THE KEY: A Digital Magazine 2023 Q4 Issue Vol 49 No.4

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

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16 2023 Boots, Bling, and BBQ Check out photos from 2023 Boots, Bling and BBQ

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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2023 BOOTS, BLING, & BBQ

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2023 MAINTENACE APPRECIATION

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Register Today for the

Fifteenth Annual Golden Key Awards SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023

Scan Here To Learn More & Register!

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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

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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

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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