ANN UA L LABOR DAY BBQ
A CE LE B R ATI O N OF MILE S TONE S
On Friday, August 23rd, the Reybold group gathered for our yearly Labor Day BBQ in the parking lot of the corporate office. The event had delicious BBQ from Dickies, as well as burgers and hot dogs grilled up by our very own grill masters: Jim Grygiel and Dave Manzolillo. To add a sweet touch to the day, the Mr. Softee truck made an appearance, serving up ice cream treats to all employees.
In addition to the great food and fun, we took a moment to honorour hardworking employees. Employees who had reached significant milestone anniversaries and those who recently joined the Reybold team were announced and recognized for their dedication to Reybold. Although this gathering signifies summer beginning to wind down, it also serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on our collective achievements as a team.
We look forward to continuing the tradition of coming together, enjoying good food, and celebrating the efforts that drive our success!
A N I G H T OF RECOGNITION
DIAM O N D ST ATE A W ARD S 202 4
On Thursday, October 24th, Reybold shined brightly at The Diamond State Awards Ceremony hosted by the Delaware Apartment Association at The Queen in Wilmington. In total, Reybold walked away with 9 awards, including:
St Andrews:
1st Place - Community of the Year
2nd Place - Service Team of the Year
2nd Place - Leasing & Marketing Excellence
Meridian Crossing:
1st Place - Leasing & Marketing Excellence
2nd Place - Community of the Year
2nd Place - Maintenance Excellence
Dodson Court:
1st Place - Maintenance Excellence
1st Place - Leasing & Marketing Excellence
2nd Place - Community of the Year
We’d like to recognize our Leasing, Maintenance, and Marketing departments for their dedication and tireless efforts to make th all possible. Congratulations and thank you for all your excellent work throughout the year.
CELEBRAT IN G C Y BE RS
October is not just about pumpkin lattes and preparing for Halloween; It’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month! As we increasingly immerse ourselves in the digital realm, it becomes crucial to armor ourselves against cyber threats and be vigilant about our online safety. I would be remiss if I did not take some time and spin a quick yarn about my favorite subject.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s business, and there’s no better time than now to take stock of our digital habits and adopt safer practices. So, in honor of this month, let’s dive into some handy tips that will not only keep your data safe but also make your online journey more enjoyable!
1. Two-factor Authentication (2FA) is Your Friend: Consider setting up 2FA for all your critical accounts. It’s like a double-lock system for your digital life; even if someone gets your password, they’ll need a second verification, often a code sent to your mobile, to access your account.
2. Regular Updates: It might be tempting to ignore those software update notifications, but they often contain essential patches for security vulnerabilities. Regularly update your devices and software.
3. Think Before You Click: Phishing emails or dubious links can often lead to malware. Always verify the authenticity of an email before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
4. Strengthen Your Password Game: Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “password123”. Use a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely. Password managers allow you to generate long and strong passwords and protect them with a single master password.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi: Make sure your home Wi-Fi is password-protected. Additionally, avoid accessing sensitive information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks unless you’re using a trusted VPN.
Also, if you use a router other than your Internet provider’s gateway, be sure and change the default password and make it strong!
6. Be Social Media Savvy: Remember that whatever you post online can be public. Be cautious about sharing personal information, and always check and update your privacy settings. Never announce when you will not be home.
7. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.
8. Backup Regularly: Ensure your important documents, photos, and other data are backed up. This way, even if you fall victim to ransomware or other cyber threats, your data is safe and retrievable. Consider low-cost cloud backup options for your personal files. Many companies already deploy redundant backup methods so you should also.
9. Shop Smartly: Always ensure that the website’s URL begins with “https://” when shopping or entering any personal information. The ‘s’ means secure!
10. Share the Knowledge: Talk to your friends and family about the importance of cybersecurity. After all, the more people practice safe online habits, the safer the digital community becomes.
Now, Go be a Cyber-Warrior! Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a fantastic reminder that our virtual world, much like our physical one, requires vigilance and care. By adopting these tips and consistently being mindful of our digital footprints, we can ensure a safer online experience for ourselves and our communities. Stay cyber-smart, and happy browsing!
DE P AR T M E NT S POTL IGH T
AN I N SI DE LO OK ON R EY B O LD HVA C
At Reybold, we pride ourselves on our exceptional HVAC team, and today, we want to shine a spotlight on our dedicated apprentices. These talented individuals not only represent the future of our company but also exemplify the hard work and commitment that drives our company.
Meet Our Apprentices
James Krieg has been with Reybold since July 2015 and began his apprenticeship in September 2022. Now in his third year, he attends Hodgson and is known for his teamwork and dedication.
Elijah Bradley came on board in June 2022 and began his apprenticeship in September 2022. Always smiling and bringing positivity to the team, he has quickly become an invaluable part of our crew.
Matt Hann, who joined us in April 2019, started his apprenticeship in September 2022. Alongside Elijah, he studies at Cecil College and is recognized for being ahead of his time in understanding HVAC concepts.
These apprentices work closely with seasoned journeymen like Mike Macey, who has been with Reybold since December 2012 and brings over three decades of HVAC experience. Known for his knowledge and leadership, Mike's guidance is essential as our apprentices learn and grow. Lead Jim Pitt, master in DE and NJ with over 30 years of experience, and Jim Novak, master in NJ for over 15 years, also play vital roles in mentoring the apprentices, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education.
