Gretchen Apple
New Smyrna Beach,FL
Summary
Dynamic Vice President of Asset Management at Varden Capitol Properties, recognized for driving an 18.6% rent growth across a diverse portfolio. Expertise in financial analysis and transformative leadership, coupled with a proven track record in executing multimillion-dollar renovations and enhancing property value through strategic marketing and team development.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Asset Management
Varden Capitol Properties
11.2015 - 10.2024
- Successfully managed a portfolio of seven multifamily communities (1,800 units) across the Savannah and Jacksonville markets, including Class A and B properties, value-add projects, lease-ups, and tax credit properties, adapting to diverse needs and market trends.
- Oversaw the operational and financial performance of the portfolio, ensuring alignment with ownership’s goals, objectives, and asset management strategies.
- Collaborated with contractors, on-site teams, and ownership to identify, plan, and execute capital improvement projects aimed at enhancing property value and preserving assets.
- Conducted extensive market research and data analysis across key Florida, Georgia, and Alabama markets to identify growth opportunities.
- Actively participated in new development projects, contributing to marketing, branding, layout design, MEP, permitting, and zoning efforts.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with brokers, investors, developers, and general contractors.
- Coached, trained, and mentored managers to foster the growth and development of the on-site operations team, overseeing a portfolio of 50+ employees, including Senior Managers and Regional Operations Support.
- Assisted with marketing strategies, personnel recruitment, daily operations, and financial decision-making.
- Submitted weekly and monthly reports to upper management, owners, and asset managers, providing updates on rents, renewals, delinquencies, and capital projects.
- Prepared annual budgets for lease-ups, stabilized, and renovated communities, performing financial reviews, variance reporting, and weekly property performance evaluations.
- Presented proposed budgets and mid-year reviews to owners and asset managers annually.
- Ensured that properties met company and owner standards for appearance and functionality.
- Reviewed and approved property contracts, payables, refunds, and applicant screenings.
- Led seven communities and on-site teams through ownership transitions during acquisitions and dispositions, achieving successful outcomes by implementing effective process management and problem-solving strategies.
- Completed four value-add projects, including a $4.5 million renovation and rebranding of the Darlington (Buckhead) The Lofts at Twenty-25, a $3 million renovation at The Breeze, and $10 million in new construction lease-ups at Exchange at the Beach, with ongoing projects at Exchange at St. Augustine and the 600.
- Expanded the Georgia portfolio from one asset to four since 2018.
- Achieved an 18.6% rent growth across the portfolio in 2021.
- Increased renewal rent growth within the portfolio by 9.1% in 2021.
- Surpassed budgeted occupancy by 3% in 2021.
- Four out of six properties ranked in the top 10 for highest NOI company-wide in 2021.
- Responsible for clubhouse designs, value-add packages, landscape enhancements, and team rebuilding.
Regional Property Manager
Hammond Residential
Columbia, USA
01.2014 - 10.2015
- Maintained physical assets while maximizing financial returns.
- Developed and implemented effective marketing strategies, office workflows, and leasing techniques.
- Successfully rebranded and cultivated a new community; managed lease-up completion of Phase 2 in less than one year.
Property Manager
Hammond Residential
Columbia, USA
06.2013 - 01.2014
- Executed multimillion-dollar renovations to both interior and exterior spaces.
Property Manager
Hammond Residential
Columbia, USA
12.2008 - 06.2013
- Supervised a $10 million rehabilitation project and completed community lease-up in eight months.
- Achieved 100% or greater renewal retention.
- Raised over $18,000 for Open Arms Charity through community events from 2009 to 2012.
Property Manager
Uncle Bob's Self Storage
Columbia, USA
06.2007 - 12.2008
Property Manager
Boyd Management (LITC/HUD)
Columbia, USA
07.2005 - 06.2007
Property Manager
Camden Property Trust
Louisville, USA
10.2002 - 07.2005
Leasing Consultant
Post Properties
Atlanta, USA
09.1999 - 10.2002
Education
Associate of Business Management -
Georgia State University Perimeter College
Atlanta, GA07.1995
Skills
- Asset Management
- Financial analysis and budgeting
- Market research and trend analysis
- Property Management Software (Yardi, OneSite)
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Marketing and branding strategies
- Excellent communication skills
- Project Management
- Regulatory Compliance (Fair Housing, LIHTC)
- Customer Service Excellence
- Social Media Marketing
- Visionary leadership
- Performance evaluation
- Hiring and training
- Contract negotiation
- Data analysis
- Marketing strategy
- Written communication
- Transformative leadership
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Loan origination and underwriting
- Decision-making
- Financial management
- Performance data analysis
- Policies and procedures
- Portfolio optimization
- Change and growth management
Timeline
Vice President of Asset Management
Varden Capitol Properties
11.2015 - 10.2024
Regional Property Manager
Hammond Residential
01.2014 - 10.2015
Property Manager
Hammond Residential
06.2013 - 01.2014
Property Manager
Hammond Residential
12.2008 - 06.2013
Property Manager
Uncle Bob's Self Storage
06.2007 - 12.2008
Property Manager
Boyd Management (LITC/HUD)
07.2005 - 06.2007
Property Manager
Camden Property Trust
10.2002 - 07.2005
Leasing Consultant
Post Properties
09.1999 - 10.2002
Associate of Business Management -
Georgia State University Perimeter College
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