DEVELOPING AND MANAGING THE FUTURE OF APARTMENT HOME LIVING
April 2019
Dear FJG Family, 
Tomorrow is a very special day... The Franklin Johnston Group's 6-year Anniversary!!! 

Early on, the partners and I set the goal to create a new standard for modern-day apartment living, to focus on creating beautiful, amenity-rich living environments. Not only did we want to build apartments but to create communities that our residents would call home for one or two and often times, many years. 

Today, I am extremely proud when I look back at our journey and our accomplishments. The growth and success of our company is largely due to having strong, dedicated team members like you. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for being a part of building the future of apartment home living.  

Sincerely,

 
Taylor Franklin 
TFJG PromotionsPromotions
Please help us congratulate our team members who have been promoted within The Franklin Johnston Group this month. Your determination and commitment are very much appreciated. 
  • Samantha Griffin, Community Manager, Somerset Pointe
  • George Anne Keith, Senior Community Manager, Charles Place
  • Carleigh Doyle, Community Manager, River Run I & II
  • Jessica Waddell, Community Manager, Fort Chaplin
  • Francisco Castro, Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, Somerset Pointe
  • William Pinder, Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, Fort Chaplin
  • Zulay Fagre, Community Manager, Phoenix
  • Lorena Gomez, Assistant Community Manager, Emerald Palms
Good Morning, TFJGMorning
Angie Lombardi (VP of Marketing) and Aaron Kuykendall (Operations Analysis) hosted "Good Morning, TFJG" this month. They informed viewers about what has been happening recently in the company and had a special guest, the Easter Bunny! To kick off the morning, they introduced TFJG's new Portfolio Manager, Jamie Talbert. In addition, they had Ronda Coleman (Controller) introduce herself and the entire accounting team. Angie and Aaron were also thrilled to announce the "TFJG Mascot" contest.  The owners would like for team members to submit their idea of the perfect mascot for the company. Lots of entries have been submitted and it's not too late! All entries should be submitted no later than 5/10 to the FISH Philosophy email at fish@tfjgroup.com. The winner will receive $250. Be on the look out for the next "Good Morning, TFJG" hosted by Angie and Aaron! You don't want to miss it.
United Way Kick Off (Coming Soon)United
The Franklin Johnston Group will be launching their inaugural United Way Campaign at the corporate office in Mid-May. As the company continues to grow, TFJG plans to be increasingly active about giving back. The great thing about giving to the United Way is that you can designate your contributions to go to organizations of all kinds, including interests that employees have reported being the most important to them - education, military/veterans, kids and animals. No amount is too small to make a difference!

How a Leasing Agent Took a Cold Lead to a signed Application in Just 22 Minutes!Realync
The Marketing team implemented Realync in 2018 at some of the properties. Realync is multifamily's only Fair Housing compliant video leasing and engagement solution that enables do-it-yourself video and live video tours of properties. Realync was impressed how our leasing agents were able to put Realync to use immediately and reaped the instant benefits. The company recently featured an article on our company and leasing agent, Jess Dixon at Springhouse Apartments. Springhouse is in an area that produces a high amount of military and out-of-market leads, so it was not unusual for Jess and the team to have to scrap together ways of showing the property to prospective residents. The day after Realync training, an inbound lead came in via phone but the prospect was unable to schedule a visit to see during business hours. Jess proposed a Realync live video tour. The prospect commented how excited she was that Springhouse had the option to tour the property virtually and that no other apartment community had offered a similar opportunity. Jess started the video and was able to tour the unit with a focus on what mattered the most to this prospect - all while building the relationship and showing exactly what she was interested in seeing. By the time Jess finished giving the tour of the apartment unit and showcased all of the amenities, the prospect said she had seen all that she needed to and was ready to sign. The total time to close? 22 minutes! Way to go, Jess Dixon!

TFJG Attends NOVA Housing ExpoExpo
Kendra Dickerson (Regional Marketing Specialist) and Mary Lee (Compliance Specialist) represented The Franklin Johnston Group in this year's NOVA Housing Expo. This was the 9th annual event hosted by the Virginia Housing Development Authority and many others. Guests were able to browse dozens of exhibits featuring apartment rentals, government assistance programs, home-buying opportunities, mortgage information and assistance and much more. They were also able to take advantage of helpful free workshops and one-on-one consultations designed to help residents get to where they want to be in Northern Virginia, whether they are renting or getting ready to buy. Workshops included household finance classes, fair housing, and rental assistance programs. Park Shirlington and The Regency were the premier properties showcased at the expo. 

Be the Solution Winners Solution
Congratulations to the following team members for taking extraordinary measures to  Be the Solution  at their communities: 
 
Carissa Shepheard, Assistant Community Manager, Orchards
Carissa embodies the Core Values Character and Teamwork. While her manager AJ Soriano has spent additional time at Belleville Harbour, Carissa has done a great job filling in at The Orchards. AJ said, "I never heard a complaint or any apprehension from her even from the start. She took on her role without skipping a beat, juggling her administrative, leasing and re-certification roles, while executing a Dollar Days Event, coordinating tickets and transportation of residents to the Sweetheart Ball, planning the monthly Birthday party, and still taking time to preside over her monthly Arts and Crafts session. Barely a year at The Orchards and she has earned the love and respect of our residents." On top of working at her own site, Carissa has also stepped in on weekends to help The Arbors at Shoulders Hill, a new property going through lease up. 

