How Middleburg’s Volunteer PTO Program is Making a Difference

A strong property management investment strategy extends far beyond financial metrics and asset performance. For institutional investors, understanding the operational fabric and workplace culture of a partner is crucial. A company’s commitment to its employees and the communities it serves is often an indicator of its long-term stability and vision. At Middleburg, we believe that empowering our team to contribute positively to society is not just a corporate responsibility but a fundamental component of our identity and a driver of superior ESG outcomes.

Our Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO) program is a cornerstone of this philosophy. It provides employees with dedicated, paid time to support causes that are meaningful to them, separate from their personal vacation days. This initiative directly supports our mission to be "built for life," fostering a culture of purpose and strengthening the communities where we operate. Through the experiences of our team members, we see the tangible impact of this program on both individual growth and community well-being.

Fostering a Culture of Giving Back

Integrating social responsibility into a corporate framework requires active encouragement and structural support. Our VPTO program and corporate volunteer opportunities are designed to remove barriers to volunteering, affirming that community involvement is a valued part of a career at Middleburg.

Anna Valencia, AVP of Development Operations, runs our social engagement team and has been instrumental in scaling volunteer initiatives. She notes that volunteering has always been part of Middleburg's DNA, but it is now being re-energized as the company grows. "It's been very ingrained in the company culture," Anna says. "We're just engaging more on it now. We've definitely seen an uptick in the volunteering corporately this year, which has very been very cool to see."

This renewed focus includes organizing corporate-level events, such as park cleanups and backpack drives, which foster team bonding and collective impact. These structured opportunities make it easier for employees to get involved. As Anna explains, “By having some structured options, it's keeping the flexibility around the choose-your-own-adventure of VPTO, but also providing some structured days where we can say, 'Hey, this is a corporate opportunity, we'd love to get as many people involved as we can.'"

The result is a more connected and engaged workforce. Anna says of a recent back-to-school backpack drive, "I think people really appreciated the connections that are also built through the opportunity, on top of just enjoying the aspect of giving back in some capacity." These events provide a platform for colleagues who might not typically interact to build relationships outside of their daily roles, strengthening the overall workplace culture.

Empowering Individual Passions and Community Engagement

If corporate volunteer opportunities build office camaraderie, the VPTO program empowers employees to pursue their individual passions. This flexibility is a key differentiator, allowing team members to invest their time in causes that resonate with them personally.

Jeremy Dussek, a Senior Accounting Manager in our Virginia office, uses his VPTO to serve on the board of Larry King's Clubhouse, a non-profit daycare for children of parents attending court in Charlotte, NC. "Essentially it protects children from having to see defamatory or negative things that their parents may be having to go through," Jeremy explains. The VPTO was a significant factor in his decision to move to Virginia to join the Middleburg team. "That was the first time I'd ever heard about VPTO," Jeremy states. "They told me about it immediately, and I was like, 'Oh, that's fantastic, because I am on a non-profit board.' I saw VPTO as a way that I would be able to continue to be active on the board, despite it being in Charlotte."

For Jeremy, the program is a clear reflection of our company's values. "It solidifies the fact that they're looking to make a difference within their community... through and through, Middleburg is trying to make a positive benefit in all the communities that they touch." This sentiment is echoed by others who see the program as an authentic expression of our company's ethos, rather than simply a performative gesture.

Making Volunteering Accessible for Everyone

Time is often the biggest obstacle to volunteering. The VPTO program directly addresses this by allocating specific, paid hours for community engagement. This removes the difficult choice between professional responsibilities, personal time, and the desire to give back.

Takisha Smith, an Accounts Payable Specialist, used her VPTO this year to participate in the St. Jude's Walk with her sorority. For her, the strength of the program is its accessibility. "I'm one of the ones that likes to give back, and time is limited," she shares. "So I think it's a very good way of allowing people who want to give back to do so."

This built-in support system encourages participation and affirms our company’s commitment. Anna Valencia has recently been tasked by Middleburg’s leadership with "creating an ongoing list of volunteer opportunities to make it easier for associates to pull up the list and say, 'I live pretty close to this, maybe I'll spend the day here, and use my VPTO for that,' for example."

When employees see leadership promoting and providing resources for community engagement, it creates a powerful ripple effect. Takisha notes that while she came from a previous employer with a similar program, the approach at Middleburg feels more integrated into the workplace culture, especially with company-sponsored events like the recent backpack drive.

A Link to Stronger ESG Outcomes and Property Management Investment

For investors focused on property management investment, a partner's commitment to social initiatives is a strong indicator of a healthy, sustainable organization. The VPTO program is a tangible component of Middleburg's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. It demonstrates a commitment to the "Social" pillar by investing in employee well-being and community development.

A positive and supportive workplace culture directly correlates with lower employee turnover and higher productivity—factors that are critical to the success of any property management investment. As Anna Valencia notes from her own experience interviewing with the company, the existence of a VPTO bank was a powerful signal. "Hearing about having a bank of VPTOs definitely spoke to me. It's important that volunteering is already built into the infrastructure here. It speaks a lot to just how we encourage volunteering."

This culture of purpose and support not only helps attract and retain top talent but also creates a more resilient and motivated team. Employees who feel valued and aligned with their company's mission are more likely to be engaged and committed to excellence in their roles. Many employees cite the positive work culture as one of the primary reasons they were drawn to work for Middleburg and why they've stayed.

Jeremy Dussek says, "They're a growing company that has drive and goals, and a good culture, so I was immediately like, 'Yeah, let me get on this.' I've been here for three and a half years, and I've enjoyed it." This dedication translates directly to better-managed properties, happier residents, and ultimately, more substantial returns for our investment partners.

The VPTO program is more than just an employee benefit; it is a strategic initiative that reinforces our core values, enhances our workplace culture, and delivers meaningful ESG outcomes. It is a testament to our belief that building a successful business and building better communities go hand in hand.