UGOC Spotlight: Ashley Wysocarski Celebrates 10 Years

United Group is delighted to celebrate Ashley Wysocarski, Director of Field Marketing in the corporate office, for reaching her ten-year milestone with the Company!  

Ashley Wysocarski, a key member of our Field Marketing and Sales team, has consistently demonstrated exceptional passion and commitment since joining United Group in 2015. She began her journey with the company as a Field Marketing Manager and has since earned promotions! In 2019 she was promoted to Senior Field Marketing Manager, in 2023 to Director of Field Marketing, and in 2024 her responsibilities were further expanded to include sales related activities and know holds the title of Director of Field Marketing and Sales.

In her current role, Ashley continues to bring unmatched enthusiasm and creative solutions to all United Group communities. Her positive attitude, willingness to help, and consistent dedication is valued at United Group, and we are delighted to celebrate her! 

To learn more about Ashley’s journey within United Group, read her Q&A below.  

Congratulations, Ashley!  

Questions: 

1.) What about United Group keeps you coming back year after year?   

The camaraderie and spirit! We may be a small team, but we’re mighty—fearless in facing challenges head-on and always working together to find solutions. Every day brings something new, but more importantly, every initiative has meaning. United Group’s leadership pushes us to think differently, problem-solve creatively, and never settle for the easy route. 

One of my favorite examples of this ‘try everything’ mentality happened a few years back while working on a tough student asset impacted by declining enrollment. Michael had shared a personal contact to help us, but despite my best efforts- calls, emails, you name it – my efforts were for naught. Meanwhile, Michael would reach out, and she’d respond immediately. So, rather than accept failure (because I am SURE she would never want to ignore me!), I took a different approach. I won’t get into all the details, but let’s just say it involved a visit to a highly secure research facility, a slightly creative approach to gaining entry, and, ultimately, an unsuccessful meeting attempt. The following week I sat at the conference table required to share my efforts from the week prior, I was nervous to admit not only had I failed to connect, but I was probably banned from the target location. I gave every single detail while looking right at Michael. Michael paused for an excruciatingly long moment, then burst into laughter. His response? ‘Thank you. Thank you for not giving up and trying every single option.’ 

That’s the kind of leadership and mentality that sets United apart. We’re not just encouraged but expected to adapt, push boundaries, and grow—both for the success of our properties and teams, and for our own professional development. 

2.) What memories have you cherished the most out of your 10 years with United?  

You mean, besides causing Mike DiGiacomo grief and having the privilege of learning from the incredible Francine Bass? Let’s see… 

My favorite memories always come back to our teams and time spent on-site with our residents. I’m constantly amazed by the dedication of our on-site teams - the challenges they tackle daily, their commitment to United’s mission, and the care they bring to creating the best living experiences for our residents. As Mike always says, ‘We work where they live,’ and nothing rings truer. It’s an honor to be part of an industry where people trust us with their greatest assets: their homes, their families, and their stories. Our on-site teams are the key to this mission, making any moment I can spend with our teams the highlight of my work week.  

Some standouts? The time a group of us from corporate had to stay in a four-bedroom apartment in Plattsburgh, with no AC, in the peak of summer. The caffeine-fueled whirlwind of student housing turn and lease-up season, from our first time leasing up new development Fox Run at Fulton (complete with my tears coming down my face when the property was finally complete!) to the tears of Erin Englehart when we reached 100% preleased  at College Suites at Hudson Valley for the first time (although her math was wrong and we wouldn’t reach that goal for a few more weeks, but who is keeping track?) Of course, the thrill of opening a new 55+ clubhouse and seeing future residents’ speechless with their excitement. And the rush of takeovers—six of us boarding a flight, ready to bring United’s award-winning living experience to a new community. 

A fun fact: I’m not from Troy—I’m a Rochester girl through and through. When I rejoined United after a hiatus (having worked on-site as a student at College Suites at Cortland), I swore I’d never leave Rochester. Yet here I am, 10 years later, having built not just a career but a second family. United has given me a network of colleagues who feel like family, mentors who inspire continuous growth, and a support system that proves—time and time again—that when you’re part of United, you’re part of something greater. 

3.) In what ways have you seen the company grow and evolve? 

United Group has grown from the little engine that could to an undeniable force in the industry! It’s amazing to see how much we’ve grown, from having properties solely in NY, Georgia to having worked UPPM-managed properties in NY, Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, and all over the state of Florida. Being part of our work in growing the 55+ Active Adult living sector is something I’m incredibly proud of. Our dedication to redefining Active Adult living has been disruptive in all the best ways. 

Early on, launching the first Active Adult lease-ups I worked on required significant education to the greater community just to introduce prospective residents to our product and who United Group was. Now, as we expand into Worcester and recently took over management in Latham, we’re seeing the opposite—residents are seeking us out. Many first learn about Active Adult living through our communities and immediately recognize it as the perfect fit for them and their families. They’re not just looking for an apartment; they’re choosing an amenity-rich, lifestyle-driven experience—the United Group Active Adult lifestyle. 

Of course, it’s bittersweet when a community is sold, knowing residents will transition to a new program. But what’s really remarkable? So many find their way back to another United Group property. That speaks volumes about the impact we’ve made. 

4.) What advice would you give your first day of work self after working for United Group for the past 10 years? 

The most important work you’ll do won’t happen at your desk. The greatest impact on an asset’s performance, the biggest boost to a team, and the most value in your role (work AI could never replace!) comes from what happens beyond the keyboard. 

Remember our responsibility goes beyond property walls. We serve communities and fill a real need that means so much to so many. The best way to do that? Get out there. Engage. Build relationships. Grassroots efforts are what truly integrate us into the communities we serve. We’re not just leasing homes; we’re enhancing lifestyles and creating experiences—take pride in that and be eager to share it. 

Sweat equity is the difference maker. More than that, it makes your work more fulfilling. And while every community is unique, with 50+ years of experience behind United Group paired with incredible corporate and on-site teams, there’s no challenge we haven’t tackled before and none we won’t master in the future. Just work together, communicate often, and trust the team around you. You’re in the best of hands!