Samantha Howell, Leasing Specialist, Spring Water
Samantha was nominated by her Community Manager, Catherine Bass. Cat wrote: "Samantha was new to the industry when she joined the Spring Water team. She immediately dove right in and was helping residents & answering phones on very first day. Since then, she has gone above and beyond to demonstrate ALL of our core values. Two have stood our since day one. Teamwork - Make Something Happen and Character - Work like no one is watching. She has stayed late several days and come in to work when she is not scheduled just to make sure her new move ins are happy & feel that she was with them every step of the way. Not only does she excel in her every day role as a Leasing Specialist here at Spring Water, her work ethic is impeccable. If there's something she doesn't know right away, she asks, takes notes and promptly gets back to the prospect or resident. She definitely goes above and beyond. We are very excited to have her as part of our Spring Water family." 

Shane Gallop, Community Manager, Forrest Pines Senior 
Shane was nominated by our VP of Business Management, Gloria Harrison, after she received the following email from a Forrest Pines resident! The resident wrote: "I wish to make you aware of just how much difference our new manager, Shane Gallop, has made to the residents here. It is such a pleasure to deal with a person who always has a smile, makes everyone feel welcome, gives straight answers to questions and is always about the building checking that everything is up to standard. When advised of any issues, she is ready to address them immediately and do whatever she can to insure a timely remedy. One Saturday morning, after a lengthy power outage the night before, I advised her of a water pressure problem in the building. She took it upon herself to check and reset whatever was needed to rectify the issue. We had issues with the community bus rarely being available, which had been promised when we moved in, and recently it has been here, available, and this morning Shane took it herself with a group of residents to Kroger. How pleasurable to see such a turnaround in attitude and atmosphere in this community. Thank you for bringing her on board and to us here." 

Alex Polanco, Assistant Community Manager, Charles Place
Alex was nominated by her Senior Community Manager, GeorgeAnne Keith. GeorgeAnne said: "Alex has been such an asset to the whole Rhode Island team. She has continued to step in wherever she has been needed and she works hard to make us successful. She is great with the residents, no matter what's going on. Even if she's got a lot going on here, she makes time to work with the other properties as well. She takes direction so well and she loves working hard. She is definitely a 'roll up your sleeves and get the job done' employee and I count it wonderful that she works with us." 

Sherry Peters, SODA Clerk, Corporate 
Sherry was nominated by the Accounts Payable Manager, Warrenell Jackson. Warrenell wrote: "When Sherry started as the SODA Clerk, she dove right in and quickly began getting situations resolved. She works hard to meet deadlines and goes above and beyond. Sherry always has a happy and cheerful attitude and is so easy to work with. She truly exemplifies our teamwork core value: "make something happen". She is a valued team member and I appreciate her so much. 
Jobs at The Franklin Johnston Group Talent Network
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In This Issue
Mission Statement
At The Franklin Johnston Group, our innovative team embraces excellence while creating communities that tell a unique story. We develop and manage with uncompromising standards, and value career growth earning us the coveted reputation as a preferred employer. The Franklin Johnston Group is the future of apartment home living.
Watch Us Grow
Stay informed on TFJG construction progress for all new developments by watching our live construction cameras.  Click here to watch us grow!
TFJG Team Members


Our people make a difference in everything we do and are truly the secret to our success. Join us in welcoming the newest members of The Franklin Johnston Group:
  • Andy Asare
  • Brandy Hayden
  • Candace Gilchrist
  • Catherine Dunkle
  • Erica Moore
  • Lliana Galeas
  • Jamie Talbert
  • Jaya Vinson
  • Jerry Ward
  • Kay Duncan
  • Lavell Adams
  • Leroy Richardson
  • Matthew Williams
  • Otegia Mccoy
  • Ralph Lewis
  • Shalana Towe
  • Tracy Adams
  • Ursula Fletcher
Community Spotlight
Trail Creek 
Whether you are looking for the amenities of a resort community or the style of a custom home, you can have the best of both worlds at Trail Creek. Unwind in our spacious one-, two-, and three- bedroom townhomes, which offer thoughtful finishes in two- and three-story layouts. Trail Creek is located in a exceptional location for residents to live, work, and play. 

Knowledge - Learning Empowers...ASK!
TFJG encourages you to learn! Please sign up for the upcoming opportunities listed below for A.J. Johnson and AHMA Training:

8/8/19 - A.J. Johnson Training at VB Corporate Office

11/6/19 - A.J. Johnson Training at NOVA Office 


Congratulations, Donna McDowell
Congratulations to Donna McDowell who recently passed her COS exam and getting her ceritfication. COS is Certified Occupancy Specialist and deals with Project Based Section 8 requirements. Way to go!

Congratulations, Sharps Landing!
Congratulations to the team at Sharps Landing Apartments on winning Community of the Year - Tax Credit Built before 1994 at the 201 Hampton Roads Apartment Council's Ace Awards!

Hillside Apartments Senior Prom
Hillside Apartment Homes in Gaithersburg, MD hosted a senior prom event with the "Cool & Dope" organization. Hillside residents were able to dress up and get down to funky beats and good eats. Events like this remind us all to let our hair down and enjoy what makes us happy. Thank you for shining a postitive light on our TFJG active adults. 

Arbors at Culpeper Garden Now Open
Gardening has become extremely popular in recent decades, especially as the farm-to-table craze continues to gain momentum. Residents at The Arbors at Culpeper had a special grand opening event for their new community garden. The resident-growers are excited to harvest lots of delicious produce and look forward to doing it together with their neighbors. 
May 2019: Marketing Calendar
Want to take advantage of trending holidays and awareness days on social media? Contact the Marketing Team to receive the May Marketing Calendar. 

Paint Night at River House Apartments
The team at River House partnered with Paint Nite to bring residents in for an afternoon of wine and canvas painting. The residents were guided through two lively hours of creativity, drinking, and laughing till their cheeks hurt. The best part? You didn't have to be an artist to have an amazing time.