calendar---------------------------------------------9 Everything Begins with Purpose----------------------------------------10 Casino Night 2026 -----------------------------------------------------------13 Growing Your Business Starts with Membership-----------------16 SAAA New Members--------------------------------------------------------18 SAAA at TAA--------------------------------------------------------------------20 Next Gen Promoting Casino Night-------------------------------------23
Casino Night 2026
Leadership Lyceum Day 2-------------------------------------------------26
Executive Director Ryan Baldwin | executivedirector@saaaonline.org Finance & Accounting Rosa Peralta De Leon | rosa@saaaonline.org Communications & Marketing communications@saaaonline.org Programs, Events & Education Kennetha Banks | kbanks@saaaonline.org Membership Clemente Sanchez | csanchez@saaaonline.org Government Relations /PAC Fundraising Melissa Cabello Havrda | melissa@saaaonline.org Sarah Taylor | sarah@saaaonline.org Executive Administrative Assistant/ Office Manager Elizabeth Garza | egarza@saaaonline.org
San Antonio Apartment Association 7525 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78249 OFFICE 210.692.7797 or 877.306.4108 WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG
SAAA at TAA
Mission: The San Antonio Apartment Association educates, communicates and advocates for professionals in the rental housing industry. The “Residence” Magazine is published monthly by the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. Circulated free. The San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject advertising which may subject the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., to liability under statutory or common law. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the San Antonio Apartment Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without permission. Entire contents are the © Copyright 2022 of the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. ADA Compliance Statement: The San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. (“SAAA”), is committed to upholding the standards of, and strictly complying with, the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). It is the policy of SAAA to allow Service Dogs and Service Miniature Horses to accompany the person for whom the animal is providing a service in the areas of public accommodation at the office of SAAA and at SAAA events, programs and classes.
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2026 SAAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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Alan Ross Bob Ross Realty
Kara Morkovsky Portico Property Management
Lyssette Perez Apartments.com
Maddie Patrick Indio Property Management
Tabatha Blunt Greystar Real Estate Partners, LP
Emery Johnson The Phoenix Recovery Group
Sunny Davila Kairoi Residential
Renetta Quintana Capstone Real Estate Services, Inc.
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Building Momentum for the Months Ahead
Letter from the Executive Director Invest In Yourself, Invest in the Industry: A Packed Season Ahead for SAAA Members By K. Ryan Baldwin, Executive Director San Antonio Apartment Association
E very year, late summer arrives with a quiet urgency - a
sense that the calendar is turning quickly and there is real work left to do. At the San Antonio Apartment Association, we have channeled that energy into a fall lineup that speaks directly to the three pillars at the heart of our strategic plan: education, advocacy, and membership. Between now and October, you have the opportunity to grow professionally, connect with hundreds of industry peers, and take a meaningful stand for the policies and protections that define our industry. I hope you will take advantage of every one of these opportunities - because every dollar invested and every hour spent strengthens not just your career, but the collective voice of our entire membership.
Build Your Skills All Season Long Education is one of the most powerful member benefits SAAA provides - and this fall, the calendar is loaded with courses designed to meet you where you are. Whether you are a maintenance professional looking to add credentials, a manager wanting to sharpen your legal knowledge, or a team leader investing in your staff, there is something on our schedule for you. Most classes are held at SAAA headquarters, 7525 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78249, and registration is open at www.saaaonline.org/events/education.
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Step Up. Suit Up. Show Up — and Unleash Your Superpowers on September 10th If you attend only one SAAA event this fall, make it this one. Our annual trade show is the single largest gathering of multi-family professionals in San Antonio, and this year, we are going full superhero. 2026 SAAA Trade Show: SAAA Universe – Heroes vs. Villains takes place on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Freeman Coliseum & Expo Hall C, 3201 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78219. Step Up. Suit Up. This is the event where suppliers connect face-to-face with property management professionals, where relationships are built and deals begin, and where our industry shows up for itself in force. The theme is Heroes vs. Villains — and we want you to lean in. Costumes are encouraged. Energy is mandatory. Registration is open through September 7, 2026. Booth reservations and attendee registration are available now at www.saaaonline.org. If you are a supplier member and you are not on this floor, you are missing the most valuable marketing opportunity SAAA offers all year. Do not wait.
