We're proud to recognize Brian Chlada as a finalist for Volunteer of the Year at the upcoming REjournals Awards.

Brian's impact goes far beyond his day-to-day role. As an active member of Peak's People Engagement Committee, he has led and supported meaningful initiatives that bring our team together while giving back to the communities we serve.

From organizing volunteer days with the Greater Chicago Food Depository–helping generate over 53,000 pounds of food for more than 2,000 households–to leading a company-wide food drive with Nourishing Hope, coordinating a Chicago River clean-up, and supporting our annual blood drive with American Red Cross, Brian consistently shows what it means to lead with purpose.

His dedication to service, both inside and outside of Peak, reflects the values we strive to live every day.

Thank you for everything you do for Peak and the Chicago community, Brian!

The post Brian Chlada Nominated for Volunteer of the Year appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

Sam English has been named a finalist for Property Manager of the Year at the upcoming REjournals Awards, recognized for his ability to drive performance while building strong relationships with both residents and ownership groups.

From completing the lease-up at 3140 N Clybourn to navigating a mid-year ownership transition and delivering consistent portfolio results, Sam's impact is both measurable and meaningful.

With a 97% average occupancy and strong 71% renewal rate, his work reflects a clear commitment to operational excellence and a resident-first approach.

Congratulations to Sam on all he accomplished last year, this year, and beyond!

The post Sam English Nominated for Property Manager of the Year appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

Some people manage projects. Others raise the standard.

Andre Shakom has been nominated for Project Manager of the Year at the REjournals Awards, driven by his hands-on approach, technical expertise, and commitment to doing things the right way.

"Andre is exactly the kind of team member you want on your side: someone who shows up, puts in the work, and cares about getting it right. His hands-on, in-person approach is a big part of why his projects succeed," said Mike Zucker.

From inspections to capital projects, Andre's impact is felt across every corner of our portfolio—and his belief in boots-on-the-ground work continues to set him apart.

The post Andre Shakom nominated for Project Manager of the Year appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

A huge congratulations to Assistant Property Manager Tyler Lach on being awarded the prestigious Donald M. Furbush, CPM®, IREM Foundation Scholarship from the IREM Chicago Chapter. 

This scholarship supports professionals pursuing advanced certification and continued leadership development in real estate and property management — and it's a testament to Tyler's commitment to growth.

He shows every day that property management is more than a job for him. From prioritizing strong relationships with his residents to always stepping up to help his team, Tyler leads with consistency and care.

We're incredibly proud and excited to see him take this next step in his career.

Congratulations, Tyler, you earned it!

The post Tyler Lach earns Donald M. Furbush, CPM®, IREM Foundation Scholarship appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

Today we're celebrating a major milestone — 15 (now, nearly 16) years of Maggie Zach at Peak Properties!
 
Since joining Peak in 2010, Maggie has been a driving force behind the company culture we're so proud of today. As our VP of People, she leads a talented team of HR professionals with empathy, intention, and a deep commitment to people-first leadership. Maggie has helped shape not just our policies and training programs, but the values that guide how we show up for one another every day.
 
Under her leadership, Peak has grown significantly while still holding onto the tight-knit, family-oriented culture that makes this place special. Maggie champions inclusion, celebrates diversity, and continually pushes us to evolve in ways that support real people, not just processes.
 
Her belief is simple: stay flexible, keep improving, and never lose sight of who you are.
 
Thank you, Maggie, for 15 years of heart, leadership, and impact. Peak wouldn't be Peak without you.

The post Celebrating 15 Years at Peak: Maggie Zach appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

Vivian Perez, Assistant Property Manager on the Supera portfolio, recently earned Outstanding Peak Performer at the Supera Annual NPS Awards.

It's always great to see our team recognized for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations, Vivian – keep up the great work!

The post Vivian Perez Earns Outstanding Peak Performer Award appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

As part of The Work, Explained, we’re sharing a closer look at what this role actually entails through a Q&A with Vivian Perez, Assistant Property Manager for the Supera Portfolio. Vivian’s perspective highlights the behind-the-scenes work, judgment calls, and consistency required to keep properties running smoothly for residents, teams, and ownership alike.

Q1: What’s something that happened this week that perfectly sums up your job?

A: This week I handled a resident concern, coordinated vendor access, and followed up with the property manager all before noon. None of it was dramatic, but if any one piece had been missed, it could have become a bigger issue. A lot of my job is about momentum and follow-through.

Q2: What’s a small win in your day that most people would overlook?

