Project Overview

When a new property owner in Walkerton, Indiana, acquired a slightly distressed asset in a small market, they knew they needed a hands-on partner to help bring their vision to life. After a disappointing experience with a previous management company, the owner reached out to Root Management, and we got to work.

Unlike many of our projects, this property didn’t come with a construction loan or upfront capital for improvements. Every decision had to be paced around real-time cash flow. That meant no room for waste, poor communication, or missteps. And that’s where Root Management thrives.

The Owner’s Goals

The owner came to us with a clear vision and a list of projects that needed immediate attention, but without the financial flexibility of a construction-backed renovation. From the start, our role was to prioritize, pace, and execute in a way that made financial sense.

This wasn’t about taking over every aspect of the property at once. It was about being strategic, understanding the realities of the property’s income, and creating a plan that would stabilize and grow value without draining the owner’s resources.

A Different Kind of Partnership

What made this relationship unique was the owner himself. He had already been working onsite—he knew the building, the tenants, and the work that needed to be done. But from the moment we signed the contract, he was eager to step back and let Root manage the day-to-day, trusting us to execute while keeping him informed.

We adapted our typical process to match this slower, cash-flow-driven pace:

  • Weekly (then bi-weekly, now monthly) meetings to review priorities, spending, and timelines
  • Customized budget forecasting tied directly to proforma goals
  • Thoughtful lease renewals and natural tenant turnover to align with our long-term strategy

Execution in Phases

With no construction loan in place, every improvement project had to be timed with available capital. We broke down the goals into quarterly projects, each designed to push the property closer to stabilization without overextending cash reserves.

Simultaneously, we began reworking the lease structure. We gradually transitioned tenants and updated rental rates when appropriate, all while maintaining tenant relations and operational integrity.

The Challenge of Pacing

Doing capital projects while maintaining enough liquidity to operate a property is no small feat. But Root Management’s transparency and planning made it possible. By meeting consistently, forecasting cash needs accurately, and updating the owner on potential renewals or evictions, we’ve created a workflow that feels stable, even when juggling complexity.

The impact is long-lasting:

  • Occupancy is still in progress, but updates are paving the way for stronger tenant interest
  • The owner reports reduced stress and increased confidence in the property’s direction
  • The local municipality expressed support for the revitalization plan
  • The property is now on a clear path to stabilization, utilizing a strategy that the owner can afford and a team he can trust

What We Learned

This Walkerton project reaffirmed that property management is never one-size-fits-all. Whether the strategy is full speed ahead or slow and steady, Root Management can pivot and perform. Most importantly, this project reflects our commitment not only to our clients but to the communities we serve.

When we say we’re invested in properties and committed to people, we mean every word.