Blog Posts

One Year of Disruption

Imagine a world of property management reliant on a workforce hungry for opportunity where every community manager turnover creates higher staffing costs and lower performance. Imagine a world where staffing expense outpaces every other operational expense. And then try to tell your workforce that you can't afford to pay them more when their capabilities increase and inflation grows. Imagine a world where management companies offload their inefficiency to site teams, expecting them to do more while serving communities requiring their full attention. This formula is not sustainable - it's dystopian. But it's reality. Forge set out to disrupt this dystopia. Our goals were to stabilize staffing expenses while paying salaries that lead to retention, maintain property performance while allowing our workforce to explore their opportunities, and create efficiency while empowering site teams to focus on their communities. Changing reality is difficult. Decades of professional experience being challenged, software that is coded around the status quo, legislative challenges that create inefficiency, and a tenant base that demands more for the increased rents they're paying. But set out on this journey we did. And we did it with a mission and set of values that keep us focused on what's important and consistently improving. Forge has not mets its goals nor its mission yet. We have a long way to go, but we remain committed. And the team at the core of that commitment is comprised of the 41 employees during our first year of operations. From Camille who champions our People Success division to Lejeanda, Aaron, Ivvonne, and Brian who have steered the properties. They include deeply dedicated people like Randy, Jamil, and Manny who maintain 2 of our largest properties while responding to emergencies. It includes Jake and Mike who lead our facilities teams across our portfolio. Maria, Anastasia, Oksana, Brittany, and Sarah are just a few of the leasing professionals and brokers who keep our properties occupied. They include Hayley, Sarah, and Keith who run our operations, consistently creating efficiency with the goal of removing tasks from site teams. And it includes Rachele and Mary who work with our clients on a day to day basis to increase performance across all properties. We celebrated this team and everything they've given over the last year at our first company anniversary party. The team is being fitted with baseball jerseys establishing their status as a Forge Founder. As President, I am personally grateful to each and every one of them for their commitment and sacrifice working to achieve these goals. And now our team is growing with a new set of Forge Founders in the Salt Lake City market. The future of Forge and the future of property management is bright as these goals are met and residents, employees, and owners realize the return on investment from this dystopian disrupting endeavor. In 2027, we'll invite a few select clients into our portfolio to experience the Forge difference. Let me know if you'd like to be one of them.

Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Service

Honoring History: The Significance of Juneteenth Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks a pivotal moment in American history. It commemorates the day in 1865 when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the freedom of all enslaved people. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which had declared the freedom of enslaved individuals in Confederate states. Juneteenth symbolizes a long-awaited moment of liberation and serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. At Forge, our mission is to create spaces for people to live vibrant stories in valued communities. We honor Juneteenth by engaging in meaningful community service that aligns with our core values. Our President, Chasten Fulbright, exemplifies this commitment through his role as Treasurer of the board of Community Roots Housing. This organization is dedicated to fostering inclusive and affordable communities, and Chasten's involvement underscores our dedication to social equity and community development. By remaining focused and being responsive to community needs, we strive to make a positive impact. Celebrating Culture and Community This year, our team joined the Juneteenth festival and FIFA World Cup watch party, organized by Arte Noir, a local arts organization that serves as a cornerstone of the 23rd and Union community. Arte Noir plays a vital role in promoting cultural expression and supporting local artists. By participating in this event, we contributed to a vibrant celebration that brought together diverse voices and highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of our community. Our mission to create spaces for people to live vibrant stories is achieved by making space for diverse thoughts and identities. The festival was a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It provided a space for people to connect, celebrate, and share their stories. Our involvement in this event allowed us to engage with our neighbors and support the arts, which are essential to fostering a sense of belonging and unity. By bringing people together, we reinforce our commitment to our mission and values. Supporting Social Equity and Sustainability In addition to the festival, our team supported the EcoDistrict's REVIVAL market, a project led by the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Chasten Fulbright, who was formerly a co-chair of the Capitol EcoDistrict, is enthusiastic about continuing to support this cause. The REVIVAL market focused on promoting local artisans and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of social equity in sustainability efforts. Our mission to create spaces for people to live vibrant stories in valued communities is furthered by being curious and purposeful in our actions. Our participation in these events highlighted the significance of addressing social equity, particularly in gentrified communities. By supporting initiatives that empower local residents and promote inclusivity, we contribute to creating a more equitable and just society. These experiences reinforced our commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and fostering a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. In conclusion, Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of freedom, equality, and community. Through our involvement in various events, we strive to honor this day by promoting social equity and supporting initiatives that celebrate diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to be part of a community that values these principles and look forward to continuing our efforts to create spaces for people to live vibrant stories in valued communities, guided by our core values.