Technology is always changing and we are always trying to keep up with it whether it is for business purposes or for our own enjoyment. With portable laptops, iPads and Nooks available, we as consumers sometimes forget where all of these technological advancements transpired from.

Today, it was announced that the last company to produce typewriters, Godrej and Boyce, has shut down its production plant in Mumbai, India, ending the era of the typewriter. The typewriter was first mass-produced in 1868 by a printer-publisher from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The peak of production was in the 1950's, only a couple of decades before the personal computer and its connection to the internet.

In the apartment industry we see residents who have lived at our properties for over 30 years and still have their Remington Riviera,we see residents who have just moved into their first college dorm with the latest version of the iPad, but we also see young residents searching for nostalgic typewriters for purposes other than typing. The typewriter, although out of production, is still in demand by an audience that by chance has never even used the machine. Young "hipsters" are drawn to the nostalgia and romantic image associated with vintage typewriters and you can see the popularity of the now décor in stores such as Anthropology, Urban Outfitters and Resale Shops across the nation.

So which student housing is going start offering vintage typewriters as a move-in incentive opposed to iPads!?

Asset Campus Housing believes its people are the most important asset and we are proud to announce the promotion from within of Jessica Evers to Financial Coordinator of all ACH properties.

As Financial Coordinator, Jessica is responsible for facilitating and assisting with monthly reporting, trending, forecasting, and projections over all financial and technological operations of the Asset Campus Housing properties. Additionally, Jessica is also responsible for making recommendations regarding the operations of the properties. Jessica’s extensive background in systems maintenance, assisting with takeovers and due diligence and specific expertise with OneSite, makes her a significant asset to the team. 

Jessica has been with Asset Campus Housing for over seven years, serving in roles such as: Assistant General Manager, General Manager and Staff Accountant. With the experience she has gathered both onsite and with her role as a staff accountant, Jessica has acquired many tools which will assist her in facilitating all aspects of operations for the properties. Prior to joining Asset Campus Housing, Jessica served as a Bookkeeper for Meyer Residential. 

This past weekend, a group of Asset Plus employees participated in the BP MS 150 fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a 180-mile bike ride from Houston to Austin. Over 13,000 people from all over the nation began the ride from Houston on Saturday morning, spent the night in La Grange, then made their way through Bastrop and finished at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin on Sunday afternoon.

The Asset Plus cyclists rode with the Direct Energy team who invited all Houston Apartment Association members to ride and camp together over the two day journey. The team was fortunate to have beautiful weather all weekend and little wind to combat those rolling hills of the Hill Country. The entire route was a success due to the tremendous amount of support ranging from volunteers, to ride marshals and all of the many family and friends that were out along the ride and finish line to cheer everyone on!

Over the past two days, leaders in the student housing industry gathered to discuss the current state of the industry, capital markets, marketing strategies involving going mobile and much more.

Asset Campus Housing brought a strong presence to the conference with President of Asset Plus Companies, Michael McGrath attending as well as many senior executive team members including: Ryan McGrath, Julie Bonnin, Peter Carton, Jeff Knowles and Barrett Kirk.  The team showed up in Austin, Texas Tuesday evening and were able to meet with many property owners and colleagues in the industry.  Asset Campus Housing Chief Operating Officer, Julie Bonnin, was a speaker on the "20 Ways to Improve NOI" panel along with 3 other industry experts. Bonnin has over 20 years of experience with student housing and delivered exceptional advice to peers attending the panel.

We would also like to extend a special Congratulations to WDG Architecture for winning the award for best New Off Campus Development-Traditional for the University View II at University of Maryland - Asset Campus Housing is proud to manage the exquisite development. 

Asset Campus Housing is proud to welcome Johanna Janovsky to the team as Assistant Vice President/ Regional Supervisor.

Johanna Janovsky joins the Asset Campus Housing corporate team as Asst. Vice President/Regional Supervisor. Johanna brings over 20 years of property management experience, with a specialized focus in student housing. Her primary objectives are mentoring and providing support to the management team and ensuring communities operate with a competitive advantage. Johanna drives property performance, monitors market conditions, and develops specific strategies to ensure her client's goals are achieved.

Before joining Asset Campus Housing, Johanna served as Asst.Vice President/Sr. Regional Manager for JPI’s Student Living Division. Johanna supervised and oversaw the operations of portfolios ranging from 3,500 beds to 6,000 beds. Johanna’s responsibilities included budgeting, management, new business development and Regional Manager Supervision. Johanna was also involved with the creation and implementation of student living specific operational manuals and providing management expertise for future project underwriting.