RAMP Maintenance Launches in Central Florida
Kickoff Event Held at Aida Palms
Royal American Management proudly kicked off the Central Florida launch of the Rising Apartment Maintenance Professionals (RAMP) – Maintenance Track on March 6 at Aida Palms Apartments in Lakeland, FL.
This free, hands-on workforce development program is open to residents of RAM-managed communities and offers a direct path into the multifamily housing industry. Attendees learned about the program, asked questions, and completed participation applications during the event.
Spanning 195+ hours, RAMP Maintenance equips participants with the skills needed for entry-level roles such as Maintenance Technician—or Maintenance Supervisor for those with experience. The program includes online training, job shadowing, hands-on instruction, and a paid internship. Each participant is also matched with a RAM maintenance mentor for personalized support.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply for positions within RAM or other multifamily communities.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our employees who have stayed with us through the years. We appreciate you and all that you contribute to our family of companies.
5 Year Anniversary
- Jennifer Jarvis with Southern Coastal Homes; General Manager
- Michelle Brown with Southern Villas of Starke; Community Manager
- Marchell Hawk with Christine Cove; Community Manager
- Adrian Joyner with Christine Cove; Maintenance Supervisor
- Ricardo Garcia with Country Walk; Area Manager
- Stephanie McCrory with Magnolia Crossing; Area Manager
- Patty Wooten with Quiet Waters; Case Manager
- Denia Guevara with Singer Plaza; Housekeeper
- Michel Otero with The Anchorage; Community Manager
- Monay Peterson with The Beacon; Community Manager
- Sheila Weber with Royal American Hospitality; Bar Supervisor
- Laura Long with Royal American Companies; GL Technician
- Ana Hinez with Labre Place; Housekeeper
- Alfreda Brookhart with Royal American Construction; RAC Field Administrative Assistant
- Joseph Chapman V with Royal American Management; Regional Manager
- Julio Perez with Royal American Management; Regional Maintenance Specialist
- Daniel Vico Moreno with St John Plaza; Maintenance Supervisor
- Stephanie Valencia with Villa Patricia I; Community Manager
10 Year Anniversary
- Ismael Nazario Viera with Royal American Management; Regional Manager
- Michael Williams with Briarwood I; Maintenance Technician
- Cody Brooks with Royal American Companies; IT Technician
- Frank Carballo Mesa with Lakeside Towers; Maintenance Technician
- Rafael Gonzalez with Lakeside Towers; Maintenance Technician
- Jason Provorse with Royal American Hospitality; Beverage Banquet Director
15 Year Anniversary
- Christina Maulbeck with Royal American Companies; Human Resource Manager
- Rohan Palmer with Royal American Hospitality; Banquet Manager
- Josef Halamka with Royal American Hospitality; Hotel Maintenance Technician
- Christopher Robertson with Royal American Hospitality; VP Administrative Assistant
- Scott Hawkins with Southern Coastal Homes; Carpenter
- Dianne Creary with Royal American Hospitality; Banquet Server
30 Year Anniversary
- Mecca Humphryes with Royal American Hospitality; Maintenance Administrative Assistant
35 Year Anniversary
- Janice Miller with Willows I; Community Manager
At Royal American, we’re celebrating incredible female staff members in non-traditional roles. Shuna Hughes, Maintenance Superintendent at Austin Pointe, is one of those inspiring women. proving that hard work and determination can break barriers.
A proud mother of three adult children, Shuna has built a life rooted in family, faith, and personal growth. For the past six years, she called Warner Robins, Georgia home where she enjoys the simple pleasures of life: quality time with her children, playing basketball and fishing. Sundays hold a special meaning for her starting with church, followed by a day at the nursing home, where she cares for her mother and plays cards and brightens the day of fellow nursing home residents.
Shuna’s passion for hands-on work started at a young age, watching and assisting her uncles with repairs. “I was always nosy, following them around and learning what they were doing,” she recalls. Shuna joined RAM just seven months ago, transitioning from a janitorial position with the School Board. It was her community manager who first recognized her potential, noticing her ability to fix things around her own apartment, she encouraged her to apply for a maintenance position at the property. Since taking on her new role, Shuna admits that she has faced challenges, particularly in plumbing, but she embraces every learning opportunity. “When it’s a hard job I can’t do it alone, I call for help,” she admits. “But I’m proud of myself because most of the time, I figure it out.”
Shunna brings a unique warmth to the role, developing strong relationships with residents, particularly older female residents who admire her tenacity and determination. “They can’t believe I’m the maintenance person,” she laughs, acknowledging the positive recognition she receives.
Shuna encourages other women to break free from traditional expectations and pursue careers they never imagined possible. “Don’t be afraid to take a chance in life,” she advises. “The world has changed, and these jobs we thought we couldn’t do are now within our reach. Never belittle or underestimate yourself—you can do it.”
