THE STONERIVER SCOOP
Get to know our new VP of Property Management, Brandy Cullins.
We took the opportunity to ask Brandy a series of fun questions to help learn more about her background, experiences, and vision for our property management department. Here are her responses that shed light on her lively personality, incredible journey, and aspirations in this exciting role!
How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I spend most of my time with my kids. We like the outdoors, so anything outside makes us happy.
Do you have any hobbies?
I like to run, fish, write, and support my kids in all their hobbies (lol).
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about people and helping them grow, whether it’s in my professional life or through mentoring. Watching others succeed and develop new skills is incredibly fulfilling for me. Outside of work, my family is my biggest passion. Spending time with them and supporting each other is what keeps me grounded and inspired.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A lawyer
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
One of my hidden talents is writing. I’ve always had a passion for it, and I hope to find the time one day to publish a book.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
I’d choose the power of perfect memory, but honestly, understanding teenagers would be pretty amazing, too.
What’s one song you have completely memorized?
My 6-year-old is obsessed with The Eras Tour, and I’m pretty sure he has a crush on Taylor Swift. We’ve watched it around 800 times by now, so I probably know the choreography as well as any Taylor Swift song at this point.
What’s one totally irrational fear that you have?
Heights
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
You are smarter than you think you are. Don’t wait years to believe it.
What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?
All my siblings and their children came to my house for Christmas, which was an eye-opening experience that made me want to move closer to them, leading to my decision to move to StoneRiver.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I wrestled for over 10 years when I was younger.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice I’ve ever received came from my dad. He always said to do what’s best for your family. That advice has guided me through some of the hardest decisions in my life.
What topic could you give an hour-long presentation on with little to no preparation?
Multifamily Apartment Industry (haha).
Is there any experience that you think everyone should have? What is it?
Everyone should experience living outside their comfort zone, even just for a little while. It teaches you resilience, humility, and how capable you really are.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?
More than talent or luck, it was resilience and determination that shaped my career. I kept showing up and kept trying, and that’s what moved me forward.
What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Not setting boundaries was a mistake I made early on. I’ve since learned that saying no is ok.
What led you to this career?
Like many people, I stumbled into it. I wasn’t sure what to do with my degree, so I took a job in the multifamily industry. I had no idea how much I would come to love it.
What energizes you at work?
The success of the people around me is something I truly value. It means a lot of things, but I especially love seeing my team thrive and the people that I have worked with grow in their careers.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
I’m excited about the opportunity to build something from the ground up. When I started, almost the entire corporate team was gone, which opened the door to promoting incredibly talented people and bringing in new, interesting individuals. We’re building a team that’s not only focused on success but also on cultivating a positive, strong culture. I believe we can have both.
What’s one thing that surprised you about working at StoneRiver?
It’s funny how quiet the office is and how loud my heels can be.
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
A career accomplishment I’m proud of is starting as a Leasing Professional and working my way through almost every position in multifamily. It’s given me a deep understanding of the industry and a real appreciation for the work at every level.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about your position?
Honestly, I’m not sure what the biggest misconception is. I think people sometimes don’t realize how much work goes into making everything run smoothly behind the scenes. Overall, I try to focus on the impact I can make rather than the perceptions people have.
What was your first job?
When I was 14, I worked as a hostess at a Chinese restaurant. The best part? Free Chinese food every night.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?
I don’t think I’ve ever really hated any job I’ve had. Each taught me something new.
2025 Q1 Property Awards
Hover over each award to reveal who won!
Engagement Award
Vital at Springbrook Farms
Impact Award
Concord Ridge
Leadership Award
Lee Whatley, Inverness Cliffs
Employee News
New Hires and Promotions
New Hires:
Let’s give a warm and enthusiastic welcome to our amazing new hires! 🎉 We can’t wait to see the incredible contributions they’ll make!
- Kalif Franklin: Maintenance Technician, 198 Milltown
- Garrett Frye: Investment Analyst, Birmingham
Promotions:
Let’s come together to celebrate the incredible individuals who have recently earned promotions! Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions have not gone unnoticed. Join us in recognizing their accomplishments and wishing them continued success in their new roles!
- Summer Higgins: Promoted to Director of Operations
HR Corner
Make Your Preventive Care a Priority
From balancing a busy work schedule to taking care of family, it’s easy to delay wellness appointments due to time constraints. However, an annual visit with your primary care provider is one of the best investments you can make in your health.
Early Detection
Preventative care is the key to living your fullest, healthiest life. During an annual exam, your provider will use preventative screenings to help catch major diseases early and prevent chronic conditions. Atypical results may indicate an increased risk of certain diseases like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Knowledge is power, and understanding the results of your exam can help you take charge of your health and become your wellness advocate. Armed with knowledge about your health, you can often reduce the effects of a serious condition, improve your outcome, or avoid certain health complications altogether.
Be proactive and schedule your appointment today! It’s worth your while and good for your health.
This Month’s Celebrations
Cinco de Mayo
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday, but in the United States, it has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. It is often marked with parades, music, dancing, and eating lots of delicious Mexican cuisine. And to help you celebrate, I’ve rounded up some favorite Cinco de Mayo party recipes for you!
Mother's Day
Mother’s Day is not a federal holiday but a day to celebrate motherhood and show appreciation for mothers, including (great-)grandmothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, Godmothers, or any other mother figures.
While you can always depend on the classic bouquet of flowers or a gourmet dinner out on the town for a Mother’s Day gift, they lack originality. The best way to show love for the mother in your life is to find something a bit more thoughtful. Here is a list of Mother’s Day gifts to help you find the perfect gift for any type of mom!
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is not only the “unofficial” start of the summer season, but it’s also a patriotic holiday that marks a thoughtful day of observance centered on remembering and thanking the millions of Americans in uniform who gave their lives for this country. Memorial Day’s meaning is truly about those heroic women and men and the remarkable sacrifices they made.
To help honor those who’ve served in the most creative ways, I’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate your Memorial Day!
- Write Letters to Those Serving in the Military – There are many national organizations that facilitate letters being sent from civilians to individuals serving in the military, such as A Million Thanks, Operation Gratitude, and Soldiers’ Angels.
- Give a Donation – To go to the source, plan to give a donation to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Memorial Day. The website makes it easy to donate online, which is especially handy since there isn’t a mail service on Memorial Day.
- Visit Veteran-Owned Businesses – A Veteran always appreciates it from the bottom of their heart when someone in the community supports them after they’ve returned home. One way to do just that is by patronizing veteran-owned businesses, either on Memorial Day if they’re open or on any other day of the year. You can go to the Veteran Owned Business Directory to find businesses in your state.
- Volunteer with a Veteran-Focused Organization – From helping to build homes to putting together care packages (which can be done in-person or virtually with Soldiers’ Angels), there are so many organizations you can volunteer with to observe Memorial Day.
- Take a Veteran Out to Dinner – Sometimes, the greatest way to observe Memorial Day is by keeping it down-to-earth and simple. It can be as straightforward as inviting a veteran friend or family member out for dinner and treating them as a thank-you for their service.
- Have a Moment of Silence – Called the “National Moment of Remembrance,” at 3:00 p.m. (no matter what your time zone is), all Americans can stop and have a moment of silence for fallen soldiers.
Last Month’s Celebrations
Magnolia Grove team
The Magnolia Grove team had an amazing time volunteering at the Terrell Jubilee, a vibrant hometown festival filled with thrilling carnival rides, live music, and fantastic entertainment! They jumped right in to help set up and coordinate the festivities, creating a lively atmosphere for the community. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and assist many of their wonderful neighbors and local small business owners.
Birmingham teams
The Birmingham teams teamed up with the United Way for an incredible event, transforming the City of Midfield’s outdoor learning classroom into a vibrant paradise! They not only planted trees but also sowed fresh vegetables, creating a lush environment that promises to inspire and educate. It was a day filled with energy, community spirit, and a passion for growth!
National Pet Month
Get ready to celebrate our furry friends because National Pet Month is here! Did you know that around 80 million homes in America share their lives with beloved animal companions? That’s right—about half of those homes have more than one! Let’s spread the love and appreciation for our amazing pets!
Property Operational Tips
Pool season and HVAC tips
Pool Season
Pool season is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to double-check and ensure your facilities are ready for your residents to enjoy. It is important to follow proper cleaning and safety protocols for every pool in your community, and to ensure you are following any local or State ordinances that govern the opening and operation of your pools. Below are a few key tips that can be found in the SRPM Policy #2085, Pool and Spa Maintenance:
- All pools must operate in accordance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which requires the following:
- All pools and spas must be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers.
- Each pool and spa with a single main drain (other than an unblockable drain) must also be equipped with a device or system designed to prevent entrapment, such as a safety vacuum release system.
- The chemicals in the pool and spa must be maintained and recorded in a Swimming Pool Service Log.
- SRPM communities will adhere to all local pool codes.
- Any person taking care of the pool must be certified to handle pool chemicals.
- Associates will complete regular inspections of the pool area, gates, fences, furniture, and surrounding areas.
- Check the chlorine 2-3 times a day during peak season and the other chemicals at least once a week.
- Follow state and local ordinances for the safe maintenance and storage of chemicals.
- Review the posted pool rules and other signage to ensure they are legible and follow local and state ordinances. If new signage needs to be ordered, work with your regional team.
- Ensure all the required safety equipment is available and in good working condition.
- Check all gates and safety equipment daily.
- Arrange pool furniture daily.
- Be sure to vacuum the pool regularly, but at least once per week at a minimum.
HVAC Preventative Maintenance
As temperatures increase, we know our residents will turn on their air conditioning systems, and the demands on those systems will also increase. While it is important for our teams to conduct preventive maintenance as per SRPM Policy #2060, preventive maintenance for all areas of the community also requires the cooperation of residents. Preventative maintenance can include regular filter changes, checking refrigerant, and inspecting vents and ducts while inside an apartment during other maintenance requests. It is equally important to arm our residents with the knowledge that can keep their systems running smoothly. You can send an email blast or text blast out via CRM, reminding your residents of the following tips:
- Be sure to change the filter every 90 days. We should conduct this service at no charge during preventative maintenance visits. If they prefer, they can call the office to request that a filter be dropped off at their door, allowing them to change it themselves.
- Do not store anything in the closet that houses the Air Handler or other HVAC equipment.
- Vacuum and dust regularly to help keep the filter clean for longer.
- Use window coverings to reduce the amount of heat let in during the hottest parts of the day.
- Check the window and door seals to ensure they close properly and don’t leave gaps that let cool air out.
- Do not turn off your unit if you leave for the day. Instead, set the thermostat to a few degrees higher so the system can catch up more quickly and efficiently when you return home.
Birthdays
Wishing a very Happy Birthday to all of the May birthdays:
- 5/3 Joel Enright (Magnolia Grove)
- 5/9 Brianna Dale (WildForest)
- 5/25 Andy Walter (Concord Ridge)
Anniversaries
- 1 Year – Douglas Thorn (Concord Ridge)
- 1 Year – Wesley Burleson (Concord Ridge)
- 1 Year – Daniel Hall (WildForest)
- 1 Year – Samantha Cahoon (Concord Ridge)
- 2 Year – Courtney Hutchinson (WildForest)
- 6 Year – Blake Sellers (Birmingham)
- 21 Year – Joseph Welden (Birmingham)
Have an Idea?
Would you like to share your stories, ideas, or comments to feature in our upcoming publications? Kindly send your request and a member of the newsletter committee will get in touch if chosen.
