OFFICE 210.692.7797 or 877.306.4108 Fax 210.692.7277 or 877.316.1984 www.saaaonline.org
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.
Delegates - Sunny Davila, Alan Ross, Kara Morkovsky, Steffany Esnaola, Renetta Quintana, Tabatha Blunt
Alternates - Rocio Marquez, Emery Johnson, Maddie
Patrick, Victoria Keeler, Jennifer Bain
Chair - Alan King, CPM
Chair-Elect - Chris Burns, CAM, CAPS
Vice-Chair - Jeannette Cox
Treasurer - Brian Chase
Secretary - Mark Hurley
Delegates - Sunny Davila, Alan Ross, Renetta Quintana, Maddie Patrick
Alternates - Ryan Baldwin, Kara Morkovsky, Mike Rust
Morkovsky Portico Property Management
Maddie Patrick Foresight Property Management
Ryan Baldwin Franklin Property Management
Renetta Quintana Capstone Real Estate Services VICE PRESIDENT Jennifer Bain Home Depot PSC PRESIDENT Steffany Esnaola CheckPointe ID by MRI Software
Dear SAAA Members,
Letter from the Executive Director
This holiday season please accept a big thank you for all you have done this year. The list is long but these come to mind:
• Your loyalty as a continued SAAA member;
• Your volunteer spirit offering your personal time to SAAA;
• Your advocacy passion that made elected officials take notice of SAAA’s value and influence;
• Your participatation at professional development classes and events;
• Your selfless giving this year to so many who needed our help; and
• Your financial support to the SAAA PAC which continues to grow.
I remain incredibly amazed at how we came to together in 48 hours to help flood victims in July. The work we did as a team made a difference, and SAAA will always be remembered by those who received our support. You all make San Antonio and surrounding counties a better place to live and work as owner/manager and supplier members. I look forward to 2026 and continuing to transition challenges into opportunities.
I wish you, your families, and your companies a healthy, prosperous and blessed New Year.
Kyle Ward, CAE Executive Director San Antonio Apartment Association
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
members
PLATINUM
Alan Ross
Bob Ross Realty
Allyson McKay
Embrey Management Services
Debbie Wiatrek
Summit PM
Emery Johnson
The Phoenix Recovery Group
Kara Morkovsky
Portico Property Management
Leo L’Homme
Fresh Meadows REI
Marc Ross
Bob Ross Realty
Mike Rust
Highland Commercial Property
Natalie Bennett
Apartment Solutions Inc.
Renee Masten
Homespring Residential
Renetta Quintana
Capstone Management
Ryan Baldwin
Franklin Apt. Mngt.
Scott Milgrom
Image 360
Steffany Esnaola
MRI Software
Steve Colella
MDP Management
Steve Ross
Bob Ross Realty
Sunny Davila
Kairoi Residential
Timothy Lippard
Splash Branding
Victoria Keeler
Churchill Forge Properties
SILVER members
Alexie Loriente
Corrina Gutierrez
Emily Wiatrek
Jennifer Kimball
Jennifer Morales
Leslie Herrera
Rocio Marquez
Tabatha Blunt
GOLD members
Alexis Gomez Trace Properties
Clara Seelhammer 2-SD Construction
Gary Greene FSI Construction
Jennifer Bain Home Depot
Jessica Kelly Embrey
Lori Somerville Chadwell Supply
Lyssette Perez Apartments com
Maddie Patrick Foresight Asset Management
Nina Segundo
Portico Property Management
Omar Rodriguez
The Liberty Group Staffing
Travis Kamp D-Kam Construction
WHY DONATE TO PAC?
Every donation to SAAA PAC helps us connect with elected officials and candidates to educate them and spread industry knowledge and perspective to hopefully lead to better policy outcomes for us all. By pooling the contributions from individuals and companies who are members of SAAA, our members may participate in the political process.
Any funds collected are disbursed at the direction of SAAA’s Government Affairs Committee directly to the campaign of a candidate or incumbent member of local and state elected offices like City Council, Bexar County Commissioners, and Texas House and Senate Representatives.
Why Should You Care?
PAC Contributions Give Our Industry and Organization:
A Seat at the Table. Would you rather be at the table, or on the menu? SAAA PAC is your vehicle to support elected officials and candidates who are open to the rental housing industry's views on issues crucial to your business and the industry at large.
Credibility SAAA PAC gives our profession political credibility It shows that we are willing to support lawmakers who help enact policies that will allow us to keep creating quality rental housing opportunities across the state.
Success. Growing our influence within the San Antonio metro area and Texas does not happen easily It is an ongoing and long-term process that only succeeds as more and more SAAA members participate Your involvement makes SAAA PAC grow in strength
WHY DONATE TO PAC?
