Vice President Of Property Services at CONAM Management Corporation

Chris VanDruff is the Vice President of Facility Services at Maxwell Group, Inc., overseeing facility services for 15 senior living communities across six states, totaling 3,400 units.

His responsibilities include training, coordination, and quality control for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehab, respite care, and memory care services.

Previously, VanDruff served as Director of Facilities at Queens University of Charlotte and held facility management roles at Arnot Ogden Hospital and Cornell University, where he spent his longest tenure. A Cornell graduate with a Master’s in Industrial and Labor Relations, he also holds various maintenance and construction certifications and worked as a journeyman plumber/fitter.

VanDruff is passionate about leadership, coaching, and customer service, emphasizing the human aspect of facility management and the importance of kindness, humility, and service to others.

Peter Christenson is a versatile professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and various certifications, including EPA Technician Type Universal, CPO, and CRMT.

He currently serves as Director of Maintenance and Purchasing at Centerspace, managing operations across 70 properties with nearly 13,000 units.

With a strong background in fitness management, maintenance, and team leadership, Peter excels in driving efficiency and achieving financial goals. His military experience in the USMCR further complements his ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.

Jake Straight is a seasoned multifamily maintenance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.

Currently serving as a Multi-Site Maintenance Supervisor at Thrive Communities, Jake has a diverse background that spans various roles, including groundskeeper, service supervisor, leasing agent, and property manager.

His career began with Equity Residential, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Jake's unique career path has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of both the management and maintenance sides of property operations.

This dual expertise allows him to bridge gaps between teams, fostering better communication and efficiency in property management.

Jake is passionate about the multifamily industry and is actively involved with industry organizations such as the Washington Multifamily Housing Association (WMFHA) and the National Apartment Association (NAA).

Dedicated to professional growth and the development of his team, Jake emphasizes the importance of cross-training, networking, and continuous learning. He is committed to creating positive work environments and advocates for greater recognition and training for maintenance professionals.

Jake's long-term goal is to transition into property ownership, where he aims to build a company that prioritizes employee well-being and exemplifies best practices in the industry.

Mark Sharp, the Vice President of Facilities at N.O.A.H Property Management, brings

over two decades of unparalleled expertise in the multifamily industry to his role. With a

comprehensive background that spans every facet of property management, Mark has

accumulated invaluable insights and honed his skills through various positions, from on-

site roles to supplier partnerships and corporate environments.

Mark's dedication to excellence is not only in his extensive experience but also in his

commitment to industry leadership. He served admirably for eight years as a Board

Member of the Apartment Association, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills

during two terms as President of the Upper State Apartment Association and as an

Executive Board Member of the South Carolina Apartment Association.

His dedication to professional development is showcased through his numerous

certifications, including the CAMT Designation, Universal EPA Certification / Proctor,

and CPO Certification. Mark's passion for education extends beyond his advancement;

he serves as an educator for the industry, imparting knowledge through continuing

education courses for Maintenance and EPA Certification.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Mark is a dedicated swim coach for Eastside

High School, exemplifying his commitment to mentorship and community involvement.

When he's not on the pool deck, Mark enjoys treasured moments with his children and

family, exploring nature through hiking, and discovering new bike trails. Mark Sharp is

not just a leader in property management; he's a multifaceted individual dedicated to

making a positive impact both professionally and personally.

Serial Innovator- Ideation, Creation, Conveyance & Implementation Specialist
Strong professional, skilled in Strategic Planning, Creative Problem-solving, Marketing Analysis, Business Plan Analysis, Organizational Policy & Implementation, Operations Management, Sales, Guerrilla Marketing and Non-profit Management.
Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in built-environment systems technology industries. Has successfully founded and fostered several startups and solution initiatives from inception through diapers, growing toward successful exits.
Jim founded Capital F&S for customers and employees, exiting in 2018. In creating Cap-Com, LLC, America's first wireless large-scale apartment intercom, he learned the dynamics of international technology trade.

In 2017, Jim helped OneEvent Technologies hone and market a revolutionary security/advanced fire warning platform, shaving nearly 20 minutes off fire response times.

Since 2014, Jim served as founder and now as chairman of FM Pipeline Team, Inc. 501(c)(3); engaging, enlightening & energizing the #NextGenOfFM, while building the team and program toward international stature among numerous startups and board posts.
Jim recently completed photovoltaics courses toward renewable energy platform specialization and serves in the Experimental Aircraft Association's Vette Seaplane base, a 1-week harbor for hundreds of seaplanes over many years.

He leads a team of 4, building a Pietenpol Aircraft, a scratch-built two-place open-cockpit aircraft due for completion in Summer 2024 and serves as a recurrent FaciliCast podcast host for the built environment and Facility Management industries.

James Ohrn is the Area Maintenance Manager at Avenue 5 Residential, bringing over a decade of experience in multifamily maintenance.

Starting his career in 2012, James transitioned from running a training business to excelling in the maintenance field, driven by a personal tragedy.

His journey saw rapid advancement from a maintenance technician to a regional manager, emphasizing the importance of dedication, continuous learning, and transformative leadership.

Passionate about training and personal development, James is committed to fostering strong team relationships and leveraging technology and innovation to build resilient and efficient maintenance teams.

His expertise and inspiring story offer valuable insights into the evolving multifamily maintenance industry.

Joshua Patrick is the regional maintenance director for CWS Apartment Homes.

His career in multifamily maintenance began unexpectedly after a downturn in the welding industry led him to apply for a maintenance technician position.

Starting from a porter role, Joshua quickly advanced, gaining expertise in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more.

He is known for his proactive approach and dedication to continuous learning, which includes earning an EPA certification and studying technical manuals.

Joshua has managed teams, overseen multiple properties, and implemented preventive maintenance strategies, significantly improving operations.

Now managing 20 properties in Austin, Joshua balances operational duties with capital projects and compliance tasks. He emphasizes confidence, risk-taking, and continuous improvement.

Joshua aspires to be remembered as a supportive leader who shares his knowledge and empowers others in the multifamily maintenance industry.