A: A small win is closing the loop on something before it escalates, like getting a quick vendor response, resolving a question efficiently, or preventing confusion before it starts. Those moments aren’t always visible, but they make a big difference.

Q3: What’s a misconception people have about Assistant Property Managers?

A: People assume the role is mostly reactive, but a lot of the value comes from planning ahead. Anticipating needs, spotting patterns, and staying organized helps prevent issues rather than just responding to them.

Q4: What’s something residents might not realize about how issues actually get resolved?

A: Residents usually see the final outcome, not how many steps it took to get there. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make sure things are handled the right way, not just the fastest way.

Q5: If you had to explain your role to a property owner in one sentence, what would you say?

A: I help ensure day-to-day operations stay organized and consistent so residents are supported and ownership can trust that the property is being managed thoughtfully.

Q6: What’s a decision you’ve made recently that protected the property or saved time or cost?

A: Knowing when something needs (and doesn’t need) to be escalated is important. Resolving issues at the right level and at the right time helps avoid delays, repeat work, and unnecessary costs.

Q7: What part of the job did you underestimate when you started?

A: How much prioritization matters. You’re constantly balancing urgency, impact, and timing, and learning how to make those calls confidently has been a big part of growing into the role.

Q8: What’s one thing you’ve learned to always double-check?

A: Details — especially timelines, access instructions, and coordination. Taking a moment to double-check upfront saves time and prevents confusion later.

Q9: What skill have you developed the most since stepping into this role?

A: Professional communication. Learning how to tailor messages depending on who I’m speaking with and setting clear expectations has made everything run more smoothly.

Q10: What makes working on the Supera Portfolio different from other experiences you’ve had?

A: There’s a strong emphasis on standards and consistency across the portfolio. At that scale, small details really matter, which pushes you to be more disciplined and intentional in how you work.

Q11: What kind of person would not enjoy this role?

A: Someone who prefers rigid routines or doesn’t like juggling priorities. The role is fast-moving and requires flexibility, problem-solving, and constant communication.

Q12: When you do your job well, who benefits most?

A: Everyone. Residents feel supported, property managers can focus on higher-level priorities, and ownership benefits from smoother, more consistent operations.
 

The role may stay behind the scenes, but the impact is felt across every part of a well-run property.

About This Series

The Work, Explained explores the work that supports residents, property owners, and management teams alike, with a focus on real roles, real decisions, and how property management actually works.

Learn more about Peak Properties on our website: www.peakproperties.biz.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice.

The post The Work, Explained: Inside the Assistant Property Manager Role appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

Our Capital Projects team is a mighty one—and at the helm is none other than Andre Shakom. 

Andre is our go-to for everything from emergency repairs to thoughtful capital improvements and preventive maintenance. From large-scale masonry work to basement repurposing, Andre manages each project from the first quote to the final walkthrough.

When a big project hits (like the renovation he recently lead), Andre is calm, cool, and collaborative—ready to problem-solve and follow through to the very end. 

Andre thrives on the variety each day brings at Peak. Whether he's working directly with residents, navigating a tricky inspection, or collaborating with colleagues, he's always ready with a smile. He's passionate about learning new skills and honing the old; staying sharp and focused. He's also responsible for keeping our inspection department in check, because quality never takes a back seat on his watch.

Outside of work? Andre enjoys time with his family, exploring hiking trails near & far, and cruising on his Onewheel. Bonus: He's an excellent cook and we heard his frittatas are legendary with fresh veggies and herbs from his garden. 

Andre, your thoughtful leadership, attention to detail, and dedication leave a lasting impression on our team, our owners, and the residents we serve. We're lucky to have you!

The post Employee Spotlight: Andre Shakom appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

We love seeing our team come together outside the office, spending their free time not just with one another, but supporting a cause that brings hope to children and families across our wonderful city.

A huge thank-you to everyone who participated and helped bring a little more joy to Chicago this holiday season.

The post Running for a Cause: Peak Team Participates in the Santa Hustle 5K appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

We closed out the year at Eden with great food, festive drinks, and a whole lot of fun with the people who make this team so special. Luckily for us, a great meal is never far from the office with Eden as our neighbor.

This (and every) holiday season, we're grateful for an awesome group that shows up, works hard, and makes Peak stronger every day.

Thank you to our event planners, Leah Geis, Hannah Van Cleve, and Alfonso Menchaca, for your hard work in making this a great evening for everyone. 

The post Celebrating the Season Together: Peak’s Holiday Gathering at Eden appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.