Q U A R T E R 1 | 2 0 2 4
Table of ContentsLetter From LeadershipAHA Upleveling ChallengeProperty SpotlightDepartment UpdatesRecent RenovationsMarketing ResourceEventsAnnouncementsEmployee Shoutouts020405060708091213
In January, I announced a challenge for each of us individually to pick an area of our life anddecide to Uplevel it. Since then, I’m sure you have heard that word tossed around a few timesand most recently we extended the opportunity to work with a corporate coach in yourUpleveling efforts (Take advantage of this!). I wanted to share some context behind thismission and also one of my own Upleveling goals. We talk a lot about setting goals every year- I am a big advocate of the belief that, ashumans, we are designed to seek growth, evolution, and improvement. One of the reasonswe are on this planet is to go to the next version of ourselves. Continuously. I have noscientific evidence to support the belief that individuals with a variety of pursued interests, inand outside of work, are just generally happier people. And when we are happier we dobetter, and when we do better we are evolving and growing and we want to do more. Seehow that cycle appears to work? I want this for each of you. One of my personal Upleveling goals for this year was to look for ways to be more deliberatewith my time. I had to really consider that our most valuable asset is not investments, money,education, a home, or a car… it’s time. It goes without saying we should continuouslyevaluate how we manage our time. For me, time management becomes more real with eachpassing year. I find the evolution of things I place value in spending time on shifts and, ingeneral, I place more value on “time”. The beautiful thing is that it’s a level playing field, weall have the same amount of time from the day we are born to the day we die….it’s how wechoose to spend it that matters. 02UPLEVELING: TIMEHere are a few things I have discovered aboutTIME that I thought you might also benefit from.Consider TIME as the currency of life - how are you $pending it?First, time is a Mental Construct… meaning, time is just a framework in our minds andany measure of time will look very different depending on the task. Consider an hourin the dentist's chair versus an hour watching your favorite TV series… time looksdifferent. Taking it one step further… imagine if there were no clocks, by what methoddoes time then exist?Time Management is really Brain Management. How you view time is the driver of howyou use time. If you constantly have the thought, “There is so much to do and neverenough time”, odds are good you will approach things more frantically and come froma place of lack of time. Versus. Deciding and telling yourself “I have plenty of time toget things done.” See how those thoughts feel different and will likely lead to differentresults. When it comes to Time, plan it. As best you can. As often as you can. It really is thatsimple. Planning for your time, and allocating time to all things– even the fun things-allows you to have more control of it… and you will be surprised to learn you may findyourself with more of it.
Finally, I recently listened to a well-known clinical psychologist speak on Time. He raised thequestion “How many of you waste time?” to a group of young adults. He started with, “Howmany waste 80% of your time?” and continued pressing the question, leveling down thepercent range and noting the corresponding hands raised. Without defining the word“waste” he calls attention to the fact each individual had to diagnose for themselves whatwasted time meant. Conversely, one can define the byproduct of productivity. Beingproductive with time is not just a one-and-done, benefit-in-the-moment, productivity has acompounding effect and tends to impact other areas of life in positive ways. In closing, choose to Uplevel this year…. It doesn’t have to involve climbing a mountain, itcan simply be mastering the game of pickleball or painting a masterpiece. Whatever youchoose to do, set the conscious goal of what you want to accomplish, lay out the milestonemarkers of how you are going to get there, commit to yourself to doing it, go out there andslay it, and see the effect of your efforts.03Tami WegwerthPresident of Property ManagementBe accountable…. Plan for and expectthis… “I didn’t feel like doing it.” Duh, youare not going to feel like it. Not feeling likeit… is not relevant. When that statementcomes up in your brain (and it will)... how Most things that are great in the longterm suck in the short term... there isa flaw in that design.Go into a task knowing you’re probably not going to want to do it...but do it anyway. will you respond? When you are doing something important, something that matters--odds are good, you're not going to feel like doing it. Rarely do those dreams you havefor the long term you feel like doing right now. So, put down the distraction, thephone, the iPad, the game console, and go tackle that which you are avoiding bywasting time!
