United Property Associates: 45 Years of Service and a New Era of Leadership
United Property Associates (UPA), ranked among iPropertyManagement.com’s top companies in Virginia Beach for 2023, manages 45,000 units across Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. Founded in 1978 by Bernie and Helene Grablowsky, the family-owned, women-led company has built lasting client relationships through a hands-on, community-focused approach.
In 2009, their daughter, Debra G. Young, brought her corporate and marketing expertise to the company, becoming president and CEO in 2023. Under her leadership, UPA continues its promise of integrity, organization, and reliability—delivering high-touch service, investing in technology, and maintaining a people-first workplace. With employee-to-property ratios far exceeding industry standards, UPA ensures exceptional care for each property and community it serves.
This year marks not only UPA’s 45th anniversary but also its successful transition to the second generation of family ownership—continuing a proud legacy of “neighbors serving neighbors.