In the second part of our Client Spotlight Series, we spoke to Rachel Miller. She’s the property manager for Riverwoods Plantation, a condominium in Estero, FL. She spoke to us about the condo, the ups, and downs of being a property manager and what the future is for the industry.
Vinteum: When was Riverwoods Plantation founded?
Rachel: Riverwoods Plantation RV Resort Condominium Association Inc. was founded in 1982.
Vinteum: Where is Riverwoods Plantation located and what type of format is it? (Condo, townhome, Single-family, etc)
Rachel: We are located in the Village of Estero in Southwest Florida.  Riverwoods Plantation is an award-winning 55 and older 640-unit resident-owned community with the finest living and recreational experiences in the area. Our community consists mostly of manufactured housing, with some owners choosing to stay on their land in a Recreational Vehicle. Our community has one of the finest boat launch and riverfront facilities on the Estero River.
Vinteum: What sets Riverwoods Plantation apart from other HOA/condos?
Rachel: We are proud to have been voted by the National Community Association into their Hall of Fame in the year 2000 after receiving first-place awards in 2011 and 1998 in the Large Communities category by the Community Association Institute. In 2010 Riverwoods Plantation was awarded the Community Association Institute’s “Humanitarian Community of the Year” for our exemplary service to our local community.
Our residents enjoy a very active lifestyle. The community offers something for everyone. From volleyball, water volleyball, bocce, tennis, pickleball, horse shoes, table tennis, billiards, shuffleboard, line dancing, woodworking, Bible study, yoga, hydro aerobics, walking off the pounds, chair fitness, computer and technology classes, photography, quilting, music and choir programs, card games…. just to name a few! Our Activity Director programs a full calendar of events and activities which include dinner/dances, fabulous entertainers, and educational programming. I believe we have one of the most active communities in Southwest Florida, this sets us apart from other associations in our area.
Vinteum: What drew you into the property management business?
Rachel: I have been the Community Association Manager for over twelve years and I have been in property management for seventeen years.   I did not grow up thinking I would be a property manager, I just sort of stumbled onto it. I was a Mother of two young children and had a real estate license but realized quickly it is difficult to show and sell properties when you have two little ones in car seats and are unable to locate a last-minute babysitter.  I started looking for a more regular schedule and landed a job as the assistant to the property manager at Riverwoods Plantation. I learned a lot and moved on to another community as their manager. Within two years I was being asked to return and manager Riverwoods Plantation.
Vinteum: What do you like most about your job?
Rachel: I enjoy the challenges which come from managing a community of this age and size. Every day is an adventure, you never know what the day will bring.  There could water leaks, sewer issues, threats of a hurricane or even worse, hurricane cleanup.  I find it is best to keep a positive attitude no matter what comes my way, and just keep smiling.
 Over the years I have learned to think quickly on my feet and come up with creative solutions to meeting the daily challenges of managing this beautiful community. I love working with Board members and Committee members and the many positive and kind residents. There are always a small vocal group of owners who find fault in almost anything you do, but the complimentary owners and guests who encourage and volunteer their time and talents to better the community are the ones I try to focus my attention on. I am always open to suggestions and constructive criticism.
Vinteum: Where do you see the community association management industry going in the future?
Rachel: I think the future is more technology-based, which is where Vinteum comes into play. We will rely on them to bring us new technology and resources which will help us move toward the future. One of our main challenges is many of our residents are technology savvy, but we still have a large group who do not even own a computer and have no idea what an app is. Finding balance is key.  Our community is accommodating to those who want things emailed and texted, but we also recognize there are those who rely on receiving information via our community television channel and bulletin boards as well as our monthly printed newsletter.
Vinteum: What is your favorite part about Vinteum?
Rachel: My favorite part of Vinteum is their customer service. Both Jonathan and Leila are outstanding and go above and beyond whenever we have questions or need help. I also like the text and phone call alerts and the notices which are sent via email. This has been a huge help as a property manager. I look forward to continuing working with Vinteum and their team.
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