My heart is sad today. A terrific Service Tech is leaving the property (and the industry) where I have lived since 2007. He has been with the property for 18 years, almost from the beginning! Why is he leaving. He is kinda fed up with the industry. One call every other week, no recognition, tiny pay increases, turnover in staff, etc, etc! Perhaps it is time to rethink how we treat our Maintenance staff (all staff really) in our industry. Manager's at many companies at least once a year for fellowship, learning & recognition. What do we do for our service tech's? Manager's have access to networking at Apartment Association meetings and events. Do we invite and encourage our Service tech's to attend? Are our service Tech's included in the budget process? Why not? Are they included in Customer Service workshops and training? They see the residents more than the office staff! Our Service Tech's are plumbers, carpenters, electricians, pool experts, skilled in HVAC, problem solvers, customer servie reps, etc. We expect so much from them and seem to give so little. Do we actually VALUE our Service Teach & make sure they know they are valued? Oh yes, we have gotten better through the years, however, I think we have a long, long way to go. God Bless of Service Teachnician!! We couldn't run our properties without YOU!