News

At Kelson Group, helping our residents live better is more than our mission; it’s a way of life. This year, that commitment to care and community is being celebrated in a special way. We’re proud to share that Denise Cave, one of our dedicated leaders, has been nominated for the second year in a row for Property Manager of the Year at the 2025 ARLA Achievement Awards.

The Alberta Residential Landlord Association (ARLA) plays a vital role in supporting property managers and landlords across Edmonton and beyond. As a non-profit organization, ARLA advocates for the rental housing industry, offering educational resources and networking opportunities. It brings together managers, service providers and landlords with the shared goal of a thriving rental community.

Denise’s reaction to the nomination was a heartfelt mix of surprise and gratitude, expressing genuine humility to her second nomination in a row.

“I felt incredibly honoured just to be considered, especially knowing how many committed and hardworking property managers are out there,” she shared. “After being nominated last year by my team members, I was amazed to get selected again. I wanted to portray that we do this as a team; it's not just me. My job is to support our building managers and be available for them.”

Denise's leadership philosophy is rooted in Kelson Group’s core values: Fairness, Accountability, Caring, Teamwork, and Service. “We strive to help our residents live better by consistently embodying our core values to the best of our ability. We do this by supporting Building Managers, who are on the front lines, so they can effectively meet resident needs and provide excellent customer service.”

Her work helps create meaningful connections with residents. Denise and her team take pride in knowing their residents, not just by name but by routine and by heart. “Our Building Managers know if a resident hasn’t moved their car for a few days. They notice when someone hasn’t stepped out of their home, and they check in because even though many of our residents live alone and don’t have family nearby, they have us.”

Ask Denise what she loves most about her role, and her answer is clear: the people and the purpose. “I take pride in seeing projects through to completion, knowing they not only improve our buildings but also enhance the quality of life for our residents. I’m especially passionate about helping my team grow both personally and professionally.”

As the Property Manager for Alberta, her role is as dynamic as it is meaningful, facing challenges, navigating grey areas, and showing up with compassion each day. “In this line of work, we wear many hats, often juggling multiple roles in a single day, and while that can be difficult, it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

She shares “In property management, we have the privilege of touching people’s lives in meaningful ways. I strive to make a positive impact whenever I can, knowing that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.” Whether it's guiding her team or quietly ensuring a resident feels seen and supported, she and her team set an example of what it means to help residents live better.

As we look forward to the ARLA Achievement Awards ceremony, we’re proud to celebrate Denise’s nomination and the values she brings to work every day. Her recognition is a reminder that the best property managers aren’t just building caretakers; they’re community builders, mentors, and champions of compassionate living.