5 Minutes With Michaels

From Lease-Up to Leadership: Michelle Roody’s Community Impact

Join host Robin Madison on this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels as she chats with Michelle Roody, one of Michaels’ 2024 Community Managers of the Year. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from publishing NYC landlord-tenant caselaw to managing thriving communities at Century Sunrise, reflects on the challenges and rewards of her role, and highlights the real impact she makes in residents’ lives. Plus, get a glimpse into her passion for fishing and adventures off the clock. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, community, and finding joy in every moment.

Welcome Aboard: Gen Bauer, Michaels’ New EVP of Operations

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, COO Matt Sullivan sits down with Genevieve “Gen” Bauer, the new Executive Vice President of Operations. Gen shares her journey from aspiring sports broadcaster to multifamily housing leader, her passion for innovation and mentorship, and what drew her to Michaels. From her approach to leading diverse portfolios to her dedication to lifting lives, Gen offers insights on leadership, impact, and what she hopes to accomplish in her first year. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and get to know the newest member of the Michaels Leadership Team.

From Stylist to Regional Leader: Nitzia Chambers’ Michaels Journey

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Heather Luty sits down with Regional Property Manager Nitzia Chambers to discuss her incredible 24-year journey with Michaels. From starting as a temp to becoming a leader in affordable housing, Nitzia shares insights on career growth, time management, and the power of strong leadership. Plus, she reflects on winning a prestigious RPM Recognition Award at the 2024 Michaels Management Meetings. 

Designing for Impact: Architecture & Community with Josh Eckert

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host James Haley sits down with Josh Eckert, Associate and Urban Designer at Urban Practice, to discuss the role of architecture in community development. Josh shares his journey from building homes in Indiana to designing transformative spaces for Michaels, including the groundbreaking unaccompanied enlisted housing project at Fort Irwin. 

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.