Advocacy in Action: The 2026 David Guin Memorial Golf Tournament Of all the pillars that guide SAAA's strategic plan, advocacy may be the one with the most direct consequences for our business and industry. The laws that govern how we operate, the ordinances that affect our properties, the legislative decisions made in Austin and here at home - all of it is shaped by the relationships we build and the resources we invest in our Political Action Committee. The 2026 SAAA David Guin Memorial Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Canyon Springs Golf Club is our premier annual PAC fundraiser — and one of the most enjoyable days on our entire event calendar. Named in honor of David Guin, a dedicated leader who gave so much to this Association and to our industry, the tournament is a celebration of the relationships and values that make SAAA strong. But make no mistake: participation is about more than a great round of golf. Every registration, every sponsorship, and every dollar contributed to SAAA's PAC goes directly to supporting candidates and causes that fight for multifamily housing at the City, County, and State level. When our PAC is strong, our voice is strong — and our members are protected. The apartment industry does not advocate for itself by accident. It takes intentional investment from people who understand what is at stake. If you own properties, manage communities, or supply the multifamily industry in South Texas, this tournament is your investment in your own business. Register your foursome, secure a sponsorship, and join us at Canyon Springs on October 28th. Full details and registration will be available soon at www.saaaonline.org.
Three Pillars. One Association. All of Us. Education. Advocacy. Membership. These are not just words in a strategic plan, they are the daily work of this Association and the framework through which SAAA creates lasting value for every member we serve. The fall season ahead gives you a chance to engage with all three in meaningful ways. I am proud of the work this team does and grateful for the members who show up, invest, and engage. I hope to see you in the classroom, on the tradeshow floor, and out on the fairway. Together, we are stronger. 5
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K. Ryan Baldwin K. Ryan Baldwin Executive Director San Antonio Apartment Association
PERKS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Ryan Baldwin | Steve Colella | Sunny Davila | Alan Ross | Marc Ross
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hat do you say when, all of a sudden, your whole life, the industry that has supported you, the one you’ve built your livelihood around, where you've made lifelong friends and built your career, welcomes your child into it? For the past 30 years, this incredible industry has given me so much. It has introduced me to some of my dearest friends and provided opportunities I could have only dreamed of. Then, one day, you look up and realize your only child is now part of it too, not just working in the industry, but truly thriving. Earlier this year, my daughter Emily was selected as a Texas Apartment Association Room to Grow Ambassador. A Room to Grow Ambassador is an emerging leader in the Texas apartment industry who shares their career journey to inspire others to explore careers in multifamily. Ambassadors represent their local apartment association, help raise awareness of the opportunities available in our industry, and serve as authentic voices through storytelling, events, and digital content. By sharing real career experiences, they help connect the next generation of talent with rewarding careers in apartment communities.
seeing how we truly take care of one another, she wanted to be a part of it.
realize the next day that maybe I should see it from her point of view.
That's what makes this industry so special.
In the end, she makes me a better person.
These coworkers become lifelong friends. They're the people you can call at two o'clock in the morning. They're the ones who will drop everything to help you or your child when life throws something unexpected your way.
Empathy is one of the greatest gifts a leader can have, and Emily continually helps me grow in that area. She gives me a better understanding of different generations, different perspectives, and different expectations about work life balance than the ones I grew up with.
As parents, this is what we hope for. We want our children to be successful, but even more than that, we hope they become even more successful than we ever imagined. That's when you realize you've done something right, not only in life, but as a parent.
That's when you realize you've done something right, not only in life, but as a parent. That's exactly how I feel about Emily. The funny thing is, she's not following in my footsteps at all.
I can't begin to describe how full my heart feels every time I watch her succeed in the industry that I love so much.
From day one, she's been determined to create her own path, make her own way, and be a difference maker. She challenges the way I think almost every single day. When you combine a strong Gen X personality with an incredibly thoughtful Gen Z daughter who isn't afraid to speak the truth and share her opinions, even when they're not always what I want to hear, you end up with a pretty powerful team.
