Apartment Life Leadership Podcast

  Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide a person or organization's actions, decisions, and behaviors. It also sets the culture and identity of the organization. The Gaskins have a fantastic approach to community engagement! Keeping a diverse and exciting event calendar is key to fostering a strong sense of community. They share tips on how they research and create new experiences for their property. From watercolor painting classes to spa days, from Jazz Bands around the pool to farmers' markets, their calendar has something for everyone.  

Every organization strives to attract top talent. Once new employees are hired, they go through the process of acclimating to the company's culture, learning its vocabulary, and understanding its processes. But onboarding is just the beginning. Great organizations aim to foster continuous growth and development among their staff. Some even build strong mentoring programs. One of the keys to hosting consistently great events is developing partnerships. Whether enlisting a faithful group of volunteers or working with local restaurants, there is no need to do it all alone. Eddie discusses tips on establishing partnerships that take your events to the next level.  

It's crucial for leaders to keep an eye on the horizon, anticipating what's ahead to better prepare their companies. As a rental housing economist, Jay shares with our listeners why it's essential for leaders to be as prepared as possible for the future—and offers practical ways to do just that. After 10 years of experiencing serving with Apartment Life, Jeff and Sandy share their tips for success. They deal with the important topics of dealing with managers, event choices, and flexibility. These three tips will make a difference for all who apply them.  

There is so much conversation today about the need to have great company culture, which is fantastic. However, the work still needs to get done. Dally shares how to bridge that gap between people and performance. If you're exploring ways to create a welcoming and engaging community, events can be powerful tools for fostering connections. But not all events work the same way. Micah and Bella have specific types of events they've found most successful in drawing people from the fringes into deeper relationships.  

David Snyder explains that leadership is more than just a job or a paycheck—it is a calling. This calling is found at the crossroads of passion, purpose, and potential. Apartment Life coordinators work hard to foster a genuine sense of community among residents. This is an important—and often significant—undertaking. Ben Fridge shares from his experience as a coordinator and Program Director for Apartment Life, how partnerships can be a game-changer in achieving this goal.  

Burnout is a challenge all leaders face at some point. In this episode, Tim Harris explores the key characteristics of burnout, offers practical strategies for breaking the cycle, and shares effective tips to prevent it. This insightful discussion could truly be a lifesaver. Every resident faces challenges at some point in life. But what happens when an entire community is struck by a crisis? The Carpenters share their experiences supporting residents in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.  

Throughout life, we encounter countless "life lessons" and "business lessons," gained either from personal experiences or the wisdom of others. Over the years, Chuck and his colleagues created a running list of 144 "Lessons Learned." In this episode, Chuck reflects on how the list began and highlights several of those valuable insights. The Burris' share how resident visits are a powerful part of building a sense of authentic community, jump starting relationships, and connecting with new residents. It also brings a solid business value to the community in helping increase satisfaction and resident retention. Visits are a win-win-win proposition!

Growing organizations must effectively manage change and embrace innovation to thrive in the future. Melissa Pratt distinguishes between "Change Management" and "Leading Innovation" and provides a clear game plan to achieve success in both areas. Planning events can be exciting, but how do you come up with fresh, creative ideas? The Sefiks share some of their favorite unique community events and the sources of their inspiration.  

All leaders have a list of projects on their desks to accomplish and they only have a certain number of hours in a day or week. Kelly “KC” Jones, Chief Operating Officer for Apartment Life, outlines the way that she approaches and teaches “Time & Project Management.” These simple and effective techniques make the leader more effect and efficient in these critical tasks. Apartment Life continues to fill the need for more communities in innovative ways. Chris shares how he is piloting an exciting “virtual” program. It is designed for communities that are waiting as Apartment Life is recruiting for their permanent coordinators. Chris walks property staff through the steps of hosting their own community events.  

Two indispensable characteristics of a leader are “Risk Taking” and being a “Lifelong Learner." Doug shares his experience of how taking wise risks is the way to keep moving forward as an organization. The way to move forward personally is to keep learning. Trevor and Carley share their experiences of visiting their neighbors. From sharing a Ramadan meal, to meeting an advertising giant, the Leash's have seen it all. There is a power of visiting the residents that is hard to match in connecting people to the community.  

