People

At StoneRiver Company, we recognize the immense value our team brings to our success. We take pride in our team and celebrate their accomplishments every day. We are delighted to share their stories with the world, so stay tuned for our monthly employee highlights. We hope you enjoy getting to know our exceptional team!

This month’s featured employee is Mariana Alvarez.

What is your role at StoneRiver, and how long have you been a part of the team?

I am the Property Manager at Terraces at Town Center. I have been in this role since the acquisition of Terraces in October 2022. My main responsibilities include managing my team, overseeing the property and taking care of the needs of the residents. Additionally, I supervise the interior renovations of the property.

One of my significant accomplishments was managing the eventful year of 2023 with my team. We began the interior renovations in January, which resulted in some employee turnover. In addition, I went on maternity leave during the summer, adding to the challenges. As a result, the occupancy rate of the property went down to 79%. However, with the team’s dedication and hard work, we were able to exceed the budgeted occupancy rate and achieved 92% by the end of the year.

Do you have any hobbies? I enjoy reading a good book, and nothing beats the joy of spending quality time with my friends and family.

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about being a mother to my daughter, who was born last year in April. I look forward to watching her grow and building our relationship.

What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends? My favorite weekend activity is to read a good book while relaxing at the beach.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be? If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to fly. As a new mom, I need all the time-saving hacks I can get!

What advice would you give to your teenage self? If I could tell my teenage self one thing, it would be to slow down and enjoy life because time is limited.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know that I was born in Peru and spent most of my childhood there before moving to the United States with my family.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? One of my college professors once told us that life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. This advice really helps me put situations into perspective and process stress more efficiently.

What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation? I am confident that I could deliver a comprehensive and engaging one-hour presentation on any aspect of the Harry Potter book series.

What three words would your friends use to describe you? My friends would describe me as someone who is spontaneous, silly, and reliable.

What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at StoneRiver, or what advice would you give to a newbie? I would tell someone starting out not to be afraid to reach out to people with questions they have! This organization is closely-knit, and people are always willing to lend a hand.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?  To maximize productivity, I prioritize tasks through time-blocking and to-do lists. Crossing items off my list gives me great satisfaction.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why? I believe that my communication skills are what help me most with my job. Having a good rapport with your team and making them comfortable with you is crucial for success.

What are you currently excited about in your job? Our clubhouse is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to be completed in February. I’m excited to witness the transformation and to complete the interior renovations on the property this year!

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at StoneRiver? It’s refreshing to work at StoneRiver, where asking questions and giving suggestions is not only welcomed but encouraged!

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position? Many people misunderstand my job when I tell them I am a property manager. They assume that I spend most of my time sitting in my office doing paperwork and reports. However, in reality, my job is very dynamic and requires me to do a lot of walking. I have to interact with vendors, residents, prospects, and other team members regularly.

At StoneRiver Company, we recognize the immense value our team brings to our success. We take pride in our team and celebrate their accomplishments every day. We are delighted to share their stories with the world, so stay tuned for our monthly employee highlights. We hope you enjoy getting to know our exceptional team!

This month’s featured employee is Rabecca Lenhart.

Rabecca was nominated for the Employee Spotlight due to her positive and light-hearted spirit. Her positive energy is contagious, and she has the ability to make the residents laugh. She always ensures that the residents feel heard, respected, and confident that their concerns are being addressed. She works as the glue to the Vital office, bridging the gap between management, maintenance, and the office team. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Furthermore, she is great at acknowledging mistakes and working towards a solution while keeping everyone laughing. Rabecca is the perfect fit for her position due to her professionalism and excellent customer service skills.

What is your role at StoneRiver, and how long have you been a part of the team?

As the assistant property manager at Vital at Springbrook, I take pride in maintaining strong relationships with residents and ensuring the community runs smoothly. I started my journey with StoneRiver in 2020 as a leasing consultant at The Village at Westland Cove and rejoined the team when The Ridge at Hamilton Crossing was acquired. I was most recently promoted to assistant property manager at Vital in March 2023. The recognition of being selected twice for employee of the month has been a humbling experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing with the company.

What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends?

As a girl who enjoys spending her weekends at home, I take pleasure in cleaning and organizing, and one of my hidden talents is cooking. On my free days, I also like to go shopping; however, nothing beats spending quality time with my family and dog.

