UGOC SPOTLIGHT: United Group Celebrates Summer Work Anniversaries

We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to recognize three important members of our team who celebrated milestone work anniversaries this summer. Congratulations are in order for Parkstead Watertown at City Center Property Manager, Katie Gollinger for five years with United Group, College Suites at City Station Property Manager Mekeya Carter for ten years with United Group, and Hearthstone Village Maintenance Supervisor Todd Snavely for 15 years with United Group.

Since joining United Group Katie, Mekeya, and Todd have all established themselves as beloved and invaluable fixtures within the company. The passion and willingness to go above and beyond that each individual brings every day serves as an inspiration for those around them and across the organization. Read below to learn more about these three wonderful members of our team!

Property Manager, Parkstead Watertown at City Center

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

My first official day with UGOC is kind of a blur because there was so much going on. Jackie brought Shannon over to start as the Manager. A new Leasing Consultant started that day and I was training her. Shannon took me to walk some units with her. Files were being pulled for audit and there were multiple meetings with maintenance and the leasing team. It was crazy but I was excited for the change.

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

I started as a Leasing Consultant under Karen at what is now Parkstead City Center. They moved some staff around and Shannon became the Property Manager. Within 6 months she decided to promote me to Assistant Property Manager. I worked in that role for a little over a year and then Shannon ended up taking a position elsewhere. I was the ‘acting’ Manager so I decided to apply for the open Property Manager role. I honestly didn’t think I would get it because I was only 2 years into my career and still had a lot to learn but Dana took a chance on me and said yes (thanks for the assist Chris Wiltey). I am so grateful she did!

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

Everchanging is a typical day at the office, but that is the fun of the business. Maintenance and I convene in the morning to plan the day, I have my daily to-do list that I tackle as I can in between phones calls, emails, tours, walking apartments, move-outs, move-ins, reports, and random maintenance meetings.

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

In the summer of 2017 we had a Summer Block Party for the residents to come and meet the staff and each other and to just have some fun. We had music, games, a face-painter, bounce house for the kids. It was so much fun to get out and enjoy some ‘time off’ with the residents.

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

How much they truly care about the success of their employees

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

I would tell myself not to overthink anything and don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is a team of people behind you that will be there if you need them!

Mekeya Carter
Property Manager, College Suites City Station

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

I remember walking into the corporate office and seeing a photo on the wall in the lobby of Empire Commons Complex D. This is a student dormitory at the University of Albany where I had just moved out of two weeks prior. I learned United Group had built those student apartments for the University at Albany and I felt this was a good sign.

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

I started as a temporary office assistant. Then became the office manager at corporate. About a year later I transitioned into a Community Liaison, Asst. Property Manager and now I am the Property Manager at City Station.

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

The average day begins with reviewing messages and emails received over the evening from residents and contacts. Afterwards I touch base with my onsite and maintenance teams for solutions and work out plans for team members to address and follow up on them throughout the day. I set up for resident programing/events and tours. I also work to close housing leads.

I then work on vendor follow ups and billing processing. If commercial tenants need anything we address their concerns as well.

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

It is always very sweet and special when residents show their appreciation. Many have gifted me with momentums from their home countries. Small symbols for luck and continued success.

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

United Group is a company whose roots start out family based. Giving the feel that everyone is valued. Senior management is at arm’s reach allowing great opportunity for one to receive hands on feedback, guidance and expertise from leaders with tons of experience.

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

A quote I received from Michael Uccellini “Make sure you work hard and give yourself time to play hard as well. You have to enjoy life.”

Todd Snavely
Maintenance Supervisor, Hearthstone Village

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

I remember walking into a resident’s meeting and knowing that there was a lot of work to be accomplished.

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

Same position.

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

Good thing about the position is that not every day is the same – there is never a dull moment!

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

Getting the team together and putting on the first Holiday party for our residents

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

Being on the same team as Graham Thompson - our quarterback! Also, UGOC’s benefits are great.

6.) What advice do you want to give yourself now, after working for the United Group for the past 15 years?   

Try not to get overwhelmed with the work load and just take one task at a time.