The Human Touch Behind a PACE Award: Mike Mathis and Kentlands Manor
Imagine combining the best of Alex Trebek, Bob Ross and Emeril Lagasse. That’s what you get with Mike Mathis, property manager of Kentlands Manor, a 200-unit senior community managed by Donaldson and honored with a 2024 Property Management Association Apartment Community Excellence Award. PACE Awards recognize property management expertise and the ability to deliver exceptional and compelling resident experiences.
Mike Mathis and his team provide a level of service and commitment that extends far beyond overseeing property operations, leasing, physical assets and financial performance. He’s an in-house chef, gardener, artist, game show host, and most importantly, a friend and trusted companion to the residents who call Kentlands Manor home. During the week, Mike prepares and delivers mid-day meals to residents who do not or cannot venture out of their apartment homes and to his fellow team members. Tuesdays are Jeopardy! Nights, where Mike plays the role of Alex Trebeck, engaging with 20+ residents and providing gift cards to local restaurants to the winners. For the past 11 years, Mike also has offered painting classes to his residents weekly and many of his works adorn the walls of common area spaces throughout the community
“I love the interaction,” Mike says. “That’s why I’m here.” Mike not only knows the names of every resident, but he also knows the names of their children and grandchildren. Residents’ relatives’ contact information fills his phone in case someone needs something that the community cannot provide. He and his fellow Kentlands Manor team members recognize that unlike conventional properties, residents at a senior community are home almost all of the time. That dynamic requires a completely different level of resident service and involvement that the Kentlands Manor management team embraces with gusto. There is at least one resident activity a day, ranging from organized trips to local businesses and chair aerobic classes in the fitness facility to presentations and offerings from local businesses and health care providers. Major events such as the Fourth of July Party, Oktoberfest Party, Halloween, Thanksgiving dinner and other holiday celebrations attract more than half of the 300 residents.
Kentlands Manor residents also enjoy community-provided transportation service to local businesses, grocery stores and to the Kentlands Citizen Assembly whose dues are paid for by the community. The Citizen Assembly features two Olympic-sized pools, a beautiful club house, extensive exercise equipment and tennis courts. During the summer, Kentlands Manor residents enjoy free concerts at the Assembly along with pool parties and other activities.
Kentlands Manor features two buildings. Each building offers a movie lounge and library, fitness center, computer resources center, billiards/game room, beauty salon and on-site storage. Several years ago, Mike started a community garden for residents that he personally oversees and that continues to grow. Currently there are 20 plots, with expansion expected next year. Fresh food is also available weekly at the farmers market held at the back on the property.
The Kentlands Manor management team takes great pride in the physical appearance of their community. The property is exceptionally attractive and beautifully decorated. The landscaping features an abundance of flowers that welcome residents and visitors alike. There are collections of antiques, striking artwork and beautiful appointments throughout both buildings and common spaces. Mike notes, “When you walk around the property, you don’t have to sell the place, it sells itself.”
The most compelling selling point at Kentlands Manor is the sense of community. The PACE judges recognized that unique quality. “This senior property had the most engaging tour. You could see the residents enjoying all of the spaces and interacting with other residents and staff. It felt like a home, not an apartment building,” noted one of the PACE judges.
The long-tenured staff helps to contribute to the family and community vibe that is ever present. Everyone on the team has been there multiple years. “The residents are constantly in our lives. We care about them like we would care about our own family members,” Mike stated.
The 2024 PACE Award recognition is more than an honor—it's validation of the commitment to place relationships at the heart of property management. At Kentlands Manor, residents don't simply live in apartments; they belong to a vibrant community where their property manager doubles as their chef, art instructor, game show host, and most importantly, their advocate and friend.
Mike's approach demonstrates that exceptional property management in senior living isn't just about managing physical assets—it's about nurturing lives. By knowing not just his residents' names but their families' names, by creating spaces that feel like home rather than housing and by fostering genuine connections that extend far beyond lease agreements, Mike and his team have created something truly special.
Kentlands Manor serves as an inspiring example of what's possible when property management transcends its traditional boundaries. Here, the measure of success isn't just occupancy rates or maintenance requests—it's the laughter during Tuesday night Jeopardy!, the pride in a freshly painted canvas and the comfort of knowing someone truly cares.
Mike Mathis and the Kentlands Manor team not only represent the best in property management, but also the best of humanity – compassion, creativity and an unbridled commitment to making every day meaningful for the people they serve and love.