I also have a passion for refurbishing old furniture and giving it a new lease on life. Overall, I find joy in the simple things in life and cherish the moments I spend with my loved ones.

If you had to pick one age to be permanently, which age would you choose?

I can’t help but think that my current age of 28 would be the ideal age for me. At this age, I feel like I am young enough to be considered youthful and energetic yet old enough to have gained a certain level of respect and wisdom. I believe that being 28 years old is the perfect balance between youth and maturity, and I wouldn’t mind staying at this age forever.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

The best advice I have ever received came from my mom, who told me to unapologetically be myself no matter what life throws my way. Looking back, if I could have a conversation with my younger self, I would tell her to stop worrying about what everyone thinks of me and to stop trying to please everyone. After all, it’s impossible to please everyone, and it’s much more important to be authentic and true to oneself.

If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?

If I were to write a book about my life, I would title it “A Bit Hectic but Fun.” From fun adventures to unexpected challenges, I have always found a way to enjoy the journey. According to my close friends, they would describe me as a wild, funny, and caring person.

What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

One mistake I made early in my career was not asking enough questions. Even if something isn’t listed in your job description, it’s important to ask “why?” and clarify things. Never stay quiet if you don’t understand something. My advice to anyone just starting out is to never stop learning and always ask for help if you don’t know how to do something. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the better you will become.

What led you to this career?

I used to work in construction project management, dealing with new constructions and properties. Although I enjoyed it, I missed interacting with people on a more regular basis and using my personality to excel at my job. Since switching to my current career, I take pride in successfully leasing three communities and assisting other communities in achieving success.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at StoneRiver?

I really appreciate how caring everyone is at StoneRiver. Regardless of their role, everyone is very personable, and I feel like StoneRiver values me as an individual. I’m excited about the opportunity to grow and take on new challenges within the company. I hope to make StoneRiver a long-term career for myself.

At StoneRiver Company, we recognize the immense value our team brings to our success. We take pride in our team and celebrate their accomplishments every day. We are delighted to share their stories with the world, so stay tuned for our monthly employee highlights. We hope you enjoy getting to know our exceptional team!

This month’s featured employee is Connor Kelley.

What is your role at StoneRiver, and how long have you been a part of the team?

In May 2023, I joined StoneRiver as the Assistant Property Manager for The Highlands Communities. As a team of one, my role encompasses a wide range of daily duties that are essential to the efficient functioning of the complex.

My primary role is to respond to inquiries from potential tenants and provide them with information about available units, lease terms, and amenities. I also conduct property tours, showcasing the features and benefits of each unit and addressing any questions they may have. Additionally, I manage the application process, including screening applicants, verifying documentation, and preparing lease agreements.

As the Assistant Property Manager, I maintain accurate records, manage lease renewals and move-ins, and handle work orders for repairs, all while ensuring a high level of resident satisfaction. Being a one-person leasing office demands excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively.

I’m proud to say that my time at StoneRiver has been incredibly rewarding. Recently, I was nominated for the prestigious Assistant Property Manager of the Year title in the GBAA, which reflects the dedication and hard work I’ve put into my role. Furthermore, The Highlands Community received the Impact Award for the second quarter of 2023, which highlights the positive impact our team has made on the community.

Connor Kelley’s outstanding work ethic has helped him earn the second quarter Impact Award, maintain high occupancy rates, successfully increase rent growth every month, and provide additional support to sister properties. We are thrilled to see where Connor’s future with StoneRiver leads! – Tori Baxley

What are you passionate about?

One thing I am very passionate about is my work. I always try to be the best version of myself and complete all tasks to the best of my ability.

What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends?

Weekends are the perfect opportunity to break free from the stresses of everyday life and take trips exploring other towns.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

Most people don’t know that while working a full-time job, I’m also a full-time student at UAB.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

When it comes to my personality, my friends often use three words to describe me: Ambitious, Accountable, and Motivated.

What are you currently excited about in your job?

I am thrilled about the prospect of growth that my current role offers. The idea of being able to learn new skills and take on greater responsibilities is what keeps me motivated to excel in my work.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at StoneRiver?

When I joined StoneRiver, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and friendly atmosphere that greeted me. From the very first day, I was welcomed with open arms, and everyone was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

At StoneRiver Company, we recognize the immense value our team brings to our success. We take pride in our team and celebrate their accomplishments every day. We are delighted to share their stories with the world, so stay tuned for our monthly employee highlights. We hope you enjoy getting to know our exceptional team!

