AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

Every day at 9 a.m., Martha Navis walks into our office with a smile on her face, creating deep roots as an administrative assistant.

Navis, who has been with us for almost five years, takes a 45-minute bus ride from Bloomington, Minn. to downtown Minneapolis to perform her duties as the “Admin’s admin,” as she likes to call herself. She starts her day by scoping out the office and ensuring that our space is ready to go for the day. Throughout the rest of the day, she is then available for anyone who needs her help whether it’s the developers, the marketing, accounting, or asset management teams. At about 4 p.m., Navis wraps up her day and takes the 45-minute bus ride back to Bloomington.

Navis’ Deep Roots at UP

Navis created deep roots here at United Properties five years ago when she had heard of a job opening for a receptionist position. After her job as a Group Sales Coordinator and Event Planner of 13 years at Hyland Hills Ski Area was coming to an end, she decided that she would imagine the possibilities of taking on a new role and create new roots with another company. Nearly two weeks later, Navis had transitioned into her receptionist position, and the rest is history.

Navis says that her greatest memory while working at United Properties was the transition from the old Bloomington office into the downtown setting. She explains that it was a “big change for everyone” but in a positive way; she stated that “the energy of the company changed in a good way a lot.” According to Navis, more people are eating at the café during the lunch hour, coming out of their way to visit with one another, laughing and chatting throughout the day, and overall senses a more exciting office atmosphere.

A Lasting UP Asset

Upon reflecting on her growth in her position with us, Navis explained that she has become more comfortable with the process of whatever it is that she’s doing. For example, in the beginning of her United Properties journey, she was concerned that a monthly financial would be upside down while using the binding machine, but now she realizes that things can always be done again. Her five years at United Properties has also taught Navis plenty about real estate development and the Pohlad Companies.

When asked if there was anything that people wouldn’t normally think she did in her position, she said that she helps everyone. From the developers and asset managers to the marketing and accounting teams, Navis is of great importance to this company. With her presence, she has undoubtedly instilled deep roots in her role.

AUTHORED BY COLE STERR

On Thursday, May 24, United Properties employees volunteered for Habitat for Humanity’s Age in Place Program – a program designed to support older low-income homeowners who wish to age peacefully in the comfort of their own homes. The Age in Place program provides services such as seasonal chores, yardwork, and other home modifications so that these homeowners can continue to live safely and affordably. United Properties employees were able to assist Teri, a thifty karaoke singer, and Amelia, a lifelong musician.

Getting to Know the Age in Place Recipients

Teri, a homeowner who discovered Habitat for Humanity’s Age in Place program last fall, was ecstatic to receive help to maintain her yard for the summer. Living in the same house for more than 50 years, Teri has undoubtedly created deep roots within the Twin Cities community. She worked as a school bus driver in the Blaine School District for nearly 30 years, a job she fell in love with due to the children she drove to school.

Teri had told us that in her spare time, she loves to sing karaoke at various VFWs, and “Walk Like an Egyptian” is her personal favorite karaoke song. She also loves to swim; never travelling outside of Minnesota before, Teri says it’s her dream to travel to the Wisconsin Dells and enjoy the waterslides there. An avid thrift shopper, she goes to a Goodwill Retail Store or other garage sales almost every day trying to find the best deals and additions to make her living space feel more like home.

As someone who doesn’t enjoy the indoors, Teri is extremely grateful for the help from Habitat for Humanity’s Age in Place Program. “It made my life so easy, worry free!” she explains. She currently lives in the house with her cat Sunny, and she says that her garden is her favorite thing about the house.

Amelia, who is about 90 years old, had also lived in her home for a large portion of her life – nearly 40 years. She was a lifelong musician, having played piano and organ in her church and attending the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis. She also has two pianos in her house so that she can channel her musical outlet in the comfort of her own home.

The Impact of Volunteering

The United Properties employees have certainly helped contribute to the message of “strengthening communities” with the Age in Place volunteering program. By continuing to volunteer and assist those who are less able, United Properties can help people feel more at home by capitalizing on efforts that will directly transform and strengthen people’s lives for the better.