August 11, 2025

Welcome to People and Properties, the Cohen-Esrey newsletter where we celebrate the successes of our team members and keep you informed about what is happening in the Cohen-Esrey world. If you have something you would like to share or an achievement that you would like to celebrate, please send it to Lee Harris at lharris@cohenesrey.com. If you are on a property, please print and distribute this newsletter to each member of your property team. You can also find People and Properties on KnowledgeNet. Click here to view previous editions.

Resort Style Living in the Alamo City

Built by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) in 2021, the Lofts at Ventura is a 200-unit affordable apartment community located in San Antonio, TX. Apartments feature kitchen islands, black appliances, plank-style flooring, luxury wood cabinets, high tech lighting and private balconies and patios. Amenities include a clubhouse with business center and resident lounge, a dog park, a resort-style swimming pool, BBQ grilling stations and picnic area, and a fully accessible playground. One-bedroom apartments are 670 square feet and rent from $727 to $891 per month. Two-bedroom apartments are 940 to 985 square feet and rent for $1,060 per month. Three-bedroom apartments are 1,049 to 1,165 square feet and rent for $1,021 to $1,251 per month. The Lofts at Ventura was the first property developed by CEDG in San Antonio. Since then, the company has completed the 212-unit Loma Vista Lofts and is close to finishing the 301-units Lofts at Creekview. Another property, the 410-unit Victoria Commons, is on the drawing board for development in 2025.

San Antonio, TX, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. Located in south-central Texas, it’s home to the historic Alamo, a symbol of Texas independence, and the scenic San Antonio River Walk, lined with shops, restaurants, and art. The city celebrates a blend of Mexican and Texan heritage, reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and architecture. With a strong military presence, a growing tech industry, and popular attractions like SeaWorld and Six Flags, San Antonio offers both economic opportunity and family-friendly entertainment. Its warm climate and welcoming community make it a dynamic place to live or visit. The metro area is home to 2.6 million people and draws nearly 38 million tourists annually.

Dee Bosier (2022) is the Property Manager. Eulalia Mendoza (2025), is the Regional Manager. Jasmin Santana (2024), is the Property Accountant and David Garrett (2024), is the Accounting Assistant.

We welcome the following new team members to Cohen-Esrey and the Nexus 5 Group.

Victoria Knedgen – Idlewild Estates, Poplar Bluff, MO – Property Manager
Brandon Grayson – Idlewild Estates, Farmington, MO – Maintenance Technician
Rashell Hillis – Lincoln Heights Townhomes, Hastings, NE – Custodian
Mark Lozano – Loretto at Creekside, Live Oak, TX – Maintenance Technician
Robert Garner – Tiger Island Senior, Morgan City, LA – Property Manager
Kelly Hill – Corporate – Market-Rate Regional Manager
Antonio Lisboa – Corporate Office – Roving Maintenance Technician
Kylie Brunette – Corporate Office – Property Accounting Assistant
Peter Knowles – Corporate Office – Accounts Payable Clerk
Aaron Kerkhove – Oakwood Apartments, Vermillion, SD – Maintenance Technician
David Upchurch – Life Skills Apartments, Kirkwood, MO – Maintenance Technician
Kavon Goodman – Falstaff Apartments, New Orleans, LA – Leasing Agent
Rebecca Derrick – Renaissance Plaza, Texarkana, TX – Assistant Property Manager
Efrain Mendez – Carlyle Apartments, Shawnee, KS – Make Ready Technician
Lexi Parker – Park Edge, Lenexa, KS – Assistant Property Manager
Madison Moody – Park Edge, Lenexa, KS – Leasing Agent
Daniel Whitmill – Park Edge, Lenexa, KS – Maintenance Supervisor

Meet the Renaissance Plaza Team

Meet the Renaissance Plaza team. (L to R) Ramono Williams (2024), Maintenance Technician; Tori Nard (2024), Property Manager; and Glenn Black (2025), Make Ready Technician.

Cohen-Esrey Communities (CEC) manages the 122-unit Renaissance Plaza, an affordable community in Texarkana, TX, for a third-party client.

Transformational Construction

Construction continues at Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG) future communities.

Windows have been installed at the Lofts at Creekview in San Antonio, TX.

Swimming pool construction in progress at Heritage at Cottonwood Creek in San Marcos, TX.

New handrails have been installed at Village Park in Amarillo, TX.

Swimming pool construction is nearing completion at the Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX.

The footprint of the building at Overlook 157 in Asheville, NC, is easily identifiable.

And the Winners Are . . .

Kipp Keffel (2024), Director of Training and Customer Fulfillment, is pleased to announce the winners of the recent Cohen-Esrey Core Value Spirit Week. A few photos from the event are shown below.

