Every December, one of the owners of this apartment complex slaps on a Santa hat and makes the rounds. Surveys are sent out a week earlier. The owner takes a full day to visit every single apartment, and this is a big place. He is friendly, he looks people in the eyes, and he really listens.

The owner goes over each concern a resident brings up and he knows his stuff. He can discuss everything from how heating dry air is easier than heating moist......to the proper placement of outdoor lighting.

This year I mentioned the unofficial mayors and he knew exactly what I meant. He told me that he treasures them.

Not only does he visit every single apartment to discuss our concerns, not only does he listen, he also offers everyone a bottle of champagne or sparkling cider. 

Best of all, he does something with what he hears from us. Change actually happens. Ideas are considered, decisions made, and the entire place is the better for it. This apartment complex has come a long way, for many reasons, including a guy in a Santa hat.