Open the Uplevel Challenge DocAHA UPLEVELCHALLENGEIn addition to our global goals this year, we havea focus on Upleveling our operations at everylevel. Cue the AHA Uplevel Challenge!The AHA Uplevel Challenge is optional toparticipate in 2024, but next year this will be usedtowards individual performance metrics. Weencourage you all to give it a try this year so youcan set yourself up for better success with theinitiative next year. Some areas of focus to getyou started include goals related to personalgrowth, professional development, or skillenhancement. Specific examples could includechoosing to level up a hobby, a relationship, yourtime management, organization skills, or gettinga certification. If you decide to participate...Make a copy of the doc linked belowOnce complete, you can email it to Briana atbkemp@aha-mn.comFrom there, you will be assigned a CorporateCoach to work with along your uplevelingchallenge journey!04
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT05Discover unparalleled living at Chasewood Gates! Nestled on 34 acres of lushlandscaping, enjoy an array of amenities including a pool, tennis court, andfitness center, all while being minutes away from Bryant Lake Regional Park anda short commute to downtown Minneapolis. With updated apartments featuringgranite counters and stainless appliances, and over 12 unique floor plans tochoose from, Chasewood Gates offers the perfect blend of convenience andsophistication for your lifestyle. Learn more at ChasewoodGates.com.CHASEWOOD GATES
What breaks am I entitled to during my shift?REST PERIODSAll employees are permitted a 15-minute paid rest break foreach four-hour work period. Breaks are not permitted ateither the beginning or end of the workday to offset arrivaland departure times.MEAL PERIODSAll employees who are scheduled for over eight (8) hours in aday are required to take an unpaid meal break of 30 minutesin addition to the two paid 15-minute breaks. Unpaid mealperiods are not counted toward hours worked. Employeesare to be completely relieved from duty during their unpaidmeal break.ENFORCEMENTManagers are responsible for the scheduling of meal and restperiods. Employees who fail to return on time from breaks orlunch may be subject to disciplinary action.Examples based on scheduled shift:If I am scheduled to work a shift less than four (4) hours, Iam not entitled to any break time.If I am scheduled to work between four (4) and seven (7)hours, I am entitled to one (1) paid 15-minute break.If I am scheduled to work an eight (8) hour shift, I amentitled to two (2) paid 15-minute breaks, which may betaken consecutively with my supervisor’s approval.If I am scheduled to work a shift of eight-and-a-half (8.5)hours or more, I am entitled to two (2) paid 15-minutebreaks, plus one (1) unpaid 30-minute meal break.HUMANRESOURCESDEPARTMENTUPDATES06
RECENT RENOVATIONSOAKVIEW APARTMENTS, SAINT PAUL07
View the Automated Response FlowNew updates within Aptly allow our teams to better manage their to-do list withstreamlined Notifications and Tasks on their dashboard. Here are some keytakeaways from our recent Aptly Masterclass (linked below):MARKETING RESOURCE08TASKS AND AUTOMATIONS IN APTLYWatch the Aptly MasterclassA streamlined experience for seeing all your tasks in one view withmore filters to organize them than beforeNew task types that include: To Do, Emails and SMS (send manually),and callsMore features to update the status of tasks, attach files, comment andtrack durationTasks that are related to cards can be customized to include card fieldsAdd form fields to a task and allow teammates to update importantdata fields along the wayCreate ad-hoc tasks from the dashboard for quick capture of importantfollow-up itemsCreate tasks from inbox conversations to ensure follow-upWe also recently touched on the automated touches your prospects arereceiving via Aptly. You can view that flow below! Our Nurturing touches takesome work off your plate, attempting to engage the prospects by replying orself-scheduling a tour. Additional automations include tour reminders, post-tourfollow-up, and future availability notifications. It’s important to note that tourautomations can only function if there is a tour date attached to the guest cardand teams are recording the tour outcomes. Likewise, the future availabilityemail can only be sent automatically if a Move Date is attached to the guestcard. Learn more about this flow here.
