NEWS AND VIEWS
FEATURE STORY
New Capstone Communities for March 2023!
NEWS AND VIEWS
“Servant leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win! They don’t work for you; you work for them.”
— Ken Blanchard
Cathy Sanchez, Regional Vice President
“Be Humble. Be Hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room.”
— Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Kelly Robinson, Vice President of Operations
Kelly has oversight for the entire Houston region. Kelly brings more than 28 years of multifamily industry operational experience with an extensive background in the oversight of lease ups, stabilized and rehab communities, budget maximization, developing staffing plans, and owner and equity partner relationship management. Prior to joining Capstone, Kelly worked as a VP at Alliance Residential, and previously held leadership positions such as President at Lane Company, Executive Vice President at Riverstone Residential Group and a partner at Trammell Crow for 12 years. She holds her CAM and CAPS designations, has served as chair of both the Membership, Investment and Education committees with the Houston Apartment Association, and has also been the Education Conference Chairperson for the Texas Apartment Association. Kelly received the TAA Rita Kirby Award, the HAA Property Supervisor of the Year Award and named HAA’s 2016 Management Executive of the Year. In addition, Kelly has served on the HAA board of directors for over 12 years and was the Secretary/Treasurer for 2017. Kelly provides a strong passion for leading and inspiring teams — the driving force behind her success.
“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
— Dr. Seuss
Todd Berkey, Communications Coordinator
Bringing over 20+ years of creative advertising experience, Todd designs, directs and produces the Capstone company communications through, print, web and advertising. He provides layered support for the team through various marketing resources.
Grant Berkey, CPM®, President; Chief Executive Officer
Grant Berkey is responsible for the executive oversight of all Capstone operations. He has been active in the property management industry and with Capstone Real Estate Services, Inc. since 1993. In addition to his CPM® designation, he is both a licensed Real Estate Broker and a Property and Casualty Agent. Mr. Berkey is a graduate of Texas Tech University.
Kelly Blaskowsky, CPM®, Chief Operating Officer
Kelly Blaskowsky brings over twenty-five years of multifamily experience and has worked with a variety of asset types and clients. Previously Kelly served as the Senior Vice President focused on growing new markets and teams to operate with consistency across the company. In addition, Kelly served on multiple committees and is the past President of the San Antonio Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM®).
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
— C.S. Lewis
Jeff Mitchell, SPHR, SHRM-CP Senior Human Resources Manager
Jeff Mitchell possesses over 20 years of Human Resources Management experience. He has developed effective onboarding, talent acquisition, performance evaluation and training program systems. Jeff has served in roles as Recruiter, Program Manager, Project Manager, Human Resources Manager and Director of Human Resources. Jeff is a US Army veteran, received his BA at The University of Texas at Austin and is Six Sigma certified.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou
Rhonda Reliford, Regional Vice President
Rhonda has served Capstone since 2005, starting as a Senior Activities Coordinator. She has worked tirelessly throughout the years and her contributions have led to many property acquisition opportunities as well as strengthening and building long lasting relationships with our partners over the years. During her time at Capstone, Rhonda has been recognized for excellence in leadership as well as her outstanding ability to grow properties to their maximum potential. As a result of her outstanding work ethic and leadership, she has received several awards including Property Manager of the Year and several Excellence of Achievement Awards throughout her tenure. Rhonda has also served on the Community Service and Education Committees for the Tarrant County Apartment Association. Rhonda is proud to be a part of a company that grows leaders to their fullest potential. Rhonda is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. When she is not serving in her role at Capstone she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
“Knowledge isn’t power until it is applied.”
— Dale Carnegie
Bianca Nunez, Regional Vice President
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou
Melissa Fasci, Vice President of Operations
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— Benjamin Franklin
William Lovelace, Manager of Cash Management
William oversees Capstone’s Cash Management team that provides support to their operations team. He joined Capstone in 2018 in the position of Treasury Analyst working his way up to Cash Manager, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. William has career experience in property management, construction, and government contracting.
“All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
— Walt Disney
Bonnie Howard, Director of Affordable Housing Compliance
Bonnie Howard serves as Capstone’s Director of Affordable Housing Compliance. Bonnie has worked in property management for 20 years, with 10 years of affordable housing monitoring experience in multiple states. Her affordable experience includes Low Income Housing Tax Credit, BOND, HOME, BMR, MOH, MFTE, MDSI, RAD, and Section 811. Before working in compliance, Bonnie started onsite as a leasing agent in CA and worked her way up to property manager. Bonnie holds the Housing Credit Certified Professional, Certified Occupancy Specialist, National Compliance Professional and Tax Credit Specialist certifications.
Marc Berkey, Vice President
Marc Berkey is responsible for Capstone’s National Account programs. Marc is charged with negotiating the greatest possible terms with the industry’s best vendors who provide supplies and services to our properties. He has been associated with the management industry and Capstone since 2008. Prior to Capstone, Marc worked for two national homebuilders in a variety of roles, including building and purchasing, but primarily as a Land Acquisition Manager. Marc is a licensed Property and Casualty Agent as well as a licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas and is a graduate of Baylor University with a B.B.A. in Real Estate.
“To love another person is to see the face of God.”
— Victor Hugo
Tim Joyner, Risk Manager
Tim Joyner, Risk Manager has been with Capstone since July 1, 1985. Over the course of his time with Capstone, Tim has held many positions both in operations and corporate. Tim has been Risk Manager since 1993. There are many aspects to the Risk Management department. Managing properties in today’s world present many very difficult situations. Tim’s extensive knowledge of Capstone and the Property Management field puts them in the position to guide properties through difficult situations. Some of the areas they assist are in property incidents, injuries, legal matters and fair housing issues. Tim also administer the Capstone Employee Health & Safety Program. Tim visits properties when possible and provide another set of eyes and ears to help Capstone provide the best Property Management services available.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
— Michael Jordan
Renetta Quintana, Regional Vice President
Renetta brings 30 years of multifamily industry experience ranging from conventional market rate, new construction high end luxury lease ups to affordable lease ups, stabilized assets and renovations/value add assets. Her portfolio experience ranges from 21 successful new construction lease ups, operations, financial reviews, new development from ground up, strategic team development for asset position, marketing and advertising initiatives, client relations and portfolio management. Texas market experience includes, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Corpus Christi and San Marcos. Prior to joining Capstone, Renetta worked as Regional Property Manager for The NRP Group and United Apartment Group. Renetta was SAAA President in 2013, served in SAAA Officer positions for 6 years, served on SAAA Board of Directors for 4 years and Chairman for Membership, Government Affairs, Nominating, Leadership Lyceum and Programs Committees. She has received numerous industry awards during her career start from Capstone Leasing Professional, Assistant Manager, Property Manager of the Year to Regional Property Manager recognition.
Mike Gettman, Chief Financial Officer
Pops
After joining the company in 1977, Jim Berkey helped establish Capstone into what it is today, focusing his efforts on building an organization that would lead the property management industry in competence, professionalism, technology, and results. For decades, his vision and leadership provided superior management service to our clients and an attractive career for our employees. A long and successful career based on hard work and the drive to hold true to Christian values has provided for a happy retirement. Today, Jim and Marilyn Berkey spend their time on the lake, traveling, or enjoying their 7 grandchildren. And they are loving it!
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou
Kim Kovach, Director of Training
April Royal, Vice President of Operations
April has oversight for the entire Dallas region. She started with Capstone Real Estate Service in March 2014 as a Regional Manager with over 20 years of multi-family experience prior to assuming this new role as Regional Vice-President. She has had the opportunity to serve in both the commercial and residential industry and for owner managed and third party clients. Her experience includes new construction, repositions, senior, luxury, affordable, value add and mixed use. April’s track record shows her strengths in client and employee relations. She enjoys the challenge of meeting the owner’s goals, supporting her management teams and always keeping focus on learning and development. She is a Certified Apartment Property Supervisor (CAPS) and is CPM (Certified Property Manager) candidate with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).
Matthew C. Lutz, Executive Vice President
Matt Lutz has over thirty years of experience in the property management and real estate industry. In addition to his corporate and operational duties, Mr. Lutz is primarily involved with Capstone’s Business Development initiatives. Mr. Lutz is a Licensed Real Estate Broker in Texas and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Lutz has been employed by Capstone since 1984.