Blazing Industry Trails

For innovative, transformational programs related to technology, customerservice, sustainability or marketing

SHENZHEN UNOVA COMMERCE MANAGEMENT (Shenzhen, China) created a new business model that changed the way people work. By renovating an existing commercial annex, they increased interaction between retail and office spaces, as well as added value to existing commercial properties. Their hope is that this new business model can serve as a blueprint for future sustainable and profitable coworking spaces and that they can duplicate this model in cities globally.

For exemplary corporate responsibility programs and contributions
to the community

CAHEC (Community Affordable Housing Equity Corporation), (Raleigh, N.C.) believes in giving back to the low-income residents who live in the properties they’ve helped finance and manage. Beyond providing a safe and affordable place to call home, they offer a series of wellness and educational grants and initiatives designed to help residents thrive.

SOUTHWEST CLINICAL CENTER (Brasilia, Brazil) removed and recycled seven tons of polycarbonate from the Centro Clinico Sudoeste building, a 13-year-old health complex housing 97 healthcare companies and serving more than 4,000 people a day. The building was updated with tensioned textile, creating better air circulation and acoustics, more natural light and better protection against rain, dust and sun. The improved air circulation prevents diseases, especially respiratory ones, from spreading.

For exemplary, transformational practices related to employee engagement, leadership development and succession planning

THE RMR GROUP, LLC (Denver) offers an entrepreneurial environment committed to attracting talent, inspiring employees and driving innovation. They also focus on the well-being of their people, both personally and professionally. Several RMR practices demonstrate these principles, including their Leadership Development Program, bonus programs, LiveWell Employee Wellness program, Managing with Impact workshop and their tuition reimbursement program. Their unique environment has increased employee engagement and enriched careers.

For outstanding performance in advancing the real estate management industry through customer service, employee support and ethical practices

UNITED PLUS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, LLC, AMO (Troy, N.Y.), provides a dynamic place for their employees to grow, continually promotes their unique vision for the industry, and offers a friendly and comfortable place for residents to call home. They provide employees with resources including leasing advice and marketing strategies to help them grow and succeed in the industry.

For demonstrating outstanding leadership and a commitment to advancing the residential management profession

JESSE MILLER, ARM (Greystar Management, AMO, Portland, Ore.), has a passion for real estate management—and it shows. He has an unquenchable thirst for learning and growth, and he’s an advocate of education. His mission is to build tomorrow’s leaders in order to advance the real estate management profession. He not only makes an impact professionally but is committed to making a lasting impact on others around him.

For demonstration of exceptional commitment to client and tenant service, community service, leadership and ethical practices

SHANNON LONGINO, CPM (SunTrust Community Capital, Atlanta), has infectious energy and passion for our industry that are clear to anyone who meets her. With Shannon, the CPM designation doesn’t just mean ethical leadership and a well-managed property; it also signifies a caring volunteer helping her community, a superior businesswoman providing exceptional service to her clients and a trailblazer innovating chapter activities. She serves as a human reminder that while the real estate management profession is a hard business, we can find joy in serving others every day.

To an outstanding college/university student enrolled full-time during the 2018–2019 academic year who has demonstrated a record of academic achievement and interest in pursuing a career in real estate management

OLIVIA GARBER, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va., was named to the dean’s list for every semester of her college career. During her tenure, she participated in projects that focused on affordable housing, sustainability and the effect of aging architectural control guidelines on home values within a homeowners association. She’s especially passionate about contributing to the greater good by finding solutions to the affordable housing crisis, not just in the U.S. but throughout the world. Garber believes that the recognition of Student of the Year “means that you are a representative of the future of the real estate management industry and everything it has to offer society. This person plays a vital role in the success of the global real estate market because they have the platform to advocate for the positive changes we can all make through this profession.”

Presented by the IREM Foundation for exceptional commitment to the advancement of professional real estate management education as an IREM Instructor

PAUL L. WHITE, CPM, CCIM, CSM, RPA, has a wide range of real estate experience—the many hats he’s worn have been in areas from commercial brokerage to construction to expert witness services, among others—and he’s been sharing what he knows with students for over 20 years, through participating in the development and administration of IREM education. Active in the Institute (he’s a past president of the South Florida Chapter and most recently served as its secretary/treasurer), Paul says his inspiration to educate property management professionals comes from his “desire to elevate the profession. IREM has given me a platform to be able to satisfy the hunger of striving property managers for property management knowledge and to help them become the best they can be.”

To IREM chapters for the development and delivery of innovative chapter programs

Dallas Chapter, College Case Competition
Students from three colleges participated in a case competition based on IREM’s Management Plan Skills Assessment. Among the post-event outcomes, two students from the winning team were hired by IREM member companies, three students created an IREM Club and two universities asked the chapter to present IREM information to their student real estate clubs.

Houston Chapter, IREM “Golden Opportunity” Mixer
Weaving the theme of “gold” through its marketing and the event itself, the Houston Chapter put together an informative and memorable event to promote all that IREM has to offer. After the event, 55 percent of the attendees joined the chapter, 30 percent joined committees, five attendees started taking IREM courses, and two were awarded spots in the chapter’s Future Leaders program.

New Mexico Chapter, Education through collaboration with Central New Mexico Community College
Chapter members teamed with the New Mexico Real Estate Commission and Central New Mexico Community College to provide IREM education that fulfills state broker education requirements. The chapter also participated in job fairs, high school career days and other academic initiatives to inspire young professionals and ensure the development of an educated real estate workforce.

Western North Carolina Chapter, Mission Accomplished: Giving Back in the Dominican Republic
A team of 12 individuals traveled to Quisqueya in the Dominican Republic and built a home—with electricity and plumbing—for a family in need, transcending the often local scope of community outreach. They also provided food to the community, and in performing these acts, brought some hope and good will to an impoverished area.