... and the Winners are.

Dear Esteemed Colleagues and Friends,

I am privileged to share a remarkable journey that has unfolded within the hallowed halls of The Pavilion Apartments in Chicago, a property under the esteemed stewardship of Brookfield Properties. In the auspicious year of 2023, Brookfield introduced the National Awards to recognize excellence and dedication among its workforce, fostering a culture of acknowledgment and appreciation.

Allow me to humbly recount the unfolding chapters of this narrative. In the second quarter, I was honored to receive the prestigious title of General Manager of the Quarter, coupled with the distinction of Property of the Quarter. As the seasons changed, so did our accomplishments. In the third quarter, I secured the second position as General Manager of the Quarter, while our property achieved the esteemed title of 1st place Property of the Quarter. In Q4, I was honored again with General Manager of the quarter and the Property secured second position as we closed out the year.? ?This crescendo of recognition reached its zenith on the 6th of March 2024, when we were bestowed with the title of Property of the Year by none other than the President of Brookfield Properties - Linda Early, triumphing over 95 other properties across North America.

This achievement is a testament to the collective dedication and resilience of our team. Success is not a solitary journey; it is the harmonious symphony of individuals coming together for a common purpose. Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous accolades, a journey that took a turn when I joined Brookfield. In the entrepreneurial realm, recognition is a luxury one often forgoes, relying solely on self-determination. Transitioning from a student to a teacher, I founded my own company in 2000, authoring a book titled "Master of Success."

Joining Brookfield in 2019 marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. The Pavilion Apartments, acquired in 2018, presented a formidable challenge - five towers, eleven hundred and fifteen apartments, three thousand residents, and a diverse team of thirty-one professionals alongside Local 1 Union employees. As the appointed General Manager, I navigated the complexities of revitalizing a property with a restaurant in foreclosure, a grocery store, a fitness facility in need of upgrades, a spa/salon, a parcel pending operation, and two expansive pools, Additionally, we replaced cooling towers, chillers, domestic hot water boilers, boilers and 12 elevators. ?The task at hand involved streamlining a team of over 41 employees to 31, resulting in a recalibration of manpower, priorities, and time management.

Our success is not just measured in awards but in the cohesive bond we've forged within our diverse team. Cultivating lasting, respectful relationships, our property reflects a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, with employees fluent in 2 to 5 languages for most. We celebrate internal growth, with most of our staff ascending through internal referrals. The core group, solidified alongside the front office, boasts several employees with over 20 years of service and front-office personnel with 7 years plus.

In a recent triumph, one of our employees facilitated the revival of a vacated restaurant and referred three individuals to join our janitorial staff. At The Pavilion, success is not merely found; it is nurtured, mentored, trained, and celebrated. As I reflect upon the monumental year of 2023, culminating in the recent recognition on the 6th of March, 2024, I extend my deepest gratitude to the entire team. Together, we have sculpted an extraordinary property and an exceptional team. The accolade we receive is not just a reflection of my individual achievements but a collective victory, humbly accepted and graciously celebrated.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Linda Early our President, for her personal touch in presenting the auspicious award. The journey continues, and with each step, we remain committed to excellence, growth, and fostering a culture of success.

Congratulations to all the nominated and winners, we are so excited for everyone.

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With gratitude,

Donna Hickey – Lee

General Manager

The Pavilion Apartments

Brookfield Properties

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