Celebrating Five Years of Ashley Olsen at Cardinal Group

At Cardinal, our culture embodies many different elements: it’s about improving as a team while having fun growing together both personally and professionally. Our team members are the heart and soul of our culture! We are so grateful for the efforts our team members put in daily to go the extra mile to help change the industry and challenge the status quo.

Today we’re celebrating Ashley Olsen and her dedicated years of service to the growth of our team over the last five years.

Learn more about Ashley’s journey below!

What is your role?

Community Manager

Describe your Cardinal Journey

I joined Cardinal in January 2020 as the Leasing and Marketing Team Lead for a community in Indiana, PA, which comprised three distinct communities operating under one brand.

In October 2023, I began a new chapter in my professional journey by accepting a role as a Community Manager and relocating to Columbia, MO.

 

Who has been influential in your life, and how have they helped guide you?

Lauren: While many might expect my answer to be Barbie, and while that is true,  I have been fortunate to encounter numerous influential individuals on my journey. One standout person who has significantly impacted my life and growth in the past year is Lauren Crumpler, the portfolio manager of cell 5.3. I appreciate Lauren’s energy and enthusiasm, especially when she travels for an onsite visit! She embodies the Cardinal core value of bringing your best each day and creating fun. This defines her leadership style. Lauren sets high expectations for her team, encouraging us to strive for excellence in our work. While she has high standards, her feedback focuses on helping us grow and succeed. She challenges us to think critically and embrace obstacles, motivating me to put my full effort into every task. Lauren’s inspiring leadership boosts our performance and creates a positive atmosphere that makes a lasting impact on everyone involved.

Jamie:  I could not narrow it down to one person, so I want to acknowledge another cardinal team member who has made a significant impact on my life. Her hard work and achievements truly deserve recognition for where she is today. Jamie Ball has influenced my professional and personal journey in ways I could never have anticipated.

Our paths crossed when I was a licensed nail technician, and Jamie became one of my cherished clients. When a position for LMTL opened, Jamie took it upon herself to contact me.

What I admire most about Jamie goes far beyond her professional support. In our second year of working together, she faced the unimaginable: a diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer with a slim chance of living the life she planned. While waiting for a liver donor, she stayed positive and inspired everyone around her. Her strength reminded us all of the power of hope in difficult times.

Every day, Jamie faced her fears and kept a smile on her face. As a mother of three, she tackled her challenges with amazing strength, even while getting treatment, dealing with hair loss, and managing severe illness. Jamie took a leave from work and adjusted her commitments, but she refused to let cancer define her.

In 2022, after a difficult journey marked by countless treatments and surgeries, Jamie finally received the gift of life—a liver donor. Today, she is cancer-free, which is a testament to her incredible spirit and strength.

Now, in 2025, Jamie has stepped into her new role as Community Manager back with Cardinal in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She truly embodies the essence of perseverance and resilience. Her strength, unwavering positivity, and determination continue to inspire me every day. From being a mentor in my career to becoming a lifelong friend, Jamie’s positive influence has left an indelible mark on my life.

What do you find most exciting about your job? Most challenging?

I appreciate witnessing my team develop new skills and confidence in their roles. The most challenging aspect of my job is managing people and being an adaptive leader, which requires a deep understanding of each member’s unique approach. Recognizing and utilizing individual strengths is crucial for our success as a team.

If you could invite any historical figure to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would select Leonardo da Vinci, considering the profound inspiration he has imparted to my artistic endeavors. He is widely recognized for his masterpieces, including the “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper.” Engaging in a meal with him would provide invaluable insights into his artistic process, techniques, and inspirations underpinning his iconic works.

If you could master a new skill outside of work, what would it be?

If I could instantly acquire any skill, it would be the ability to master focus at will. This skill would enable me to direct my energy and concentrate on what truly matters, be it creating, learning, or building connections with others without distractions getting in the way. Focus is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. It transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary results and fosters a productive and fulfilling life.

What’s a memorable project or initiative you’ve been part of at Cardinal?

My most memorable project at Cardinal has been a recent assignment involving a new takeover community in Tampa, Florida, which features a unique style. During a discussion with my Portfolio Manager about the need for paintings in the lobby area, I realized I could contribute to this initiative.

The paintings became more than just a project for me; they reignited my passion for art, an interest I had set aside for the past ten years. This opportunity allowed me to pick up where I left off and pushed me to start painting and drawing again, something I had completely stopped doing. Having successfully navigated several challenges, I’m thrilled to share that both paintings (9 ft x 7 ft) are set to be installed next week. I can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on the community!

What is a favorite travel experience, and what is another trip you would like to take one day?

My favorite travel experience was with my Nanny and Pap in Tennessee. Every summer, my mom, Nanny, Pap, and I would drive to Tennessee, which Nanny considered her happy place. She adored Dolly Parton, so we visited Dollywood, the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, and many other attractions. This trip stands out because I spent quality time with my two favorite people. Now that they are no longer with us, I cherish those trips and the memories they bring. They fill my heart with joy, and I would love to take a similar trip with my mom in the future to relive some of those cherished moments.