Accounting Team
Rebuilding with Heart: How Team Spirit Revived Our Department
Shared by Shannon Scribner, Controller, Royal American Companies
When I stepped into my role as Controller in March 2024, the accounting department was in a period of transition. Seasoned team members had moved on, and a new group—myself included—was just beginning to find its footing. Morale was low and we needed to rebuild trust. Team Building became our key strategy. Research shows that team-building boosts communication, trust, and collaboration. We took team building beyond theory–it became our blueprint. We committed to creating small moments of connection that would eventually grow into something much bigger.
Today, the change is visible and felt. Since starting our team building initiatives, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation. Wins—both personal and professional—are shared with pride. Colleagues are lifting one another up, checking in, and showing up in ways that go beyond the job description. We even turned our shared cubicle area into a celebration wall, filled with photos celebrating personal and professional milestones, boosting appreciation and belonging. The best part? The camaraderie is real and each team member is driving the momentum. They’re suggesting new ideas, cheering each other on, and taking ownership of our culture. These shifts reflect real improvements in communication, trust and collaboration.
What’s next for the Accounting Team? Building on the momentum of “competitive socializing” we’re planning a throwback kickball game and we’ve scheduled a bowling night in August. We’re even planning a painting party and we have tickets to the new Pirate Show in Panama City Beach. We’ve also supported one of our GL Technicians by attending her local theater performance—and we’re already looking forward to the next show. These moments aren’t just outings—they’re milestones showing how far we’ve come together. By investing in your team’s well-being, practicing open communication, and celebrating one another, the benefits extend far beyond the occasional outing; you can redefine how your team collaborates and thrives together.
If you’re looking to build stronger connections, here’s our TEAM BUILDING FORMULA. I hope it inspires you:
- Start with morale. Rebuilding trust takes time—six months or more. Be patient and consistent.
- Be transparent. Host regular check-ins, share clear expectations, and lead with fairness.
- Listen and act. Your team’s voice is your greatest asset. Hear them—and make changes that matter.
- Celebrate wins—big and small. Recognition fuels momentum and reminds people that their work matters.
- Create psychological safety. When people feel safe and respected, they’re more likely to contribute, collaborate, and shine.
At Royal American, we encourage team building that brings people together through shared interests, experiences, or goals. If your team has found a creative way to bond or boost morale, we’d love to hear about it!
Help us promote a positive corporate culture by sharing your story at ace@royalamerican.com.
Community Managers play a key role in preparing contracts and renewals specifically for the following service agreements: Lawn Maintenance, Pool Maintenance, Pond Management, and Courtesy Patrol.
To support you in this process, the Contracting Department offers a monthly refresher training session, available up to 90 days before a contract expires. While not required, these sessions are a great way to brush up on the steps and procedures.
From downloading the correct form, completing the required fields, and submitting it to your vendor — it’s that simple! A helpful, step-by-step slide presentation is also available on the Contracting SharePoint page.
If you’d like to attend the next training session, please contact your Service Contract Administrator or email contracting@royalamerican.com.
Don’t let your contracts expire… Contracting is here to help! Check out chapter 12 to review our full policy on contracting.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts in this series as we continue to highlight important policies and procedures at Royal American!
At Royal American, we are fortunate to have employees with tenure extending 20 years and beyond. Their knowledge and expertise are pivotal in the success and growth of our company all the while staying tied to the deep roots it was founded on. It is our honor to interview these amazing employees and hear their stories.
Celebrating Your Milestones Questionnaire
What position did you start out in at Royal American?
Assistant Manager
Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Royal American.
My current position is Operations Specialist. I began as an Assistant Manager, then Community Manager, Area Manager, and now Operations Specialist.
Share a favorite memory from your time with Royal American.
As a manager for my property, the most exciting achievement was getting Property Manager of the year 2007, in Panama City. I was totally surprised. Another highlight was when Mr. Frank would visit and send notes to the regional, “College Arms was stated as being seen as the best it ever looked”. I still have the note in his hand writing.
Share some of your interests and hobbies outside of Royal American.
I love camping, hobbies – wood crafting, sewing, etc. and the best is spending time with family, especially great grandkids. I also enjoy traveling on our Harley 3 wheel.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
Don’t let the job overwhelm you. You work the job, the job doesn’t work you. Be kind and patient, understanding you can’t control everything. And sometimes you just let it go! Pick your battles.
Thank you, Brenda, for your commitment and hard work over the past 35 years. Help us congratulate Brenda in the comments!
