Last month, we send out a resident survey and asked all of you living in the community to give us your feedback. Not only did the results help us throw an amazing event of your choice, but we gained some insight into what you wanted to see change at The Pointe Brodie Creek. Now, we have some great ideas for social media, events, programs, and more.

To review these results, we went live on Facebook (video here) last week. In addition to revealing the survey’s results, we also addressed some questions and comments people had. If you do not want to watch the full video, a transcript of the conversation is below.

Resident Survey Results

Hey, everyone! Hey! We are live, and we are so excited to reveal some of the results from last month’s resident survey that you guys completed. We had a really good response rate. Yes! About 15% of you guys responded.

Thank you guys so much for participating. We really do appreciate that. We really wanted to get your feedback on the kinds of events you like, the things you like that we’ve been doing on social media, and some of the things that you didn’t like. And then, collect your suggestions on things that we could do better or things we could do differently.

So, what we will do right now is go through all the results and give you our responses and tell you what we are doing with the ideas that you guys had. So exciting! Again, thank you so much for participating. We really do appreciate it.

If you have any questions while we are doing this, please comment. If we on are not live whenever you’re on Facebook, and you see it later, comment still and we will answer those questions come time. I’m going to be monitoring this, so if at any time, you want to stop us with a question, stop us! I’m monitoring the video. We will make sure we get those answered while we are here.

So, just to give you a rundown of the topics that we’re going to cover: First, we will go over social media really quickly. We’ll give you feedback on what you said you wanted to see more of and where you wanted to see it. Then, we will go into events. So, your feedback on some of the events we’ve had and then go over all your ideas for events.

Then, we’ll talk about some programs that we’re thinking about starting. Then, we’ll take questions and answer some of the comments that were just unique things we wanted to follow up with that people brought up. Put me on the spot! I’m prepared!

Social Media Platforms

Let’s get started. Bryn, do you want to talk about what people were saying that they followed us the most on?

Yes! So, we seem to be followed 87% more on Facebook. Which is not surprising, most of you are on Facebook. You’re on it right now if you’re watching this!

We do have an Instagram. It’s awesome. Sometimes, certain posts are not posted on Facebook. So, if you aren’t following us on Instagram, please follow us. We have fun boomerangs. Half of you guys said you followed us on Instagram. Sometimes we do just Facebook-only contests or just Instagram-only contest and videos. You want to win it all! Yeah, you have to catch them all like Pokémon.

Then, another thing is we have a Snapchat. I love Snapchat. I’m always posting on Snapchat. I would really like to post more on our Snapchat. So, if you are not following us on Snapchat, do that. The more followers we get, we will do videos. Like I said, I really want to do more videos. Our office staff is pretty hysterical sometimes. You want to watch them, too. A lot of you guys were actually saying, “Hey, you should be on Snapchat!” Well, we are! We are.

Pointebrodiecreek, I believe, is the account name. Which is pretty much what everything else is, too. I’m following it, I know that! In the comments for this video, tell us what you would like to see us do on Snapchat. We want to see all the ideas and all the activities because we have all the amenities.

Social Media Posts

Then, from that feedback, we also asked you guys what you wanted to see more of. It looks like you guys voted the most for contests. We love giving away stuff. Those are always fun.

Videos: we’ve been doing “Lounge & Learn” videos and live videos like this one. So, we will definitely do more of those.

Then, you guys also requested more pet highlights and resident highlights because you like to see peoples’ pets and learn about your neighbors. And I like to see your pets! You know I want your pet in the office at all times. We have a big jar of treats when you walk in. So, if that’s not friendly enough to show you we want to lure your pets in…

If you really want to be featured in a video or you want us to share some of your pictures with your cat or something in your apartment, make sure that you’re tagging us so we can see them. Then, comment on this post. Tell one of the ladies in the office. We would gladly highlight anybody if they want to. Yeah! We love y’all. You’re awesome. We want to show you off. Absolutely! Everyone deserves that. Absolutely!

That’s all for social media. Basically, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat – we will focus on those. Post more contests and videos and hopefully give you guys some great content. If y’all have cool ideas for contests, too, we love to hear your opinions. Like I said, we really appreciate this survey because we got to hear personally from you guys and you guys have all the cool ideas. Sometimes we’re lame and we need the help. You guys are awesome.

If you don’t bring us cool ideas, we will continue to be lame. Well, not being lame, but, we’ll just say “Everyone seems to like this, so we will keep doing this and until someone says….” Like live trivia! Last year, we had somebody go, “It would be really great if we did live trivia.” Then, we did it twice last year and it was so much fun. It was a blast! It was so much fun. We got to give away great prizes to the winning teams.

Events

Speaking of events, you guys had a lot of really great suggestions. So, if you want to go down the list, there were a lot and we wanted to give you some feedback. Some things we were already planning, so you guys are really smart. Some things we definitely want to add into the schedule now that you’ve brought it up.

Outdoor Events

So, some things that you guys talked about is using other spaces for our community events. We are so down. We’re so ready for summer and for everything to be pretty again outside. As soon as that happens, we will be out by the pool again during the summer. If you guys have not been with us during the summertime, we do our Thirsty Thursdays outside, typically.

Pool parties are absolutely going to happen. Red, White & Brew was a blast. So much fun. We will use the green space area, too. We had a s’mores event that was awesome. We love that. If you guys loved it, too, let us know. We don’t want to keep doing the same things over and over again, but if you guys love it, then we will do it over and over again!

We also had that pet event a couple of weeks ago. That gave us a lot of great ideas just from the pet owners that came and suggested things. So, we’ve got some pet-friendly things happening in the works, too. Again, we love pets! Love them. So, yes, we are thinking about cool ideas. Again, if you have any specific ideas, let us know.

Game Nights

Yeah! Another thing was game nights. So, I don’t know if you guys got the email, but this Thursday, we are having an Olympian night with Jenga and Connect Four. The pool tables, too, and we will give you a gold medal if you win. I don’t know who doesn’t want one of those.

Aside from it just being a big Olympics watch party, we’re going to have special treats and drinks from different countries. So cool, y’all. If you get there between 5:00 and 6:00 and register to enter a tournament, like if you want to play pool and win that gold medal, just make sure you get there between 5:00 and 6:00. At 6, we are going to start.

We’re only going to start the competition when we know how many people want to play against each other. We can fight over Jenga. I don’t know if I’ll win, but I’ll try.

Movie Nights

Another thing, too, is movie nights. We got a lot of suggestions about movie nights. We had an “Elf” night where we watched “Elf” in the movie theater. Oh my gosh, it was a blast and we had an awesome turnout. If you want more of that – awesome! Let us know. If you have a specific movie, let us know that, too. We did that in the past whenever we’d get a new video on our Vudu. We would let you guys know.

Maybe if y’all are interested, we could do something where we have something come out in our Vudu, we’ll put it on, and let you guys know what time. If that’s even something you guys would like! Just let us know.

Seasons of series like “Game of Thrones.” Maybe next year before the season starts, we could just have watch party. Yes! We had it every Sunday last season and it was pretty great. You’ve never watched “Game of Thrones” until you’ve watched it in the theater. Oh, I bet. Oh, the beginning! Oh yes. It’s life.

So, let us know! I know “Grey’s Anatomy” was a thing and “Walking Dead,” too. We had some Deadheads that watched it. Love it!

Trivia Nights

Trivia nights! We already did that. Yeah, a couple people said they wanted more of it so, yes! We’re going to do it again.

Charity Events

Charity events! This was one of the most awesome ideas I think we got. We did Helping Hands in the past. We’ve done food drives in the past for food banks. But, not recently. So, if there’s a specific charity that you’re really passionate about or if you know somebody that works at a non-profit, let us know! If you work at a non-profit or you’re part of some charity events or organizations, we want to lift you guys up! So, definitely let us know.

We could host a Thirsty Thursday specifically around that or some idea like that. Let us know! Come to the office or comment to let us know. We will reach out to you and put it on the schedule. I want to do that! Absolutely.

Family-Friendly Events

So, another thing was more family-friendly events. So, mocktails, stuff like that, we are thinking of other ideas. That’s coming soon. Stay tuned. We understand that sometimes you feel uncomfortable if you don’t drink. You don’t want to go to Happy Hour, but you still want to hang out with your neighbors. So, we’re going to have more events that are friendly for people whether or not they drink.

Sometimes you’re just not feeling wine and we get it. At the Elf movie night, we had milk and cookies and it was awesome. Yeah, I dressed up in a onesie. It was great. It was perfect. It was mine. No one told me to. I did it myself. That’s because you’re the best, Bryn. No, it’s just because I’m a kid. Kid at heart. Yes, absolutely. We will definitely think more on that.

Wine Tastings

Next is wine tastings! You guys had a lot of suggestions for this. We love those, too. Actually, like she said earlier, you guys are super smart and were already thinking what we were thinking. So, these will become kind of a quarterly thing. We are going to try to do them more often to see how the turnout goes. We’re working on one possibly for next month, we just have to confirm vendors and whatnot. We have the wine room for a reason, so we will use it.

We actually had somebody comment and say, “Why isn’t the wine cellar and poker lounge open and free to use?” Guess what? It is! Surprise! You must have missed the email a few months ago because we unlocked it and people have been coming in here to play games all the time.

So, hey you, come play! Come have your friends over for some wine in the wine cellar. Do your own wine tastings. We love it.

Another big thing, though, with that, please make sure to read your policies and procedures handbook just to be mindful of other residents. Be mindful of your neighbors and things like that. We do try to make this amenity something that is utilized for what it is intended.

So, all of you studiers that are in school… I get it. There are so many comfy spots in the clubhouse to study. Atmosphere is a must. I would suggest using our conference room, our library, and cyber café. If there’s anything we can do to accommodate your study session and have it be more useful, let us know. Obviously, when it comes to things like the wine cellar, you’re not drinking wine while you study. But, just keep this [room] for the wine tasters and poker players. We keep games only in the poker lounge, so study isn’t a game.

So, don’t bring your laptops and stuff up here. Then, people who want to play games will be in conflict. Conflict is never good. We don’t want ink and notes damaging the table. That would be bad. So, thank you in advance. If you want to, come up here and play a game with your buddies. Come on! It’s free and open.

There’s still a little security access pad, but it’s unlocked, and you don’t have to enter a code or anything. Yeah, just walk in! If the clubhouse is open, this room is open. 10 people per room. Don’t try and get 30 of your closest friends in here at one time. No, don’t do that.

Brunch Events

So, another thing was brunch with mimosas. I may have been one of those people, too! I’m not going to name names. I’ve harassed you a little bit about that because it was a great idea. We’ve had them in the past, but haven’t had one recently. So. we actually had it in the plans for this year, too. Like she said, you guys were thinking where we already were. So, check your emails! It’s going to come. We’ll tell you. It’s coming.

Cocktail Options

So, another thing was a featured cocktail every month. It’s coming! We love that. Some of you have been here for years and you remember that we used to have a regular featured cocktail. We’re going to start doing that, I think, at least once a month at events and have a special cocktail. Thursday, you’re going to have three different ones! So, that will be fun.

If there’s something specific you guys are feeling or want that month, let us know. Like I said, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Let us know. We are here for you. We’re on the same team.

Vegetarian Options

Aside from just asking for more special cocktails, some of you also requested more vegetarian options when we do have snacks. We hear you. So, we are definitely going to start having more vegetarian options for you guys.

Again, another thing: If you guys have something in mind that you specifically like to eat while you have a glass of wine or not a glass of wine or whatever the featured cocktail is, especially those nights, let us know. Comment below!

Longer Hours/Other Days

Last thing. Okay, so this is a great thing that you guys brought up. Your Thursday nights from 5:00 to 7:00 for Thirsty Thursday are every week. We know that some of some of you guys can’t make it out every Thursday and we miss you guys, too.

So, we got suggestions for having possible longer hours or another weekday. We are totally down, actually. It is something that we would love to think about maybe doing a Friday or something like that at a different hour.

We just had that pet event on a Monday. Yes! Going up on a Monday. That’s what we did. Again, always check your emails because that’s the way we will announce these upcoming events. It will be something that we will think about again. If there are a specific times you want, let us know. Give us a shout.

We want to hear from you again, and over and over again because we love y’all. So, let us know and we will keep this in mind. We will definitely be telling you, “Hey, the next time we have we have an event, it will be extended for an hour.” Or, we are definitely going to be including our upcoming events on days other than Thursdays just in case you guys can’t make the happy hours on Thursdays.

We would we hate for you to come on a Thursday if we’re having it on Friday. That would make me sad. Consistency is also key. You always know where to find us on a Thursday night. Yes, always.

New Resident Programs

Next, we’re going to talk about something that we kind of had some ideas for, but we wanted to gauge interest for. So, aside from taking in your comments about what we post on social and the kinds of events we have, we threw out things like resident-led clubs and cooking classes just to see if you guys had any interest before we did more in-depth research and tried to bring a vendor in or something like that.

We got great response. We did. The numbers are outrageous and up there. One of my favorites is the cooking class idea. So, if you guys want to be featured in a cooking class event, let us know. 66% of the people who took the resident survey said they would be down to do a cooking class. So, we’re going to start doing some research on local people that might host something like that here or maybe find a place we can go and host some of you guys at a place to take a class.

We also had a great response to group fitness classes. You know, we have the virtual fitness center. So, you can go in there with just you or a bunch of friends and do a group class any time you want.

But, a lot of you said, “Sometimes, I’m not quite sure I know what I’m doing.” So, if you know somebody who is a fitness instructor, give them our contact info because we would love to coordinate some kind of event with them. That would be awesome. Yes, we would really love that.

Again, this is something we’re researching. Research means we want to hear from you. So, if this is something that you guys would like, please let us now. If you have certain ideas, let us know. I think a lot people would really like to have book clubs, or something like that. We would like to do stuff like that for y’all. I think that’s so cool. I don’t know how to cook. Jessica won’t teach me, so…[laughs] You can over any time you want.

We do want to know, though, if this was something we did regularly, would you regularly come? If the instructor required a fee, would it be something that you guys wouldn’t mind paying for? We are just trying to gauge your interest to see if it’s something that we can include our amenity base already or it’s something that we need to create some kind of program for that you might pay for.

So, comment below if that’s something you might be interested in. Then we can do more research. We might do an incentive program. Is that something that you guys would like? I don’t know a specific example. We don’t know. We would like to know: Should we look more into this since you expressed interest?

Resident-Led Clubs

Another thing I want to talk about is clubs, so resident-led clubs. Like, if you want to start a club here, we would totally support that. We talked about social media Facebook pages. If you have groups that you want to lead like a running class or a running group, we respect that.

If you want to start a coffee club, a book club…that’s so cool. We are doing some research to see how we could implement this since there was interest in it. Maybe we do some kind of group page under The Pointe Brodie Creek Facebook page. That way, let’s say you did want to start a running club, we could create a running club Facebook page and you can post, “Hey, Tuesday at 6, let’s go running around the neighborhood.” So cool! I think that we could really have fun with that.

So, let us know. Leave us a comment or contact us right there [points below] if you would like to start something like that or you have a really good interest in starting a group yourself.

Resident Comments

Alright, we are going to give you guys more specific, valuable feedback because there were some specific issues that were brought up and specific questions that people had that didn’t fall into clubs or events. Just some random questions that we got. We wanted to make sure you guys got feedback on these.

Pet Waste

So, one of the things was dog waste. Now, I own a dog, too, and they have waste. So, what we do as per your lease agreement and Resident Handbook is make sure that we always clean up after our pets. This has been something that our maintenance guys have been spending an hour-and-a-half on every morning. We have a groundskeeper who we are constantly sending back out to help us out with this issue.

So, we decided to implement something that sister property has already implemented. So, we are kind of familiar with it. It is called Poo Prints. It is a doggy waste program. Basically, you will bring your dog in and we will swab them. For renewals, it will be $20. If it’s a new pet, because you’re a new move-in, it will be $40.

What that will do is hold residents more accountable for their pets and the waste. We will be able to track that down to the resident and then then we will contact them. There will be a fine. That will just hold everyone accountable because this is all a group effort, a team project. Go team.

Can you explain how it works like if you register your pet? How does the whole process work? Because we’re literally going to be able to track someone based on their dog and what waste we turn in to the program, right?

Basically, what we will do – and we have slowly already done a few, and we are getting to the point where we are doing more – but basically what we do is swab the cheeks, each cheek for as long as we can. Like on TV, where you see people do DNA tests? Yes, exactly. It’s a DNA swab. So, we will send those into the lab that we do this through. They will process the DNA into a system.

So, what will happen if we find waste that is not picked up, we will track the waste back to the owner through the system. Also, if you do get this DNA system, your pet, if ever lost, we will be able to track them because of the DNA. So, if your pet is ever found at the vet, they will be able to be tracked if they don’t have a microchip. So, that’s pretty cool, too. It’s a plus-side.

But, the biggest thing is to try to hold people more accountable in keeping the community clean. I know that it’s a frustrating issue. #1: Clean up after your dogs, please. There are bag stations all over the property and our maintenance guys can seriously spend up to a couple hours a day going back just to go back the next day. And that’s so many service requests that they could be doing.

Also, I’ve stepped in it, too. It’s not fun, guys. It’s not fun. As a pet owner myself, I think it’s responsible. It’s something that you should do to always have bags wherever you go. If you take your dog to a public location, would you let them do that there? No. Be mindful of your neighbors. Like I said, we’re a big team. We’re all in this together, so think about the common area and how you would feel if you were like me and to, unfortunately…

Oh, and also, I don’t think you mentioned this, but there is a fine. So, if we are able to make a match with a DNA profiles for a pet we have in the system to waste that we found, that owner will be fined. The fine amounts will only increase if they repeat-offend. After so many offenses, that is cause for eviction. It’s a $100 fine, the very first one.

Like she said, it’s going to get more expensive after that. After so long, it can be a complete termination of your lease agreement. So, please be mindful.

