At Epoch Residential, our success is built on the dedication, expertise, and commitment of our employees. We’re excited to introduce you to one of our key team members, David Lafrance, who has been an integral part of our journey for nearly three decades. As our Regional Maintenance Supervisor, David ensures that all properties in our portfolio are maintained to the highest standards, creating exceptional living experiences for our residents.
From Framing Houses to Leading Maintenance Teams
David’s journey into property management began in an unexpected way. After high school, he worked for a framing company in Orlando alongside his best friend. One of the projects they took on was framing the house of a former VP at Epoch. Impressed with David’s work, the VP offered him an opportunity to remodel an apartment complex in Jacksonville, Florida – Pine Wood Village (The Reserve at Deerwood after remodel).
After a two-year remodel, David was offered a position as a Maintenance Technician. “After a year, I was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor,” David recalls. He spent several years in this role, moving from property to property as they were sold or developed, including Madison at Deerwood, Key Isle, The Estates at Park Avenue, Thornton Park, and Las Ventanas. With each transfer, David gained more experience and responsibility, eventually being promoted to Regional Maintenance Supervisor. “I’ve now been with Epoch for 28 years,” he says.
A Typical Day in the Life
David’s role as a Regional Maintenance Supervisor is dynamic and hands on. “I try to visit each property as much as possible,” he shares. “There’s usually a special project each community needs help with.” Whether its ordering parts, helping supervisors find the right vendors, or filling in for maintenance staff on vacation, David’s day is packed with problem solving and support.
Building and Leading Strong Teams
When it comes to hiring and training new maintenance staff, David is highly involved. “I like to be involved with the managers when hiring Maintenance Supervisors and will typically train them for the first week or two,” he explains. His hands on approach ensures that new hires are well prepared and supported as they transition into their roles.
One of David’s proudest achievements is mentoring Johnny Owens, a Groundskeeper he hired at Key Isle in 2003. “I quickly promoted him to a Maintenance Tech,” David says. Over his 18 years of service, Johnny advanced from Maintenance Tech to Maintenance Supervisor, and eventually moved on to the construction side of our business. He now runs his own construction site, which has experienced great success David shares, clearly proud of Johnny’s success.
Overcoming Challenges
Managing multiple projects across different properties is no easy task, but David has developed a strategy that works. “I work hands on, side by side, mainly with the Maintenance Supervisors,” he explains. This collaborative approach helps him stay on top of the various tasks and ensures that everything runs smoothly.
David cites his time at Las Ventanas, in Boynton Beach, FL, as one of his biggest challenges. “The first four years the property was open, it was challenging to find the right fit for the demanding role of Maintenance Supervisor,” he recalls. “I ran it for five years after that.” The size of the property, with 494 units, retail spaces, nine elevators, three pools, and three hot tubs, made it a particularly demanding project.
Collaboration and Communication
David believes that communication is key to ensuring smooth operations across all properties. “I usually have a group text with each property to ensure that I’m aware of what is going on,” he says. He also makes it a point to be onsite at least once every two weeks, if not more, to stay connected with the team and the residents. “I check all surveys and just speak to the residents for their opinions,” he adds. The maintenance teams typically have very high satisfaction scores in our SatisFacts Surveys and Daivd even won Maintenance Team of the Year for his team at Calirosa Winter Park in
Advice for Aspiring Maintenance Professionals
For those looking to pursue a career in property maintenance, David has some practical advice: “Get your HVAC and CPO certifications and start working on an old property—that’s where you will learn the most.”
David Lafrance’s journey with Epoch Residential is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and passion for excellence. His leadership and hands on approach have made a significant impact on our properties and our team. We’re proud to have him as part of our Epoch family and look forward to many more years of success together. Please join us in celebrating David Lafrance and the incredible work he does every day. His contributions are invaluable, and we’re grateful for his unwavering commitment to making our communities the best they can be!
