Are you a supplier partner and need some guidance? Reach out to any of these council members today! The Product Service Council is a group of active supplier members whose objective is to promote the active involvement and participation of supplier members.  The council wants to help new suppliers navigate the association as well as understand the industry and how to effectively reach out to their customers. 
Grant Almquist, CAS, CPO - Texas Apartment Pool Services
  • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry? I have been a member of HAA since 2011.
  • What product or service does your company provide?  Swimming Pool Services
  • Who is your customer? All multifamily communities with swimming pools.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Political Action Committee, CPO Instructor
  • Why do you work in this industry? We first started in multi-family pools because it was a neglected niche in the pool market.
  • What keeps you passionate about it? The care and involvement of everyone in the industry keeps us wanting to continue to make the properties and customers happy and safe.

   713-542-4560
  
    grant@tapstx.com

Chris Bell, CAS, Century Air Conditioning Supply                             
  • Active in industry? I have been in the industry for seven years. About five years on the management side and two years on the vendor side.  
  • Who is your customer? Our immediate customer is anyone needing emergency restoration/rebuild services. We partner with Ownership, Asset Managers, Construction Managers, Executive Management, Regional Managers and Property Managers..
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Ambassador One Society, NEXT Young Professional group, Community Outreach Committee and I am a graduate of the Leadership Lyceum program.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? In two simple words “the people”. You could meet someone new every day and would not scratch the surface of the number of contacts and industry connections there are. The industry is intertwined with professional partnerships that are also long lasting relationships that would mirror family ties. We learn together, we support each other and we move forward as ONE.
     832-264-7959
    
   cbell@centuryac.com

Marivel Bownds, CAS, Chadwell Supply                      
  • Active in the industry? I have been actively involved in the industry since 2006, consistently serving as a supplier partner.
  • Who is your customer? My primary customers include all onsite professionals and corporate decision makers such as property managers, regional managers, vice presidents, asset managers and owners.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Ambassador One Society, Expo, Community Outreach
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I am passionate about this industry because I enjoy networking and building long-term relationships with both supplier partners and clients, many of which have evolved into lasting friendships.  The constant evolution and innovation in the industry excites me and I look forward to seeing its continued growth and transformation in the years to come.    
   713.806.9830
  
   marivel.bownds@chadwellsupply.com    

Susan Alvarado, CAS, Redi Carpet Sales of Houston
  • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry? I began 10 years ago, and little did I know it would change my life forever. 
  • What product or service does your company provide? My company offers flooring products.
  • Who is your customer? My customer is the Owner /Management Company within the Multifamily community
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? As of right now I am currently on the Product Service Council, PAC, Expo Committee, Community Outreach, a captain on Ambassador’s, a Co-Captain on HAA Next, and currently part of the 2022 Lyceum program. 
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? God opened doors for me that I never knew were possible leading me on the path I’m on now. This industry has given me drive in life I myself never imagined. When I am able to assist my customers/fellow colleagues it gives me a sense of satisfaction.

   713-857-7252
  
   susan.alvarado@redicarpet.com

Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks, Inc
  • Active in the industry? For almost nine years, four in Houston
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? We sell our services to property managers as well as property owners.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? I'm involved with Ambassador One Society, NEXT, Community Outreach, Go Getter, Expo and Chili Fest Committee.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I have made so many friends and that makes it fun to be in the industry!
   844.425.8168 
  
   shaun@earth.works

Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction 
  • Active in the industry? I have been active in the industry for nearly 20 years. I took a short break while I worked in Austin for a few years. 
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? My customers are anyone from the onsite maintenance team all the way up to the owner of the management company/property. No project is too large or small.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Political Action Committee, Chili Cook Off, Expo Exhibitor Committee.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? My whole career has been surrounded by multifamily and the HAA. From my days of selling paint to my days now in construction, this industry has always been here for me and my family. I have built lifelong friendships/relationships that have not only helped me professionally, but personally. Being able to see the difference I can make for my clients is something I take pride in and will continue to do.
   281.636.2214
     
    nealc@gemstarconstruction.com 

Sean Cunningham, CAS, Impact Property Solutions
  • How long have they been active in the industry? Grew up in flooring, started working the apartment industry in 2008, joined HAA in 2017.
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? We sell to anyone who needs to buy flooring; residential, commercial, and Multifamily. In the Multifamily industry, we work with everyone from the maintenance to the owner. Anyone who can make the decision to purchase.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Ambassadors, NEXT, Expo, PAC.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I work in this industry because of the people. Over the years, I have been lucky to form many great friendships. Watching those friends grow in their professional and personal lives keeps my passion for this industry growing.
   512.739.4748 
  
