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
Awards and Accolades
RAHP-Rural Development Housing Professional
S.T.A.R-Rural Development 515 Spectrum Training Award Recipient
“Family” Manager of the year for Rural Development Area IV
2000 USDA Florida/Virgin Islands Multi-Family Housing Site Manager of the year
HCMR-Housing Compliance Manager of Rural Development
What position did you start out in at Royal American?
I started as Manager at St. Cloud Villas and Assistant Manager at Willows I&II on January 11, 1990, each position was fours hours a day.
Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Royal American.
I became Manager of Willows I&II in 1994 and also assumed the position of Area Manager for several years. Eventually I went back to being the Manager of Willows I&II only, which was enough to keep me busy.
Share a favorite memory from your time with Royal American.
When I started in 1990, we didn’t have computers to work with. We had pencils, paper and a 3ft green ledger book and paper ledger cards for each apartment and everything was done by hand. At the end of the month when it didn’t balance it was a pain to try to find that missing $1.00. So today I’m still trying to learn how to use a computer.
A special moment I will always remember will be the year 2016, when Willows I was awarded Property of the Year. A limousine came into the property and made several circles around until if finally stopped in front of the office. All of a sudden people started climbing out of the limousine carrying a camera, flowers, balloons etc. and of course I headed to the office only to find out they were there for property of the year. Our staff and all the beautiful ladies from the corporate office headed to Bonefish for wonderful lunch, we took pictures and then headed to Baskin Robbins for ice cream, how many can say they went to get ice cream in a limousine. It was a magical day.
Share some of your interests and hobbies outside of Royal American.
In my spare time I love to cook and try new recipes. I enjoy spending time with my four grand-children and my new great-grandson. I also enjoy my yearly vacations with my two sisters.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
Being a manager is rewarding and difficult at the same time. There will be days that seem like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but if you take one day at a time, give it your best and strive for improvement, then you’ve done your part and there are so many wonderful people that will always be in your corner.
Thank you, Janice, for your commitment and work ethic over the past 35 years. Help us congratulate Janice in the comments!