Recent “wins” for the San Antonio Apartment Association in advocacy:
In 2024, the Government Affairs Committee had over 80 meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials, key department staff members, and government entities to communicate important proposals and build relationships.
In 2024, members of the SAAA Government Affairs Committee were chosen to be involved in the recent San Antonio Unified Development Code review and shaped the code amendments to prevent further regulation and pressure on the rental housing industry. This influence at the City level is advantageous to our growth and position as a key stakeholder for the City of San Antonio. In 2024 and recently this year, SAAA Government Affairs Team participated in the process for a San Antonio Council Consideration Request (CCR) that concerns SAWS water shutoffs at multifamily communities. SAAA was alerted about the CCR and met with multiple City Council members, the Development Services Department, and SAWS leadership to influence the path the CCR took through City Council Committees before it goes to the whole City Council for review. When the recommendations for the CCR passes the full City Council, it will be an even bigger win for the association.
Recently this spring, a member of the Government Affairs Committee applied and was selected to be a part of the Housing Commission’s Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Subcommittee. This commitment lasts two years and gives the rental housing industry a seat at the table to impact policy being directed by the subcommittee to the Housing Commission
2026 Calendar of Events
On December 3, SAAA held a Member Mixer and holiday shoe drive at The Roo Pub, where members gathered from 4–7 p.m. to connect while giving back. Attendees were invited to bring a new pair of children’s shoes (sizes 13C–4Y) in exchange for a free drink ticket, supporting the theme
“Together we can make a difference, one step at a time.” The event reflects SAAA’s ongoing commitment to spreading kindness, compassion, and meaningful impact throughout the community.
On Wednesday, November 12th, #SAAA hosted the highly anticipated course, ‘Property Management 301’ led by industry favorites, Maddie Patrick with Foresight Asset Management & Monica Menjivar with Greystar. We had a total of 35 rental housing professionals eager to learn more about effective property management strategies and ways to enhance their daily operations. Special thanks to Candace and Michelle withGratr Landscapes for sponsoring this course! Another successful class in the books!
SAAA Night with the Spurs!
On Friday, November 7th, the San Antonio Spurs hosted a special game night just for #SAAA Members! Attendees enjoyed discounted tickets, early arena access at 4:30 PM to watch the Spurs’ warm-up practice, and an unforgettable on-court recognition at halftime! And the icing on the cake? Our Spurs took down the Houston Rockets, 121–110!
Thank you to all our amazing members who joined us for an incredible night of basketball and community spirit in the Alamo City!
A Winning Hand
2025
Industry Awards and Casino Night
Behind every well-run property, welcoming leasing office, and thriving apartment community is a team of dedicated professionals who go above and beyond every day. SAAA’s Industry Awards celebrate those individuals and teams whose commitment, leadership, and passion make a lasting impact across San Antonio’s property landscape. This year’s award recipients represent excellence in action, setting the standard for what it means to serve with skill, integrity, and heart.
Maintenance Technician of the Year
Ruth MIa Salas
Maintenance Supervisor of the Year
Chris Garza
Customer Excellence Award Winner
Community Impact Award Winner
Award Winners
Independent Rental Owner of the Year
Emery Johnson
Richard Schott
Luis Frias
David Fritsche Educator of the Year
Randall Baker
Regional Manager of the Year
Assistant Manager of the Year
Managers
four managers
Manager of the Year
regional manager manager
assistant manager
community manager
Community Manager of the Year
Monica Menjivar
Miranda Hernandez
Lydia Herrera
Victoria Trautman
Volunteer of the Year
Natalie Bennett
Volunteer of the Year Tomas Lopez
Volunteers
four volunteers
Volunteer of the Year
Desiree Flores
Volunteer of the Year Debbie Wiatrek
Leasing Professional of the Year
Marketing & Engagement Partner of the Year
Partners & Professionals
Supplier Partner of the Year
Alexa Lopez
Desiree Flores
Tracy Hungate
Best Maintenance Team of the Year Cellars at Pearl
Best Community Team of the Year View at TPC
Properties
Community of the Year
Preston Peak
An Evening in Pictures
PREPARING FOR WINTER FREEZES: Texas Apartment Owners and Managers
Texas might be known for its scorching summers, but recent winter freezes have reminded us all of the unique challenges that come with cold weather here. Unexpected cold snaps can bring frozen pipes, power outages, and icy conditions that affect property and residents alike. To help you get ahead of winter’s surprises, the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) has put together this guide with essential tips to prepare multifamily properties for the possibility of freezes.
Recognizing the Challenges
The unpredictability of Texas weather has shown us that cold snaps can lead to significant issues like frozen pipes and heating problems. Cold weather events in Texas may not match those in colder climates, but our less frequent exposure can sometimes make it more difficult to be fully prepared. Understanding these potential winter risks is an important step.
