In the Media
Kettler Senior Vice President Wins Highest Award from Property Management Association
December 1, 2006 Multi-Housing News
By Kelly Sheehan
The Property Management Association (PMA) recently awarded the Alvin L. Sussman Award to Richard Knapp, senior vice president of Kettler, a development firm based in Vienna, Va. and formerly known as KSI Services Inc.
“It’s a cliché, but it’s true—it’s an award to the entire organization,” Knapp told MHN. “Development is a team sport, not an individual sport.”
The Alvin L. Sussman Award is the association’s highest honor, recognizing professionals who donate their time and expertise to advance PMA and the industry. Knapp said that he has spoken at several PMA lectures.
“I provided them with a developer’s perspective about issues focusing on the nuts and bolts that property managers should know about, such as land and basic real estate economics, along with an overview of multifamily products and markets,” he added. “All things that help property managers better navigate a complex environment.”
At Kettler, Knapp oversees the firm’s acquisitions and predevelopment planning, as well as its marketing and financing of rental and condominium communities. Knapp also spearheaded the 1989 formation of the firm’s multifamily division. Within the branch, he oversaw project design, acquisition of land and apartment buildings, financing and property management.
In addition to the Alvin L. Sussman Award, Knapp was recognized for his desire to engage in conversation with residents of Kettler development. “It’s important to be close to the communities rather than ensconced in the office,” Knapp said. “What better way to get close to residents than to be at the property, interacting with them?”
Knapp has received other industry awards, including Pillars of the Industry recognition from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Best Practices Award for renovation and conversion.