EVENTSSaint Paul celebrated Valentine’s Day with a Charcuterie Showdown. Thuy took home the trophyfor ‘most creative board’ and wowed us all with some fun fruits!CityVue and CV2 shared the love on Valentine’s Day with a table full of sweet treats for their residents to grab from. 09
St. Patty’s Day in Saint Paul called for a Shamrock Shuffleboard Tournament! Congrats to our winningteam, Jack Kelm and Jake Venberg!View Pointe and Waterford started their March with two tasty events! One event was a donut and coffee get-together and the other was a breakfast grab-and-go. It all looked delicious!10
Celebrate National BagelDay on the 15th byputting out bagels andcream cheese forresidents to grab on theirway out the door.Q2 EVENT IDEAS AprilMayJuneCelebrate National PuzzleDay on the 29th with aPuzzle Party. Set up a fewtables with different kindsof puzzles, offer somesnacks, and inviteresidents to come hangout in the evening andget their puzzle on!Gather your residents onEarth Day and host acommunity clean up! Pickup trash around yourproperty and further tosome love to our planet.Help families celebrateMother’s Day (May 12th)by providing a cardmaking station or event.Leave out constructionpaper, stickers, pens,markers, and some inspoor prompts to helppeople get started ontheir card.Host a sidewalk chalkcompetition. Provide atheme and a bucket ofchalk and have residentsdraw up their best chalkartwork. Winner receivesa gift card to a nearbycraft shop to encouragethem to keep up theirgreat work!Celebrate Cinco de Mayowith a walking taco event.Residents can stroll byand customize their ownwalking tacos, fillingindividual bags of Doritosor tortilla chips withdelicious toppings likeseasoned ground beef,cheese, lettuce, salsa, andsour cream. Help families celebrateFather’s Day (June 16th)with a photo framemaking station. Supplyplain wooden orcardboard picture framesalong with paints,markers, and decorativeitems like stickers, glitter,and beads.Set up a ‘hydrationstation’ with things likewater bottles, hydrationsticks, and electrolytedrinks. You could alsoprovide recipes for fruitinfused water. Help yourresidents beat the heat!Host a book exchangeevent for residents. Seta theme or simplyencourage participantsto bring books they'veenjoyed and are willingto share or trade.11**REMEMBER TO GET YOUR BUDGET APPROVED PRIOR TO HOSTING A RESIDENT EVENT.
ANNOUNCEMENTSWELCOME TO THE WORLDMegan and her husband, Casey welcomed their first child,a baby boy named Asher Lee Smith, on February 25th!12
EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS13New Hires This QuarterJake BalderMaintenance Technician | WoodburySpencer MutschLeasing Specialist | MinnetonkaW e l c o m e t o t h e t e a m !Jesse GodinaMaintenance Technician | Saint PaulZack BodermanLeasing Specialist | Plymouth
14PromotionsErica PaulAssistant Property Manager | Saint CloudMichael KelmAssistant Property Manager | South SuburbsAshley brummSr. Regional Property Manager | Jade Lane/PlymouthCongratulations on your promotions!At Home Apartments is lucky to have employees likeyou all that strive to do and be better each day. We areexcited to see all that you accomplish in your new roles!EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS
“The Staff here deserve a special mention. Their commitment toexcellence in customer service is evident in every interaction.Whether it's a casual greeting in the hallway or addressing a specificconcern, the staff's professionalism and warmth make a significantdifference. The building and its surrounding grounds are impeccablymaintained, reflecting the team's dedication and attention to detail.The response time to emails or maintenance tickets is remarkablyquick, ensuring that any issues are resolved promptly and efficiently.The combination of an excellent staff, well-kept premises, and aresponsive maintenance team makes living here a truly enjoyable andhassle-free experience. I wholeheartedly recommend the Reserve toanyone seeking a high-quality living environment complemented bya professional and friendly team.”15“Since Anthony started with AHA back in January he has brought alot to the table. He shows great work ethic and team buildingqualities. The St. Paul team recently renovated a 105 year oldapartment and Anthony played a big part in it's transformation.Because of his attention to detail and work ethic, this old apartmentnow feels like a new home.”Recent Review for The Reserve at Mendota VillageCaught In ActionAnthony Arcand | Saint Paul | Maintenance TechWant to recognize someone on your team? Have anice note from a resident about a coworker? Head toMaintainAHA.com and select ‘CIA’ to enter yourstory about a coworker caught in the act of goingabove and beyond!EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTSShow some recognition!
K U R T J O H N S O NLead Maintenance Tech | MinnetonkaMost recent Uber/Lyft trip?To and from Surly Brewing for a Weenconcert.Favorite app?FacebookThe person you FaceTime the most?My GrandsonGo-to music app? Favorite band/artist?YouTube Music. Prince is my favorite artist.Back in the 90's I was at Paisley Park for aparty with Prince. Favorite food-related app?DoordashCurrent case and accessories?Tech21 Case in ‘Smoke’First app checked in the morning?InstagramApps you surprisingly depend on?Virgin Pulse Fitness16Favorite podcast?Stuff You Should Know‘WHAT’S ON YOUR PHONE?’ WITH...Favorite emoji:EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUTS