RPM Living Communities Recognized in 2025 J Turner Elite 1% ORA Power Rankings
The 2025 J Turner Elite 1% ORA Power Rankings have been released, recognizing the top-performing apartment communities nationwide for online reputation.
Out of 150,000 properties evaluated, only 1,312 earned Elite 1% status for outstanding online reputation performance.
RPM Living is proud to see its communities represented among the industry’s top performers. Recognition in the Elite 1% reflects consistent resident engagement, service excellence, and a commitment to delivering meaningful experiences.
Your Balcony Setup That Actually Makes You Want to Sit Outside
Balconies are one of the most underrated parts of apartment living.
They’re where fresh air happens. Where coffee tastes slightly better. Where you can step outside for five minutes and reset your brain after a long day.
The only problem – a lot of balconies accidentally turn into storage zones for things that didn’t quite fit anywhere else.
With a few small adjustments, that space can become one of the best parts of your apartment.
Start with seating you’ll actually use
You don’t need a full patio set.
A comfortable chair, a small bistro table, or even a simple outdoor stool is enough to create a place you’ll naturally sit.
If the seating is easy and comfortable, you’ll use the balcony more often.
Keep a small table nearby
Coffee, a drink, a book, your phone – everything needs a landing spot.
A compact table makes the space feel intentional and saves you from balancing your mug on the railing.
Add a little greenery
Plants instantly make outdoor spaces feel more relaxed.
Even one or two small potted plants can soften the space and make the balcony feel more inviting.
Bonus – they’re much easier to keep alive when they live outside.
Keep it simple
The best balcony setups are the ones that stay easy to maintain.
A chair, a table, a couple plants – that’s plenty.
The goal isn’t to create a magazine patio. It’s to create a space you’ll actually use.
And if you're looking for a community where outdoor spaces are part of everyday living, browse RPM Living communities across the US.
RPM Living Grows Participation in Airbnb-Friendly Apartment Program Following Successful Pilot
For operators and clients, the program provides customizable parameters, structured oversight, and proactive visibility into short-term rental activity while maintaining operational control.
In one pilot community alone, results included:
• 19 active Airbnb listings
• 16 leases generated from Airbnb leads
• $41,000 in total property earnings
The program allows flexibility for residents while delivering measurable results for ownership groups.
As Sarah Seeger, Regional Manager, shared:
"With the Airbnb-friendly program, we are able to more effectively manage short-term rental hosting in our communities while also identifying opportunities for long-term leases, seeing an increase in traffic and experiencing overall positive outcomes - we are happy with the results thus far!"
RPM Living Celebrates National Award Winners and RPM’s Got Talent Performers at RPMOne 2026
RPMOne 2026 brought together teams from across the country to celebrate excellence, leadership, and the people who continue to raise the standard at RPM Living.
We are proud to recognize our National Award Winners:
Be a Good Human
• Angel Hernandez
• John Beck
Stay Curious
• Andre Palafox
• Chris Hartgraves
Be Decisive
• Mandy Felix
• Morgan Taylor
Create Wins
• Brittany Pleasant
• Chase Ayala
Relentlessly Seek Solutions
• Claudia Aranda Rivas
• Reginald Puran
Volunteer of the Year
• Brittany Robinson
Top Maintenance Manager
• Gabriel Montero
Top Maintenance Manager Rookie
• Renier Puran
Top Regional Maintenance Manager
• Shane Garst
Investments Icon Award
• Blake Rankin
Corporate Individual Contributor Award
• Jacob Backhaus
• Phoebe Corbitt
Corporate Manager Award
• Danny Slaughter
• Christine Dominguez
Corporate Director Award
• Tom Raymond
• Eric Williams
Corporate SVP/VP Award
• Jason Shepard
Property Award Winners
Groundbreaker
• Village at Broadstone Station
Top Office Team (<199 Units)
• Residences at Gateway Village
Top Office Team (200–299 Units)
• Westlake Village
Top Office Team (300+ Units)
• The Coast at Ponte Vedra Lakes
Top Lease-Up Property
• Lumara
Top Mover
• The Dominion
Top Service Team (<199 Units)
• Palm Vista
Top Service Team (200–299 Units)
• Parmore Fossil Creek
Top Service Team (300+ Units)
• Altitude
Top Stabilized Property
• The Ranch at Arrington
Leadership Award Winners
Top Regional Manager
• Jamie McDonald
Top Regional Vice President
• Eric Chilton
Top Senior Vice President
• Christopher Cunningham
Top Leasing Associate
• Danelle Rangel
Top Assistant Community Manager
• Olson Seay
Top Community Manager
• Joan Casimiro
Top Vice President
• Jean Anton
The celebration also featured RPM’s Got Talent, showcasing the creativity and personality across our teams.
Audience Choice Winner
• Abril Cisneros, recognized for her dynamic mariachi performance
Judges’ Pick
• Dani Watson, honored for her creative RPM parody performance
Congratulations to all of our winners. Your leadership, service, and commitment continue to define what extraordinary looks like at RPM Living.
Hosting Friends Without Stressing About Your Apartment
There’s a moment right before people come over when you suddenly see your apartment with new eyes.
Is the couch okay? Do I need better snacks? Should I have cleaned that corner?
Take a breath. You’re doing great.
The truth is most people are just happy to be invited somewhere that isn’t a loud restaurant.
Here’s how to host in your apartment without turning it into a full production.
Pick one “hosting zone”
People naturally gather in one area anyway, so lean into it.
Maybe it’s the kitchen island. Maybe it’s the coffee table. Maybe it’s a cozy spot in the living room.
Set the snacks there, put the drinks nearby, and let everyone migrate toward it.
The snack rule – three things is enough
You don’t need a whole spread.
Three simple options always work:
– Something salty
– Something fresh
– Something crunchy
Chips, fruit, and crackers with cheese? Perfect.
The goal is snacks that require zero explanation.
Keep the lighting friendly
Overhead lights are useful, but softer lighting makes people feel more relaxed.
Table lamps or softer room lighting immediately make the apartment feel warmer and more inviting.
Accept help
If someone says “What can I bring?” the correct answer is yes.
Drinks, dessert, extra snacks – this is a group effort.
Hosting isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a place where people want to stay a little longer than they planned.
And if you're looking for a community that’s perfect for hosting friends, browse RPM Living communities across the US.
The Apartment Reset That Makes You Feel Like You Have Your Life Together
There are two versions of your apartment.
The one you think you live in – calm, tidy, effortlessly put together.
And the one that slowly appears after a long week – water glasses everywhere, mail on the counter, and that one chair that has quietly become a clothing storage system.
The good news: getting things back on track doesn’t require a full Saturday cleaning marathon. A quick apartment reset routine can make your entire place feel different.
Here’s the strategy.
Start with the kitchen. Always.
The kitchen sets the tone for the whole apartment.
If the sink is full and the counters are cluttered, everything feels a little off. Clear the dishes, wipe the counter, and suddenly the entire space feels calmer.
It’s the apartment equivalent of drinking water after a long day.
Fix the surfaces people actually see
You don’t need to organize every drawer tonight. Focus on the surfaces that make the biggest visual difference:
– Kitchen counter
– Coffee table
– Entry table or console
Clear them, reset them, and move on.
Straighten the couch situation
Fold the blanket. Fluff the pillows. Put the remote somewhere intentional.
It takes about 20 seconds and makes your living room look like a place adults live.
Open the blinds
Natural light fixes more problems than we give it credit for.
It also reminds you that the outside world exists, which is helpful.
A quick reset like this isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels good to walk back into.
And if you're looking for a community that makes everyday living feel easier, browse RPM Living communities across the US.
Honoring Culture, Identity, and Story
For Black History Month, we asked members of our Unity in Color ERG to share something meaningful about their culture, identity, or journey. Through quotes, music, and lived experience, each reflection offers a glimpse into the stories that shape who we are - and how we show up every day.
Jessica Legston - Marketing Manager | Unity in Color ERG Leader Jessica shared the song “Golden” - Jill Scott. For Jessica, “Golden” celebrates joy, self-worth, and living fully in your own light. It’s a reminder that success isn’t only about achievement - it’s also about presence, gratitude, and the freedom to be yourself without shrinking. Her identity is shaped by history, culture, and community, but also by personal growth, creativity, and the everyday choices that help her build a life that feels meaningful.
Angel Hays - Regional Performance Manager | Unity in Color ERG Leader Angel shared the phrase: “Reclaiming my time.” - Maxine Waters She also shared the song “Defying Gravity.” Angel shared that her life hasn’t followed a straight or predictable path. Through both highs and setbacks, she’s learned that growth sometimes means standing alone in your choices. As the song says, “If I’m flying solo, at least I’m flying free,” and that line reflects her journey of choosing independence, resilience, and self-trust over comfort or approval. This song reminds her that even when the path is uncertain, owning her direction is what allows her to rise.
Trent Dodson - Community Manager Trent shared a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: “If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl - but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” For Trent, this quote is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be perfect or fast. What matters is continuing forward, no matter the pace.
Chris Cooper - Regional Human Resources Manager Chris shared a quote by Eric Thomas: “Greatness never goes on sale. It costs what it costs. Rent on a great career - and a great life - is due every day.” He also shared the song “Blessed & Free” - Kane Brown ft. H.E.R. Together, these reflect Chris’s mindset that growth is built daily through consistency, commitment, and gratitude - showing up with intention in both work and life.
Tiara Foster - Community Manager Tiara shared the quote: “Strength isn’t loud. It’s what remains after you’ve survived what was supposed to break you.” She also shared the song “Firestone” - Kygo ft. Conrad Sewell. Tiara shared that resilience is often misunderstood as toughness or an endless capacity to carry more. For her, resilience isn’t the absence of pain or fatigue - it’s the decision to remain honest with yourself while continuing forward anyway. Her leadership is rooted in clarity, boundaries, and self-respect, and her story is a reminder that strength doesn’t require spectacle.
Thank you to our Unity in Color ERG members for sharing their voices and stories this Black History Month.
A renter’s guide to being financially responsible-ish.
Ask RPM: How Do I Save Money Without Feeling Miserable?
January loves a budget. Your bank account loves one too. Your spirit? Depends on how you do it.
At RPM, we believe saving money shouldn’t feel like punishment. You don’t need to cut joy – you need to cut the stuff you don’t even care about.
Here’s what RPM recommends:
1. Audit before you restrict
Cancel subscriptions you forgot existed. If you haven’t opened it since August, it’s done.
2. Pick one “no-spend” category
Coffee out. Late-night delivery. Random online shopping. Choose one villain, not all of them.
3. Make staying in appealing
Stock snacks you love. Upgrade your couch situation. Your apartment should feel like a destination, not a compromise.
4. Automate the boring stuff
Savings transfers. Rent reminders. The less you think about it, the more it works.
5. Leave room for joy
A budget with zero fun never survives. Plan for the things you look forward to.
Because saving money isn’t about deprivation – it’s about spending on purpose (and still enjoying your life). And if you’re looking for an apartment that fits your lifestyle and budget, you can explore RPM Living communities across the US.
– RPM
Four RPM Living Communities and Two Leaders Honored at the 2025 APEX Awards
RPM Living communities and leaders were recognized at the 2025 APEX Awards, celebrating excellence in leasing performance, operations, and resident experience.
Four communities earned top honors:
• Rise 510 – Lease-Up (300+ Units)
• Alloy – Mid-Rise (50–299 Units)
• The Beverly at Medical Center – Built 2000–2009 (50–299 Units)
• Junewood Apartment Homes – Lease-Up (50–299 Units)
In addition, two RPM leaders were recognized as Professional of the Year finalists in maintenance leadership:
• Luis Martinez
• Robert Garza
These recognitions reflect the consistency, leadership, and operational excellence demonstrated by RPM teams across the Austin market.
Peppertree Apartments and Leyland Pointe Named Best Apartment Complex for 2025 by Business Rate
Resident feedback continues to speak volumes across RPM Living communities.
Based on verified Google Reviews, Peppertree Apartments was named Best Apartment Complex in Winchester for 2025 by Business Rate. Business Rate sources its rankings directly from public Google listings, meaning this recognition is driven entirely by resident feedback and verified online reputation data.
This honor reflects the Peppertree team’s commitment to delivering a resident experience that people are proud to share.
In addition, Leyland Pointe has been named Best Apartment Complex in East Point, Georgia for 2025 by Business Rate, also using verified Google Reviews as the basis for recognition.
Congratulations to both teams for consistently creating meaningful experiences that residents value and recognize.
