GARRETT
TGC PITMASTER GRILLS UP TASTY MEATS | BACK
GAZZETTE Volume 3 • Issue 1 • January 4, 2021 • THEGARRETTCO.COM
THE NEW NORM
Team Garrett bonds more than ever while working from home
As the new year begins, it is fascinating to look back on all that we have been through during 2020. From the global pandemic to a polarizing election year, the American people endured a stressful year. But that doesn’t mean the year was a total wash. The Garrett Companies achieved several firsts throughout the year. From offering employees based at HQ in Greenwood the opportunity to work from home whenever they so choose, to the finishing up and opening of four brand-new apartment communities and a restaurant, to Garrett Residential’s first third-party management deal, 2020 was a year of “firsts” for TGC. With the introduction of this new office-as-an-asset mindset for HQ team members, many TGC employees have learned that working from home can be just as fulfilling and just as communicative as working in the office. Not only this, but many employees say that they are actually more productive when they work from home. In a study done by Nick Bloom for the Stanford Graduate School CONTINUED INSIDE
LIFE EVENTS
HELLO WORLD
Duke Owner: Kyle McClammer Breed: French Bulldog Favorite Activity: Chasing the boys as they run around the house.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jan. 2 – Kendra K. Jan. 6 – Dalal K. Jan. 8 – Cesar M. Jan. 8 – Lee S. Jan. 11 – Eric G. Jan. 16 – Chris W. Jan. 22 – Darryl R. Jan. 25 – Tiffany L. Jan. 26 – Angie A. Jan. 27 – Kyle M. Jan. 29 – Alyssa S. Jan. 29 – Bradley G. Jan. 29 – Tracey R. Jan. 31 – Sydnee K. Feb. 7 – Jacob W. Feb. 8 – Jonathan B.
Feb. 10 – Andrew W. Feb. 14 – Ashley B. Feb. 15 – Markus K. Feb. 19 – Jenny W. Feb. 24 – Jason E. Mar. 2 – Nikol W. Mar. 4 – Evan Brown Mar. 5 – Dana P. Mar. 6 – Danielle B. Mar. 12 – Josh H. Mar. 16 – Lexi P. Mar. 23 – Jarrod P. Mar. 23 – Will B. Mar. 25 – Rachel M. Mar. 26 – Sarah L. Mar. 28 – Kelli P.
DAY IN THE LIFE
MAKING LIFE AN ADVENTURE
WORK ANNIVERSARY Jan. 1 – Alyssa Skarbek – 1 year Jan. 3 – Karl Stout – 4 years Jan. 6 – Ashley Bedell – 1 year Jan. 7 – Anna Larson – 2 years Jan. 7 – Sierra Hughes – 2 years Jan. 7 – Jon Badger – 2 years Jan. 14 – Dana Post – 2 years Jan. 15 – Rob Martinson – 3 years Jan. 18 – Steve Flick – 5 years Jan. 22 – Jordan Reisman – 3 years Jan. 27 – Karen Medina – 1 year Jan. 31 – Shannon Simpson – 1 year Feb. 3 – Cesar Morales – 1 year Feb. 3 – Shannon Simpson – 1 year Feb. 17 – Mike Deis – 1 year Feb. 22 – Terry Lott – 5 years Feb. 27 – Andy Kirby – 4 years Mar. 1 – Danielle Biggerstaff – 4 years Mar. 1 – Megan Grider – 4 years Mar. 16 – Tabatha Rasch – 1 year Mar. 16 – Josh Hughes – 1 year Mar. 17 – Nick Smith – 1 year Mar. 19 – Soni Leturgez – 3 years Mar. 23 – Chris Hentschel – 1 year Mar. 30 – Aaron Kitch – 6 years
Jackson Beckman proposed on November 7th, 2020 in Carmel, IN to his now fiancé Sara. The two plan on getting married in October.
James Gray and Ed Brandon participated in local WWII Iwo Jima Vet, Cole Griego’s birthday parade to help celebrate his 96th birthday.
