What You Should Know When Renting Your First Apartment

Discover 55+ independent living at Whispering Creek in Fargo. Enjoy underground parking, resident-led activities, and maintenance-free living. Schedule a tour today.

Inclusion is more than a performative buzzword for Kayla Goebel. She lives it. Kayla, creative strategist for Collective/Great States, was recently nominated for YWCA’s Women of the Year for Advocating for Equality. Kayla’s story isn’t about one big moment, but a thousand small ones that quietly (and permanently) changed lives for the better. A Life Rooted in Inclusion If you only looked at Kayla’s resume, you would assume she is busy (and you would be right). You would see Creative Strategist. Shop crew member. Small business owner. Volunteer. Student. Proud mom to Aurora.

More than 50 team members gathered for the fifth annual Collective Connect, reinforcing a shared commitment to our residents Collective team members from across the region came together in Downtown Fargo for this year’s Collective Connect, an annual event focused on engagement, learning, and strengthening connections across the organization. Attendees traveled from Billings, Montana; Watertown, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and the Twin Cities, Minnesota, with others joining remotely. Hands-On and Practical The two-day conference was impactful and memorable, with engaging activities, networking opportunities, and shared laughter. One of the most memorable moments day was an interactive role-switching exercise designed to simulate an accelerated “day in the life” of key roles across the company. Participants rotated through scenarios as maintenance technicians, support office team members, and community managers. “My favorite part was the simulation Jade and Jacinto designed,” remarked Sydney Schultz, an Operations Support Specialist. “Watching individuals assume unfamiliar roles was compelling. It illuminated how routine challenges for one position can feel entirely foreign to another, offering a sharper perspective on the nuances of each role.” The challenges required quick thinking, collaboration, and real-time problem solving. It mirrored many of the real scenarios, like unexpected maintenance requests, that team members experience every day in service of residents. “As someone newer to the company, it gave me a deep appreciation for what my coworkers experience in their jobs,” said Dirk Monson, content specialist with Collective. “You understand quickly how interconnected everything is.” The exercise reinforced a core truth within Collective: no role operates in isolation. Maintenance, management, marketing, development, accounting, and leadership all intersect to create a top-tier resident experience. A Shared Commitment to Residents

We are eager to welcome Neon Flats to the Collective family, further expanding our presence in Minneapolis, which is currently anchored by ElseWarehouse in the North Loop . The Center of Everything Neon Flats is situated ideally for a true urban lifestyle without being Downtown. It’s located at the corner of University Avenue and Hennepin Avenue in the Nicollet Island/East Bank neighborhood of the University community. The area, often called Downtown Northeast , is nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River. This highly desirable location offers close proximity to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. Residents are just steps from public green space along the Mississippi River, plus nearby Chute Square and Holmes Park. The neighborhood boasts over 50 restaurants, bars, and cafes within walking distance of Neon Flats. Some of our favorites: Dining Arturo’s Pizza Flamin’ Thai & Sushi Ichiddo Ramen Izakaya Cafes Northeast Tea House Pa Tea & Poke Parcelle Shopping Surdyk’s Kramarczuk’s West Photo Neon Flats boasts a Walk Score of 94 and a Bike Score of 96, making it easy to get around without a car. Residents also benefit from convenient access to public transit, with nearby bus routes and light rail connections providing easy access to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Life, Elevated While the location sets Neon Flats apart, the quality and care put into the community elevate the experience even further. Thoughtful design, modern finishes, and resident-focused amenities come together to create a place that feels both comfortable and intentional. Neon Flats is also a pet friendly community, welcoming residents and their dogs and cats. Neon Flats has 30 individual apartments, offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans . Access to dedicated off street parking is available via an enclosed skyway. The building also features controlled access for resident security and peace of mind. Inside, each apartment at Neon Flats offers modern finishes. Apartments feature granite countertops, modern appliances, and large, oversized windows that bring in abundant natural light. Each space is designed to feel comfortable, functional, and contemporary. A Great Addition "Neon Flats is a great addition to our portfolio and a natural fit for Collective," said Scott Houle, President of Collective. "Neon Flats' connection to the neighborhood matches how we intentionally craft places people are proud to call home. We are excited to welcome Neon Flats into the Collective family." We look forward to serving residents at Neon Flats and continuing to grow our presence in Minneapolis with communities that are well located, thoughtfully designed, and deeply connected to their neighborhoods.

For Sydney Schultz, no two days in property management ever look the same. That’s exactly how she likes it. “Every day is different. It’s full of surprises,” she says. “The best part is the direct contact with residents. That’s how you build relationships and build real community.” Sydney joined Collective in May 2021 and has steadily grown within the company through hands-on experience, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Sydney’s path to property management began at NDSU, where she studied management communication with a minor in tourism and hospitality. While still a student, she launched her career in the industry as a community assistant in student housing at The Bridges. That early role sharpened her interpersonal communication skills and confirmed she thrives in fast-moving, people-centered environments. Since August 2025, Sydney has helped co-manage Dakota Park Apartments in South Fargo. As one of the largest communities in the portfolio, communication and organization are everything. “This position fits how I like to operate,” she says. “I’m detail-oriented and organized. I care about standards and doing things the right way. Every experience is an opportunity to learn something.” Sydney’s mindset proved to be exactly what was needed during a recent two-week re-keying project at Dakota Park . With 419 units, common areas, garages, and entrances, the project was a massive logistical effort that required tight coordination with residents and vendors. “I was seeing keys in my dreams,” she laughs. “But seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.” Even on mornings that start with water leaks, sewer gas concerns, or unexpected maintenance issues, Sydney keeps her focus on what matters most: residents. She’s especially proud of creating personalized move-in gifts that help residents feel at home from day one. Small details, she says, make a big difference. “I genuinely care about resident retention. I want people to love where they live and stay with us as long as possible.” Sydney believes great teams are what make difficult days manageable. “A strong team is vital in this job. I think of myself as a mentor more than a manager. When people support each other, we’re able to create better experiences for residents.” That team-first mindset is one reason she’s stepping into her next chapter at Collective as an Operations Support Specialist. Sydney sees the transition as another opportunity to grow. “I’m excited to keep learning,” she says. “Especially working with our other regions and pursuing certifications in Montana and South Dakota. I want to become fully certified in property management.” Outside of work, travel is Sydney’s reset button. She and her husband, Austin, make it a point to take an annual trip together, often returning to places that shaped her early life growing up in the Mountain West. Her favorite trips include spots like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Yellowstone is particularly special as it’s where her husband proposed. In the end, the culture is what keeps her here at Collective. “A good team makes even a bad day here better than a good day anywhere else.”

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Welcome to the newest property at Collective - Dakota Park. Located in Fargo, ND, this community is jam-packed with amenities and community spaces. Check it out!