UGOC Spotlight: United Group Celebrates August Work Anniversaries

As the summer winds to a close and we prepare to turn our calendars to September, we wanted to take a moment today to honor two important members of the United Group Family who are celebrating milestone work anniversaries this August - Property Manager Samantha Marchesin and Commercial Maintenance Technician Jim Hogan.

Samantha has been at the helm of The Walkill Living Center in Middletown, New York for the past five years, and over that time has become a fixture in our organization beloved by residents and coworkers alike. She is not only a great colleague, but a great person as well, always willing to go the extra mile, and even traveling to lend a hand at our other properties when needed. Samantha is a people person through and through, and her hard work, considerable talent and can-do attitude has proven to be a real asset to United Group over the past five years. 

When she isn't working, Samantha enjoys relaxing with a good book, travelling and spending time at the beach and on hikes.  

As our Commercial Maintenance Technician for the last decade, Jim Hogan has proven time and time again to be one of the hardest working members of our team in Troy, New York. Jim's focus on caring for our building, and most notably keeping our lawn looking spectacular, illustrates the high quality team member and person that he is - thoughtful, thorough, driven and committed. Jim has always been there when we've needed him, and we are so lucky to have him as a member of our United Family. 

Outside of the office, Jim leads a very exciting life. He's a music lover and skilled guitarist, a gifted chef and a collector of vintage cars from the 1960's. He also loves gaming, computers and spending time in his favorite vacation destination, Cape Cod. 

We are so fortunate to have both Samantha and Jim here at United Group. Over the past five and ten years respectively, they have both accomplished so much, and we are confident that the best is yet to come! 

Scroll down to read more about Samantha and Jim's United Group careers, and please join us in offering our best wishes to them both on this tremendous accomplishment! Congratulations, Samantha and Jim!

Samantha Marchesin - Property Manager, The Walkill Living Center

1.) What do you remember about your first day with UGOC?

My first day at United I had traveled to the corporate office for on boarding and I remember thinking how much this company wants not only current employees but new employees to succeed by providing training right off the bat. The Success Model set the tone for expectations and what truly mattered. 

2.) Are you in the same role? What has changed about your role?

I am still in the same role and sometimes I go and help out at other properties when there are staffing shortages.

3.) Tell us what an average day at the office looks like: 

With the waiting list we spend a lot of time with resident retention more so than leasing. I teach a craft class and a painting class monthly.  

4.) Tell us one of your favorite early memories from your office: 

I had attended the managers retreat at the end of September just 3 weeks after joining the company. This was so beneficial because it allowed me to meet other managers that had been with the company for years and I could see how great the company is and values their team members.

5.) What do you love most about United Group?

How much they value education and continued learning. The perceptiveness that this industry is ever growing and more than just renting an apartment but protects its employees by providing learning opportunities to them. They want us to grow.

6.) What advice do you want to give yourself now, after working for the United Group for the past 5 years? 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to others in similar roles to bounce ideas off of or get their opinion on a project you are working on. We all have the same goal even if it is a different property.

Jim Hogan, Commercial Maintenance Technician, Corporate

1.) What do you remember about your first day with UGOC?  

I was excited, nervous and a bit overwhelmed!

2.) Are you in the same role? What has changed about your role?

My role hasn't changed too much, I have taken over lawn care duties the last 3 or 4 years.

3.) Tell us what an average day at the office looks like: 

Morning property walk thru, tidy up if needed, hope there aren't any notes on my door from the night before! Check in with the tenants to see if there is anything I can do.

4.) Tell us one of your favorite early memories from your office: 

Global Foundries was ramping up, it was exciting to be part of it!

5.) What do you love most about United Group?

I enjoy having a voice, being appreciated and respected.

6.) What advice do you want to give yourself now, after working for the United Group for the past 10 years?   

Never be afraid to try new things...go for it!!