Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Property Management Services in Valparaiso, IN
Founded in 1975, our company has grown to become the largest locally-owned property management firm in Northwest Indiana. With over 40 years of experience, we specialize in residential and commercial property management, leasing, facility management, and maintenance services across 2 million square feet of office, retail, and medical properties and nearly 15,000 residential homes. Our team includes four Certified Property Managers and more than 40 dedicated professionals who utilize cutting-edge technology like AppFolio Property Manager to streamline client operations.We maintain 24/7 availability for emergency maintenance and offer comprehensive financial reporting, insurance recommendations, and asset enhancement strategies. Our leadership team, including executives with decades of industry experience, ensures personalized service while managing high-profile properties like Aberdeen and Methodist Hospitals.
Services
Property Management
Leasing Services
Facility Management
Maintenance Services
Financial Reporting
Concierge Services
Construction Management
Asset Enhancement Planning
Tenant Relations
Insurance Coordination
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience managing residential and commercial properties in Northwest Indiana.
- Our team includes four Certified Property Managers with industry-recognized credentials.
- We offer 24/7 emergency maintenance services with licensed and insured staff.
- Our AppFolio Property Manager software provides clients with real-time online access to documents and payments.
- We serve as trusted advisors for high-profile properties like Aberdeen and Methodist Hospitals.
Services
Property Management
We provide comprehensive oversight for residential and commercial properties, including budget preparation, tenant relations, insurance coordination, and compliance with legal requirements. Our team conducts regular property inspections, handles maintenance requests, and implements long-term asset enhancement strategies. With expertise in managing associations and commercial portfolios, we ensure optimal property performance and owner satisfaction.
Maintenance Services
Our licensed and insured maintenance staff offers 24/7 emergency response and preventive care for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and groundskeeping needs. We coordinate janitorial services, pest control, landscaping, and construction management while maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. This full-service approach protects property investments and ensures tenant comfort through prompt, professional service delivery.
Financial Reporting
We deliver detailed financial oversight including balance sheets, income statements, accounts receivable/payable reports, and tax preparation support. Our team manages budget implementation, collects rents and assessments, and provides monthly check registers. With transparent processes and experienced CPAs on staff, we ensure accurate financial stewardship for homeowners associations and commercial property owners.
Concierge Services
Our concierge team assists homeowners with temperature monitoring, plumbing emergencies, contractor coordination, and property security. We facilitate lock changes, accept deliveries, and manage home inspections during owner absences. These personalized services operate on a fee-for-service basis with a one-hour minimum, providing convenient solutions for residential property owners.
Facility Management
We handle day-to-day facility operations including utility coordination, safety inspections, and vendor management. Our services cover preventive maintenance planning, capital improvement projects, and compliance with building codes. By managing everything from HVAC systems to snow removal, we help commercial clients maintain optimal building functionality and tenant satisfaction across diverse property types.
People
Michael R. Bottos
Chief Operating Officer/President
With over two decades of property management experience, Michael R. Bottos has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2019. He oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives while maintaining certification as a Professional Manager. His leadership focuses on operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
Gina Manns
Chief Financial Officer/Vice President
Gina Manns, a Certified Public Accountant, has led financial operations since joining in 2017. She manages accounting departments, budget preparation, and financial reporting for commercial and residential clients. Her expertise ensures transparent fiscal stewardship across the company's managed properties.
John R. Marshall
Vice President
As founder and former CEO, John Marshall continues contributing through special projects and business development. He purchased the company in 1993 and led its growth into Northwest Indiana's largest locally-owned property management firm before transitioning leadership in 2021.
Marianne Welsh
Vice President of Operations
Marianne Welsh oversees operational strategy as Vice President of Operations. With extensive industry experience, she manages day-to-day activities across residential and commercial portfolios, ensuring consistent service quality and client satisfaction through effective team leadership.
Renee Jeffries
Assistant Vice President
Renee Jeffries serves as Assistant Vice President of Property Management. Her responsibilities include supervising property managers, implementing operational policies, and maintaining client relationships. Certified in property management, she brings specialized expertise to residential and commercial account management.
Questions
What property types do you manage?
We manage residential homes, condominiums, office spaces, retail centers, and medical facilities across Northwest Indiana.
Do you offer 24/7 maintenance support?
Yes, our licensed maintenance team provides 24-hour emergency services for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and structural issues.
How can I access my account information?
Clients use our AppFolio Property Manager portal for online payments, document access, and account history review.
What financial reports do you provide?
We offer balance sheets, income statements, accounts receivable/payable reports, and year-end tax preparation documentation.
Are your property managers certified?
Yes, we employ four Certified Property Managers with industry-recognized credentials and specialized expertise.
Reviews (7)
John Y. Yatczyshyn
Feb 26, 2022
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I had a problem with them charging me late fees and not listening to my complaint. I went above the lower level managers and complained to the CEO. My problem was resolved and the late fees were dropped. Our dead subdivision Christmas wreaths and roping was up into February until I had to email them to get them removed. Otherwise everything is currently fine. I live in the Cobblestones, Munster Indiana.
Kanao Tsuyuri
Aug 26, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value Whenever I have had a question or comment I get I don't know you'll have to figure it out or complete rudeness. Peter Bylen is so rude and condescending. He does not care that the snow plows tore up the lawn basically makes you feel as though if you live in a townhouse you don't deserve quality work.
Ramon Stallings
Aug 08, 2021
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Peter. Bylen.however his name is spelled. Is a rude person. Who do not care about our property. Always have a attitude! He do not need to be in public service. American management do not deserve one star. Too many problems with this company.
J. B.
Jan 10, 2021
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1st American recently took over management of Shorewood Forest. I called the office seeking help as a resident was in the process of building a structure that violated the covenants and devalued the neighborhood, and they did nothing about it. They did not even visit the property to investigate what was going on. They are clearly playing the Shorewood political game. I thought things would be different with the team on board, but it is more of the same. Also, the manager in charge of our development, Kathy, takes multiple days to respond to an email or phone call. She is rude and disrespectful to the very residents whose dues help fund her salary. The owner is not any better. Bottom line - Do not hire this team to manage your property!
Tina Mora
May 31, 2020
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First American Management Company in Valparaiso, Indiana is very unprofessional and unresponsive. Problem solving for a homeowner's request, concerns or complaints is non-existent. There should not even be the presence of a property management company supposedly representing a housing community because of their lack of willingness to assist on behalf of the homeowner.
Rodney Staton
Mar 28, 2020
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I am a contractor that gets paid directly through them and while I see property owners complaining about issues with the property not fixing things I have never seen any hesitation what so ever on fixing anything and doing things the proper way if we are making repairs and see an issue on a totally different building they allow me to fix it no questions asked and I have never been asked to cover any issues as I have with other properties and I also thought the women I speak with could not be any more friendly than they are they seem to go out of there way to help me out. I would honestly give 6 stars if I could after working for some of the other property management companies around.
Tatianna Barnett
Mar 24, 2019
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Extremely high late fees. Charged me $50 fee for being 5 days late. Our snow was plowed 1 time during the season. They get an attitude anytime you call to ask any kind of question. The only thing they will do is send out a bill to collect money from you. Horrible
