The conception of United Properties began when Russ VandenToorn (founder) invested in his first property in the 1970s. Russ’s initial investment was driven by a keen interest in real estate and the potential for a reliable income stream. By the 1990s, Russ expanded his portfolio, acquiring additional rental units and a self-storage facility. At the time, Russ was also working full-time in business consultation and acquisitions, so he hired a property management company to assist with the time-consuming tasks involved in owning an investment property. Within a short time, Russ identified a business opportunity in residential property management, seeing several areas with his current manager that he could improve.
In 2005, driven by his desire to offer better value and service to property owners, Russ made the leap to open his own property management company. He utilized the extensive skills he had gained from his experience in business consulting and acquisitions, as well as the insights he gathered while working with the former property management company he had hired. Russ’s vision was clear: create a property management company that prioritized exception service, transparent communication, and meticulous attention to detail.
United Properties has been and continues to be a family-run business, which has been a cornerstone of its success. In the beginning years, Russ headed the operation while his son, Paul, oversaw the maintenance department, and his wife, Carol, oversaw all of the clerical tasks. As word spread of the exceptional service and business practices used, United Properties experienced steady organic growth. This growth allowed United Properties to hire a growing team of professionals who shared in their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
In 2011, Russ’s second son, Tim, joined the family business, initially hired as a 1099 contractor for maintenance and repairs and later transitioning to an office and leasing role. As a former police patrol officer, Tim sought to use his unique background and skillset to help the business better navigate challenges. His expertise in conflict resolution, problem-solving, communication, ethics, safety, and leadership played a crucial role in developing robust policies within the company. As Tim learned more about the industry, he recognized the growing potential in real estate investing. This realization pushed him to invest in his first investment property, a four-unit building in Grand Rapids, further expanding the family’s footprint within the industry.
United Properties continued expanding, driven by a commitment to providing excellent service and building strong relationships with property owners and tenants. This period of growth was characterized by continuous learning and adapting to the ever-evolving demands of the property management industry, setting the stage for future success. While Paul VandenToorn continued to support United Properties, he made the difficult decision to step away from an active role with the company in 2013. He now focuses on his investments, which United Properties still manages, now allow him to support his family and a small farm.
Tim learned more about the company, its processes and policies, and the industry as a whole, and committed to making United Properties the best it could be. He constantly sought improvements and explored ways to better serve investors and renters in the greater Grand Rapids area. As he committed more time and effort to the company, Russ VandenToorn began stepping back, focusing on the intricacies of policies and relationships for the company. This transition allowed Tim to take over the forefront of the business, driving it towards new heights.
By 2019, Russ no longer played a client-facing role in the company, which allowed him to spend more quality time with his family and pursue other interests. In early 2024, Russ officially announced his retirement, selling his remaining equity to his son, Tim. Keeping United Properties in the family has allowed the focus to remain on our core values–a responsibility to our property owners and tenants to provide the best service, build relationships, find fair solutions, and continuously seek ways to improve the overall experience.
What started as a small company run by a few family members has evolved into one of the leading property management companies in Grand Rapids. Today, United Properties employs roughly 50 people across its leasing, service, and billing departments, each committed to upholding the values and standards set forth by Russ and his family.
The last 19 years have been a journey of growth in many ways, and we look forward to continuing to serve the greater Grand Rapids area for many years to come. We remain committed to providing exceptional service and building lasting relationships with our clients and community.
Sergio joined United Properties in 2020. He is a graduate from Pickens Technical College as a Nurse Assistant and as a Small Animal Care Provider in 2010. In the past nine years, Sergio has had various jobs, all focused around customer service.
Eden joined United Properties in 2016. Eden graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with an Associate’s in Business Administration. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Owner of United Properties, with a focus on procedural documentation. She enjoys playing guitar, reading, and doing outdoor activities. Eden is trilingual and able to communicate in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. 
David joined the United Properties team in 2019 as the Director of Client Relations and Business Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading all leasing, application underwriting, tenant relations, accounts receivable, process improvement, remote workers, and general office functionality (essentially anything outside of maintenance and service). David comes from a longstanding career at a Fortune 15 company primarily in a sales and customer service leadership role.
Matthew joined the United Properties in early 2020. He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies and also a master’s in Discipleship and Christian Formation. Matthew serves as a project manager over the Rent Ready process. He has 20 years of construction experience and over 10 years of experience in leadership positions. He oversees a team of technicians and schedules outside vendors getting properties back to the United rent-ready standard so that they can be leased again.
Carla joined United Properties in late 2019 as a billing specialist. Carla ensures invoices are received from contractors and bills them out in a timely fashion.
Cristina joined United Properties as the Accounting and Billing Team Lead in October of 2020. She has experience as a technology professional, an English-Spanish translator, and has worked the past several years as the treasurer of her condominium.
Rick joined United Properties in 2020 as a Service Coordinator and then later transitioned to the Collections team, where his customer service shines. Rick has an extensive background in customer service and enjoys being able to resolve issues. He and his wife are raising their two kids and in his free time, Rick enjoys making his own homemade jerky.
Harriet joined United Properties as a Accounting & Billing Specialist in February of 2021. She has experience as a bookkeeper and a Property Manager for a Real Estate account. She was a working student during her college days. Harriet loves cleaning because she thinks it is therapeutic. She also loves watching series during her free time, and she’s a fur mom of one dog. Her inspiration to work every day is her family.
Diego has an extensive background in customer service and, most recently in Maintenance and
Paulina joined United in early 2021 as a Leasing Assistant. She has a background studying social work, with several years of experience in customer service. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and loves to learn. Paulina enjoys small road trips and cold, rainy weather. Her dog is her favorite thing in the world.
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial strategies and public accounting and is studying a masters in Blockchain and Fintech regulation. She has previous experience as a customer service representative. She speaks English and Spanish. She loves taking long walks with her three dogs, hiking and road tripping during the weekends.
Chris Good is new to the United Properties Team since June 2022 as a Business Development Manager. With years of experience in both the construction industry (Master Electrician) and the Real Estate industry (Broker), he will closely work with new and experienced investors to facilitate their real estate goals.
Melba Alvarez
Enrique Vergara (Henry)
Alyssa Conklin
Mike Cleveland
