UGOC Spotlight: Michelle Lutz Celebrates 10 Years

United Group is delighted to celebrate Michelle Lutz, Property Manager at Parkstead Watertown at Black River, for reaching her ten-year milestone with the Company!

Michelle began her journey with United Group in 2014 as a Leasing Consultant at Parkstead Black River. She was then promoted to Assistant Property Manager at the Parkstead Property before receiving the promotion to Property Manager at Parkstead Clayton. In January of 2023, she relocated to Parkstead Black River to work as a Property Manager. 

Michelle is described as both a champion and a cheerleader at United Group; someone who is willing to go above and beyond for her residents. Her bubbly personality and go-getter attitude make her an invaluable asset within United Group and we are delighted to celebrate her. 

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

Congratulations, Michelle! 

Questions:

1.) Take us back to day one! What was it like? What do you remember about your first day?  

Day one, I walked into (Mountaineer Estates/Parkstead Black River Now) as a Leasing Consultant.  I recall being nervous, but Karen Murray and the rest of the team made me feel welcome. Property Manager Sarah Gist was also beginning her first days as a Leasing Consultant with me!1

2.) Walk us through a typical workday!  

A typical day begins with checking all my notifications and calendar alerts while I have my first cup of coffee. Of Course, all items on my to do list are subject to change at the drop of a hat and so I am always prepared to shift gears spur of the moment to attend to the more urgent items which may come about. This is a hard question as no day is typical and every day there is something new.  

3.)What is your favorite memory (so far) from your time at UGOC? 

How can I choose just one? I would have to say our Manager's Retreat in Lake Placid! I really enjoyed the "Biathlon" and I also recall getting lost on a dirt road which turned into a cow path on the way home with no cell service to pull up a map or call 911.  So happy I was with my fellow North Country Managers who proved at the Biathlon that we got this as a team! 

4.)How has your role changed over the years? (If at all possible)

I started off as a Leasing Consultant at our now Parkstead Black River (Mountaineer Estates) Within a few months I became Assistant Property Manager at the Huntington Heights location. The following year I was Promoted to Property Manager at Parkstead Clayton (Lonsway Hill) and in January of 2023 I relocated to Parkstead Black River.

5.) What advice would you give yourself reflecting on the last 10 years?  

I would have to say it would be to not underestimate yourself. Don't hold yourself back from accomplishing your goals or further training.  You have the capability to do whatever you put your mind to and the Company/Team by your side supporting you every step of the way.