Proactive Preparation Tips
1. Maintenance Essentials
• Pipe Inspections and Insulation: Regularly check pipes, especially those in unheated areas like attics or exterior walls and consider adding insulation.
• Heating System Readiness: Make sure heating systems like furnaces are serviced and keep an eye on filters and any necessary repairs.
• Seal Entry Points: Review and seal any gaps around windows, doors, or foundations to help retain indoor warmth.
2. Safety Enhancements
• Clear Walkways: Keep entrances, walkways, and parking areas free of ice and snow and use salt or sand to prevent slipping.
• Emergency Supplies on Hand: Have materials like salt, shovels, and de-icing products accessible.
• System Checks: Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, along with emergency lighting, are fully operational, especially in case of power outages.
3. Resident Awareness
• Share Winter Tips: Keep residents informed on steps they can take during winter freezes, like dripping faucets and keeping spaces heated to reduce frozen pipe risks.
• Collect Emergency Contacts: Make sure contact information is up to date so residents can reach out during an emergency.
• Promote Emergency Kit Preparedness: Suggest residents prepare basic kits with essentials like blankets, food, water, and flashlights.
4. Create an Emergency Communication Plan
• Regular Updates: Set up a plan for keeping residents informed before, during, and after a freeze through email, texts, or social media.
• Warm Zones in Common Areas: Designate common areas where residents can gather if their units become too cold.
• Stay Connected to Local Resources: Maintain contact with local agencies and utility providers to stay informed on local warming centers and available resources.
5. Power Outage Preparedness
• Back-Up Power Options: If possible, consider back-up power sources to maintain essential services.
• Lighting Solutions: Install emergency lighting in shared spaces and keep battery operated lights for use during outages.
• Support for Vulnerable Residents: Consider any residents who may require extra assistance during an outage.
Getting Ready for Winter Weather
Proactively addressing potential winter weather needs is key to reducing the impact on property and residents. The Texas Apartment Association is here with resources to support you in staying resilient through the season’s unpredictable challenges.
For more information and additional resources, read this article at taa.org.
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.
2026 SAN ANTONIO APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
Installation of Officers
step up: Honoring the Leaders Who Move Us Forward
Join us for the San Antonio Apartment Association’s 2026 Installation of Officers as we celebrate the leaders who continue to Step-Up and elevate our industry. This festive, inspiring evening will feature networking, dinner, and a ceremony recognizing those who have stepped up to serve our association in the year ahead, led by 2026 SAAA President Alan Ross. Friday, January 23, 2026 | 5:30-9:30 PM
Cocktails | 5:30 PM
Dinner | 6:30 PM
Program | 7:00 PM
Security Service Center
15000 Interstate 10 San Antonio, TX 78249
Registration is now open. We invite you to reserve your seat and help us honor the individuals shaping the future of our association.
Government Affairs Update December 2025
The Government Affairs team continues to strengthen its impact through leadership engagement, community support, and strategic growth. We were pleased to welcome Sarah Taylor as our new Government Relations Assistant, adding valuable capacity to the team. Recent leadership meetings with SAPD Chief McManus, SAFD Chief Valerie Frausto, SAWS CEO Robert Puente, and CPS CEO Rudy Garza reinforced key partnerships, while Melissa’s appointment to the Hispanic, Greater, and Metro Chamber Government Affairs Committees expanded our regional influence. Community support remained a priority with a $500 contribution to council district holiday initiatives and a veteran-focused food drive in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank.
Looking ahead, the GA team is “playing offense” with a proactive advocacy strategy focused on shaping policy for 2026 and beyond. At the December 2 GA Committee meeting, members reviewed Senate Bill 38 and promoted the December 16 SAAA webinar, which drew strong registration. District-level engagement included a District 4 roundtableaddressing operational challenges and a District 2 discussion exploring future resources to support the LGBTQIA+ community and apartment renters. Strategic planning efforts expanded outreach to 21 counties, and close monitoring of local election changes and the underscore the team’s commitment to forward-looking, effective advocacy for the apartment industry.
APARTMENT COMMUNITY
Be a part of the SAAA Weekly Spotlight with #MemberMonday featuring your community and showcase your amenities and current move-in specials
SAAA will feature and tag your community on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, a combined total of 10K plus followers
Take full advantage to promote your property at no cost! Just be an active SAAA member! See how SAAA will help get the buzz going about your property!
Email Clemente Sanchez with any questions at csanchez@saaaonline.org
SAAA NEW MEMBERS
SUPPLIERS
SUPPLIERS:
Galaxy Builders, LTD.