Sourcing deals is only part of the of the thrill
J
ordan Reisman joined The Garrett Companies three years ago, January 2018. His journey with TGC however, began even before Jordan joined the team. Right after he graduated from Butler University in 2016, Jordan joined a multifamily lender specializing in affordable housing. He was assigned to TGC’s Jordan Creek deal and this is when he met Eric Garrett. Jordan had the opportunity to talk with Eric about his goals and it was then Jordan realized he wanted to be part of TGC. From there the rest is history. Jordan enjoys starting his day with a workout and a 20-minute steam room session. He has found this helps him plan his day and gets him going before starting the workday. As a Development Associate at TGC, Jordan has a number of responsibilities. During the day, Jordan typically splits his day up into sections to ensure he is getting all things accomplished. Part of his role is to help determine if a site financially makes sense for The Garrett Co pipeline. He does this through the underwriting process. Jordan researches costs and fees and puts them into a large spreadsheet to help executives see the numbers to help determine if it is a viable deal. In addition to being knee deep in spreadsheets, Jordan ensures communication lines are open and relationships are being built with sellers on development projects. Part
of Jordan’s day is spent sourcing new opportunities, building and refining financial models, and researching and implementing new financing structures. There are a lot of moving pieces Jordan ensures run smoothly. Just because a deal is under contract does not mean Jordan’s responsibilities are over. He and the rest of the investments team are involved through the duration of the project. Jordan always knew he wanted to get involved in finance and so working at TGC has been perfect for him. For Jordan, finding a great site, negotiating the terms, and getting it under contract is the most gratifying part of his role. The real work begins once a deal is under contract but getting to that first step is his favorite part. Jordan has always had the desire to spend time in Colorado. Last year, Jordan was able to act on it and was one of TGC’s first remote workers. He has not skipped a beat with the transition and hopes to get back into an office in some capacity in the near future. When Jordan isn’t sourcing and refining deals you can find him doing something active like working out, roller blading, snow skiing, and most recently fly fishing. With his move, he has enjoyed trying new restaurants and exploring places in the mountains. TGC is very grateful to have Jordan on the team. Reach out to Joran and ask him about his latest adventures.
Above: Jordan works on some deals from his new set up at his apartment in Denver, Colorado.
TIPS TO (SUCCESSFULLY) WORK FROM HOME
PREPARE YOUR WORKSPACE
• Outlets – Make sure there is one close so you don’t disrupt the day when your computer runs out of juice. • Natural light – Studies show it increases productivity and promotes positive a mood. • Proper desk – A kitchen table may do the trick but nothing beats an actual desk if you have the space to dedicate for one.
ADD SOME STRUCTURE TO YOUR DAY
• Get ready – Take a shower, get out of the PJ's, have a cup of coffee – this will help you get in the working mindset. • Working hours – Determine a start and end time for the day & stick to it! Before wrapping up check your to do list and add priorities for the next day. • Scheduling – Block time on your calendar to focus on specific tasks you need to accomplish.
TAKE A BREAK – FREQUENTLY
• Set an alarm – If you find your self sitting for hours, set a timer to remind yourself to get up. Take 5 - 10 minutes an hour to step away from your computer. • Eat – Give yourself enough time to grab lunch. If you tend to be “too busy” schedule time on your calendar. Prep lunch ahead of time. • Move around – Get moving on breaks. Make a coffee, go for a walk, do a quick yoga class (YouTube and the Peloton app have tons).
COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE
• Check in – Connect with teammates to see how things are going and have “water cooler moments”. Teams is a fantastic tool for connecting. • Pick up the phone – Sometimes having a quick call makes more sense than trying to type everything. Try to have an agenda for your call. • Document – Consistently communicate the progress of a larger task or project so people involved know the status at all times.
CONTINUED FROM COVER
of Business on a 16,000-employee company, working from home led to a 13 percent performance increase, improved work satisfaction, and a lower turnover rate for employees. Matt Griffin, COO for TGC, says he feels more productive now than prepandemic. Swapping out commute-time calls for morning Teams calls and having time to talk and work rather than drive helps him to accomplish more and see more faces. Overall, working from home can dramatically change the work landscape. As we see at TGC, it is often change for the better. With the introduction of Microsoft Teams, employees have the ability to meet virtually any point throughout the day. Meetings through Teams have become the new norm at TGC and based off many employees’ responses, it’s a big success. Having this program makes meeting with large groups, like The Garrett Co’s weekly team calls, much easier. Having the means to meet with all 120 (and growing) employees at once gives everyone in the company the chance to learn the names and faces of their fellow employees, especially ones living and working remotely. TGC trading in
#TeamGarrettCo hops on a Microsoft Teams session for a weekly company wide update call on December 8th 2020.
the traditional conference room for Teams has leveled the playing field for those who work on jobsites or our communities. Everyone now has an equal opportunity to participate in meetings and access to communication channels. This has led to the field teams increasing engagement with peers based at HQ. Communication within your team is paramount to its success. If you aren’t already, make sure you are uti-
BE DONE FOR THE DAY
• Sign off – Let co-workers know when you are done working and sign off for the day. • Make rules – Set some rules, for example, no checking work emails and chat after 6 pm. This will help you unwind and relax. • Decompress – Have an end of day routine. Maybe it is listening to the radio, taking the dog for a walk, or working out. This will signal it is time to transition from work to home life.
lizing Teams to its full potential and talk with your coworkers throughout the day through Teams. If you usually ask your coworkers about their weekends, keep that up. If you would usually comment to them about a specific topic, reach out. These little interactions go a long way. Many Garrett employees mentioned they greatly enjoy the ability to have a flexible work environment. Being able to work from the office one day, and at home the next day, gives employees the space that they may need to accomplish the tasks that are expected of them. “Some tasks are easier accomplished at home and vice versa”, says Andrew White, Development Associate for TGC. Andrew also stressed how important it is to break up your workday at home with stretch breaks and other activities. Doing so will help keep you more productive and cause less burnout. As we begin 2021, make an effort to create healthy working habits, whether that is in the office or at home. Communicate with your teammates often, work on tasks diligently, and bring value to the company and the teammates surrounding you.
