5 Minutes With Michaels

2024 Corporate Teammate of The Year: Robin Madison

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Mel Burrell sits down with Robin Madison to discuss her remarkable journey with The Michaels Organization, from starting as a Social Service Coordinator in 2000 to recently being promoted to Vice President of Operational Policy and Compliance.

She opens up about what has fueled her two-decade-long career, the meaningful projects she’s excited about in her new role, and what it meant to be named one of Michaels’ Corporate Teammates of the Year.

Resilience After the Storm: Reflecting on Hurricane Katrina 20 Years Later

In this special episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Robin Madison sits down with Kyle Robin, Area Manager at The Residences at LSU Health, to reflect on his firsthand experience during Hurricane Katrina and the lessons he carries forward nearly two decades later. From leading students through an unprecedented crisis to preparing teams for future storms, Kyle shares how resilience, preparation, and a heart for community have shaped his leadership - then and now.

Dedication, Leadership, and Muffins: Diane Garcia’s Journey to Community Manager of the Year

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Cruz Rodriguez sits down with Diane Garcia, one of the 2024 Michaels Management Meetings’ Community Managers of the Year in the Affordable category. 

Diane shares her inspiring career journey - from a chance opportunity at a dry cleaners to over a decade at Cottages at La Vista - and reflects on lessons learned along the way. 

Tune in to hear how her leadership style, commitment to teamwork, and willingness to “listen more and talk less” helped her earn this well-deserved recognition.

From Leasing Agent to Leader: Megan Phillips' Journey at Michaels

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Robin Madison sits down with Megan Phillips, one of Michaels' outstanding Community Directors and a recent recipient of a Community Director of the Year award at the 2024 Michaels Management Meetings. Megan shares her inspiring journey—from starting as a part-time leasing agent to leading a community through extreme challenges. Tune in to hear her insights on leadership, accountability, and the fast-paced world of student housing, plus a few fun facts about her life outside of work.

Empowered to Grow: Leadership, Recognition, and Finding Your Place at Michaels with David Lamb

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Robin Madison sits down with newly promoted Regional Property Manager, David Lamb, to discuss his journey of growth, leadership, and empowerment at Michaels. From navigating a major career transition to winning the prestigious Regional Facility Director of the Year award, David shares how embracing challenges, fostering relationships, and taking creative risks have shaped his path. Hear about his inspiring conversation with a longtime teammate, the lessons learned at the Michaels Management Meetings, and the impact of teamwork on his success.

Pride In Action: Leading with Purpose at Michaels

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Courtney Zaccardi sits down with Randy Pittman and Cesar Salazar, co-leads of PRIDE In Action, Michaels' newly launched Employee Resource Group for LGBTQ+ team members and allies. Randy shares his decades-long journey of advocacy, from marching with a torch for marriage equality to witnessing military pride in uniform. Cesar speaks to the importance of fostering belonging and building inclusive spaces in the workplace. Together, they discuss the vision for PRIDE In Action, the vital role of allies, and how this new ERG is creating ripples of change within Michaels and beyond. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or a dedicated ally, this episode is a celebration of visibility, courage, and community.

Building Success: From Estimating to Impact with Victor Lebron

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Courtney Zaccardi sits down with Construction Estimator Victor Lebron to discuss his journey at Michaels, starting as a fresh college graduate and navigating the challenges of the pandemic to become a key player in pre-construction. Victor also shares his passion for affordable housing and how his work with Habitat for Humanity led to meaningful community impact.

Beyond the Rainbow: Celebrating Leadership and Community at Michaels with Martha Reyes

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Cruz Rodriguez sits down with Community Manager Martha Reyes, a dedicated leader who has been with Michaels for five years. Martha shares insights from the recent Michaels Management Meetings, her experiences as a community manager, and the impact of building strong relationships within her team and community. Plus, we celebrate her incredible achievement as a Beyond the Rainbow awardee!

Building for Those Who Serve: The Future of Michaels Military Housing with Caroline Sutherland & Jose Cruz

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Matt Sullivan sits down with Caroline Sutherland and Jose Cruz, Directors of Investment Management, to explore the dynamic world of military housing development.

Join us as we discuss:
🏡 The planning and execution of military housing projects
🔑 Key challenges and opportunities in developing homes for service members
🌱 Sustainability initiatives, including LEED-certified developments and EV infrastructure
🚀 Exciting upcoming projects, like Fort Belvoir townhomes and single-soldier housing at Fort Irwin

Caroline and Jose share valuable insights on how Michaels is shaping the future of military communities by enhancing quality of life and fostering innovation.

Innovating Beyond the Rainbow with Tom Fagan

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Cruz Rodriguez sits down with Senior Regional Facility Director Tom Fagan, a recent recipient of the 2024 Beyond the Rainbow Trendsetter Award. Tom shares what it means to be recognized for his forward-thinking approach, his passion for leveraging technology to empower teammates, and the value he found in connecting with peers at the latest Michaels Management Meetings.