Chris Francis | Owner

About Chris

Christopher, a graduate of Texas State University with a Bachelor's in Business Management and a specialization in Marketing, brings a wealth of expertise to the Rollingwood Management team. Beginning his journey with us as the Leasing Coordinator/Property Management Assistant in 2015, Christopher has seamlessly ascended to his current role as Owner of the firm.

Christopher is a licensed Texas Real Estate agent and a member of the Austin Board of Realtors and the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). His commitment to excellence is underscored by his acquisition of professional designations, including the TRLS® (Texas Residential Leasing Specialist) designation awarded by the Texas Realtors Association in 2015, the TRPM® (Texas Residential Property Manager) designation awared by the Texas Realtors Association in 2019, and the RMP® (Residential Management Professional) designation awarded by the National Association of Residential Property Managers in 2025.

A true Texan at heart, Christopher was born and raised in the vibrant city of Austin. Outside the office, you can often find him and his wife, Lizzie, exploring the live music scene of Austin through Jazz or Electronic music, exploring the outdoors through jogging, hiking and camping. He also nurtures his imaginative side through science fiction novels, improving his green thumb with (attempting) to keep new plants alive. And when it's time to unwind, Christopher loves the picturesque shores of Texas beaches or the quiet retreat of their backyard.

• 2015: TRLS® - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist - Texas REALTORS®
• 2019: TRPM® -Texas Residential Property Manager - Texas REALTORS®
• 2020 - 2025: Austin NARPM® Chapter Board of Directors
• 2020: Austin NARPM® Chapter Treasurer
• 2021: Austin NARPM® Chapter Leadership
• 2023: Austin NARPM® Chapter President-Elect
• 2024: Austin NARPM® Chapter President
• 2025: Austin NARPM® Chapter Membership Chair
• 2025: RMP® - Residential Management Professional Designation - NARPM®

Michael Francis, Broker

About Michael

Michael brings over four decades of experience as a landlord advocate and residential property manager in the greater Austin area. Since 1985, he has been engaged in the management of properties, an investment property owner, instructor, and an integral part of Rollingwood Management, Inc.

Originally from the Houston area, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. Since then, Michael has made Austin his home, contributing extensively to its community fabric. His philanthropic spirit shines through his volunteer work with organizations such as the Texas Special Olympics Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Austin, and Operation Blue Santa. Michael has also served as Mayor and Council Member for the City of Sunset Valley, Texas.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael leads an active lifestyle. An avid runner, snow skier, and beekeeper, he relishes every opportunity to spend time with his loved ones and friends. Michael and Carol are members of the Austin Ridge Bible Church, actively supporting its ministries and missions.

• 2001: RMP® - Residential Management Professional Designation - NARPM®
• 2003: Member of the Year Award - Austin NARPM® Chapter
• 2006: MPM® - Master Property Manager Designation - NARPM®
• 2013: Certified Residential Management Company CRMC® Designation - NARPM
• 2014: Member of the Year Award - Austin NARPM® Chapter
• 2014: TRLS® - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist - Texas REALTORS®
• 2015: Texas REALTORS® Certified Property Management Instructor
• 2016: TRPM® - Texas Residential Property Manager - Texas REALTORS®
• 2017: Austin Board of Realtors® Legislative Management Team - Property Management Liaison
• 2023: Joined City of Austin's Building and Standards Commission as a Commissioner - Actively Serving

Elle Nix | Bookkeeper

About Elle

Elle is a seasoned bookkeeper with over 20 years of service. With a bachelor's degree in Marketing, where she graduated with honors, Elle's journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for precision.

Following her academic pursuits, Elle ventured into the world of event coordination, orchestrating college symposiums that brought her face-to-face with influential personalities such as Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Margaret Thatcher, Mikhail Gorbachev, and George H. W. Bush. Her foray into customer service management with American transportation giants like Schneider National and Swift Transportation and her tenure as a product service assistant at GE equipped her with a deep understanding of client relations.

Elle's career as a bookkeeper spans various industries, including education, religious organizations, oil and gas companies, restaurants, CPA services, and landscaping. With two decades of experience, Elle has honed her proficiency in financial management, consistently delivering accurate and reliable services while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Elle finds joy as a mother to her children, indulging in her love for travel and culinary exploration. Since relocating to Austin, Elle has found a sense of belonging in the city's vibrant community. She enjoys the Hill Country, hiking and kayaking, and the energy of downtown Austin, particularly during events like F1 races and UT football and basketball games.

Úrsula Castañeda | Leasing Coordinator

About Ursula

Úrsula holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Guadalajara, graduating with academic distinction. Her journey into administrative support began in 2020 while pursuing her customs and logistic services studies. Throughout her academic career, she has enriched her knowledge through various academic stays at prestigious institutions such as the Technical University of Ilmenau and the Technical University of Stuttgart, focusing on engineering, product development, and business.

Driven by a deep appreciation for multiculturalism, Úrsula embarked on an immersive language journey, spending time in Ireland to master English and living within diverse communities, including a Mennonite enclave. Her interests span various domains, including travel, nature exploration, gastronomy, scientific inquiry, sports, and indulging in the delights of chocolate!

