5 Minutes With Michaels

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.

Acquisitions/Attainable Housing with Kunal Chothani

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Jed Henderson sits down with Kunal Chothani, Vice President of Acquisitions at Michaels, to uncover the intricate process of property acquisitions and its impact on creating thriving communities. Kunal shares his journey within Michaels, provides a behind-the-scenes look at the acquisitions process, and discusses the organization's commitment to addressing the housing needs of underserved markets.

The conversation also delves into attainable housing—what it means, who it serves, and how Michaels is leading the charge to bridge the gap for middle-income families. Kunal reflects on his experience speaking at the "Unlocking Housing for the Missing Middle" panel and shares insights into Michaels’ vision for the future.

2024 Beyond The Rainbow Awardee: Alex Gallegos

Michaels teammate and Regional Property Manager, Alex Gallegos, joins this week's episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels to talk about his career journey and winning one of the of the Regional Property Managers of the Year at the 2024 Michaels Management Meetings.

2024 Michaels Management Meetings/Beyond The Rainbow Awardee: Stacy Godsey

Michaels teammate and Regional Property Manager, Stacy Godsey, joins this week's episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels to talk about her career journey and winning one of the of the Michaels Trendsetter Awards at the 2024 Michaels Management Meetings.

Celebrating 40 Years of Community: A Journey with Sally Alonso

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Jade Freehoff sits down with Sally Alonso, Community Manager at Park Kingsburg Apartments in California. With 35 years of dedication, Sally shares her incredible journey from kitchen prep to community leadership, the evolution of Park Kingsburg, and how they’re celebrating their 40th anniversary.

Elevating Community Engagement with Courtney Zaccardi

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Michaels, host Jade Freehoff sits down with newly promoted Director of Corporate Marketing and Community Engagement, Courtney Zaccardi. With over nine years at Michaels, Courtney shares insights into her new role, the impact of the Michaels Organization Educational Foundation, and the exciting transition to a fully digital scholarship application system. She also discusses her leadership in DE&I initiatives, her involvement in the Young Professionals Network, and what makes Michaels such a special place to work. 

Beyond the Rainbow: Leadership, Dedication, and Recognition with Brandon Nielsen

In this episode of 5 Minutes With Michaels, host Robin Madison sits down with Brandon Nielsen, a Regional Facilities Director overseeing multiple states. Brandon shares insights into his decade-long journey with Michaels, from starting as a trainee to becoming a leader in facilities management. He discusses his role in training, capital budgeting, and HUD compliance, as well as his experiences at the 2023 Achievers Summit and the Michaels Management Meetings. Plus, he reflects on the honor of being named a Regional Facilities Director of the Year. Tune in to hear Brandon’s inspiring story, his passion for leadership, and his nominations for future podcast guests!