Hands-On Experience
Our apprentices have already made significant contributions, having installed over 100 Mitsubishi heat pumps, including 16 units at the St. Andrews Retail Center. This hands-on experience is complemented by their classroom education, where they study everything from gas furnaces and boilers to electrical circuits and refrigerants. The combination of theory and practical training prepares them for a successful career in HVAC.
A Commitment to Excellence
At Reybold, we believe in growing our talent from within. Investing in our apprentices ensures we maintain our high standards of service. As Jim Pitt says, “The HVAC team here at Reybold goes above and beyond. We take pride in providing a state of service that is the best in the business.”
Our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering. We ensure that no one goes home until every client has heat or air conditioning, offering replacements within 24 hours. This level of service is unmatched and speaks volumes about the dedication of our entire HVAC team.
Looking Ahead
In the coming years, our apprentices will not only master the technical skills needed for their roles but will also embody the core values of Reybold: excellence, teamwork, and customer service. We are proud to support their growth and can't wait to see what the future holds for them—and for all of us at Reybold.
Let’s continue to celebrate and support our HVAC apprentices as they work toward becoming the next generation of skilled professionals.
A N E W F A CE I N A CCOU NT I N G
INT R ODUCI N G TH E N E W VP OF ACCOUN T ING & FI N A N C E
We are excited to announce that Mark Cullen has joined our team as Vice President of Accounting and Finance. Mark comes to us with extensive experience in financial management and accounting, having worked at reputable companies like KPMG, Integrity Staffing Solution, and most recently Nucleus Healthcare, where he served as CFO/Controller.
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Mark resides in Hockessin, DE, and began his new role on September 30, 2024. As VP of Accounting and Finance Mark will offer his expertise to assist Reybold with long term strategic planning, forecasting, risk assessment, profit enhancements, company growth strategies, and other related industry activities.
Mark’s office is located in the corporate hallway. Please introduce yourself and welcome Mark to the Reybold Family!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• ½ tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 3 to 4 cups vegetable broth
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Toasted pepitas (for garnish)
• Heavy cream (for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of fresh pepper and sauté until soft, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the squash and cook until it begins to soften, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes.
Add the garlic, sage, rosemary, and ginger. Stir and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, then add 3 cups of the broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the squash is tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
Let cool slightly and pour the soup into a blender, working in batches if necessary, and blend until smooth. If your soup is too thick, add up to 1 cup more broth and blend. Season to taste and serve with parsley, pepitas, and a drizzle of heavy cream.
ACTIVE BENEFITS ENROLLMENT
UPDATES TO YOUR BENEFITS
Open Enrollment is coming.
Open enrollment for benefits will begin the week of November 18th. This will be an active enrollment, meaning that all benefit eligible employees must go into the Employee Navigator to make benefit elections. These elections can be made by visiting the Employee Navigator website: https://www.myapbenefits.com.
Informational sessions regarding open enrollment are scheduled for November 18 & 19. More details to follow. If you have any questions regarding benefits, please send an email to: benefits@reybold.com.
(ALMOST) OPEN FOR BUSINESS
PENCADER CONSTRUCTION
Construction at Pencader is wrapping up in the next few months! Slated for early 2025, one of Reybold’s newest retail centers is 11,900 SF and will feature 6 storefronts in an ideal location for consumers. Big shoutout to Jason Faulkner for his tireless effort to bring this location to life. The Pencader Retail Center will be the second of several retail locations under Reybold’s portfolio, opening shortly after St Andrews Retail Center, with Lincoln Center and Avon following their lead in the future.
THINGS TO DO IN UPCOMING EVENTS
• NCC Festival of Trees - November 15th-17th, Wilmington, DE
• DE Antiques Show - November 16th-17th, Wilmington, DE
• CCArts 43rd Annual Artisan Show - November 16th-17th, Yorklyn, DE
• Schellville Winter Celebration - November 16th-December 31st, Rehoboth, DE
• Haunted Histories Paranormal Tour - November 18th, Lewes, DE
• Noël at Nemours Estate - November 19th-December 29th, Wilmington, DE
• 52nd Annual Turkey Trot - November 23rd, Newark, DE
• Holiday Market at Winterthur - November 23rd, Winterthur, DE
• Holiday Lights Express - Every Weekend in December, Wilmington, DE
• Newark Winterfest - December 6th, Newark, DE
REYBOLD RESIDENTIAL FUN
EVENTS ACROSS OUR COMMUNITIES
Supporting Our Schools
Our St. Andrews and Meridian Crossing communities came together to make sure students started the school year off right and ready to learn. The communities collected school essentials like backpacks, pencils, notebooks and more to donate to our local schools. These donations make a huge difference in supporting student success.
Pawsitively Fun Community Event
The St. Andrews community gathered their furry friends together for the pet friendly Dog Days of Summer event in August. The wonderful dogs of the community were given sweet puppacinos by our leasing staff. Sounds like a tail-wagging good time!
Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Each year, Reybold Residential holds a pumpkin carving contest throughout the month of October where residents can submit pictures of their decorated pumpkins, as well as votes for their favorite submissions. Prizes are awarded for 4 catergories: scariest pumpkin, cutest pumpkin, funniest pumpkin, and most
PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE
Ingredients:
• 2 cups milk (or soy milk for a dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar. Heat over low heat until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Serve in large mugs and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice