Take a few moments to get to know our property management professionals and the qualities that make them excel in their field.
Our Team
Joel Garson, CPM, RAM, CMCA
Chairman of the Board & Co-Owner
Joel is the founder of Hillcrest Property Management. 50 years ago, Joel instituted Hillcrest Property Management by providing personalized property management service to each and every client.
Due to Joel’s commitment to the condominium industry, as well as his hands-on approach to customer service and satisfaction, Hillcrest has grown to a portfolio over 17,000 units, with over 200 Associations in the Chicagoland area. In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree, Joel holds the distinction of “Certified Manager of Community Associations” from the National Board of Certification for Community Association Managers, “Certified Property Manager” from the National Association of Realtors, and “Certified Property Manager” from the National Association of Home Builders. Utilizing these certifications, Joel has taught courses in Real Estate Management on a national level. Joel is active in the company and maintains an open door policy for all of his clients, as well as the Hillcrest employees.
Scott Millard
Executive Vice President
Scott M. supervises all of the property managers and property assistants at Hillcrest Property Management. He is also a Licensed Property Manager and has been in the real estate and real estate property management business for over 30 years. He has a unique technical background for a property manager because he has a law degree. Scott is always available to the other property management professionals, who in turn, use his legal background in solving complex association issues and problems that arise from time to time. Scott enjoys the many challenges facing associations in today’s ever-changing property management field, and working with association boards, owners, vendors, and contractors at the various associations he manages.
Helen Kocemba
Comptroller
Helen is responsible for general administrative services for Hillcrest Property Management and aides with technical assistance for the office. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and four decades of experience in the real estate industry, licensed as a managing real estate broker. In 1986, Helen joined the Hillcrest team providing staff support for general administration, payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. She also provided customer service support for the management and bookkeeping departments. Since the company has grown since her start, her primary responsibilities are in general administration and technical assistance in the office.
Lindsay Diaferia
Director of Client Care & Licensed Property Manager
Lindsay is the Director of Client Care and Licensed Property Manager. Additionally, she is in charge of the rollout of our software portal, Pilera. She oversees day-to-day operations in the client care Department to ensure things are being completed in a timely and orderly manner. She is highly motivated, well organized, and detail-oriented individual. She loves to challenge herself in new ways to further her expectations and knowledge. She has been in the customer service industry for 15 years and Property Management for over three years. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in Business.
Steve Bottlemy
Director of Business Development
Steve has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting along with a diverse background in sales and marketing. He is a licensed managing broker and a member of the National Association of Realtors. Steve has been with Hillcrest for 10 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the development of the services we offer to each of our managed associations. His unique background comes from owning and promoting real estate based firms over the past 35 years. Steve strongly believes in communication, accountability and providing excellent service to the associations we manage. One of his primary goals is to make sure that our vendors, our staff and our clients are working together to create an environment that enhances and improves the values of the associations Hillcrest manages. Steve is currently a member of Hillcrest’s executive team and he oversees the sales, vendor and insurance aspects of Hillcrest’s property management business.