For years she would say, "Mom, I'm never going to do what you do." But in the end, after watching the relationships I had built and
I ask for her perspective because she often sees things completely differently than I do. Sometimes I'll sleep on what she says and
Emily was excited, but I was absolutely over the moon.
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Our industry serves people from every generation, and I believe it's important that we understand and appreciate those differences. Emily helps me do exactly that. I've never been more honored to do anything in my life than to be her mom. She's not following in my footsteps. She's creating her own path, and she's outshining me every step of the way. There has never been a greater feeling.
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Class: Supplier Partner Fundamentals 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: SAAA HQ CEC’s: 3
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PAC Committee Meeting 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Location: SAAA HQ
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Class: Preventative Maintenance 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: SAAA HQ CEC’s: 3
Education Committee Meeting 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Location: SAAA HQ
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Class: HVAC EPA-608 (Day 1 of 2) 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Location: SAAA HQ CEC’s: 3
Philanthropy Committee Meeting 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM Location: SAAA HQ
Class: HVAC EPA-608 (Day 2 of 2) 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: SAAA HQ CEC’s: 3
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2026 SAAA Business Exchange Location: Paesano’s 1604 Event: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Happy Hour: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Class: Assistant Manager 101 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: SAAA HQ CEC’s: 3 Next Gen Committee Meeting 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location: SAAA HQ
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Class: Redbook Seminar 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: SAAA HQ CEC’s: 3
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Class: Leasing 101 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Landhaus at Grüne CEC’s: 3
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Membership Committee Meeting 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: McIntyre’s Membership Mixer 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: McIntyre’s
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By Alan Ross 2026 Board President San Antonio Apartment Association
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few weeks ago, a friend and mentor of mine, Ryan Baldwin, recommended a book called The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. One idea from the opening chapter has stayed with me ever since:
Committee meetings become opportunities to solve problems instead of obligations on our calendars. Every educational opportunity should become a transformational moment, not simply another credential. Networking becomes the beginning of trusted relationships rather than the exchange of business cards. Leadership becomes something we intentionally develop rather than something we hope happens by chance. Not only within ourselves but in those . around us as well.
“Every gathering should have a purpose.” At first, I thought, Well, of course it should. Then I realized something bigger. Maybe everything we do should have a purpose. Going forward, purpose will be my north star. It will guide not only my professional journey, but my volunteer journey as well.
That has caused me to reflect on the purpose of SAAA.
Before we ask what we're doing, I want us to ask why we're doing it. Why do we gather? Why do we volunteer? Why do we invest our time in committees, education, advocacy, and one another? Because when we are clear about our purpose, everything else becomes more meaningful.
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Certainly, we exist to provide education, advocate for our industry, and create opportunities for members to connect. Those are essential parts of who we are. But I believe our greater purpose is something even more significant.
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We exist to develop people. Not just better property managers, owners, suppliers, or executives. Better leaders. Better mentors. Better professionals. Better people. I know this because I saw it long before I understood it. When my grandfather was still alive, I can remember listening to, and watching him interact with others around him. He had a way of asking one more question, challenging one more assumption, and encouraging people to think just a little bigger than they had planned. I don’t remember him being the loudest voice, but I remember him carrying a great deal of influence. He was someone others looked to for advice and solutions. He didn’t care about your political views or the color of your skin; he cared about the value you brought to the table. He believed that if people could block out the noise for just a moment and truly listen to one another, collaboration could produce extraordinary results. I know now that I wasn’t simply watching a leader. I was learning what leadership looked like. Looking back, I realize he wasn’t just helping shape an association he was shaping me.
That is the true value of this association.
We earn it by investing in people.
Membership is not simply about what we receive.
We earn it by creating opportunities for others to lead.
It is about who we become.
We earn it by leaving this association stronger than we found it.
That belief is guiding many of our priorities this year.
That responsibility belongs to every one of us.
Our open committee structure isn't simply about filling committee seats. Its purpose is to invite more voices into leadership.
