A big congratulations is in order for Andre Shakom!

On top of his day-to-day responsibilities, Andre recently completed his full slate of ICA certifications — earning credentials across 12 inspection specialties.

This certification means faster, sharper issue identification, better documentation, and strong communication across our teams when it matters most. 

But he didn't stop there. With his new certification, he's looking ahead — putting together ideas that will help lead and grow our CapEx department even further. 

Congratulations, Andre! This is what raising the bar looks like.

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Great property management isn't just about square footage and rent rolls, it's about relationships. 

Seth Barnhart embodies this sentiment extraordinarily well. As a Property Manager overseeing several communities across our Hyde Park portfolio, Seth juggles a distinct market with one consistent philosophy: strong operations start with strong resident relationships. 

That philosophy showed up recently when a resident had to move suddenly into a senior living facility and couldn't get back to her apartment to collect her belongings. To help during a difficult time, Seth stepped in — personally picking up and dropping off some new clothes so she'd have what she needed and feel a little more comfortable during a difficult transition.

The action and care he took for this resident earned him a shoutout in our internal Employee Newsletter. This kind of care is a standard we point to when we talk about what great property management looks like. 

Thank you for everything you do, Seth! Hyde Park and Peak Properties are lucky to have you.

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Warning: This image may have adverse side effects on property owners, RE brokers, and property managers alike. 

We've made it through the thick of leasing season, and anyone in property management (or an adjacent industry) knows exactly what this photo means: sorting keys, matching labels, and somehow figuring out what goes where.

It may not be the most glamorous part of operations, but it's these details and this organization that keep our buildings running smoothly for the residents who live there.

We're so grateful to our team of organizers, movers, and shakers who make it all possible. It can get downright chaotic at times, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

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A few members of the Peak team headed to Wrigley Field earlier this month to connect with vendors, meet fellow multifamily operators, and meet…Cubs players!?

What a memorable event! We  Chicago and all the awesome things it has to offer. Now back to work!

The post Peak team meets Cubs players at industry outing appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

Our team had a fantastic time at the Chicagoland Apartment Association golf outing, connecting with industry partners, building new relationships, and enjoying a day dedicated to collaboration both on and off the course. 

We always appreciate opportunities to engage with our multifamily network and strengthen the partnerships that make our industry thrive.

The post Peak Properties represented at CAA’s golf outing appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

The team headed to Pilot Project Brewing for our quarterly Town Hall.

The numbers: 20+ new team members joined us (the mustard-over-ketchup contingent is winning, for the record), 11,000+ maintenance orders completed in Q2, and 2,000+ residents welcomed into the Peak community.

Internally, we celebrated multiple promotions, the property management is crushing this leasing cycle, and 4 Cubs tickets were given away as a small thank-you for a lot of hard work. 

Q3 is already moving fast and we're keeping the momentum going.

The post Another meaningful quarter in the books appeared first on Peak Properties, LLC. Blog.

When the World Cup came to the U.S., it wasn't a question of if Mike and Kekic would go-it was a question of when.

Kekic, one of Peak's very first contractors, is originally from Bosnia. When he and Mike learned Bosnia would be playing in Seattle, they booked an early-morning flight and headed to the Pacific Northwest.

There, they watched Bosnia defeat Qatar 3-1-a memorable victory made even more meaningful by the journey they've shared together. For nearly three decades, Mike and Kekic have worked side by side on hundreds of unit renovations and capital improvement projects, helping Peak Properties grow into what it is today.

Their story began by chance. When they first met, both were juggling multiple jobs, working hard to build their futures. That chance meeting turned into a decades-long partnership built on trust, dedication, and friendship.

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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.

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