Kristen Gruza
About Kristen Gruza
Kristen Gruza is a Community Manager with extensive experience in property management, having worked in various roles across multiple organizations since 1999. Currently employed at Waterton, she has a strong background in managing community budgets, conducting board meetings, and overseeing property operations.
Current Role at Waterton
Kristen Gruza has been serving as a Community Manager at Waterton since 2018. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing community operations in the Uptown Dallas and Plano areas. Her duties include managing resident relations, ensuring compliance with community regulations, and enhancing the overall living experience for residents.
Previous Experience in Property Management
Prior to her current position, Kristen held various roles in property management. She worked at The Michelson Organization as an Area Manager from 2012 to 2014 and as a Property Manager from 2009 to 2012. Additionally, she served as a Regional Property Manager at Pinnacle for six months in 2014 and managed properties at Francis Property and New Life Property Management. Her extensive experience spans over two decades in the property management sector.
Education and Training Background
Kristen studied at Del Mar College, focusing on Business and Psychology from 1997 to 1998. She also attended The University of Texas at Austin for one year in 1996. Throughout her career, she has facilitated training sessions at Annual Management Meetings, emphasizing her commitment to professional development within the property management field.
Achievements in Property Management
During her tenure at Pinnacle Family of Companies and The Michelson Organization, Kristen achieved notable results. She maintained occupancy rates between 95% and 99% while increasing effective rent by 8% to 10%. Additionally, she managed the renovation of two 15,000 square foot clubhouses, ensuring adherence to budget constraints. Her strategic marketing plans also contributed to generating new traffic to the communities she managed.
Community Engagement and Management Skills
Kristen has demonstrated strong community engagement skills throughout her career. At FirstService Residential, she conducted monthly Board of Director meetings to discuss financials and project updates. She managed a portfolio of seven single-family home communities, overseeing a total of 2,230 homes. Her ability to perform weekly inspections and manage a team of up to 41 people highlights her leadership and organizational capabilities.