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Exceeding Industry Standards: Maintenance

 

Dave Kennedy, Director of Maintenance, delivered impressive news in a recent staff meeting regarding our NSPIRE inspection results. These inspections are no easy task — they are known for their detailed standards and high expectations across the industry.

While the industry average shows a 30% fail rate, our teams have far exceeded that benchmark. So far this year, we’ve had 22 inspections, and all but one received passing scores.

This accomplishment reflects the incredible effort, skill, and dedication of our maintenance teams across all properties. Thank you for your hard work and for continuing to uphold Royal American’s commitment to excellence.

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Representing RA in Tallahassee

Members of our Management and Development Team, Sunny Clemo, Joseph Chapman, and Amy Seal, were proud to represent Royal American at the CAHP (Coalition of Attainable Housing Providers) meeting and the FHFC (Florida Housing Finance Corporation) meeting both held in Tallahassee, Florida. The meetings included discussion of the upcoming RFA (Request for Application) cycle, which is the process where funding and tax credits are awarded for new multifamily housing developments.

 

We value being part of these conversations and contributing to the planning that helps expand access to quality, affordable housing across Florida. Multifamily development is at the heart of what we do, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with partners who share the same mission!

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Burlington Post Phase II Progress Updates

Our Development team is proud to see Burlington Post Phase II in St. Petersburg, Florida, moving from vision to reality. After months of planning, design work, and collaboration, construction is  underway, and it’s already taking shape.

This new phase builds on the success of the original Burlington Post community and will bring even more affordable housing options to the area. Every step of the way, our team has worked hard to ensure that this expansion reflects both the needs of the community and the high-quality standards Royal American is known for.

It’s always exciting to watch a project go from paper to progress, and we’re grateful to all of the partners and team members making it happen. Stay tuned as we continue to share updates and milestones from the site.

Great work, Development team!

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Rebuilding with Heart: How Team Spirit Revived Our Department

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:

 

  1. Start with morale. Rebuilding trust takes time—six months or more. Be patient and consistent.
  2. Be transparent. Host regular check-ins, share clear expectations, and lead with fairness.
  3. Listen and act. Your team’s voice is your greatest asset. Hear them—and make changes that matter.
  4. Celebrate wins—big and small. Recognition fuels momentum and reminds people that their work matters.
  5. 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.

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