CityScape Maintenance Manager Wins National Award For Handling Catastrophe
One water heater bursting in a high-rise apartment building is a headache. But multiple at the same time is one of a maintenance manager’s worst nightmares.
That’s what Aurelio Rios found himself facing at CityScape Residences, the 25-story luxury community owned by Mark-Taylor Residential in Phoenix.
Water was streaming into more than 20 apartments as Rios sprang into action.
“Without hesitation, Aurelio stabilized the situation, significantly limiting the damage, and then efficiently coordinated vendors to quickly begin repairs,” CityScape Residences Senior Manager of Community Operations Shelby Giusti said. “I’ll never forget running through water-soaked hallways with him, witnessing his composure under immense pressure.”
Working Around The Clock
Over the next week, Rios managed water outages, emergency calls and displaced residents, while orchestrating the preventative replacement of more than 100 water heaters, as well as new leak sensors.
“He worked around the clock to ensure every resident was cared for,” Giusti said.
In honor of these heroic efforts, Rios was selected as a monthly winner of “Maintenance Legends,” a program sponsored by the National Apartment Association and HD Supply.
The contest recognizes maintenance professionals who go above and beyond for their apartment communities. Rios is the first Arizonan to be recognized as a “Maintenance Legend.”
His prize package included top-rated electronics and gift cards valued at $5,000. He will also receive a trip to Las Vegas for the NAA’s annual conference, Apartmentalize, the rental industry’s largest education and networking event.
At the conference in June, one of 24 monthly “Maintenance Legends” will be named the grand prize winner and get to drive away in a brand-new truck.
Looking Out For His Residents
“I just wanted to take care of our community,” Rios said. “This situation was tricky, but I knew we could handle it together and make sure every resident returned to the comfort of their home as quickly as possible.”
Giusti went on to praise Rios for his excellence outside of the water-heater emergency.
“Beyond crisis management, Aurelio is a proactive problem-solver, implementing long-term solutions to prevent future issues,” she said. “His dedication, innovation and commitment to our community are extraordinary. He transforms challenges into opportunities and is truly deserving of this recognition!”
