When USA Properties Fund bought a Bay Area apartment community where Roger Brown was working in 2002, he worried about his future.
Brown, whose wife had just passed and was raising their two school-aged sons on his own, was concerned about the new company, his job and home, since he lived on the property as a maintenance technician.
But the acquisition of the apartment community became “a blessing,” providing much stability and numerous opportunities for Brown and his sons.
‘THEY’VE GIVEN ME THE TOOLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL’
Fast-forward two decades, the company has sold the apartment community, but continues to invest in Brown.
“They’ve gone out of their way to help me,” says Brown, who recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with USA Properties, including the last 18 years at Terracina at Morgan Hill.
“USA has invested so much in me with training,” says Brown, maintenance supervisor at Terracina at Morgan Hill. “They’ve given me the tools to be successful. There’s nothing at this property that I can’t do.”
His confidence is backed by decades of experience – and training.
Before Brown joined the multifamily housing industry, he was an airport technician at the Oakland International Airport. For several years, he balanced both jobs – the airport during the day and handling maintenance in the late afternoon and evening.
“I knew everything I touched had to be correct, 100% perfect,” says Brown, adding that a mistake at the airport could have life-changing results for passengers.
It’s the same commitment he brings every day to work with USA Properties.
“Everything I do in someone’s home, I make sure to do it right the first time,” says Brown, who oversees a two-person maintenance team at Terracina at Morgan Hill. “I want people to sleep at night and not worry.”
His dedication and hard work have helped him land many jobs during the past four decades, from a position at a nuclear reactor to offshore oil rigs.
“I’ve done some jobs that I would never want to do again,” says Brown, who moved from Louisiana to California when he was 19 years old.
USA Properties has given Brown opportunities and stability.
“I don’t like to bounce around,” says Brown, who was at USA Properties’ Heritage Park at Hilltop affordable senior apartment community in Richmond for a couple of years before moving to Terracina at Morgan Hill. “When I work some place, I like to hunker down.”
And that’s good for Brown, his family – and residents.
“I’ve come to know so many families,” he says. “Some of the kids grow up, get married and they want to come back and live here.”
‘USA HAS ALWAYS MADE ME FEEL LIKE FAMILY’
Like Brown’s oldest son, now in his early 30s, who grew up and rents an apartment at Terracina at Morgan Hill. So, Brown is just a short walk from his son – and grandson, who was born in July 2022.
And USA Properties is part of the family.
“USA has always made me feel like family,” he says. “They’ve given me the privilege to raise my boys and take care of them. USA sees the person, not just the position. I always want to show my appreciation through my work.”
He brings that appreciation and happiness to residents at Terracina at Morgan Hill.
“It’s the little things that make a difference,” says Brown, who knows some residents are struggling, whether they’re dealing with a health issue, a job loss or the death of a loved one. A happy face on a repair order tag or just kind words can make a difference. “When I walk away from you, I want to leave you with something positive.”
Away from work, Brown enjoys bike riding, playing basketball and walks in the park.
“I don’t look or act my age,” laughs Brown, who is remarried and likes to travel with his wife. The couple have traveled to the Bahamas, Canada and her native Philippines. “I love seeing new places.
