UGOC SPOTLIGHT: United Group Recognizes April Work Anniversaries

It’s only fitting that United Group’s April work anniversaries include the dynamic duo of Jeff Arnold and Nancy OMalley, who are both celebrating their fifth year with United Group.

Jeff, who is United Group’s Chief Operating Officer, and Nancy, the Operations Manager work closely together on countless initiatives for the company. Overseeing the operations of hundreds of employees, across dozens of properties in New York, Florida, Georgia and Colorado is no simple task, but Jeff and Nancy make it look easy. They’re patient, practical, kind, and their office doors are always open, where they’re willing to lend a helping hand, or if you’re in Jeff’s office, talk about barbecue, how incredibly insane the state of Texas is, or Houston sports.

Jeff and Nancy have played a large part in the success of United Group during the past five years, and the company is very thankful for all their hard work, support and appreciation for United Group’s employees and vision.

Learn more about Jeff and Nancy, and read about their experience with Untied Group!

Name: Jeff Arnold

Office: United Group Corporate Office – Troy, NY

Role: Chief Operating Officer

1.) What do you remember about your first day with the United Group?

It was a special day in my career. The Human Resources Department made me feel right at home and that was challenging, because I had moved from Houston, TX three days prior and couldn’t have been further away from home. I distinctly remember onboarding at the College Suites at City Station and was very impressed with the whole process. I have done a lot of consulting in my career and it was top notch.

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

Yes. Since my arrival, United Group has been successful at growing its third party management services. This essentially took the demands from a single owner to currently nine other ownership groups. Managing that whole process has been exciting and challenging all at the same time.

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

In my role as Chief Operating Officer it is hard to plan your day and there is not one day that’s the same. I spend most of my day trying to reflect on the action items of our Success Model. Those core actions of process improvement, employee development, communication, and time management is where I try to ground myself as much as possible.

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

There are so many things, but the thing I love the most is the people. Just like any family, there will always be good and bad days, but at the end of the day, I know that I work with some of the best people in the business.

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

You don’t always have to react to problems quickly. Sometimes it is better to take a step back, gain your composure, and then make a decision. I also think that it is all about the people you surround yourself with that will dictate your successes.

Name: Nancy OMalley

Office: The United Group Corporate Office – Troy, NY

Role: Operations Manager

1.) What do you remember about your first day with the United Group?

I started with a group of three and I remember every department, including Michael Uccellini, made time to meet with us in the large conference room to welcome us, explain their role at United Group and learn about each of us.

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

I started as an Administrative Assistant in the Senior Portfolio and before too long it expanded to include the new COO, Jeff Arnold.  From there it grew to include the student and multi-family portfolios.  My title has changed but my role remains similar…… I work to support the Team, Corporate and Site Staff, do the best that we can do.

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

I have heard this said before and it is true…..there is no typical day at the office for United Group.

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

I love knowing that every day I walk in the front door I will learn something and laugh at something (not always in that order)….two things that make me happy!

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

I’m not big on giving or taking advice…..five years ago I was looking to do something that interested me ……so now I would say GOOD CHOICE!