Associate Spotlight: Deann Gibbs

At CASTO, people are our most important asset. Our associates are at the heart of everything we do, and they are one of the reasons we can go above and beyond for our residents, clients, and the communities we serve. Deann Gibbs, Senior Property Manager at Sawmill Commons, has been a part of the CASTO team for over twenty years.  

Hear from Deann on her time at CASTO, major projects at popular CASTO Community Sawmill Commons, and trends in residential leasing.  

Tell us about your background with CASTO. 
Twenty-five years ago, I shopped a CASTO Community called Glenmuir and was astonished by the floor plans, the curb appeal, building style, and professionalism of the on-site staff. After researching other CASTO properties, I knew I had to be part of the Casto team. 
In May 1998, I joined the CASTO family as assistant manager at Chestnut Hill. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of being the lease-up manager at Chestnut Hill, Lakes of Olentangy, and Glenchester Lakes. I have also managed other CASTO properties as well. 

What project have you liked working on the most while at CASTO? 
The most rewarding, yet challenging, project I’ve worked on at CASTO was the renovation of Sawmill Commons. A few years prior to the renovations, my staff and I strategically aligned lease expirations by building so leases would expire in the same month. The discussions that followed, with the residents, were very challenging, entailing a lot of creativity on our part to explain the benefit behind the project. However, to our delight, a lot of the residents stayed with us and relocated into renovated apartments. 
Then came the pandemic during our lease up… who would have thought! This challenge also made us think outside the box about ways to generate traffic into the community.  
Fast forward to 2023- we have a beautiful community located within a short drive to Dublin Bridge Street District. We can compete with newer construction, have successfully leased apartments, and have a very long reservation list of future residents. Now, that’s rewarding. 

What sets CASTO apart from other organizations? 
CASTO is known industry-wide for having an excellent product and caring about their associates. I’ve had many new hires state this was why they sought out CASTO. Some of the many reasons I am a long-term CASTO associate are the family atmosphere, caring and supportive supervisors, and long-term associates (some have left but came back “home”) who have become family and friends.   

What changes or trends do you see happening in multifamily leasing and management? 
Prior to being hired by CASTO, I had many years of prior property management experience. I’ve seen many changes and trends come and go. Most recently, I’ve noticed that the traditional summer leasing season no longer exists. At Sawmill Commons, my staff and I notice that our traffic dwindles starting in late June. In years past, June was when we began to get our leasing rush. March and April have become the “in” months to search and lease an apartment.  

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