This month’s featured employee is Xavier Robles.

What is your role at StoneRiver, and how long have you been a part of the team?

As the Lead Maintenance at Pecan Springs, my primary responsibilities include developing effective repair strategies, initiating and completing preventive maintenance, completing work orders, supervising, ordering, and leading my team. I have been in the industry for the past 28 years and started working with StoneRiver in November 2022. Starting work at Pecan Springs was challenging, but with the help of my team’s inside and outside leadership, we have been able to achieve our goals.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? 

Outside of work, I enjoy kicking back and relaxing with a cold mixed drink and a cigar.

What are your hobbies?

I love going to car shows and rooting for my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers!

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about my family. I have been married for 28 years, and we have three kids. Our daughter is 19, our son is 23, and our other son is 27.

What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?

My family and I had an amazing trip to Las Vegas this past year, and we are already looking forward to our next annual trip.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

My parents always advised me to keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws my way.

What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you started working at StoneRiver, or what advice would you give to a newbie?

I would tell a new employee how much this company values each individual and how great it is working here.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success to, and why?

Being patient and humble are my best traits for success. I have always possessed these qualities, and they have helped me build strong relationships with others. These traits have also enabled me to become a better listener and more understanding of other perspectives.

What energizes you at work?

The opportunity to help people and make a positive impact in their lives energizes me. We have the pleasure of meeting all kinds of people in this industry.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at StoneRiver?

One thing that surprised me about working at StoneRiver is the company’s exceptional organization and structure.

Xavier Robles was nominated for Employee Spotlight of the Month in November due to his humility, reliability, and consistent delivery of high-quality work. The staff around him appreciate his willingness to help others and his eagerness to share his expertise. Xavier’s remarkable work ethic and dedication to his job are evident in his willingness to take on any challenge and go above and beyond to ensure the best possible results. He is a valuable asset to our team and a pleasure to work with. Additionally, Xavier is an excellent trainer who possesses the skills to teach anyone the necessary skills to succeed in maintenance. He is patient, supportive, and encouraging to new hires.

Thomas Hiltz (Tommy), Vice President of Investments

StoneRiver Company is pleased to announce that Thomas Hiltz (Tommy) has joined the StoneRiver team as Vice President of Investments. With his expertise in deal sourcing, underwriting, and business plan development, Tommy’s arrival is a significant addition to the company’s real estate investments. In line with the company’s acquisition strategy, he will work closely with Blake Sellers and Donald Gambril to source and execute new opportunities.

According to Joseph Welden, President and Chief Investment Officer of StoneRiver Company, “We are thrilled to have Tommy on board. His expertise and experience will be invaluable to our investment team, and we look forward to working with him to achieve our goals.”

Welcome to the team, Tommy!

Donald Gambril, Vice President of Investments

StoneRiver Company is excited to announce the promotion of Donald Gambril to Vice President of Investments! Donald has certainly been an invaluable team member since he joined us in January of this year. Moreover, he recently led the successful acquisition of Concord Ridge, a 336-unit community in Charlotte, NC, MSA. As a result he will continue to work on fulfilling the acquisition strategy of StoneRiver. Additionally, Donald is responsible for maintaining our pipeline of acquisitions and underwriting investment opportunities.

Congratulations, Donald!

Stuart Mackintosh, Vice President of Construction

StoneRiver Company is proud to announce the promotion of Stuart Mackintosh to Vice President of Construction. Stuart joined StoneRiver in 2019. During his time with StoneRiver, he has been instrumental in the successful execution of all construction activity associated with both development and value-add projects. Additionally, Stuart works closely with our general contractors and subcontractors to manage the construction of each project and build strong relationships.

Congratulations, Stuart!

At StoneRiver Company, we recognize the immense value our team brings to our success. We take pride in our team and celebrate their accomplishments every day. We are delighted to share their stories with the world, so stay tuned for our monthly employee highlights. We hope you enjoy getting to know our exceptional team!

This month’s featured employee is Michael Babkowski.

What is your role at StoneRiver, and how long have you been a part of the team?