HOBBY HIGHLIGHT: CLARK GEORGE – PITMASTER
MEET SOME OF THE NEW CREW JEN LEWIS
Where were you born? Indianapolis, IN What is your favorite movie? Nottinghill or Yesterday What are you currently watching on Netflix? The Boys and Away Where is one place you would love to visit? Ireland
Do you have any secret talents? I can ride a unicycle Where is one place you would love to visit? Switzerland, for the mountains What are you passionate about? I have been racing motocross since I was 5 years old and continue to do that today, working out, my friendships, and my career.
COREY MASON
SARAH LANGE
Where were you born? Columbia, MD What is your favorite movie? Inception and Carlito’s Way Personal and professional accomplishments? Graduating from Lincoln Tech, being a dad, and obtaining CAMT license Do you have any secret talents? I’m an unlicensed dog whisperer.
NIKOL WEIDNER
Where were you born? Indiana Past education? IUPUI - Massage Therapy What is your favorite movie? Sweet Home Alabama What are you passionate about? Making people happy and always improving myself.
EMILY JOHNSON
Where were you born? Indianapolis, IN Do you have any pets? A golden retriever named Jameson What is your favorite restaurant? Bazbeaux What kind of music do you like? More of a fan of podcasts instead of music.
MARKUS KLUGA
Where were you born? Merrillville, IN
Where were you born? Orlando, FL Do you have any pets? Henry is a 1.5-year-old French Bulldog Do you have any secret talents? Everyone is impressed with my penmanship. I also write short Sci-Fi stories. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I love to bake! I would like to point out that I am not on the Covid baking bandwagon, I have been baking for a while.
CHRIS WARNER
Where were you born? Greenwood, IN What is your favorite restaurant? Café Patachou Where is one place you would love to visit? Egypt What are you passionate about? Volunteering. I have volunteered with IAA, the humane society and several food banks
DAVID BOTTOMS
What is your favorite music? Country and classic rock What are you currently watching on Netflix? Game of Thrones & Highlander What are you passionate about? Camping off the grid
The Garrett Companies very own pitmaster, Clark George, carves a whole hog he recently barbecued while his father looks on.
Clark George, Construction BBQ TIPS FROM OUR Project Engineer, is a Pitmaster. VERY OWN PITMASTER: Clark got into smokA good rest – Give food a chance ing food right after to retain a lot of moisture during the college and jumped in cooking process. with two feet by startButcher paper – Wrap all food in ing with whole hogs. butcher paper opposed to foil. Clark A notebook – Helps you remember Through the years George when experimenting with different Clark has experimentmethods. ed with many recipes, meats, and even smokers. Clark has since replaced his homemade pit with the science behind the cooking a Traeger electric smoker. His but most importantly the fact favorite part of meat smoking is that it brings people together.
COMPANY UPDATES FRESHLY BRANDED COMMUNITIES
A MESSAGE FROM ERIC I’m excited about the new year and the
P
THE PROSPECTOR M O D E R N A PA R T M E N T S
great things we are going to do together. Thanks for persevering through 2020. Let’s keep working hard and remember our motto “We want to be the best and we’re unapologetic about it.” Here’s to 2021!
– Eric Garrett
You might know it as: Terrain Theme: A tribute to the town of Castle Rock’s founding in 1874 during the gold rush era.
the plaza taOS M O D E R N A PA R T M E N T S
You might know it as: Chandler Theme: The golden era of luxury rail travel. Named after a 1950’s rail car by the same name.
MODERN APARTMENTS
You might know it as: Tampa Theme: Swanky community with a Polynesian flair. Maeva means “welcome” in Tahitian.
OFFICE BUZZ • • •
Total new hires in 2020: 61 full-time | 10 interns | 16 restaurant staff The Garrett Companies was the title sponsor of the Meet of Champions in Terre Haute, IN on November 14 - 15. The meet attracted more than 1,500 runners from 35 states. A huge thank you to all Garrett employees for helping make a difference this fall. As a result of your generosity, the team helped stock the shelves of The Refuge, a local food pantry with more than 6,000 items- that is four carloads full! In addition, team members helped provide Christmas gifts to 27 students.
CONGRATULATIONS GARRETT AWARD RECIPIENTS NEW HIRE OF THE YEAR
DETERMINATION AWARD
TEAM PLAYER AWARD
Ashley Bedell
Brendan Ross
Johnathan Byrd
John Tarr
Edgar Terriquez
Nikki Crosby