CHICAGO–The Institute of Real Estate Management’s Real Estate Management Excellence Awards celebrate the extraordinary contributions real estate managers make in their communities and for their clients and companies every day.
This year’s awards were presented on Monday, October 5, during a virtual awards ceremony recognizing real estate managers from across the globe for their accomplishments. You can view the virtual event on irem.org.
This year’s REME Award winners include real estate managers and companies from across the world who’ve elevated the profession through innovation and leadership.
“IREM and the real estate management profession is full of inventive talent,” says 2020 IREM President Cheryl Gray, CPM®. “It’s an honor to be a part of an organization and work alongside the individuals and companies doing such great work for their tenants, residents, owners, and communities. They raise the bar on excellence and elevate our profession across the world.”
AMO® of the Year
Ayre and Oxford, AMO®
Edmonton, Canada
An IREM AMO (Accredited Management Organization) since 2014, Ayre and Oxford has focused on three improvement goals for employees: maintaining ethical behavior, a clear understanding of how each individual fits within the organization, and improved client and tenant relations. Since implementing initiatives supporting these goals, Ayre and Oxford has seen minimal employee turnover, and many new hires referred by current staff, reflecting the firm’s success.
ARM® of the Year
Brody R. Sheets, ARM®
Pedcor Management Corporation, AMO®
Carmel, Indiana
Brody believes that making a difference starts in your backyard, and actively gives back to his community. He volunteers his time and participates in locally-sponsored events benefitting community organizations. Professionally, Brody and his team developed an online resident portal leading to improved customer service satisfaction.
CPM® of the Year
Michael DiGiacomo, CPM®
The United Group of Companies, Inc.
Troy, New York
Mike joined IREM in 2010 at the start of his career, achieved CPM certification in 2017, and became IREM New York Capital Region Chapter President in 2019. With a primary goal to grow membership, 58 new members have already joined IREM under his leadership. He brings his energy and enthusiasm for IREM to industry events, seminars, and conferences, and always mentions the boost IREM’s given his career in media interviews.
IREM Innovator Award
Cortland, AMO®
Atlanta, Georgia
Cortland, AMO® strives to please residents from day one, and that means ensuring a pest-free environment. In an effort to improve bedbug remediation, Cortland studied the natural triggers that cause bedbugs to feed – designing a device to use in vacant units and eliminate bedbugs before new residents move in.
Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
Columbus, Ohio
In response to “stay at home” orders across the country in early 2020, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) promptly committed funding – $1 million from retained earnings – to provide rental assistance, including outreach to investors for additional funding. OCCH and its investors committed a total of $1.8 million to a Resident Impact Emergency Fund. In addition, OCCH helped direct families to available resources and other services, such as free school lunches, agencies offering rental assistance, and several others. These efforts helped many families stay in their homes.
In addition to the REME Award winners, IREM also celebrated recipients of awards from the IREM Foundation, as well as other exceptional IREM members who help propel the profession forward, including 2020 DISI (Diversity and Inclusion Succession Initiative) Leaders, 2020 Next-Gen CPM Leaders, IREM Student Scholars, and our 30 Under 30.