At Rollingwood Management, Úrsula brings her multifaceted background and enthusiasm to her role. She is dedicated to supporting the team with efficiency, professionalism, and a keen eye for detail, ensuring smooth operations and contributing to Rollingwood Management's success.

Stephen Smith | Property Manager

About Stephen

As a fourth-generation real estate professional, Stephen grew up immersed and surrounded by Real Estate his entire life. With over a decade of experience in single-family residential property management, he has managed residential properties all over the greater Austin area.

Stephen is a licensed Texas Real Estate agent and a member of the Austin Board of Realtors and the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). In 2014, Stephen received his Texas Real Estate License and, soon after, received the TRLS, Texas Residential Leasing Specialist designation. He also achieved the TRPM, Texas Residential Property Manager designation in 2019. The Texas Association of Realtors awards both of these designations. The TRPM requires class work in addition to two years as a Property Manager apprentice for a property management company.

Outside of the workplace, he loved growing up in his hometown of Austin, Texas. He enjoys cooking new recipes (and sometimes bringing them to the office!), reading books, gardening, playing board games, and the company of his dog.

• 2014: Texas Real Estate License Aquired
• 2014: TRLS® - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist - Texas REALTORS®
• 2019: TRPM® -Texas Residential Property Manager - Texas REALTORS®

Gamze Bouffartiguez | Property Manager

About Gamze

With experience in property management and real estate spanning a decade, Gamze has built a career rooted in efficiency, problem-solving, and exceptional service. Born in Turkey and raised in Germany, Gamze graduated from Sabel Wirtschaftsschule, a vocational business school, where she developed a strong foundation in business administration and finance. She later moved to Texas in 2012, where she purchased her first investment property—an experience that ignited her passion for real estate. Since then, she has worked extensively in property management, gaining hands-on experience in leasing, asset management, and investment strategies.

Gamze is a licensed Realtor with the Austin Board of Realtors and holds the Commitment to Excellence designation, reflecting her dedication to industry best practices and ongoing professional growth. She recently relocated from El Paso, where she was actively involved in the local real estate community and served as the Vice Chair for the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Committee, advocating for fair housing and inclusivity in real estate. Here in Austin, Gamze serves on the Board for the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, continuing Rollingwood's committment to this outstanding organization that helps better the quality of all residential investment managers. In 2026 Gamze was awarded the Texas Residential Leasing Specialist Certification.

Beyond her professional life, Gamze is a proud mother of two daughters, who are her greatest joy and motivation. She loves sharing new experiences with them, whether through travel, cultural exploration, or simply enjoying everyday moments together. A passionate home cook, she draws inspiration from her diverse background and enjoys preparing a wide variety of dishes—from traditional Turkish and German meals to globally inspired flavors.

• 2015: Texas Real Estate License Aquired
• 2024: Commitment to Excellence Designation (NAR)
• 2025 to 2026: Austin NARPM® Chapter Board of Directors - Chapter Membership Chair
• 2026: TRLS® - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist - Texas REALTORS®

Ruby Cortez | Maintenance Lead

About Ruby

Ruby brings over a decade of maintenance experience serving Austin and the surrounding areas. Throughout his career, he has developed a broad skill set in property upkeep and problem-solving that ensures every project is completed to the highest standard.

Ruby’s expertise is anchored in complex system repairs. Ruby brings a sharp attention to detail, a proactive approach to preventive maintenance, and an ability to quickly troubleshoot and repair. At Rollingwood Management, Ruby’s expertise ensures properties remain in excellent condition, supporting tenant satisfaction and strengthening the company’s reputation for quality service. He takes pride in making sure every task big or small is handled with care and professionalism.

Outside of work, Ruby enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, working on his bikes, and takes pride in being the pit master of the family, bringing the same dedication to his barbecue as he does to his career.

Leslie Williamson | Office Administrator

About Leslie

A native Texan, with family from West Texas to the Panhandle to the Golden Triangle and in-between, Leslie has always had a passion for helping people of all ages. This led her to major in Interdisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education at Stephen F. Austin State University. With 20 years of experience in customer service across diverse fields, which include pharmacy, aviation, and real estate support, Leslie has devoted her entire career to delivering warm, caring attention to clients. She always puts people first, and through efficiency and attention to detail, provides solutions to challenges large and small.

Outside of work, you can find Leslie out and about listening to live music at venues around Austin and the Hill Country, doing yoga, and off-roading and camping around the country in beautiful state and national parks. At home, Leslie enjoys making stained glass and playing the piano. Leslie finds almost every activity more enjoyable with her canine life-mate, a Bichon-Muppet mix named Patrick, at her side.

Molly and Guage | Directors of Happiness

About Molly and Guage

Molly and Guage are native Austinites, loves living in Austin and the Texas Hill Country! Their sincere dedication and relentless commitment to providing only the highest level of happiness to our office clearly sets them apart from the "pack" (sorry). The both enjoy playing fetch, giving squirrels a run for their money, dining on fine dog food, San Antonio Spurs basketball and University of Texas football. Hook em' Horns!