After 15 years playing as a MLB player and then coaching at the collegiate level, All-star Lance Berkman shares several leadership lessons he learned along the way. Leaders need to know the way, show the way, and go the way. The Vance's remind us that principle of "Love your neighbor as yourself" is not a nice saying. It is a wonderful way to get to know their community and serve them in some amazing ways.  

Dr. Debbie shares that by making the subtle shift from “I have to” to “I get to” changes the leaders mindset as they approach their specific tasks. A key in making this adjustment is to align your passion and purpose with your projects. The Allens are veterans of serving Apartment Life by living “Onsite” in communities. They share their new focus of bringing the same great events by using Apartment Life's “Offsite” model. They share the advantages of both models of building community for residents. The Allens tell how intentionality is the key to receiving the same great results in their new chapter with Apartment Life.  

There are seasons in the life of every leader that seem like all things are going smoothly and it is clear sailing. Everything they try seems to work. Then there are other seasons when leaders go through the storm. It is tough going, things are working, and it may seem like it will never end. Keith shares how he delt with some recent storms. Greg and Kellye discuss the planning they do for their long-range vision for events to ensure a variety of “activity-based” events like chili cook-offs, dessert swaps, and painting classes. They also mix in “community building” events like Bingo and trivia nights. A dash of live music is also a favorite in their community. Planning is the key!  

Scott Turner, Chief Visionary Officer for JPI, describes how all leaders need to develop the ability to be resilient in the difficulties of life and business. Resilience will help leaders to not only to survive but thrive during the challenging times of life. The Mora sisters go above and beyond trying to build community through showing acts of care and kindness to their residents and staff. From bringing popcorn for a movie night for a sick child, to giving a special gift to make someone feel at home, they find the exact right way to love their residents. Staying intentional is the key.    

Carson McDaniel, President of Marble Capital, discusses that decision making is a BIG part of the leadership role. There are many components to the process and dynamics of moving an organization. Delegation, values communication, building culture, and setting goals are some of the pieces the leader needs to consider. The Coles share how that by being diligent to encourage positive online reviews by their residents saved their community. Over 100 residents stated that they were renewing their leasing in part to the Apartment Life program and the Coles! They describe their process of moving the dial on online ratings.  

Kevin Dean, founder of the Rockbridge Investment Group, shares the importance of establishing a long-term view of building their company to maximize future success. It is alluring to chase quick wins and paydays that do not ultimately build the solid foundation, culture, and practices that provide lasting results. Liz explains how strategic and fun events allow residents to get to know each other. She shares how an intimate class on "how to make salsa" left everyone with a new skill and new friends in the community.  

This episode will be a “Leadership Tips from the Top” style. This is when, instead of focusing on one leadership topic, I will ask Zach several leadership questions. He has accomplished an amazing amount at age 32. He is very vulnerable with his insights. They are valuable to all listeners. Brody serves two very different apartment communities. He shares the creative events that each group of residents enjoy. Monthly community dinners, a Presidential Pet Election, and a Pool Party with a local business showcase are just a few events that are popular.

Jerry Wilkinson has compiled a list of valuable life lessons from his NAA Hall of Fame career. During this episode, he shares the wisdom he learned on his journey. The Browns unpack their philosophy on selecting the perfect mix of events. They talk through the various sizes of their events and the slightly different goals of each. The Browns cover everything from big “fringe” events, to medium “affinity” groups, and small “nuclear“ gatherings.

Stephen Vecchitto, Founder and CEO of Advenir Living, explains that leadership is not a title, it is a behavior. Successful leaders serve, guide, and give targeted care to those they lead. They also need to be a cheerleader, coach, counselor, and composer. The majority of Apartment Life Coordinators have the privilege of visiting their residents at their apartments. It adds a personal touch when residents move into a community. It helps make them feel seen and welcome to their new home. The Hershey's share their strategy around visits. It is a strategy that anyone can do with their neighbors.  

Jim Monk, President of Clozzits, took a start up from 1 employee to 8000! He learned many valuable lessons through that season. Jim emphasizes that leaders need to be life-long learners. Alanna shares how by showing acts of care with your neighbors in times of need has had a profound impact. The impact was not only on her neighbors, but on her as well. Serving others can often be an amazing blessing in itself.    

