GARRETT Volume 2 • Issue 1 • May 11, 2020 • THEGARRETTCO.COM
GAZZETTE
TELLURIDE TRADITIONS Clockwise from top: Dana Post, Steve Flick, and Jonathan Byrd are seen on the slopes. Nikki Crosby, Jamie Allen, Heather Gaff, and Matt Stump stop for a photo opportunity under the banner hung in the center of Mountain Village welcoming The Garrett Companies team back to Telluride. The construction team poses for a photo in front of Lift 4.
A record sized group made the trip to the 6th annual TGC ski retreat
T
he mountains call The Garrett Companies name towards the end of February each year. This was the sixth year that the team made a trip out to Telluride, Colorado. Telluride is a small ski town tucked in the Rocky Mountains. See Forever, Nellie, Gorrono Ranch, Enchanted Forest, High Camp, Plunge, and New Sheraton may not be names that carry much weight to many business teams. However, for the 54 Garrett employees that attended the 6th Annual Ski Retreat these names bring back many memories and much joy. These are names of the team’s favorite meeting points and ski runs. For many, these runs brought motivation, they brought fear, they brought happiness, and they brought feelings of overcoming. A week of encouraging one another, achieving goals of going down runs, and taking in the views of the scenery. Not all attendees hit the slopes; some went snowmobiling, dog sledding, and others explored Telluride and neighboring towns. Jamie Allen, VP of Management, was looking forward to the trip and was very
Euchre Tournament: There are some traditions that never change: Garrett Euchre Tournament. This year there were a record number of teams who entered to compete in the tournament, rounding out at 18 teams. Everyone had high hopes of claiming the top spot. Ken Koziol and Evan Brown were hoping to make a comeback, while Aaron Kitch and Rachel Harmon were hoping to continue their reign. However, Eric Garrett and Matt Griffin continued to fight their way to the top until they finally claimed victory. excited. Initially she said she was surprised that there were no team building activities planned, but was just going to roll with the punches. Allen quickly realized why there were no planned team activities, “helping one another get our ski boots on is a very unique but effective way to grow with teammates.” Allen was very eager to learn to ski
as this wasn’t something she had ever done previously. She was pleased to grasp the concept of skiing and looks forward to improving those skills next year. Allen also has goals to make it to Gorrono Ranch. Despite not skiing before Allen was able to explore a few runs: Nellie to Double Cabin was her favorite. This was Jenny Williams sixth time out to Telluride. Williams shared that the views never get old. Each year that she goes she is blessed to attend and loves that there is new adventure. Williams said, “ I look forward to being with other Garrett employees that I don’t work with on a daily basis and look forward to relaxing and having fun with coworkers.” She added that with the busyness of the workdays it is nice to slow down and connect with one another outside of the office. Williams said that her favorite ski run is See Forever into Telluride. Each year brings new adventure, new memories, and newfound confidence. Telluride 2020 was yet another successful ski retreat for The Garrett Companies. This year there were 54 Garrett employees who attended with 25 first timers.
LIFE EVENTS
DAY IN THE LIFE
Managing our first Garrett Residential community like a total rock star In 2019, The Garrett Companies expanded and added Garrett Residential to their portfolio. Becky Marks was hired as the first community manager. Becky has 17 years of experience in the Florida market in multiple different types of communities. Becky Marks shares what a “Day in the Life” of a Community Manager looks like. Specifically, Becky starts her morning the same every day at 5. After her daily reading and coffee she is out the door for her run by 5:45. Although Becky’s morning routine is the same, each day is different. Regardless of what each day brings, there are few constants Becky brings to the table a positive attitude, getting the team ready to conquer the day, and bringing the best customer service. A community manager has a number of responsibilities to tackle throughout the day. Not only is Becky focused on assisting her team but also taking care of residents. There are a lot of day to day duties that come with accomplishing the two goals; vendor meetings, apartments to walk, leases to prepare, invoices to process, work orders to oversee, monitor rent payment, budgets to meet and prepare, marketing activity to monitor, and reports are a glimpse at the day in the life of a community manager at Garrett. Becky finds her career rewarding, which is why she has been doing it for 17 years. She finds joy in getting to know her residents and finding them their new home. Becky is honored and excited to Garrett Residential’s first community manager. “I am blessed to work with such an amazing group of people, and I’m so grateful.” We are grateful to have you too Becky.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jan. 8- Lee S. Jan. 8- Cesar M. Jan. 11- Eric G. Jan. 26- Angie A. Jan. 27- Kyle M. Jan. 29- Brad G. Jan. 29- Alyssa S. Jan. 31- Sydnee K. Feb. 7- Jacob W. Feb. 8 – Jonathan B. Feb. 14- Ashley B. Feb. 16 – Andy W. March 4- Evan B. March 5- Dana P. March 6- Danielle B. March 23- Jarrod P. March 25- Rachel M. March 28- Kelli P. April 1 - Edgar T.
