CEO Letter

The first quarter of this year seems to have passed very quickly. Overall, the performance of our multifamily properties has been positive. Occupancies remain strong and rents are stable with moderate increases. Most of our commercial properties remain stable, though leasing vacant space continues to be challenging.

As mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter, we recently hosted our annual Leadership Summit, which included all our corporate and site managers. It was an incredibly positive day, and it was wonderful to have everyone together. I found myself feeling grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented professionals who provide exceptional service every day to both our clients and those who live and work in the buildings we manage.

Over the years, our industry has been impacted by increasing regulations and the push for additional restrictions continues. The California Apartment Association does an excellent job representing the industry at both State and Local Government levels. The need for continued support of those efforts, both financially through individual action, remains high. I encourage everyone in our industry to take an active role contributing to CAA and getting to know the elected officials who represent the areas in which they do business.  It’s also important to communicate with those officials on matters that impact our industry. Calls and letters from constituents have a significant impact on what actions officials decide to take.

Finally, I believe the outlook for our properties is positive. Despite some near-term challenges, the Northern California economy has been resilient through many economic cycles, and I believe it will continue to grow and prosper.

Leadership Summit Recap

The annual Woodmont Real Estate Services Leadership Summit began with opening remarks by the Leadership Team outlining the day, the themes of this year’s Summit, and why the half-day gathering of Regional Managers, Department Managers, and field staff in leadership roles plays a crucial role in driving the company’s growth and strengthening its culture.

As CEO Ron Granville (far right, seated, in photo) stated: “Effective communication is the heart of everything we do as a company, and the first form of communication is how we act.” Being sure you are understood involves the primary components of who, what, when, how and why, Granville added, and stressed that there is a big difference between positive communication and micro-managing.

Scott Pritchett (far left, seated, in photo) said that non-verbal communication can be just as important as verbal communication. Scott highlighted the importance of being better listeners, and noted that it is always more effective to share information and perspectives, rather than simply lecturing. 

Jerrid Vannelli (seated second from left) commented that good communication builds trust, reduces conflict and encourages innovation.

Jeff Bosshard (seated second from right) stressed the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to speak their mind, listening carefully to others’ ideas and being aware of when the other person(s) have stopped speaking before responding. He also shared that he typically summarizes conversations at their conclusion for clarification purposes, and to ensure other parties feel heard. Bosshard also likes to close the loop on conversations by following up on any commitments made during the conversation.

Clear takeaways from opening remarks are that Woodmont is in the customer service business, and in every stage of client services and engagements with colleagues, it contributes to the company’s mission.

Further, learning better communication practices fosters openness with residents, clients and Woodmont teams, which also leads to successful relationships and achieving company goals.

Christian Virtusio (VP of Learning) and Ruben Longoria (Marketing, Operations & Training Manager) moderated the day’s events, which included communications workshops to create team building, creative problem-solving and reinforce ‘active listening’ practices. The workshops were how to write an instruction manual for tying shoes and assembling (second picture below) “Glam Kits’ with Sephora cosmetic products to distribute free-of-charge through an organization called Project Glimmer.

Above pictured L-R: Ruben Longoria (Marketing Operations), Property Managers Janine Rood, Blair Castanada, Aislynn Deshields, Ophir Yahalom, and Christian Virtusio (VP Education and Training)

Above, L-R: Angela Harr-Eackles, VP of Multifamily, Megan Martinez, Property Manager Station 16, Janine Hood, Property Manager Adagio Apartments, and Donette Garverick, Commercial Regional Manager

Frank Nakamura (Multifamily Controller) and Michelle Widjaja (VP Marketing & Education) gave an overview of the company’s new Intranet and its features. (pictured below)

There was also a Fireside Chat, with the featured topic of Aligning Leadership Efforts with Business Strategies.

Highlights from the conclusion of the Leadership Summit and recap panel included Bosshard’s reinforcement of the importance of active listening in all communications and a final thought from Granville when he expressed gratitude “for having the ability to work with all of you.”

The event was held at the Diablo Canyon Brewing Company in San Carlos.

Woodmont Promotions and New Teammates

Angela Harr Eackles was recently promoted to Vice President Multifamily Operations. Previously, Angela served as a Regional Property Manager. She has led portfolios of multifamily properties throughout the Peninsula, South Bay Santa Cruz and Watsonville.

She is experienced in overseeing a variety of multifamily housing including lease-ups, urban luxury, affordable housing programs, workforce housing and senior housing. Angela has a history of building strong relationships with diverse clients such as institutional, nonprofit and private investment groups. Angela has also provided services associated with multifamily property sales and acquisitions. She began her career with Woodmont in 1999 as an on-site Property Manager. Angela’s on-site experience gives her an extensive knowledge of operations, policies and procedures and special expertise in employee development and training.

Prior to joining Woodmont, Angela worked for Sequoia Equities and Ecumenical Association for Housing. Angela holds a California Real Estate License and has a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies with a Minor in Spanish from the University of South Alabama.

Christina Wells has joined the company as a Regional Property Manager.

Christina will lead teams of onsite property managers, leasing professionals and maintenance technicians in Santa Clara and Alameda counties, with multifamily communities valued in excess of $400 million. She will work closely with Woodmont’s Senior Vice President of Multifamily Operations, Jerrid Vannelli, CPM®.

Christina has held leadership positions at major owner-operated properties across the Bay Area, where she successfully managed large-scale residential and commercial real estate, led capital improvement projects, implemented strategic initiatives, and built strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Her expertise in portfolio management, financial oversight, and operational improvements makes her a valuable addition to Woodmont’s leadership team.

Michelle Piazza, one of the company’s commercial Regional Managers, was honored by BOMA Silicon Valley with being named the Principal Member of the Year.

Every year, BOMA Silicon Valley honors two members of the year--one Principal Member and Associate Member--for their outstanding contributions to BOMA Silicon Valley, its members, and the commercial real estate industry.

Michelle joined Woodmont in April 2024 with more than two decades in commercial property management. She started her career in 1999 with an Executive Suites management company and transitioned to commercial properties in 2004 with a San Francisco-based family office.  Before joining Woodmont, Michelle managed a large office asset for TMG Partners in Silicon Valley.

An active member of BOMA, Michelle currently oversees a portfolio of office, retail and industrial properties throughout Silicon Valley and the SF Peninsula.