
Best of Lawrence Profile: Putting residents first – the heart of Pinnacle Woods Apartments

Left to right - Cheyenne, Chandler, Jason, Ryann, Claire
Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored content produced by the Journal-World’s advertising department. Businesses who received a top three award in the Best of Lawrence competition are eligible to participate in the Best of Lawrence Spotlight Series program, which includes a question-and-answer profile. Look for future profiles in the print and online editions of the Journal-World.
Congratulations on being voted the “Best of Lawrence”! How does it feel to receive this recognition from the community?
Jason Davis, Property Manager: We are ECSTATIC! We couldn’t have been happier to see our Residents and other Lawrence residents vote us in the Top 3!! Not our Management Company, our COMMUNITY!
What do you believe sets your business apart?
We hold monthly resident events to show our Residents we care about them, as well as, unheard of renewal incentives, and treat our Residents the way we would want to be treated as Residents. Maxus Properties, which is based out of Kansas City, Missouri, is and always has been, Resident focused. Also, up until recently were ranked within the Top 250 Apartment Communities in the Nation on ApartmentRatings.com, currently are ranked #324! We also have won the JTurner Research Top 1% Online Presence Award in 2023 & 2024.
Community support is crucial. How do you engage with the local community?
We recently partnered with the Douglas County CORE program. This program is a community initiative to energize the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Douglas County. As part of the partnership, CORE is able to utilize our clubhouse for meeting space or space for entrepreneurs to display their craft and we look forward to helping them however else we can.
Businesses face challenges as well. Can you discuss a significant hurdle your business has overcome and the lessons learned from it?
Working during the pandemic, juggling work orders, only performing emergency work orders in the beginning, doing all business virtually, tours virtually, scheduling time slots for the pool so as to keep only a specified number of people to be able to social distance. Finding supplies, appliances, etc. during the pandemic.
What role does employee training and development play in maintaining the level of excellence your business is known for?
I am a HUGE believer in ongoing education! I personally invest myself into my employees. However, Maxus Properties also allows me to send them to classes/trainings where they are able to strengthen their knowledge, and grow within our organization, and ultimately, as a human being. Maxus Properties will also reimburse us for getting designations from the National Apartment Association, as well as, HVAC certifications and CPO certifications, to promote ongoing growth. We also stay in compliance with our Fair Housing courses so we are treating everyone as fair as possible, and staying up to date with the current laws.
Could you share a memorable customer success story that exemplifies the impact your business has on the community?
We have tons of our previous Residents come back to Pinnacle Woods, we have a lot of current Residents refer us to others who move here, and previous residents that still attend our Resident events. Once a Pinnacle Woods-ian, always a Pinnacle Woods-ian!
What do you believe has been the biggest contributor to your business’s growth and reputation in the Lawrence area?
• The team we have here at Pinnacle Woods
• Jason (Property Manager) has been here almost 6 years as the PM, 10 with Maxus Properties
• Cheyenne (Asst Manager) has been here 5 + years
• Ryann (Maintenance Supervisor) has been here 4+ years
• Chandler (Maintenance Tech) has been here 1.5 years
• Claire (Leasing Consultant) has been here 1.5 years
• OUR RESIDENTS!
• Our Referrals
Staying ahead in your industry requires keeping an eye on trends. How do you anticipate and respond to changing market dynamics?
We are always attempting to stay ahead of the game in the market, and are currently renovating our apartments. We also offer upgrade packages at move-in or renewal so everyone feels as though they are getting the most value in their home while living with us.
How do you ensure that your business remains an inclusive and welcoming place for customers of all backgrounds?
Keeping up-to-date with fair housing laws, and not discriminating against ANYONE no matter the circumstance.
Reflecting on your experiences, what leadership lessons have you learned that you believe have been instrumental in your business’s success?
Take care of your team! Maxus Properties takes care of us IMMENSELY, however, I make sure I invest myself into my employees as well. I want them to know that I cannot do this without them, and that we are ALL a team. Regardless of position. I won’t ask them to do something I wouldn’t be prepared to do myself.