Marcus Gardner is a facilities manager at Related Affordable who supports the East and New York portfolios. Marcus is excited to contribute to the company’s commitment of not only creating, but also preserving affordable housing across the nation. This mission resonates deeply with his personal values of giving back to the community. As part of an ongoing Q&A series, Related Affordable sat down to learn a bit more about what he does and how much he enjoys working with colleagues on-site.Hi Marcus. Could you tell us a bit about yourself and how you ended up with Related Affordable?My connection with Related Affordable dates back approximately nine years, when I had the opportunity to conduct several REAC inspections on Related properties in my capacity as a REAC Inspector. During this time, I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse group of employees from Related Affordable, an experience I found to be quite enriching. I was already familiar with Facilities Director Danny Morales and Regional Vice President Sabrina Dolla, having met them during previous inspections.These interactions sparked a keen interest in me to become a part of their esteemed team. On one occasion, during an inspection in Massachusetts, I expressed my interest in any available positions. Upon discovering that they were in the process of hiring, I wasted no time in submitting my application. The friendly demeanor and impressive tenure of some of the Related staff members I encountered at various properties further reinforced my desire to be a part of the Related family.Some people might not know what REAC and NSPIRE are. Do you mind explaining that?The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) conducts physical inspections, adhering to the guidelines established by the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) and the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). These standards are implemented to supervise inspections and ensure that affordable housing is kept in a decent, safe and sanitary condition. NSPIRE is a new physical inspection model devised by HUD. This model prioritizes health, safety and functional defects over appearance, especially within individual units. I have the privilege of being part of Related’s regional Facilities team, which travels across the nation to train managers, maintenance staff and facilities team members on these new standards within the Related Affordable portfolio.As a facilities manager, what has been your favorite property to work on?My journey as a facilities manager has taken me across various states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, New York and now Connecticut. Among all the properties I've worked on, Branford Manor, where I'm currently stationed, holds a special place in my heart. The staff here at Branford Manor is exceptional, and their dedication and commitment have made me feel a deep sense of belonging. Upon my arrival, I was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the site, which left an indelible impression on me. I've been here for over two months now, and the level of effort the staff puts in is truly commendable. They give more than 150% of their effort to ensure we will achieve a favorable score on the upcoming NSPIRE inspection. Their dedication not only reflects their commitment to excellence, but also their passion for creating a safe and comfortable environment for the residents. This collective effort and shared vision make Branford Manor my favorite property I work at. Tell us about the day-to-day life in Facilities Management. Can you walk us through it?As a Facilities Manager, my key role is to keep our affordable housing properties ready for NSPIRE inspections. My day-to-day activities involve proactive visits to Related Affordable properties, strategically planned ahead of HUD inspections. The goal is to ensure all properties meet HUD compliance standards and to assist with their year-round maintenance needs. In my role, I balance various tasks daily. These include aligning with team members and external contractors. A large part of my job is to ensure properties comply with REAC and NSPIRE standards, especially within individual units. I also manage unexpected situations and promptly address any maintenance issues that could pose serious risks. I’m not one to shy away from manual labor, so I often get my hands dirty when needed. Whatever the team needs at that moment to complete the task at hand, I avail myself. I'm proud to say that since taking on this role, all the sites I've worked with have achieved impressive scores, reflecting our steadfast commitment to maintaining high standards across our portfolio.Have you always worked in the affordable housing industry?My professional journey has consistently revolved around either affordable housing or community outreach. I was born in Jamaica, but my formative years were spent in Toronto. There, I established my own construction company and dedicated my efforts towards affordable housing. Seeking further education, I relocated to the United States for college, attending Nassau Community College before transferring to Berkley College. Post-graduation, I joined Safeguard Properties during the housing crisis, which eventually led me to transition to HUD and take on the role of a REAC Inspector. My affinity for affordable housing stems from a deep-rooted passion for giving back to the community. In 2003, I founded a charity with the aim of assisting underprivileged individuals in Jamaica and Africa. Today, my work continues to reflect this commitment as I strive to ensure safe, sanitary and decent living environments for residents. It’s a role that aligns with my lifelong commitment of making a positive impact on people’s lives.