So this month, I would simply ask you to reflect on three questions:
Expanded educational opportunities and the new Supplier Leadership Lyceum aren't simply additional programs. Their purpose is to intentionally prepare the next generation of leaders for our industry.
What is your purpose? What keeps you engaged? How can your purpose help someone else grow?
Our advocacy efforts and Political Action Committee aren't simply organizational responsibilities. Their purpose is to ensure that the apartment industry has informed, respected, and effective representation where important decisions are made. When we begin with purpose, our priorities become clearer.
If each of us leads with purpose, I believe we won't just build a stronger association—we'll build stronger leaders, stronger businesses, and a stronger industry. In the coming months, I look forward to continuing this conversation with you as we explore not only what we do as an association, but who we choose to become together.
Our decisions become easier. Our work becomes more meaningful. People often say that 'culture eats strategy for breakfast.' Whether or not those exact words were ever spoken, the principle resonates with me. But I've come to believe there is something that comes even before culture purpose. When an organization is united by a clear purpose, it shapes how its members treat one another, how they serve, how they lead, and ultimately what they accomplish together. That is the culture I hope we continue to build at SAAA. As a third-generation member of my family to serve as President of this association, I often reflect on what legacy really means. While I am proud of my family's history with SAAA, I have come to believe that legacy is not something we inherit. It is something we earn.
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Alan Ross 2026 Board President San Antonio Apartment Association President@saaaonline.org
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SAAA doesn’t just connect businessess. It creates opportunites to build relationships the drive longterm sucess
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Altura Source LLC OH CRAP! Pet Waste Removal Pristine Pros Property Services Star Quality Remodeling LLC MyBids.net Urban Solutions Voskos Security Group LLC LS Landscapes Complete Landscapes Matrix Construction Services Circular Services (dba Balcones Recycling)
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SAAA AT THE TAA
STRONGER
Together
SAN ANTONIO APARTMENT ASSOCIATION JOINS APARTMENT INDUSTRY LEADERS FROM ACROSS TEXAS AT THE TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION SUMMER BOARD MEETING AT THE WOODLANDS RESORT. The San Antonio Apartment Association (SAAA) proudly joined apartment industry leaders from across Texas for the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) Summer Board Meeting at The Woodlands Resort. The meeting provided valuable opportunities to collaborate with fellow association leaders, exchange ideas, discuss legislative priorities, and explore innovative strategies that will continue to strengthen the multifamily housing industry throughout Texas. The meeting reinforced the importance of working together to advocate for our industry, invest in leadership development, and build meaningful relationships across the state.
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Leadership.
Connection. Impact.
SAAA representatives connected with fellow board memebers, industry partners, and TAAA leadership to discuss key initiatives, legislative updates and emerging trends shaping the industry.
ONE INDUSTRY. ONE VOICE.
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CAREER CENTER The Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation's Room to Grow campaign is driving job seekers of all experience levels straight to the TAA Career Center—and now is the perfect time to post your open positions. As an SAAA member, you have access to an exclusive 50% discount on Basic and Enhanced job posting packages at careers.taa.org using promo code SAAA50. Whether you’re hiring onsite team members, maintenance professionals, or corporate staff, the Career Center connects you with candidates who are actively exploring career pathways in our industry. Don’t miss the chance to find your next great hire at a significant discount.
How to Use Your SAAA Discount: 1. Visit careers.taa.org and sign in. 2. Select your membership status and log in. 3. Click Post a Job and choose San Antonio from the dropdown. 4. Select your posting package and click Buy. 5. (Discount valid on Basic or Enhanced packages.) 6. Enter promo code SAAA50 in the “Have a promo code?” field and click Apply. 7. Review your total and click Complete Order. PROMO CODE
SAAA50
Your next amazing team member could be just one post away— take advantage of your member discount and start recruiting today! careers.taa.org
Thank you to all who shared their insight, experience, and encouragement with the next generation of industry leaders.
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FEATURED RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT As a valued member of the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) community, we are excited to introduce you to the valuable resources and opportunities offered by the TAA Education Foundation (TAAEF) to help our members recruit, retain and advance talent in Texas rental housing. Through our education programs, we are committed to fostering personal and professional growth and opening doors to career pathways.