At Roots Management Group, investing in our people is one of the most important ways to strengthen our communities. That commitment is on full display through our new Regional Maintenance Training program, led by Maintenance Manager Braylen Reed.

What began as a solution to support maintenance teams has grown into a collaborative training initiative that's helping technicians build confidence, sharpen their skills, and strengthen connections across the company.

From Supporting Communities to Building a Program

When Braylen joined Roots Management Group, the Divisional Maintenance Manager (DMM) role was still in its early stages. Through conversations with senior leadership, it became clear that the maintenance department needed additional support to meet the growing needs of our communities.

"As a Divisional Maintenance Manager, I started bringing multiple maintenance technicians into distressed communities to help turn homes and complete work orders," Braylen explains. "Those experiences showed us the value of working together, and over time they naturally evolved into the Regional Maintenance Trainings we have today."

What started as hands-on teamwork has become a structured program designed to develop technicians across every region.

More Than Technical Training

The Regional Maintenance Training program focuses on two key objectives: strengthening technical expertise and building relationships among maintenance professionals.

Maintenance technicians often spend most of their time working independently within a single community. These regional trainings create opportunities for them to meet peers from other locations, collaborate, and develop lasting professional relationships.

"At the end of the day, we're all part of the Roots team," Braylen says.

Those connections continue long after the training ends. Technicians regularly exchange phone numbers, share best practices, and become valuable resources for one another when challenges arise.

Building Skills That Matter Every Day

The trainings provide practical, hands-on instruction covering the skills maintenance professionals use every day, including:

• HVAC systems
• Electrical repairs
• Plumbing and water leak repairs
• Drywall repair
• Framing
• General day-to-day maintenance techniques

By expanding their knowledge in multiple trades, technicians leave better prepared to confidently address maintenance issues in their communities.

Braylen has already seen measurable results.

"I've noticed I'm receiving fewer calls about common maintenance issues because we're teaching those skills during the training," he says. "Technicians are returning to their communities with the confidence to solve problems on their own."

Investing in the Backbone of Our Communities

While Community Managers are often the first people residents interact with, Braylen believes maintenance technicians play an equally vital role.

"Our maintenance technicians are the backbone of our communities," he says. "Without a strong maintenance team, we wouldn't be able to operate our communities efficiently."

Their work directly impacts resident satisfaction, safety, and the overall quality of every community Roots manages.

By investing in ongoing education, Roots is equipping technicians with the knowledge and confidence to resolve issues faster, improve home quality, and better serve residents every day.

A Culture of Growth

One of the biggest surprises for Braylen has been the enthusiasm technicians bring to every training session.

"What has surprised me the most is the number of maintenance technicians who are genuinely excited to show up, learn, and improve their skills."

That eagerness reflects a culture where continuous improvement is embraced and where employees are encouraged to grow professionally.

For Braylen, that's one of the most rewarding parts of his role.

"I enjoy building teams that are ready to rise to any challenge," he says. "At Roots, it's rewarding to help develop maintenance teams that continue improving our homes, our communities, and the experience for our residents."

Stronger Teams. Stronger Communities.

Beyond technical instruction, these trainings foster camaraderie, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

"One of my favorite parts of these trainings is the camaraderie they create and knowing that we're investing in the growth and success of our maintenance department," Braylen shares.

As the program continues to expand, its impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

"These trainings are helping pave the way for stronger maintenance technicians, stronger teams, and a better future for Roots Management."

That investment ultimately supports the company's broader mission.

By developing the people who care for our communities every day, Roots Management Group is creating safer homes, stronger teams, and better experiences for residents. Better-trained maintenance technicians mean repairs are completed correctly, problems are resolved more efficiently, and communities remain places residents are proud to call home.

At Roots, investing in our people means investing in the future, and Braylen Reed's Regional Maintenance Training program is helping build that future one technician, one community, and one home at a time.