A Healthy Tip

By Sara Antar (2002), Payroll Administrator

Here are some wellness tips for August, tailored to the late-summer vibe — a time when energy may start to dip, routines may shift (especially with back-to-school or end-of-summer transitions), and heat can still be intense.

🌞 1. Stay Cool and Hydrated

Hydration: Drink plenty of water with electrolytes, especially if you’re sweating a lot.
Cooling foods: Eat water-rich produce like cucumber, watermelon, strawberries, and lettuce.
Avoid overheating: Exercise during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening).

🥗 2. Focus on Gut Health

August heat can affect digestion. Keep things light and gut-friendly:

Eat fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut) for probiotics.
Choose easily digestible meals (grilled fish, steamed veggies, rice).
For those with digestive issues like IBS or UC, favor cooked over raw veggies and avoid spicy or greasy foods.

🧘 3. Reset Your Routine

August can be a good time to prep for a smoother September:

Workouts: Scale back intensity in our workouts or work obligations before fall.
Tech boundaries: Cut screen time one hour before bed.
Mini detox: Try a three-day break from caffeine, alcohol, or sugar if you’ve overindulged this summer.

🧴 4. Summer Skin & Hair Care

SPF: Keep using sunscreen — UV levels are still high.
Repair: Use aloe vera, vitamin C serums, or coconut oil to treat sun damage.
Hydrate hair: Deep-condition after pool or beach exposure.

🧠 5. Mental Health Tune-Up

Gratitude practice: Write 3 things you're thankful for each day.
Digital breaks: Try a full-day social media detox once a week.
Plan something to look forward to — a weekend getaway, class, or hobby.

🏃 6. Move With Intention

Mix it up: Try seasonal activities like restorative yoga walking or swimming.
Stay flexible: 20-minute walks in the shade still count.

🍃 7. Back-to-Balance Clean-Up

Declutter your space as part of a “pre-fall” reset.
Organize your kitchen or desk to make healthy choices easier.
Review finances or schedules so September doesn’t sneak up on you.

🍃 8. Watch Electrolytes

Sweating more? Don’t just drink water – replace electrolytes with foods like bananas and coconut water.

Loma Vista Lofts Grand Opening Celebration

A Grand Opening celebration was held at the Loma Vista Lofts in San Antonio, TX, on July 30, 2025. Jon Atlas (2015), Managing Director of the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG), offered remarks as did representative from the San Antonio City Council and the San Antonio Housing Trust. Approximately 60 people were in attendance. Here are some photos from the event.

Congratulations, Naomi!

Congratulations to Naomi Sedberry (2024), on her promotion to Mobile Leasing Manager! Naomi joined Cohen-Esrey from the mortgage underwriting industry and began her journey with us at the Lofts at Ventura in San Antonio, TX. Throughout her time with us, Naomi has consistently demonstrated a deep expertise in tax credit compliance and file approvals, becoming a trusted subject matter expert in this critical area. Her leadership, professionalism, and willingness to support her team have been evident well before her official promotion.

The Mobile Leasing Team was created to help with the lease-up of several affordable properties being developed by the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG). The team involved with leasing CEDG properties now totals nine Mobile Leasing Specialists.

This new role is a reflection of Naomi’s hard work, drive, and Commitment to excellence. We’re excited to see her continue to thrive and lead in this next chapter.

The Revenue Growth Champions!

By Michele Rollo-Burns (2018), Director of Revenue

Each month we recognize communities that have realized stellar year-over-year (YOY) revenue growth. For the month of July 2025, here are the standouts with positive rent growth. Congratulations to each team for the progress made! Fourteen properties are on the list this month – one more than June.

Core Value of the Month

Congratulations, Maelin!

Congratulations to Maelin Seamons (2022), Marketing Coordinator, on earning a license that certifies her to fly drones commercially. The license required passing the FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test for Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG). Test topics included FAA regulations for drone flight, National Airspace System (HAS) and airspace classes, aviation weather and weather data interpretation, loading and performance, crew resource management, emergency procedures, and radio communication procedures.

Cohen-Esrey purchased a drone to be used for aerial photography. Under FAA Part 107 rules, the drone must weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff, fly below 400 feet above ground level (AGL), keep visual line of sight, fly only in daylight or civil twilight with anti-collision lighting, yield right of way to manned aircraft, no flying over people or moving vehicles without proper waivers, and no flying controlled airspace without FAA authorization.

Maelin studied and worked hard to earn a Remote Pilot Certificate. We are excited to see the results of her drone photography skills!

Cities of Cohen-Esrey

Omaha, NE: Home of the Original Reuben Sandwich

Omaha, NE, is the largest city in the state with a metro population of one million people, and serves as a vibrant economic and cultural hub for the Midwest. Located along the Missouri River, Omaha boasts a rich history as a gateway for westward expansion, once playing a central role in the development of the transcontinental railroad and the cattle industry. Today, it is known for its dynamic economy, blending traditional industries like agriculture and transportation with a growing presence in finance, technology, and healthcare.

