KOP Insiders: Tamara Holt, Senior Business Development Manager, AVE

KOP Insiders delves into the stories of the people who make King of Prussia one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic live-work-play-stay destinations.

In depth interviews provide insight into the companies that make up our diverse business community and put a face to the individuals behind the business. In this edition, we are joined by Tamara Holt, Senior Business Development Manager at AVE.

Let’s start with you – I know you recently celebrated 20 years with Korman Communities!  Talk me through your journey that has led to your current role.

I started with our company in 1998, initially working in sales in Delaware, then New Jersey, and then along the East Coast. In 2016, I was promoted to my current role as Senior Business Development Manager in Suburban Philadelphia for AVE. I focus on cultivating relationships with individuals and professionals in industries such as human resources, travel and relocation, so I can identify their temporary housing needs and provide solutions for their employees relocating or working on short-term assignments.

Could you share a little more about the AVE model? And what makes you unique and different?

AVE is a brand of Korman Communities, a fifth-generation, family-owned and operated real estate company focused on redefining how people live. Our first-class properties offer flexible-stay, fully furnished apartments, luxury unfurnished apartments, unparalleled on-demand amenities and a monthly calendar of resident events – all delivered by our friendly, on-site team. We are a people-first organization, and our hospitality-driven team members are passionate about creating raving residents through proactive service and creating a sense of community. Corporate social responsibility is equally important to our team. We deeply care about the communities we serve, with the Korman family’s multi-generational support for causes involving education, housing and food insecurity. We empower our team members to volunteer and give back by regularly hosting donation drives, events and fundraisers for our partners while actively participating in community engagement initiatives.

What made Korman identify King of Prussia as a great location to build for AVE King of Prussia?

AVE King of Prussia opened in 2018. Prior, AVE worked with many companies in the King of Prussia region at our other locations in Greater Philadelphia. With the city-to-suburb migration that started to shape the Village at Valley Forge, it made perfect sense for AVE to build a new community within the Village and be part of this growing area. Our dynamic midrise is remarkable because we’re footsteps away from the King of Prussia Town Center and in a highly connected area with many major roadways. We’re seeing people who work in Philadelphia wanting to be part of the Town Center and this vibrant area. King of Prussia is a live-work-play hub. It has become a regional destination not only for people to live, but also for first-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.

How do you think that AVE King of Prussia differs from the other AVE locations?

We’re so proud of our growing portfolio of communities in Greater Philadelphia! We have 5 communities in Suburban Philadelphia and Center City today, and we’re currently developing our new residential properties in the Navy Yard, which will bring a brand-new neighborhood to Philadelphia. All our communities are unique, while still maintaining AVE values and dedicated team members at each location. AVE King of Prussia stands out as a community offering walkability and access to shopping, dining and more, including King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Can you speak a little bit more to AVE’s commitment to the community?

Our team members are really active with KOP District. AVE King of Prussia has sponsored and participated in annual programs such as Restaurant Week and Igloo Garden on the Green and KOP Shops for CHOP, both of which raise food donations and funds for CHOP and Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard. We also have brand wide partnerships with Move For Hunger, Kelly’s Kidz, and Habitat for Humanity. One of my favorite charity initiatives we do is AVE’s Holiday Spirit of Giving, which we’ll be renewing for a 4^th year. It’s become a signature charity event for AVE King of Prussia. We had over 200 attendees last year, between our team, residents, and professionals in the community that we partner with. We collect food and toy donations for community pantries and the children at St. Christopher’s Hospital to bring joy and comfort to those who need it during the holiday season. I also love that AVE provides 2 paid volunteer days off each year so team members can give back at an organization of their choice within our local communities, which is the forefront of our mission.

You have such an active community and do so much to engage with your residents and often call upon your partners to come in and engage with your residents. Can you speak more to these resident offerings?

As I mentioned earlier, creating a sense of community is really important to us and a part of our unique lifestyle. We host resident events throughout the month to bring our residents and team members together, and we love to partner with local businesses to cater, set up pop-up shops and offer services to introduce our residents to what the neighborhood has to offer.

With your team being one of your most valuable assets, I would imagine that AVE puts a lot of intention and time into the hiring process. Does King of Prussia and your location play into your recruitment efforts? Are people excited to come work in King of Prussia?

We absolutely do! Since service is so important to us, we are looking for hospitality-driven professionals who share that value. King of Prussia is definitely desirable because it’s centrally located and has become a destination. team members at AVE King of Prussia travel from various areas, including Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Chester County and Delaware County. King of Prussia truly has it all and allows our team members to enjoy after work grocery shopping, socials and dining in both the Town Center and King of Prussia Mall.

What are some of your favorite things to do in King of Prussia?

I commute from Chester County and absolutely enjoy my daily drive to King of Prussia. I often take a different route to work, occasionally passing through the remarkable Valley Forge National Historical Park and take in the breathtaking scenery. It’s incredible that such a beautiful location is nearby any business in King of Prussia. On weekends, my teenage daughters and I like to visit the King of Prussia Town Center for food, snacks, groceries, and shopping. My favorite place to go is Kuma and my daughters’ favorites are Kilwins, Paladar and Duck Donuts.

What would you say to someone who was considering a move to King of Prussia?

It goes back to being the Philadelphia region’s lifestyle destination. King of Prussia is a desirable place to live and work because it’s conveniently located to the region’s major highways, offering a convenient commute to any area employer. It is home to the King of Prussia Mall and King of Prussia Town Center, both world-class destinations with endless eateries and exciting entertainment options. That work-live-play atmosphere – you can do it all in King of Prussia. So, for businesses looking to set up shop here, it’s a no-brainer. It’s the ideal place to be.

Businesses appreciate that AVE is located in King of Prussia since we are in close proximity to their offices giving their team members the option to walk, bike or drive. Many companies in King of Prussia have international colleagues who may not have transportation readily available. King of Prussia provides many individuals with the ability to reach their destinations, which is highly beneficial.

About AVE King of Prussia

Live Better™ at AVE King of Prussia! Our sophisticated residential community offers thoughtfully designed studio, 1 & 2 bedroom flexible-stay furnished and unfurnished luxury apartments, unprecedented, on-demand resort and business amenities, and a friendly, professional service team right in a highly connected, live-work-play neighborhood. AVE King of Prussia stands out as a community offering high-touch service delivered by our on-site 24/7 Resident Services team. Resident Services consistently goes above and beyond to ensure we exceed resident expectations and foster a sense of community. Add in the walkability and access to shopping, dining, and more, including the King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge National Historical Park and you have the perfect place to call home! AVE King of Prussia is located in the Village at Valley Forge featuring King of Prussia Town Center.

AVE King of Prussia
555 S. Goddard Blvd.
King of Prussia, PA 19406
kingofprussia.aveliving.com