April 6- Kate S. April 9- Kayla A. April 15- Rob M. April 16- Audrey S. April 16- Ed B. April 22- Ryan D. May 4- Tabatha R. May 16- Dakota H. May 23- Cody B. May 26- Jake M. June 1- Shannon S. June 7 – Andy K. June 7 – Jon B. June 15- Jamie A. June 15- Kal S. June 18- Jose L. June 24- Anna L. June 28- Meghann C.
WORK ANNIVERSARY
Verso Luxury Apartments community manager Becky Marks is seen in the game room checking out some of the community amenities just before the clubhouse officially opened.
Jan. 3 – Karl Stout - 3 years Jan. 7 – Jon Badger - 1 year Jan. 7 – Sierra Hughes - 1 year Jan. 7 – Anna Larson - 1 year Jan. 14 – Dana Post - 1 year Jan. 15 – Rob Martinson - 2 years Jan. 18 – Steve Flick - 4 years Jan. 22 – Jordan Reisman - 2 years Feb. 22 – Terry Lott - 4 years Feb. 27 – Andy Kirby - 3 years Mar. 1 Danielle Biggerstaff - 3 years Mar. 1 Megan Grider - 3 years Mar. 19 – Soni Leturgez - 2 years Mar. 30 – Chuck Seale - 5 years Mar. 30 – Aaron Kitch - 5 years April 1 – Shane Hart - 1 year April 1 – Ryan Deckard - 1 year May 1 – Lee Sanchez - 2 years May 8 – Jarrod Pickel - 3 years May 9 – Tracey Ruble - 4 years May 17 – Rob Wilkerson - 1 year May 20 – Jamie Allen - 1 year May 20 – Joey Huberts - 1 year May 21 – Sydnee Kirby - 2 years May 23 – Jacob Weichman - 4 years May 23 – Mark Thompson - 2 years June 3 – Heather Gaff - 1 year June 4 – Ken Koziol - 6 years June 4 – Matt Yozman - 2 years June 14 – Jenny Williams - 6 years June 18 – Brendan Ross - 2 years June 25 – Josh Desmond - 2 years June 26 – Ed Brandon - 3 years
GAZZETTE AT HOME
This issue of Garrett Gazzette is the first digital-only issue, published during the COVID-19 Pandemic stay-at-home order. Why tell you something you already know? Each issue of Garrett Gazzette serves as a capture in time, or a vault of historical information, upon which we can reflect the growth of our company and the accomplishments we have made. Years from now when we share this issue with new hires and Garrett-enthusiasts, we can tell the story of how our company thrived during a pandemic. While our competitors downsized, furloughed and paused operations, we continued to hire, we signed new deals, we opened new apartment communities, and we found creative ways to keep every team member actively contributing towards our success. What will we want to remember?
• Our teams were more connected than ever by using Microsoft Teams for video conferencing.
• We launched a new company intranet, kicked off a new employee training platform, and formed a committee to expand out policies and procedures.
• We either grew out our hair, or buzz cut our heads with clippers because all of the salons and barbers were closed.
• We began a new Monday morning tradition by gathering for a company-wide video team meeting.
• We closed on the sale of a community for a record breaking purchase price.
• We took time to appreciate simple things like family, long walks, and toilet paper.
• We creatively set up offices in the nooks and crannies of our homes and surprised ourselves on how productive we could be in this new environment.
• We stuck together as one team working toward the common goal of building places people love to call home.
