The Power of ACE

 

At Royal American, we believe that a strong, connected workplace culture is the foundation of both employee success and community impact. That’s why our Advancement, Culture & Engagement (ACE) initiative plays such a vital role in who we are—cultivating workplace excellence and fostering meaningful community engagement.

Through ACE at Work and ACE in the Community, we’re committed to creating an environment where every team member feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow, both personally and professionally.

Here’s a look at what ACE has been up to over the past few months!

Black History Month Trivia Contest: A Shared Journey: Black and White Unity in History

In February, ACE honored Black History Month by spotlighting powerful stories of unity between Black leaders and White allies in the fight for equality. The final post featured Joe Chapman III, founder of Royal American Companies, and his transformative impact on Black communities in Panama City, FL. The trivia contest ran throughout the month, with Team Beverlye Crossings taking home the prize!

 

RAMP Maintenance Launches in Central Florida
Live Kick-off Event:  On March 6, Royal American launched the RAMP Maintenance program at Aida Palms in Lakeland, FL. This free, hands-on training prepares RAM residents for careers in apartment maintenance through online learning, job shadowing, and paid internships. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply for positions within RAM or other multifamily communities.

Virtual Kickoff Event:  A follow-up virtual kickoff for RAMP Maintenance is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 6PM for those who missed the in-person launch. Online invites have been shared with participating Central Florida communities. For more info, contact ramp@royalamerican.com.

 

Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women Breaking Barriers

In honor of Women’s History Month, ACE proudly spotlighted women at Royal American who are thriving in non-traditional careers. These trailblazers are breaking barriers and proving that talent, dedication, and passion know no limits. Every week, their stories inspired us reminded us that every path is open to those willing to pursue it.

  • Savanna Stevison, Maintenance Superintendent Magnolia Crossing, Pace FL
  • Tia Tajuana, Truck Driver, Royal American Construction
  • Marshall Gilley, Maintenance Technician, Palafox Landing, Pensacola FL
  • Shuna Hughes, Maintenance Superintendent, Austin Pointe, Warner Robbins GA

 

Highlighting Employee Groups:  Royal American Prayer (RAP): A Faithful Community of Support
For nearly 20 years, RAP has quietly uplifted Royal American employees through prayer and encouragement. Founded by Sundei Granberg and now led by a team including Nicole Boles, Jojary Cartarphen, and Susan Brasher, the group meets weekly to pray over requests related to health, family, work, and more. Their impact reaches beyond the walls of the office, offering comfort in times of need.

 

Want to build a community around something meaningful to you?  Start your own employee-led support group—whether faith-based, cultural, professional, or just for fun. Submit your idea to ace@royalamerican.com today!

 

 

Want to learn more about how ACE supports our team and communities? Visit our ACE webpage to explore the initiative and see how we’re continuing to cultivate excellence and engagement every day: royalamerican.com/ace

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Women’s History Month: Shuna Hughes

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.”

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Highlighting Royal American Prayer (RAP)

Royal American Prayer (RAP)

A Faithful Community of Support

 

Shared by Sonya Knight

Director of Resident Services & ACE Chair

 

Did you know that Royal American has a prayer group dedicated to supporting employees through prayer? For nearly two decades, Royal American Prayer (RAP) has been a source of encouragement, regularly fasting and praying for personal prayer requests, our company, its leadership—including the Chapman family—our nation, government, and military. The group stays connected through email and meets weekly to offer intercessory prayer and encouragement to those in need.

 

I first learned about this group a few years ago when my husband faced a serious health crisis. I received an unexpected email from a colleague, letting me know that this small yet devoted group was praying for his recovery. In difficult moments, every word of encouragement matters, and their support left a lasting impact on me.  I knew I wanted to share the story of this prayer group with others, so I set out to learn more about the people behind it and how it came to be.

 

Founded 18 years ago by Sundei Granberg, RA Sr. Executive Assistant, RAP began as an in-home Bible study before evolving into a formal prayer group. It later moved to RAM’s former corporate office at One Stanford Center in Panama City, FL, where members gathered in the fourth-floor conference room. However, after Hurricane Michael destroyed the building, the group adapted, continuing its mission at RAM’s current corporate office as well as in private homes, including those of company owner Jeanette Chapman and her daughter, Mary Marie Clemo.

 

Currently, RAP is led by corporate employees Nicole Boles, Jojary Cartarphen, and Susan Brasher, with additional support from Mary Marie Clemo, Frankie Bruner, and many others who join in prayer from afar. Each week, Nicole collects prayer requests submitted via email, ensuring that employees’ concerns—whether related to health, family, work, relationships, or finances—are lifted up in confidence. Beyond prayer, the group maintains contact with those who seek support, offering updates, praise reports, and words of encouragement.

 

For those interested in submitting a prayer request or joining the group, you can reach out via email at RAP@royalamerican.com. Knowing that support is available—no matter where we are in life—can be a profound source of encouragement. I am grateful to share the story of this faithful group.

 

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Call to Action:  Just as RAP provides a space for employees to connect through faith, Royal American encourages the creation of other support groups where employees can share common interests, experiences, or goals. Whether it’s professional development, cultural heritage, hobbies, or another area of focus, you can start a group that brings employees together. Please submit your proposal and a brief description of the purpose for your employee-led resource group to ace@royalamerican.com. 

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Women’s History Month: Marshall Gilley

Women continue to break barriers in industries traditionally dominated by men, and Marshall Gilley is doing just that.  With nearly a year in her role as Maintenance Technician, Marshall is focused on growing her expertise and has her sights set on becoming a Maintenance Supervisor in the future.

Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Marshall has spent the last ten years in Florida, where she has built a fulfilling life centered around faith, family, and service. She is a mother of six children—five boys and a girl, she enjoys gardening, fishing, and cooking and she’s a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

Marshall’s journey into maintenance was inspired by her late father, a commercial painter and skilled tradesman. “I always wanted to learn from my dad and be like him,” she shares. Honoring his legacy, she has built an impressive skill set, holding degrees in pipe fitting/ plumbing and auto mechanics, with plans to complete her HVAC certification this year.

Marshall understands that being a woman in a male-dominated field brings unique advantages. “I’m often perceived as less intimidating, which allows residents—especially seniors and those with disabilities—to feel more comfortable discussing maintenance concerns,” she explains.

One of Marshall’s most rewarding moments on the job was stepping up alongside her manager to assist a resident during a life-threatening medical emergency. “It’s important to make a difference,” she reflects, highlighting that maintenance is about more than just fixing things—it’s about caring for and protecting the community.  When asked what advice she would give to other women considering a career in maintenance, Marshall’s response was clear and confident: “Don’t be intimidated. Build your skills and get to work!”

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Women’s History Month: Tia Tajuana

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the fearless women at Royal American who are excelling in non-traditional roles. Tia, a dump truck driver and a dedicated wife, is one of those remarkable individuals. Born in the Bronx, NY, she has been with Royal American for nearly two years, bringing dedication, skill, and a strong work ethic to the job. With a passion for driving and independence, Tia has mastered operating 12-speed semi-trucks, chemical tankers, garbage trucks, concrete trucks, and even hauling heavy equipment—a testament to her ability to thrive in a male-dominated industry. Tia shared, “Royal American is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, and I thank the Chapmans for giving me this opportunity!”

Before entering the world of trucking, Tia had a career in healthcare as a CNA and a home healthcare aid.  Beyond work, she finds joy in reading the Bible, caring for the elderly, and spending peaceful moments by the ocean.

Tia credits her father’s influence for teaching her that she can accomplish anything a man can—and do it just as well, if not better. Her advice to other women? “Keep God first, stay strong, and never cut corners.  We women are patient and we may move a little slower, but we are the safest in the field.  Safety and perseverance always pay off!” Tia’s story is a powerful reminder that women can thrive in any profession with determination and faith.

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Women’s History Month: Savanna Stevison

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate women at Royal American who are thriving in non-traditional careers. Savanna Stevison, a wife, mother, and Maintenance Superintendent at Magnolia Crossing, is one of those trailblazers. Originally from Pensacola, FL, Savanna joined Royal American as a Maintenance Technician and worked her way up to Maintenance Supervisor. After spending five years in a leadership role at her previous job, her drive to grow and learn new skills led her to pursue a career in property maintenance.  In December 2024, she earned her Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification, further expanding her expertise.  One of her proudest accomplishments? Being named RAM Maintenance Supervisor of the Year in 2023—a testament to her hard work and dedication.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, Savanna encourages other women seeking a maintenance role to never doubt their abilities, to seek out the right training and resources to succeed, and to never let others discourage you.  Beyond work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, trying new restaurants and going to the movies.

Her journey reflects the spirit of Women’s History Month proving that women can excel in any profession. Join us each week as we spotlight more inspiring women who are redefining roles at Royal American.

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Women’s History Month

Celebrating Women Breaking Barriers at Royal American!

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have paved the way in every field—especially those who have stepped into roles where women have been historically underrepresented.

At Royal American, we’re proud to have incredible women on our team! In the coming weeks, we will be highlighting some of these amazing women who are thriving in non-traditional careers such as truck drivers and maintenance technicians. Their dedication, skill, and passion prove that no job is off-limits.

Throughout this special series, we’ll introduce you to these trailblazing women, sharing their personal stories, experiences, and what inspires them in their work. Join us each week to meet a new employee who’s redefining the industry and making an impact.

ACE invites you to stay tuned and celebrate with us!

 

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