ARTICLE
On Thursday, November 18 more than 75 CAA members gathered at the Wells Barn for the final General Membership Meeting of the year featuring charter member, Gary Schottenstein as Keynote speaker. CAA Executive Director, Laura Swanson welcomed members and made a few housekeeping announcements before recognizing the 2021 Expo Best in Show booth and winner of first choice of booth for the 2022 Expo, Contractor’s Inc. Swanson welcomed Associate Members to stay after the meeting to select during the Booth Lottery. Following the announcements, Swanson welcomed CAA President, Brian Schottenstein to the podium for the final time as President. Brian Schottenstein took the opportunity to thank the members and introduce his father, Gary, for the Keynote address. Gary Schottenstein began by reflecting on his service to the CAA and his advocacy, including working with the State Legislature on the creation and passage of Ohio’s Landlord Tenant Laws which are still in effect today. “When I first started with the Apartment Association, most of the owners were local. There weren’t any National or large conglomerates. I almost knew every community in town,” Gary Schottenstein said. “Everybody was so friendly, we wanted to make sure we all succeeded. The companies that have been real successful are the ones that know that the customer, tenant, the residents pay the bills. You have to care about the residents. Our website lists five core goals and one of those is the American Dream.” Gary Schottenstein stated that he doesn’t consider them to be property managers as much as it’s asset protections. Noting that their philosophy over the years has always been to manage your own property. He emphasized that anyone wanted to get into a good business should get into apartments. Moving through the history of the company, Gary Schottenstein highlighted some noteworthy elements, including being the first community with a pool and among the first to allow pets. Also, theirs is one of the few that moves to a month-to-month lease instead of a one-year renewal. Over the years he developed a wide range of endeavors, from being broker, commercial, townhomes, single family homes and more before truly settling into the niche of multi-family. “I would much rather deal with a local company. I like to keep it locally, I Like to keep it in our economy, and I think it makes the relationships stronger,” Gary Schottenstein said. “You also help employ people. If someone is doing your painting, cleaning, it does benefit a lot of families.” An item of concern for is that current units may become obsolete quicker than expected. If they don’t have innovative things, they will become obsolete. One item he included was charging for electric cars, appliances and other innovative items won’t be adaptable for older units right away. Gary Schottenstein answered questions from the audience including his thoughts on the future of multi-family and. Feeling the current adversaries to multi-family are current municipalities, zoning, utilities, and access. It’s challenging in an always changing local environment. Following Gary Schottenstein’s remarks, he took a moment to reflect on Brian’s Presidency and welcome his son back to the podium to present the honorary gavel recognizing his term as President. This is traditionally done at the Installation Dinner by the incoming President; however, Brian will be unable to attend. Swanson returned to the podium and thanked Brian Schottenstein for his leadership during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She welcomed new members to stay for a membership overview and Associate Members to stay for the 2022 Expo Booth Lottery.
On Thursday, November 18 more than 75 CAA members gathered at the Wells Barn for the final General Membership Meeting of the year featuring charter member, Gary Schottenstein as Keynote speaker.
CAA Executive Director, Laura Swanson welcomed members and made a few housekeeping announcements before recognizing the 2021 Expo Best in Show booth and winner of first choice of booth for the 2022 Expo, Contractor’s Inc. Swanson welcomed Associate Members to stay after the meeting to select during the Booth Lottery.
Following the announcements, Swanson welcomed CAA President, Brian Schottenstein to the podium for the final time as President. Brian Schottenstein took the opportunity to thank the members and introduce his father, Gary, for the Keynote address.
Gary Schottenstein began by reflecting on his service to the CAA and his advocacy, including working with the State Legislature on the creation and passage of Ohio’s Landlord Tenant Laws which are still in effect today.
“When I first started with the Apartment Association, most of the owners were local. There weren’t any National or large conglomerates. I almost knew every community in town,” Gary Schottenstein said. “Everybody was so friendly, we wanted to make sure we all succeeded. The companies that have been real successful are the ones that know that the customer, tenant, the residents pay the bills. You have to care about the residents. Our website lists five core goals and one of those is the American Dream.”
Gary Schottenstein stated that he doesn’t consider them to be property managers as much as it’s asset protections. Noting that their philosophy over the years has always been to manage your own property. He emphasized that anyone wanted to get into a good business should get into apartments.
Moving through the history of the company, Gary Schottenstein highlighted some noteworthy elements, including being the first community with a pool and among the first to allow pets. Also, theirs is one of the few that moves to a month-to-month lease instead of a one-year renewal. Over the years he developed a wide range of endeavors, from being broker, commercial, townhomes, single family homes and more before truly settling into the niche of multi-family.
“I would much rather deal with a local company. I like to keep it locally, I Like to keep it in our economy, and I think it makes the relationships stronger,” Gary Schottenstein said. “You also help employ people. If someone is doing your painting, cleaning, it does benefit a lot of families.”
An item of concern for is that current units may become obsolete quicker than expected. If they don’t have innovative things, they will become obsolete. One item he included was charging for electric cars, appliances and other innovative items won’t be adaptable for older units right away.
Gary Schottenstein answered questions from the audience including his thoughts on the future of multi-family and. Feeling the current adversaries to multi-family are current municipalities, zoning, utilities, and access. It’s challenging in an always changing local environment.
Following Gary Schottenstein’s remarks, he took a moment to reflect on Brian’s Presidency and welcome his son back to the podium to present the honorary gavel recognizing his term as President. This is traditionally done at the Installation Dinner by the incoming President; however, Brian will be unable to attend.
Swanson returned to the podium and thanked Brian Schottenstein for his leadership during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic. She welcomed new members to stay for a membership overview and Associate Members to stay for the 2022 Expo Booth Lottery.