   scunningham@impactpropertysolutions.com

Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Brandt Electrical, AC, and Roofing, President 
  • Active in the industry?  I’ve been in the industry sine 1999. About 10 years of that time was spent working on the management side. I have a pretty broad perspective of our industry. I’ve worked as a leasing agent, assistant manager and manager on site. I have association experience.
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? I sell to anybody.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Co-Captain for Ambassadors, Community Outreach, NEXT Young Professional group, Go Getters, PAC, Chili Cook-Off Committee and Expo Committee
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? There are so many opportunities in our industry. There is never a dull moment in multifamily no matter what area you work in. It’s always exciting and there’s always something new to learn. We live in a great city that is booming with opportunity, especially in our industry and that makes it easy to stay passionate. I’ve also met some pretty amazing people along the way!
   903.277.5451
   
    dderouen@brandtelectrical.com

Xochitl Flores, Church Foundation Repair and Church Pool Services
  • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry? I have been in the industry 14 years, 7 Years onsite on the management side and the other 7 on the supplier side.
  • What product or service does your company provide?  Foundation repair, swimming pool cleaning, repair, and renovation.
  • Who is your customer? Multifamily, Commercial, and Residential
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Ambassador ONE Society Ace, Expo Committee, Community Outreach
  • Why do you work in this industry? She is very passionate in serving others and being the best advisor to her client partners.

   832-276-0312
  
    xflores@churchco-tx.com

Giovanna Gone, CAS, Century Air Conditioning Supply                
  • How long have you been active in the industry? I joined our amazing industry in 2009, I started as a temporary Leasing Professional for The Liberty Group. I worked in the property management side for almost ten years, and switched over to the vendor side at the end of 2018. I’ve been blessed to work for some of the greatest management companies, Earthworks Inc, and now Century AC Supply. 
  • Who is your customer? My target customer would be anyone needing to market their apartment communities. 
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? I’m proudly involved in several organizations within the HAA. I’m an Ambassador ONE Society co-captain, Community Outreach Committee member, Go-Getter Club co-captain, NEXT Young Professionals group, and Political Action Committee voting member.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I work in this industry because I fell in love with it. I started from the bottom and decided to turn it into my career, and it was easily one of the best decisions of my life. I’m passionate about providing the best customer service, building relationships, and saving my clients’ day! 
  • What would you say are your areas of industry knowledge and expertise? I worked in property management for about ten years, starting as a leasing professional, assistant manager and closed this beautiful chapter of my career as a property manager.  I then worked as an account manager for Earthworks, a landscape company for a year where I learned so much about curb appeal, seasonal flowers, irrigation, payroll , project management, and HR.  Last but not least, I joined Century AC Supply at the end of 2019, where I learn something new HVAC related every day.  I love it.  Knowledge is power and I enjoy growing and learning from the best peers in our industry! 
   832.229.3927
    
   ggone@centuryac.com  

Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Inc

  • How long have they been active in the industry?came into the industry with Gemstar Construction in 1999. 
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer?We sell to owners, developers and management companies. Our customer can be anyone from property level staff to executive management and owners.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA?  Chili Cook Off Committee, Community Outreach Committee.  I volunteer when I can. 
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I love the "work hard- play hard" nature of this industry. No matter how hard the work is, the people of this industry seem to always have a zest for life! I am passionate about real estate, especially redevelopment. To be a part of the process that brings distressed properties back to viability is always challenging and rewarding for me. I love it.
   713.501.7555 
     
   djames@redevelopmentinc.com


Debra Knight, CAS, Comm-Fit - Treasurer                    
  • Active in the industry? I have been active for about 15 years and only on the vendor side.
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? I sell to property managers, supervisors, owners and developers depending on the company.  My customers are managers, supervisors, property owner/developers that are looking to build, design or renovate their fitness facility.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? I am a part of the Ambassador Club, Community Outreach, Political Action Committee and co-chair the Membership Committee.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I actually fell into the apartment industry without knowing anything about it and have been impressed constantly with all of the opportunity. I love the camaraderie among everyone in the industry, even competitors, and the opportunity to grow, especially in regards to education. What keeps me passionate is the relationships and friendships I've formed as well as the opportunity to constantly grow and learn.
   281.250.9517 
     
    dknight@comm-fit.com       

Stephanie Krop, CAS Emeritus, Poolsure

  • How long have you been active in the industry? I have been active in the industry since fall of 1989, working onsite from 1989-2004 and starting on the vendor path in 1994 with The Apartment Guide. I was with Direct Energy for almost 8 years, Buyers Access and now Poolsure.
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer?  
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Expo Committee, Chili-Cookoff Committee, PSC.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I've grown up in the industry. My first job was part-time leasing, while going to night school. I was blessed to be surrounded and mentored by industry leaders from the beginning. These contacts enabled me to mature and utilize the knowledge in not only my onsite experience, but also when I joined the vendor side. The multi-family industry is the largest "family" on earth...and is very likely we have shared all aspects of our lives through births, deaths and disasters...and anything in between. I have the privilege of working with people, I care about. This enables me to stay motivated to do my best, thus motivates my team into providing their very best to our clients...our extended family. I think our success comes not so much from what we do in our job, but how well we do it...and who we are taking along for the ride.
    281. 914.0274 
    
   skrop@poolsure.com

Liz Levins, CAS Emeritus, Gemstar Construction
  • How long have they been active in the industry? 17 years
  • Who is your customer within multifamily? The manager? supervisor, maintenance staff? The Manager, Supervisor, Maintenance, Owner, Regional (all of the above) 
  • What committee/club do you volunteer for in HAA? EXPO, Chili Cook Off, PAC, NEXT, Ambassadors, Product Service Council, Community Outreach
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I love this industry! The people I meet and the friends I make are endless as well as the professional career enhancements. To be able to service someone with the product(s) they need and deliver with excellence is of high importance to me both personally and professionally. It's the feeling I get when assisting someone for the greater good that makes my soul feel full which is what this industry allows me to do on a daily. It is an awesome industry to be involved in and I take much pride in being apart of it.
    832.453.1718
     
   liz@gemstarconstruction.com 

Arely Pena, CAS, The Liberty Group

  • Active in industry?  I have been active in the industry since 2012 with The Liberty Group and prior to that I was a Leasing temp for 2 years.
  • Who is your customer? My customer is anyone onsite! I provide temporary assistance so I have talked to all roles from maintenance to office staff.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? NEXT, Ambassadors, Community Outreach, Education Committee, and now PSC. 
  • Why do you work in this industry? I work in this industry because there are so many opportunities and I love that I get to be a part of helping people find their work home. I also love all the education and career development we can obtain with this industry along with creating long lasting friendships!
   713-357-8378
    
   arelyp@thelibertygroup.com


Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse
  • How long have you been active in the industry? 5 years
  • Have you ever worked on the management side? No
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? I sell flooring, back splashes- most anything with tile, carpet, wood and vinyl. Managers, Maintenance managers, Owners
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Ambassadors, Chili, Street Team- I also love Sports Challenge and community outreach
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I work in this industry because you can make lots of money!! The truth is I enjoy this group so much. I have been in other industry groups and no one compares to what this group will do to help you succeed. If you give your time, share what you know and willing to learn you can accomplish anything with this group.
   281.546.2283 
  
   tracey@myflooringwarehouse.com

Karen Nelsen, CAM, CAS, ALN Apartment Data
  • How long have they been active in the industry? Since 2003 - originally as an asset manager. 
  • Have you ever worked on the mgmt side? Since then I’ve been Director of Training, Regional Manager, Asset Manager and now a Supplier.
  • Who do you sell to? Who is your customer? Everyone. ALN has a product for the owner/management companies as well as supplier members. We collect accurate data nationwide on occupancy, pricing, floorplans and updated contacts at the properties.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Education Committee, Career & Community Development, Ambassadors, Political Action Committee 
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I fell into the industry after the Enron collapse and have loved it since. There are so many great people to work with – both on the management side and the supplier side. Since my original career was education, it’s education that keeps me going. For many years it was on the management side – keeping our associates up to date on everything from leasing, touring, managing, legal issues, technology, etc. Now as a supplier, I love to do the same thing – and translate needs & concepts into strategies that support business growth.
   832.647.8637 
  
   knelsen@alndata.com

Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, Ameritex Movers, Immediate Past President 
  • How long have they been active in the industry? A little over 3 years   
  • Who is your customer within multifamily? The manager? supervisor, maintenance staff? Our typical customers are owners, regional managers, asset managers, property managers, construction managers & regional maintenance managers. 
  • What committee/club do you volunteer for in HAA? In addition to the PSC, I am also on the EXPO Committee, Chili Cook Off Committee, PAC, NEXT Committee & Ambassadors.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? Not only is this industry about building strong relationships, it is also about helping each other succeed. Whether it be from the management side or the supplier side, we all want to grow together. That is one thing I think our industry has an advantage over anyone else. Knowing that me, and the people around me, are here to help and serve others so that we can all be successful keeps me passionate about this industry.
   281-678-9259
  
   joey@stressfreemove.com

Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group, Secretary
  • How long have they been active in the industry? Combined about 6 years and I’ve also worked on the management side.    
  • Who is your customer within multifamily? The manager? supervisor, maintenance staff? Everyone. I help on site teams, regionals, VP’s, Owners, and even vendors.
  • What committee/club do you volunteer for in HAA? NEXT, Ambassadors, Community Outreach, and Career Development. 
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I’ve never met a group of people that are so passionate to help you. It’s genuine and incredible. The opportunities are endless and the sense of family makes you want to give right back to them. We are a community of people that are constantly trying to improve ourselves and those around us. You can’t find that anywhere else. 
   832.243.8888
  
   nikkis@thelibertygroup.com

Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction, Vice President
  • How long have they been active in the industry? I have been active in the multi-family industry since 2009.
  • Who is your customer within multifamily? The manager? supervisor, maintenance staff? We work together with everyone. Our work impacts owners, management, maintenance, residents and other supplier partners too. 
  • What committee/club do you volunteer for in HAA? I have been involved with PAC, Ambassadors, NEXT, Community Outreach, Expo, Supplier Education, Chili Cook Off
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? The people and the relationships drive me. I truly enjoy working for and with people I genuinely care about. 
  • What would you say are your areas of industry knowledge or expertise? I have a well-rounded education in most facets of the industry and when I come across something I am not sure of, I have plenty of resources to assist me. 
    713.355.9230
  
   blaise@gemstarconstruction.com 

Carina Bryars, Valet Living
  • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry?  My service began in December of 1994. I’ve collectively worked for 7  years as a supplier partner and 23 years on the operations side of the business. I’ve most recently been back on the supplier side for a year.
  • What product or service does your company provide?  Valet Living provides a doorstep trash collection amenity, with technology driven service that enhances living and operational efficiency/profitability.
  • Who is your customer? My customers include property managers, regional managers, executive management, asset managers and owners.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? 
  • Why do you work in this industry? I serve on the Expo Committee as well as the Product Service Council. I’m a Leadership Lyceum graduate and was a class of 2014 Forty under 40.  I’ve been involved with HAA since starting my career in the multi-family industry.
  •  What keeps you passionate about it? Like many, I “fell” into this industry and haven’t looked back.  What keeps you passionate about it? The people! That’s what keeps me passionate about this multi-FAMILY industry.  From colleagues to clients and everyone in between.  Over the years such great relationships have been cultivated and that’s priceless.

   (832) 202-6624
  
    carina.bryars@valetliving.com

Tammy Broadway, CAS, American Fire Systems
  • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry? On Management side since 2018, then joined American Fire Systems team and have been an active member with HAA since 2020. 
  • What product or service does your company provide?  We sell, design, install, inspect, and maintain fire protection systems for the multi-family, commercial and residential.  
  • Who is your customer? My customers are anyone needing or looking for fire protection and alarm services.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Ambassador ONE Society, Community Outreach Committee, Expo Committee, and HAA PAC.
  • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? I work in this industry because it gives me the opportunity to establish lasting relationships that are built on trust. My passion is serving our customers and educating them on fire protection.
  •  
   713-502-9901
  
   tbroadway@americanfiresys.com

Ryan Weis, Crestmark Construction Services
  • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry? 1995
  • What product or service does your company provide?  Anything construction.
  • Who is your customer? Anyone who has construction needs in the industry . One stop shop.
  • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Chili Fest, Go Getter Club, Community Outreach, Expo, Ambassador ONE Society, and Political Action Committee, but I'm willing to help out where ever I am needed.
  • Why do you work in this industry? I am a legacy in this industry. My mom was in the industry for many years before retiring so I guess you can say a was raised for this industry.
  • What keeps you passionate about it? The people! Over the years I have made some  life long friendships and relationships that without this industry would have never been possible. I like to think of this as more as a big dysfunctional family than just and industry I work in. Because we put the “ Fun” in dysfunctional for sure. 
   713-408-4306
   713-408-4306
   rweis@crestmarkservices.com

Jim Martensen, CAS, EPIC Multifamily Construction
    • When did you begin your service to the multifamily industry? 2018
    • What product or service does your company provide? General Contractor
    • Who is your customer? Management companies and ownership groups 
    • What committee/club are you working on in HAA? Expo, PAC, Ambassador One Society 
    • Why do you work in this industry? What keeps you passionate about it? Simplest answer..people.  I enjoy getting to meet and be partners with all types of people, all while learning from each person and gaining a deeper understanding of each individuals’ professional and personal story.  It keeps each day an adventure.
  832-484-2501
  
  jim@epicmfc.com