What will you remember most about our company during the pandemic? Tell your story on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn be sure to use #TeamGarrettCO and tag us @thegarrettco
MEET THE NEW TEAM MEMBERS ALYSSA SKARBEK Where were you born? Birmingham, Michigan What is your favorite movie? I don’t have one What is your favorite restaurant? Hard to pick just one! Some of my favorites are The Local and Northside Kitchenette. Do you have any secret talents? None that I’m aware of! Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? – Personal: Being a mom! Professional: Becoming a part of the Garrett team! What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? – I’m not really sure this is obscure, I got married in the same church my parents got married in at Purdue. What are you currently watching on Netflix? – Nothing on Netflix currently, a lot of Disney+ in our house right now! Where is one place you would love to visit? – Yellowstone What are you passionate about? – My family, being active, traveling when we can, and cooking – I absolutely love to be in the kitchen and make just about anything from scratch! What three words would your friends use to describe you? Sincere, driven, trustworthy ASHLEY BEDELL Where were you born? Bloomington, Illinois What is your favorite restaurant? Delicia Do you have any secret talents? I make a good breakfast Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Personal is running a full marathon What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I have a 1929 Ford Highboy What are you currently watching on Netflix/ favorite podcast? Lately it’s been cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies but just started The Crown Where is one place you would love to visit? Amalfi Coast What are you passionate about? Fitness What three words would your friends use to describe you? Thoughtful, spontaneous, loyal KATE SULLIVAN Where were you born? Atlanta, Georgia What is your favorite movie? The Greatest Showman, Mamma Mia, The Notebook, anything musical! What is your favorite restaurant? Bakersfield, The Eagle, Café Patachou Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Being a mom (personal) and becoming a Director of Interior Design ( I was told I would never make it in the Interior Design industry in college by a professor… so that is a HUGE deal to me that I have made it to where I am today!) Where is one place you would love to visit? Santorini, Greece What three words would your friends use to describe you? Honest (sometimes too honest), loyal, funny – at least I think I’m funny JOSE LEFEBRES Where were you born? Brooklyn, New York Where were you born? The Notebook What is your favorite restaurant? Charley’s Steakhouse Do you have any secret talents? Ride motorcycles over 180 mph on the track Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? I put my entire family back to normal and everyone is very happy. I really want to be a Regional Service Manager. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? People don’t know that I am very sentimental. Where is one place you would love to visit? Fiji Islands What are you passionate about? What I do for work What three words would your friends use to describe you? Funny, always happy, and smart JEFF LAWLER Where were you born? Munster, Indiana Where were you born? Old School Do you have any secret talents? athlete What is your favorite restaurant? any good seafood What are you passionate about? music, trying to
learn guitar What are you currently watching on Netflix watched them all Where is one place you would love to visit? New Zealand What three words would your friends use to describe you? hilarious, loyal, unique
TABATHA RASCH Where were you born? Miami, Florida What is your favorite movie? Lord of the Rings What is your favorite restaurant? Anything that is not a chain Do you have any secret talents? Italian Cook Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Kids & Resident Satisfaction What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? Competitive-Like extremely What are you currently watching on Netflix? Serial Killing Documentaries Where is one place you would love to visit? Australia What are you passionate about? Friends/Family What three words would your friends use to describe you? Crazy, energetic and loyal (to a fault) NICK SMITH Where were you born? Muncie, Indiana What is your favorite movie? Gladiator What is your favorite restaurant? Papa Lopez (located in Texas. I’m going to have to find a new favorite!) Do you have any secret talents? Avg. 300+ yd. drive Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Tie between 15 years of marriage this summer and 11 year old and 6 year old sons. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I can juggle. What are you currently watching on Netflix? Peaky Blinders Where is one place you would love to visit? Scotland What are you passionate about? Good design, being creative and being the best husband and father I can be. What three words would your friends use to describe you? Reliable, good listener, DIYer JOHN TARR Where were you born? Berne, Indiana – Go Starfires! What is your favorite movie? Bridesmaids - Who doesn’t love Rebel Wilson, Melissa McCarthy and Maya Rudolph? What is your favorite restaurant? El Jalapeno – Thompson and US 31 Do you have any secret talents? Not really! Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Completing my CAM certification through NAA and losing 80lbs in 2018 What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I traveled to Kenya, Africa my senior year of high school on a month long missions trip. One of the most life changing experiences I’ve encountered. What are you currently watching on Netflix? Just finished the old series ER. Now on Survivor from series 1! Getting ready to start Ozark Where is one place you would love to visit? St. Maarten on a cruise. What are you passionate about? Rescue animals and family! What three words would your friends use to describe you? Gentle, loyal, caring KAREN MEDINA Where were you born? San Juan, Puerto Rico What is your favorite movie? Notebook (I’m a hopeless romantic) What is your favorite restaurant? STK (Disney Springs) Do you have any secret talents? I love baking for my boys and their friends. Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? I love that I took a leap of faith and changed my profession and came into the property management field. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? What are you currently watching on Netflix? You (just finished it) Where is one place you would love to visit? Italy, Paris What are you passionate about? My kids and my family What three words would your friends use to describe you? Energetic, outgoing, heart of gold
