CEO moved by creativity in a door-decorating contest to help build morale during COVID-19 crisis
About 40 people who live at a LYND-managed apartment community have been awarded two months free rent for their inspiring messages to fellow residents and all people who are trying to cope with the coronavirus crisis. One resident in Houston, Texas even received six months free rent.
LYND created the Stand Strong, Stand Together Door Contest, inviting residents at all 65 of its apartment communities to decorate their front doors over a two-week period with messages of hope and inspiration. The goal was to help boost spirits and morale, and promote a sense of community at a time when people are isolated in their homes. LYND manages 20,000 apartment units in 11 states.
The winner from each participating community thought they would be receiving one-month’s free rent for their efforts, but during a Zoom call with all of the winners, LYND CEO David Lynd surprised the group with an additional free month.
“I was so overwhelmed with the level of work and creativity the residents put into this project, that I decided on the spur of the moment to make it two free months of free rent for all of winners,” said LYND. “We are trying to do all that we can to support our residents, whom I consider party of my extended family, at this very trying time.”
All of the winners’ names were put into a drawing and one name, Ashley, was selected the grand prize winner and received six months free rent. Once told of the news on that same Zoom call, she revealed she experienced the death of a loved one related to COVID-19 and lost her job around the same time.
“It’s a hard time, just rough right now so I put my heart and soul into my door,” said Ashley.
The contest is just one of several initiatives the various communities are undertaking. LYND is partnering with local food trucks and restaurants in each city to offer residents discounted meals. It’s also sending a tri-weekly newsletter that informs residents of free online educational sources, feel-good stories and entertainment programs available to them online.
To helps support the health care heroes fighting COVID-19, LYND is donating $5 from each rent it’s collecting through June to the American Red Cross and the HCA Hope Fund.
LYND manages communities in the following U.S. cities:
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, Texas
- Chicago, Illinois
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- New Orleans and Lafayette, Louisiana
- Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Roanoke, Virginia
- Vernon, Oklahoma
Link to video zoom call of David Lynd, LYND CEO, announcing grand prize winner:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/
Link to photos of winning door decorating entries and grand prize winner:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/
About LYND:
Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, LYND is a privately held, national real estate company that specializes in third-party management of multifamily real estate assets, responsible for some 20,000 apartment units in 11 states, LYND ranks as one of the premiere multifamily management companies in the country. For more information, visit www.lynd.com.
