UGOC Spotlight: Mike DiGiacomo Celebrates 15 Years

United Group is thrilled to celebrate Michael DiGiacomo, Chief Operating Officer of United Plus Property Management, AMO®, for 15 years with the company!  

Over the past fifteen years, Michael has been regarded as a valued team member, steadily climbing the ranks and excelling in every role throughout his distinguished career with our organization. He began his journey with us in 2010 as a Property Manager at Schaffer Heights in Schenectady, NY, where he quickly demonstrated his abilities and, as a result, was relocated to Utica, New York, to take on an elevated role managing and leasing the Company’s newest development project at the time – Schuyler Commons. 

Michael’s dedication, expertise, and leadership have continually earned him well-deserved promotions to Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Vice President of Senior and Student Housing, Vice President of Operations, and now, Chief Operating Officer. 

As COO, Mike has taken on increased responsibility in all phases of United’s management operations and plays an invaluable role leading United Group’s growing team as the organization continues to establish itself as a prominent, vertically integrated leader in the senior, student, multi-family, commercial, and retail real estate sectors. 

Thank you for everything you do, Mike! 

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

Questions

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

The people I work with day to day. I am grateful for our team and appreciate all the things they accomplish day to day, week to week, month to month, and year to year. A lot of the work within UPPM is not always flashy or even exciting. However, it's work that needs to be done, and it can be a grind. I have people surrounding me who are experts at what they do, grind out day-to-day, and work hard no matter the circumstances. I am lucky in the sense that this has been the case for 15 years. I work with great people.

2.) What memories have you cherished the most out of your 15 years with United Group?

One of my favorite memories of the 15 years I've worked here is from my first or second week at the company. I was the property manager at Schaffer Heights in Schenectady. This gentleman came in and said, “Hello, I’m Walter.” I was brand-new and had never met Walter Uccellini. I had just moved back to NY from Kentucky and was just trying to figure out my day-to-day. So I said, “Hi Walter, I’m Mike, are you interested in our building? Can I give you a tour?” He allowed me to tour him through the building, show him the model, talk about the property, and whatever else I made up on the fly to try to get the sale. He then ended the tour with a handshake and said, “I am Walter Uccellini.” I was embarrassed, apologized a million times, he laughed, said he thought it was great that I just offered to tour him, then told me the railings on Eastern Ave needed to be painted, and he left. I got the green paint from the maintenance supervisor, Bill, and painted the railings before I went home that night.

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

I think in 15 years we will have grown our brand nationally. UGOC, UPPM, United…etc. has always been a well-known organization. However, over the last 8-10 years, we have really grown on a national stage. We are experts in the Active Adult space, which has drawn national recognition and attracted expert developers. We manage and operate both internally owned and third-party owned deals. I think the change and the positive adaptation of technology has been the biggest change I have seen and been a part of.

4.) What advice would you give to yourself on your first day of work after working for United Group for the past 15 years?

I would say to myself 15 years ago: "To celebrate the victories." I am very much an “onto the next” task or project type of person. I think as I have gotten older, had children, etc. I have tried to slow that down and appreciate certain moments.  I think it's important to celebrate the wins, too. They are not easy to come by; they take a lot of time and effort, and many hours go into each project. Enjoy it when it goes how you planned; you achieved the goal you worked for.

5.) What advice do you have for newer UGOC employees?

Educate yourself. The best thing I did was get involved in IREM, earn my CPM, ask questions even when I was afraid to or I thought they were dumb, and bring forward any mistakes made so the hundreds of years of real estate experience in the company can help you solve the problem. People want to help, teach, and coach.