The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha, contributing to a thriving job market and business-friendly environment. Omaha is also renowned for its cultural landmarks and attractions, such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, consistently ranked among the best in the world, and the historic Old Market district, where visitors can enjoy cobblestone streets lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Omaha’s arts and music scene thrives, with institutions like the Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Community Playhouse, and annual events like the Maha Music Festival showcasing the city’s creative spirit. Sports enthusiasts celebrate the annual NCAA Men’s College World Series, which draws fans nationwide.

With a reputation for affordability, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a welcoming community, Omaha has become a desirable place to live. Its blend of small-town warmth and big-city amenities makes it a city of opportunity, innovation, and Midwestern charm. Whether for business, culture, or quality of life, Omaha continues to grow as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Cohen-Esrey currently manages three apartment communities in the Omaha market – the 64-unit Central Park Tower, the 54-unit Burt Apartments, and the 50-unit Woolworth Estates, all operated for a third-party client.

Small and Simple Things – Part 2

By Mark Fletcher (2008), Chief Operating Officer

You may recall that in Part 1 of this article (People & Properties, July 28, 2025, issue), Mark told the story about a fictitious Cohen-Esrey Property Manager named Jasmine. Her property had been struggling and so she identified several actions that she started doing every single day. The consistency of those small actions, over time, turned her community around.

She also made time each day to create a “Wow Moment” for a resident. Sometimes it was a quick thank-you note or following up on a previous concern. Other times it meant personally handing out flyers for events or simply checking in with someone she knew had been struggling. These daily touches softened resident perceptions and helped rebuild goodwill.

For maintenance, she spent a little time each day reviewing the work orders with maintenance. She would spot check a few completed tickets and followed up with a few residents personally to ensure they were pleased with the results. It signaled attention without micromanagement. It helped reveal stalled tickets and ensured the team stayed focused on service quality.

Out front, she added a few small visual improvements: chalk arrows pointing to the leasing office, refreshed planters by the entry, a clean sandwich board with rotating positive messages. All of it signaled care and presence.

By the end of three months, Jasmine didn’t just see improvement—she saw momentum:

Delinquency was cut nearly in half.
Occupancy reached 96%.
Recerts were 100% on track.
Resident complaints declined, and compliments—once rare—began appearing in surveys and even online.

There were no grand gestures, no increase in staffing, no sweeping changes.

Just one focused hour a day, every day, applied to the things that matter. Jasmine didn’t wait for the perfect moment to fix things. She made progress by showing up, doing the small things right, and helping her team do the same – day after day.

At first, it was hard to see that her efforts were making a difference but, over time, her small efforts began to bloom into big outcomes.

Jasmine’s story may be fictitious, but the principles are true and tested. We have multiple Property Managers at Cohen-Esrey who have demonstrated that by doing simple routine actions every day, consistently, properties can turn around and become thriving communities.

An Empowerment Story

By Randy Malone (2025), Maintenance Supervisor – Perry 81

Randy Malone (2025), is the Maintenance Supervisor at Perry 81 in Overland Park, KS. Here is what he has to say about his Empowerment:

“I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunities and support I’ve received during my time as Maintenance Supervisor at Cohen-Esrey. Working with this organization has profoundly impacted both my personal and professional growth.

From day one, I was encouraged to take initiative, lead with confidence, and continuously enhance my technical and leadership skills. The training programs, mentorship, and collaborative culture at Cohen-Esrey have Empowered me to excel in my role. I’ve had the opportunity to implement preventive maintenance strategies, streamline operations, and guide my team with clarity and purpose.

What stands out most is the company’s commitment to safety, accountability, and teamwork. That culture has shaped me not only into a more capable supervisor but also into a more confident leader. The trust placed in me by upper management, coupled with the resources provided, has been key to building my competence in managing complex maintenance operations.

I’m proud to be part of a company that invests in its people, values the vital role of maintenance, and creates an environment where professionals can truly thrive. Thank you for your support and for making Cohen-Esrey a place where growth is not just encouraged – it’s expected.”

A Fun Photo!

Here’s a photo from 2006 when we brought a company into the City Center Square Corporate Office to make pancakes for Staff Appreciation Day!

NPS Leaderboards

The three NPS Leaderboards have been updated as of August 8, 2025. In the 50-Units or Less category, Willow Point (Concordia, MO) remains in first place with a significant increase in the NPS to +95.45. In the Properties 51 to 120-Units category, Pam Apartments (Pampa, TX) continued to hold the lead and increased its NPS to +93.44. And in the Properties of More than 120-Units category, The Boulevard (Springfield, IL), stayed at the top of the list with an NPS of +84.38. There are 24 properties on Leaderboards – one less than last month. Our overall NPS has risen to +14!