EVEN MORE TEAM MEMBERS JAMES GRAY Where were you born? Houston, Texas What is your favorite movie? Swordfish What is your favorite restaurant? HuHot Mongolian Grill Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Marine Corps basic training What are you currently watching on Netflix? Ozarks Where is one place you would love to visit? German castles What are you passionate about? Jeeps JOSH HUGHES Where were you born? Fremont, Ohio What is your favorite movie? Talladega Nights is my go-to right now What is your favorite restaurant? Eli’s BBQ in Cincinnati Do you have any secret talents? nope What are you currently watching on Netflix? Not on Netflix, but I’m currently watching The Wire for the 3rd time. Where is one place you would love to visit? Pacific NW National Parks What are you passionate about? People/Communication What three words would your friends use to describe you? Driven, outgoing, tall SHANNON SIMPSON Where were you born? Bedford, Indiana What is your favorite movie? IronMan What is your favorite restaurant? Chick-fil-a Do you have any secret talents? I’m good at making people laugh Greatest accomplishment: personally: I built a house almost completely by myself once... professionally: I’ve built more than 2500 apartment units in 25 different communities. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I broke two horses by myself What are you currently watching on Netflix? Nothing yet Where is one place you would love to visit? Disneyworld What are you passionate about: my 1980 Turbo Trans Am What three words would my friends say to describe me: Problem solving, people person. MIKE DEIS Where were you born? Dayton, Ohio What is your favorite movie? Braveheart What is your favorite restaurant? Tarascas – Mexican place in my old neighborhood Do you have any secret talents? Knowledge of sport history, especially football Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? My son Bradley (personal). Adding to the Chicago skyline (professional) What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I watch every show on HBO, even the lame ones What are you currently watching on Netflix? Ozark Season 3 Where is one place you would love to visit? Italy or Germany after COVID What are you passionate about? My family CESAR MORALES Where were you born? Los Angeles, California lived in Colorado since I was 5. What is your favorite movie? Taken trilogy, Scarface What is your favorite restaurant? Maggianos
Little Italy Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Obtaining my bachelors What are you currently watching on Netflix? Narcos Where is one place you would love to visit? Japan What are you passionate about? To be a good role model for my two boys and help people in need What three words would your friends use to describe you? Determined, humble and ambitious
JASON ESTERLY Where were you born? Allentown, Pennsylvania What is your favorite movie? A Few Good Men What is your favorite restaurant? Napa Rose in California Do you have any secret talents? If you consider the ability to binge watch documentaries a talent, then yes that would be it. Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Personal – ran a 5K in under 30 minutes on my 40th birthday / Professional – Mentored a team of high school teens to 2nd place in the national Pro-Start Restaurant/ Culinary competition What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I was lucky enough to marry the first girl I ever had a crush on, I was 7 years old and she was my best friend’s sister. What are you currently watching on Netflix? Waco Where is one place you would love to visit? Santorini, Greece What are you passionate about? Team building and people development What three words would your friends use to describe you? Driven, fair, positive WILL BROCK Where were you born? Houston, Texas born and raised. Moved to Colorado 8 years ago. What is your favorite movie? Gladiator What is your favorite restaurant? Ted Montana
Grill Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? I’ve worked from the ground up in Property Management, by ground up, I mean literally I started out doing grounds for a property, then maintenance, concierge, leasing, leasing manager, and assistant manager. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? Tech geek, and biking enthusiast What are you currently watching on Netflix? Altered Carbon Where is one place you would love to visit? India What are you passionate about? Travel What three words would your friends use to describe you? Easy going, reliable, activity enthusiast
CRAGON SIMS Where were you born? Birmingham, Alabama December (Friday) 13th What is your favorite movie? Forrest Gump What is your favorite restaurant? Anywhere with fresh seafood. Do you have any secret talents? Lifelong Musician, play stringed instruments guitar and bass, still gig on the side with friends. Greatest accomplishment (personal and professional)? Personal - my time spent as a touring musician living in Nashville. Professional – Earning my Master’s Degree in Construction Engineering Management while working full-time. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I have performed live music in 22 states. What are you currently watching on Netflix? Mad Men & Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO) Where is one place you would love to visit? Drive Route 1 from Seattle to Los Angeles, I enjoy car trips and scenic drives. What are you passionate about? Helping animals, taking care of the Earth and environment, and being a good friend. What three words would your friends use to describe you? Outgoing, stand-up, loyal. CHRIS HENTSCHEL Where were you born? Indianapolis What is your favorite movie? Christmas Vacation What is your favorite restaurant? St. Elmo’s What are you currently watching on Netflix? Ozarks Where is one place you would love to visit? Australia What are you passionate about? Real Estate Investing