During a recent trip to Orlando, Florida, I was able to experience Camden's Living Excellence brand for myself by actually Living Excellently at Camden's World Gateway property located right in the heart of Orlando's Disney part of the city.

Let's face it: Camden provides a level of service that not many other organizations do, however, as employees, we do not always have the chance to experience that same level of service that we deliver everyday first hand. After driving almost 9 hours from Charlotte, NC to Orlando, I was greeted by a smiling, friendly Camden staff. As I walked through the door, everyone was ready to assist. At this time, I had not yet had a chance to announce myself as a fellow employee. When given the keys and the apartment number, I entered into a fabulous 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment. The apartment was spacious, clean and instantly made me feel at home. I would have to say, my favorite part of the apartment was the screened in balcony. Coming from a state where the mosquitos run wild, a screened in balcony was a relief. I was able to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather without having the worry of bugs on my mind.

The purpose of my trip to Orlando was to attend a high school friend's wedding at Disney's Swan Resort. I needed to navigate my way around Orlando in order to accomplish a few things. My GPS was having a hard time finding the most convenient locations for me to do my business. I ended up having to go back to the Welcome Center for some navigational assistance. As I entered, it was swarming with business. Laughing current residents, laughing apartment searchers and very assistance ready employees. Everyone was helping someone when I walked in. Upon noticing me waiting in the lobby, one of the community maintenance technicians came to my rescue. Assuming I was an apartment searcher, he offered his assistance. He was ready to show me around the property and get me moved in! I felt foolish just asking him for directions, but he happily took me to the back room and began googling locations for me! I know that at Camden, we are all taught the value of excellent service. We all go above and beyond to help our residents and prospective residents, however we do not all get to experience that. After working many long hours making sure that everyone is always satisfied, I was in much need of the same attention on my mini vacation. Camden World Gateway made sure that that happened. After having the opportunity to wind down a bit (I got my nails done at a cute little salon and spa recommended by the Camden maintenance technician - yes, our services come in MANY different forms) I was able to go relax poolside. The pool was large and sparkling blue. As I laid on the sunchair soaking up the Florida sun (which seems to burn like no other) I felt relaxed. The painful memory of the long 9 hour drive had disappeared. Instead I was thinking of beaches and sangrias :)

Located in the heart of Orlando, I was able to drive to Downtown Disney in almost 10 minutes. I was right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Not only is the service amazing, but the location of the property was fantastic.

I decided to write this blog because I have only ever been familiar with the "Charlotte way of doing things". I had always wondered how one Camden differed from the other. Everytime I refer a resident/prospective resident to a sister property of mine, what does that really mean? Well, to put it plainly: All it really means is: We are located in different locations with a different style. Other than that, the level of service is the same. I have not been to every Camden property in the USA, but I know myself, my direct colleagues and NOW, extended colleagues. We all strive for the same living experience regardless of where we are located. With that being said: Thank you and GREAT JOB Camden World Gateway! If I am this happy now, I can only imagine how our residents feel :) Keep up the good work!