We believe that every property has the potential to thrive with the right management approach.
With a passion for real estate and a commitment to excellence, we're here to help property owners and investors navigate the complexities of property management with confidence and peace of mind.
Fresh Start Collective
Fresh Start Collective serves as the visionary force behind Fresh Start Studios real estate photography and Fresh Start Property Management Group, both owned and operated by the dynamic duo, Jen and Matt Smits. As the parent company, Fresh Start Collective embodies a commitment to innovation, excellence, and client-centric service in the real estate industry. Fresh Start Studios specializes in capturing the essence and beauty of properties through stunning photography, helping clients showcase their listings in the best possible light and attract potential buyers or tenants. Complementing this, Fresh Start Property Management Group offers top-notch management services, ensuring property owners experience peace of mind while maximizing the value of their investments. Together, under Jen and Matt's leadership, Fresh Start Collective fosters a culture of creativity, professionalism, and integrity, setting new standards of excellence in the real estate sector.
Matt Smits
Managing Director of Fresh Start Property Management Group & Licensed Real Estate Agent
As the managing director of Fresh Start Property Management Group, Matt leverages his extensive background in both military service and academia. Having dedicated four years to the United States Marine Corps, he brings discipline, leadership, and a commitment to excellence to his endeavors. He Graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree. With a keen eye for opportunities and seasoned investment acumen, he navigates the real estate landscape with strategic insight and a passion for success.
A disillusioning experience with property management served as Matt's catalyst for entering the industry. Frustrated by inadequate management practices and subpar service, he recognized a need for improvement and decided to take matters into his own hands. Determined to provide a superior experience for property owners and tenants alike, Matt founded Fresh Start Property Management Group, driven by a commitment to professionalism, transparency, and excellence in every aspect of the business.
Jen Smits
Photographer and Managing Director of Fresh Start Studios
Jen's love for photography began at an early age. She earned her BA in Photography with a minor in Communications from Grand Valley State University in 2007. That same year marked the inception of her first portrait photography venture, Shutterbug Photography. Since then, Jen has immortalized countless moments, ranging from weddings and engagements to births, family portraits, and senior sessions. Her lens also captured the essence of various businesses, including renowned entities like Van Andel Institute, The Right Place, Foremost Insurance, Make-A-Wish, and The Ford Foundation, among others.
After a short break and a complete rebrand, Jen unveiled Fresh Start Studios in 2020. Amidst a whirlwind of events, she expanded her services, cultivating a passion for forging partnerships with realtors and small business owners. Her goal? To empower them with top-tier visual marketing assets.
With over 17+ years of industry expertise, Jen has emerged as a trusted figure in West Michigan's photography and real estate sector. Her dedication to excellence and commitment to fostering lasting relationships have cemented her reputation as a reliable ally and partner.
Hannah Berkey
Office Manager
Hannah is an experienced professional with over 15 years in customer service across diverse industries. Her strength lies in cultivating genuine personal connections with clients, regardless of the sector she's engaged in. Hannah is adept at understanding and addressing each individual's unique needs.
Driven by her passion for fostering meaningful relationships and delivering exceptional results, Hannah continues to be a trusted asset in any team or organization she joins, consistently exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting positive impact wherever she goes.
Jessica Ludlow
Marketing Director
Jessica brings a wealth of experience to Fresh Start Property Management Group as a seasoned marketing expert, specializing in acquisition and retention strategies. With over a decade of industry experience, she has honed her skills in various aspects of marketing, including social media management, email campaigns, and customer relationship management.
Jessica’s ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior allows her to develop tailored strategies that resonate with target audiences, resulting in increased engagement and retention rates.
In her role at Fresh Start Property Management Group, Jessica is committed to leveraging her expertise to enhance our marketing efforts and contribute to the success of our properties. She is excited to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating positive experiences for our clients and residents.
Fresh Start Property Management Group
Our Story:
Fresh Start Property Management Group was founded with a simple yet powerful vision: to redefine the property management experience. With years of industry experience and a deep understanding of the markets we serve, our founders saw an opportunity to create a company that prioritizes transparency, integrity, and personalized service.
Our Mission:
Our mission at Fresh Start is to empower property owners and investors to achieve their real estate goals by providing comprehensive, reliable, and innovative property management solutions. We strive to build long-term partnerships based on trust, communication, and mutual success.
Our Services:
At Fresh Start Property Management Group, we offer a comprehensive range of property management services, including full-service management, tenant placement, maintenance coordination, and investment consultation. Whether you own a single-family home, a multi-unit apartment building, or vacation rentals, we have the expertise and resources to help you succeed.
Why Choose Fresh Start:
Expertise: Our team of experienced property managers brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every client partnership. We stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices to ensure that your property receives the highest level of care and attention.
Personalized Service: We understand that every property is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to property management. Whether you're a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, we'll tailor our services to meet your specific needs and goals.
Transparency: At Fresh Start, we believe in open and honest communication. We'll keep you informed every step of the way and provide detailed reports and updates so you can stay informed about the performance of your property.
Commitment to Excellence: We're committed to excellence in everything we do, from tenant screening to maintenance coordination. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and deliver exceptional results that maximize the value of your investment.
