UPA Celebrates 45 Years and a New Generation of Leadership

United Property Associates (UPA) marks its 45th anniversary with the successful transition to second-generation leadership. Founded in 1978 by Bernie and Helene Grablowsky, the primarily women-owned company is now led by their daughter, Debra Young, as president and CEO.

Debra, who joined full-time in 2009 after a career in corporate finance, has transformed UPA through rebranding, technology upgrades, and a renewed focus on efficiency and company culture. Under her leadership, the company navigated the challenges of COVID-19, emerging stronger and more connected to both employees and clients.

Today, UPA’s 220 employees manage more than 50,000 units across Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, providing property management for apartment communities, condominiums, and single-family rentals. With four corporate offices and a “care for each property as if it were our own” philosophy, UPA continues its legacy of community involvement, supporting local nonprofits like SPCA, CHKD, and food banks.

A proud member of the TowneBank family, UPA values strong local partnerships and remains committed to integrity, reliability, and personalized service.

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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.

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UPA Named a Top Workplace by Inside Business

United Property Associates (UPA) has been recognized as one of the Top Workplaces 2023 by Inside Business, placing #14 among midsize companies in Hampton Roads. This honor reflects UPA’s strong, people-first culture where employees are valued, supported, and treated like family.

Founded in 1978 by Bernie and Helene Grablowsky, and now led by their daughter, President and CEO Debra G. Young, UPA provides property management services for apartments, condominiums, and single-family rentals. The company is proudly family-owned, women-led, and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

UPA fosters a collaborative environment through open communication, growth opportunities, and robust benefits—from health and wellness services to flexible scheduling and recognition programs. Employees actively give back to the community, raising over $125,000 in the past decade for local nonprofits and participating in numerous charitable initiatives.

This recognition places UPA among only 58 organizations selected across the Southeastern Coastal Virginia region—further solidifying its reputation as both an industry leader and a great place to work.

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