I am a Leasing Consultant at Pecan Springs, and in this role, my primary responsibilities are leasing, marketing, and maintaining positive resident relations for my community. I have been in the industry for nine years and have worked in various positions, such as leasing consultant, assistant property manager, and property manager. Since joining the team in February 2023, I have had the privilege to help in the due diligence process for Concord Ridge and assist at other locations as needed.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? 

I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in business, so I spend most of my free time studying. When not studying, I enjoy hiking, reading a book, or listening to podcasts.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From a young age, I had a strong desire to work in the medical field and initially pursued a career as a PA by enrolling in college. However, after tackling chemistry and biology simultaneously, I realized that perhaps this wasn’t the right path for me. As a result, I decided to pursue property management as my next career choice. While I may not be saving lives, I still find fulfillment in helping people on a daily basis.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?   

I have two things I would tell my teenage self. One would be “Don’t let the ignorant and superficial opinions of others destroy your self-confidence,” and the second is “When unsure, remind yourself that “everything you want is often on the other side of fear.”

What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year? 

One of my fondest memories from the past year took place at a Dallas restaurant called XOXO. My best friend and I decided to play a prank and pretended to have a proposal, fooling the entire restaurant. It was such a fun experience that now I jokingly refer to her as my “fiancé” instead of just a friend.

What led you to this career?

When I was 17 and rented my first apartment, it was a complete nightmare. The unit was unfinished, appliances were on the patio, the carpet was torn up, doors were painted shut, and there were pest control issues. However, this experience sparked my interest in property management, and I’ve since had success in this field. My goal is to ensure that all prospects and move-ins have a positive and substantially better experience.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?

In my opinion, one of the most common misunderstandings about being a leasing consultant is the belief that we are the lowest-ranked or least significant role. However, as the face of the company, we are crucial in shaping the community’s first impression and ultimately impacting the property’s success. As the initial point of contact with prospects, our role is vital and should not be underestimated.

At StoneRiver Company, we recognize the immense value our team brings to our success. We take pride in our team and celebrate their accomplishments every day. We are delighted to share their stories with the world, so stay tuned for our monthly employee highlights. We hope you enjoy getting to know our exceptional team!

This month’s featured employee is Paul Daniels, Construction Manager.

1. What is your role at StoneRiver, and how long have you been a part of the team?

I am the Construction Manager at StoneRiver, and in this role, my primary responsibility is to execute the renovation and value-add projects within our business plans, ensuring that we remain within budget and on schedule. Since joining the team in July 2020, I have implemented a more comprehensive system for tracking the progress of interior unit renovations, utilizing existing data systems. I now provide weekly reports to the leadership team. I am constantly seeking ways to enhance our processes, both within the construction department and throughout the company.

2. How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Lately, I’ve started a few small renovation projects at home that I’m doing on my own. It’s true that this takes up more time than I’d prefer at the moment, but I find it beneficial to stay active and to have the chance to evaluate my progress each week. It’s satisfying to see the steady improvement and the outcome of my hard work.

3. What’s your ideal way to spend your weekends? 

Currently, my ideal weekend involves tackling home projects and getting myself out from underwater. Although my friends offer their assistance and stop by to visit, the greatest help I have had so far is my girlfriend, Alexis. It is interesting to teach different disciplines as most of my friends lack hands-on experience.

4. What advice would you give to your teenage self? 

I would tell my younger self that there is always room for improvement and not to be satisfied with the status quo.

5. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? 

I started my college career with an appointment to a service academy. Unfortunately, due to color blindness, I was delayed 1 year, and a subsequent shoulder injury prevented me from pursuing that path altogether. I took it on faith that it was not meant to be and instead pursued a career in construction management.

6. What’s the best advice you were ever given?  

I’ve always put a lot of stock in the phrase “trust but verify.”  In our context, this is simply a charge to take accountability for ensuring the best outcome possible through exhaustive review, analysis, planning, and contract management.

7. What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success to, and why? 

If you have spent any amount of time with me, I’m sure that you would quickly attest to the fact that I am extremely analytical and detail-oriented.  I use these traits to remain as focused as possible on the ultimate goal without letting myself get sidetracked by distractions.

8. What are you currently excited about in your job? 

I’m extremely eager to get to work on our new acquisition, Concord Ridge.   I enjoy seeing the value that our collaborative process at StoneRiver creates, and I can already tell this property is going to be yet another exemplary showcase of that.