Pest Control

Another problem: spiders! Someone brought this up. I’m terrified of spiders. I get it! We do have pest control. Again, we won’t name names, but one person specifically said, “If I have spiders, why don’t you guys have pest control?” We do! You pay for it in your utility package.

They come every week. Then, quarterly, they will spray outside of buildings along the exterior. If you have an interior request to get something sprayed, let us know and we will put that request in. They will come out on their designated date and if that is something that is just truly not something that can wait, because if there is a spider in my apartment and it was a big one in particular, I would either call the cops or [laughs].

I think the main point is we have pest control services and they can come out sooner if it’s really something that needs to happen. They’ve done that before because, again, this is your utility package and you pay for that. So, we want to help you guys and I never want you to live in that kind of situation.

There is a schedule with our pest control service company and they kind of give each apartment that quarterly rotation of in the hallways, on the outside of the apartment buildings…. So, they are here every week because they have to go in that rotation.

So, if we just need to make them an extra request a week, they don’t mind at all. It’s their whole entire job. They will go in there and spray for you. They actually like to do it. It’s their job and they love doing it. So, let us know because it’s not something you have to live with at all.

Community Messaging

The last thing is about messages. So, I like to tell people, especially new residents or applicants, whatever you might find to be not what you like, there is another person who wants it the exact opposite. So, what we do is try to find that happy medium, guys. We do try diligently to get that happy medium.

So, what we’ve come to, in conclusion, is we are going to start sending the majority of our notifications to you guys through email. Please be sure to always check your emails for events and things like that. When it comes to individual and personal things that pertain to just you and your apartment, let’s say we are sending you a notice or we’re having someone come check on whatever it is today or you have package, text.

Yes, we will send those out just not as frequently. Sorry for those who wanted more texts. It’s hard to find, like you said, that medium. Some people said, “I want to see less text messages.” Some people said, “I want to see less e-mails.” So, we are trying to make that balance.

We can’t, unfortunately, make when it comes to those things, do it for an individual. “You want more texts? Okay, cool. You want more emails? Okay, cool.” It’s a long process, so what we do is try to benefit the majority and [find] what’s most effective and efficient. So, that’s what come to in conclusion. Do expect texts from us, not as many. But, check your emails for sure.

When we talk about all these contests and events we’re planning, we’re going to tell you about those through e-mail and social media, so check those. Make sure that you have the correct email address with us, too. I would hate for you guys to not get any emails. Then, you don’t think that you’re invited to our parties and you’re always invited! Yes, [email protected]. That’s us.

Let us know if you have an email change or anything like that so that we can keep you informed of what’s going on. Sorry that we can’t make it perfect for everyone because we sure do try. We do our best.

Wrapping Up

So, in summary, we talked about social media. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Snapchat, guys! Snapchat! Comment below with what you want to see, what you want us to do more of on social media.

Events: we have brunch coming up, family-friendly events coming up, game nights coming up. This Thursday! The things that you guy requested are definitely going to be put into the event schedule. People asked and we are answering.

Programs: we would love to help you guys start your own clubs if you want to in the community. So, if you want to start some kind of club, let us know and we’ll talk about ways we can maybe help facilitate that. We would also love to start group classes or maybe partner with local vendors and do a paint night or wine tasting night, something like that. That would be a lot of fun!

Again, cooking classes I think are such a cool idea. I can’t cook, y’all! We are going to do some research into how to implement that. If you have any resources that you think would be a perfect fit for this kind of stuff, let us know.

If at any time you have an idea, these ladies are awesome and they’re always taking those in. Thank you guys so much for watching. Thank you for participating in that resident survey. We really do appreciate the feedback. I know we’re here for you guys. Again, we’re a team and we want to make this your home. So, whatever makes you feel at home, whatever you guys need from us, we’re here to help you. Don’t hesitate to let us know.

Follow us on social media. Use the hashtag #BrodieCreekLiving. Sometimes we don’t see the tags, but we always see the hashtags. We want to see what you’re doing and be able to share what you’re doing because you guys are doing amazing things in life. We want to feature you guys, which is something you guys talked about!

Having features and highlights – we want to feature you. That’s how we’ll see you guys is if you hashtag us or tag us. Follow us! Make sure. Do it. We love you guys. We love seeing this stuff.

So, what’s coming up? We’re going to post more on Snapchat, if you’ll follow us, and we will see you guys on Thursday! Yes! You’ll get a gold medal if you win! Bye, guys!

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If you have any other ideas, suggestions, or questions, leave them in the comment section below. You can also contact our office staff at any time to share your feedback.

We are excited for what’s coming to our community in 2018 and hope you are, too!