AVE Appoints Tricia Schmitt Yoder to Lead Revenue Growth
AVE, the flexible-stay residential brand of Korman Communities, has appointed Tricia Schmitt Yoder as VP, Revenue & Sales Strategy, a role focused on advancing the company’s furnished apartment program and deepening its service to corporate and relocating residents. Yoder joined AVE on June 1st, returning to the company where she began her career more than 30 years ago.
Yoder brings over three decades of leadership across property management, corporate housing, hospitality, and revenue growth. She began with Korman Communities in 1992 as a leasing consultant, advancing through operations and management roles at several legacy Korman properties. She later served as General Manager of the Philadelphia market for Marriott ExecuStay, overseeing operations, client relationships, and corporate housing solutions for relocating employees and business travelers.
Most recently, Yoder spent 24 years with AFR Furniture Rental, rising to President and Chief Revenue Officer. There she led a team of more than 150 sales professionals along with the marketing, customer experience, purchasing, and product development functions, and helped expand the company nationally. After assuming leadership of AFR’s sales organization, she drove more than $50 million in revenue growth over an eight-year period by building a performance-driven culture centered on accountability, collaboration, and client success.
“Tricia brings an exceptional combination of operational depth, revenue leadership, and a genuine understanding of what our corporate and relocating residents need,” said Lea Anne Welsh, President of AVE and COO of Korman Communities. “Having begun her career with Korman, she already understands our culture and our commitment to service. Her appointment reflects our continued investment in our furnished apartment program and in the people who bring that experience to life.”
Corporate housing has been a consistent thread across Yoder’s career. Having served clients on both sides of the relationship – including Korman during her time at AFR – she brings a unique ability to bridge the perspectives of provider and partner, aligning the needs of residents and corporate clients alike. That experience maps directly to AVE’s owner-operator model, which gives the company end-to-end control over product, service, and the resident experience.
“After leaving AFR, I wasn’t looking for just another role – I was looking for the right fit,” said Yoder. “As Lea Anne and I spent time together, it became clear we shared the same values around culture, service, leadership, and growth. This is an opportunity to bring more than 30 years of experience and revenue leadership to a company I know, trust, and genuinely believe in. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never saw coming.”
About AVE and Korman Communities
Korman Communities is a fully integrated, fifth-generation, 100-year-old real estate investment and property management company with nearly 40 properties across the United States and London. AVE specializes in elevated apartment living for discerning renters and individuals seeking a flexible living solution for business or personal lifestyle. AVE conveniently offers traditional unfurnished apartments along with fully furnished apartments with flexible lease options. Each community features a dedicated service team and unparalleled business, wellness, and entertainment amenities such as flex workspaces with gigabit Wi-Fi; resort pools; firepit lounges; 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness centers; wellness classes; bike share; tranquility gardens; pet spas and parks; media theaters; and outdoor gaming and recreation. Ranked the No. 1 property management company in the U.S. based on renter satisfaction the past four consecutive years, AVE provides comfort and seamless living for those who want to LIVE BETTER®. www.aveliving.com.