Century Fire Protection
OWNER MEMBERS
StoneRiver Property Management
2681 Gattis School Road Unit 200 Round Rock, TX 78664
512.676.3941
Richard Carta 4729 College Park San Antonio, TX 78249 Website (830) 360-5335
Texas Disposal Systems PO Box 17126 Austin, TX 78760 512.421.1300
Matthew D. Peterson mpeterson@texasdisposal.com
Grace Hill 4545 Fuller Drive Suite 406 Irving, TX 75038
866.472.2344
Jessica Springer jspringer@gracehill.com
TMech 1576 Wald Road
New Braunfels, TX 78132-5018
Charles Gilbert cgilbert@tmechtx.com
OWNER/MEMBERS:
Grocapitus
627c James M Campbell Boulevard South Columbia, TN 38401
Kimberli Khepri
Jstreet Property Services
1800 Westgrove Drive
Addison, TX, Kate Fields
BOERNE, TX 78006
210.540.2575
2centsjen@gmail.com
BAR Goldstein
Tuscany Villas
8311 Via Pisa Apartment 104 San Antonio, TX 78227
SAAA NEW MEMBERS
916.607.3050
myviapisa@gmail.com
Theodore Patterson
SUPPLIERS
West End Estates
Galaxy Builders, LTD.
830.229.1422
westendestatestx@gmail.com
Allison Engel
Richard Carta 4729 College Park San Antonio, TX 78249
Raybec Texas LLC
Website (830) 360-5335
7383 North Lincoln Avenue Lincolnwood, IL 60712 joey@raybecltd.com
USA Restorations/Frontier Services
OneWall Communities
Sean Hill 3556 FM 78 Suite 203 McQueeny, TX 78123
707 Summer Street 3rd floor
Website (830) 666-3939
Stamford, CT 06901-1026 lnazeef@owcommunities.com
Laiba Nazeef
MLS Apartments
OWNER MEMBERS
StoneRiver Property Management
STYL Residential 1 North Upper Wacker Drive Suite 2400
Katie Roncadori 2151 Highland Ave Birmingham, AL 35205
Chicago, IL 60606
312.881.4300
jenglish@stylresidential.com
Website (205) 725-7211
Jennifer English
Eastside Equities 183 Oak Leaf Drive REIDSVILLE, NC 27320
336.340.6394
sharon@multihousing.com
Sharon Harrelson
Zen Living Management
Calderon Property Solutions LLC
559.639.0418
Khiere Simmons 1433 Lady Grey Ave Pflugerville, TX 78660
calderonpropertysolutions@gmail.com
2021 East Lamar Boulevard Arlington, TX 76006-7354 neil.b@zenlivingmgmt.com
Eduardo Calderon-Aguilera
Website (512) 593-1342
Stonegate Asset Management
210.417.8684
Ted W Allen & Associates
Vivo Living 2260 East Imperial Highway El Segundo, CA 90245-3501
310.606.9822
maddieqpatrick@gmail.com
Maddie Patrick
Keith Sobolik 17004 Grant Rd Cypress, TX 77429
mgibbon@vivoliving.com
Meagan Gibbon
Website (832) 435-6440
Strat Property Management
2055 3rd Avenue Ste. 200 San Diego, CA 92101
915.295.2211
Reap Management
539 West Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75208-1953 haven@reapmgt.com
Samantha Hernandez
Golden Estate Main Street Villas 1218 South main Street #24
ASSISTANT MANAGER 101
Essentials of a great assistant manager:
The role of an Assistant Manager is essential to the success of any company. They help to ensure that the property is running smoothly and efficiently, while also providing guidance and support to the team. This class is a great way to develop your leadership and management skills. It can help you learn how to think strategically, delegate tasks, manage a team, and handle difficult situations. It can also give you the tools and confidence you need to move up in the ranks and become a successful manager.
Benefits of this course:
• Time savings for multiple properties and independent rental owners.
• Ideal residents with professional screenings that can often result in more responsible and long-term renters.
• Efficient maintenance with establishing vendor relationships to reduce costs and downtime.
• Legal protection in maintaining knowledge to help prevent costly legal missteps.
• Higher ROI with increased resident retention and better financial oversight improve profitability.
• Plus, much more!
Marketing Opportunities / Advertising with SAAA
Published digitally every month, any new ad submissions for annual advertisers can be updated quarterly, the deadline is the 15 of every month. th Files can be sent in pdf or jpeg format and will have an active link to your website! Page size: 8 5” wide x 11” high Page size: 8.5” wide x 5.5” high
Full page ad: 9-12 issues = $249 per month
5-8 issues = $299 per month 1-4 issues = $349 per month
Half page ad: 9-12 issues = $199 per month
5-8 issues = $249 per month
1-4 issues = $299 per month
Quarter page ad: 9-12 issues = $149 per month
5-8 issues = $199 per month 1-4 issues = $249 per month