Ernest shares his personal leadership journey and skill set. He also gives constructive and practical advice for young leaders in any field. Ernest guarantees that these tips will make any leader a success. It has been said often, "People do not care how much you know, until you show how much you care." This is true for Apartment Life Coordinators as well. The Acton's share that showing care and love to their residents and staff are the keys to being able to serve their community well.  

Everyone struggles to find work-life balance. John shares his story of how being out of balance affected his family. He also shares tips of regaining his balance. Building a support team to help the coordinators is vital for success. Quincy and Katelyn share what they enjoy putting together. They also give tips on how to select the right team and what functions can be trained to enhance the service.  

Henry Cloud said, “As a leader, you always get what you create and what you allow.” Every company has a culture whether they built it or allowed it. Dana explains how to build and measure the culture of a company in a fast-moving environment. Tosha shares how she serves her communities with “intentionality” in everything she does. A simple smile, kind words, or helping to brighten someone's day has a powerful impact.  

Payton Mayes (CEO of JPI) explains how their company implements the values of Patrick Lencioni's bestselling book, “The Ideal Team Player”. Whether making hiring decisions or building a company culture, Payton shares the importance of these three key character qualities. Apartment Life coordinators are known for their great events. However, the end goal of Apartment Life is not just to host wonderful events. It is to build community for the residents. The Landis' explain how they use hosting events to build that sense of authentic community.  

Every leader needs to be strategic about how they lead and how they grow their leadership. Mark shares numerous qualities that leaders should have developed along their journey. Humility, being genuine, directness, and a willingness to serve clients and staff are a few of them. Having a group who will help you see your blind spots is indispensable. One of the often-overlooked aspects of Apartment Life's services to communities is resident visits. Crystal discusses the different types of visits they conduct for the community and the why behind them. There is great impact by meeting residents on their turf.  

Every person is filled with a degree of leadership potential. For most people it is even more than they realize. Every leader who hires new staff wants to help them grow to become the very best leaders that they were created to be. Kiley shares three principles for you to unlock that potential. Monthly social events are a powerful way Apartment Life teams build community for residents. Andre describes how finding and utilizing local vendors is the key to connecting the residents to the community outside the boundary of their property. If residents love their neighborhood, it increases the chances of them staying on their property.  

Everyone stumbles at some point in life. The key is picking yourself up and moving on. Marshall Edwards, founding board member of Apartment Life, shares tips from his sports and business experiences. Serving residents with diverse backgrounds, ages, and occupations can be a challenge in planning social events that hit the mark for everyone. Kiara describes her favorite events to meet the needs of her residents. The events range from pet art events, amazing pool parties, to tea tastings. Each one creates a memorable way to meet their neighbors.  

Three key core leadership characteristics that lead to success are being Humble, Hungry, and Hustle. These principles (found in H3 Leadership), in the right balance, can set the stage for any leader to maximize their potential. Donna shares her journey to the top. An important aspect to the success for most of the Apartment Life coordinators is utilizing outside help or volunteers at strategic times. The Thomson's share how strategically having friends, family, and their small group to serve their community, not only impacts their resident events but helps in recruiting new potential residents and coordinators.  

John takes the complicated challenge of leadership and boils it down to three main pillars that people can use as a template to build their own style of leadership for their context. Great events not only help to build a sense of community, reestablish existing connections, and create a central gathering place, they also can create lasting memories. Cat shares how her Miami Vice and Casino Night with a Cause build lasting memories that will keep residents talking about your community for years.  

The military and corporate worlds are different in many obvious ways. Brett shares from his twenty-years of experience in the Georgia Army National Guard several leadership lessons he learned in the military that cross over well into the corporate world. Difficult circumstances require “out of the box” solutions. During the pandemic the Villarreal's created a unique way to connect their residents to each other and local businesses. It is a practice that they still use today to build community.    

The use of encouragement is a powerful yet often overlooked resource in developing a flourishing culture. Encouraging others in the workplace can be an intentional habit that everyone can develop. Jeremy shares several steps that will allow you to have an impact on those around you in a profound way. Apartment living is transient for many residents. They can feel isolated and unseen. The Robertson's make it their goal for every resident to feel seen and cared for. They share techniques that they use to make themselves available to each of their neighbors.  

There are many reasons that we and our co-workers have difficulty in having honest conversations at work. People are not trying to be dishonest, but there are competing factors in play. Will I hurt someone? Do I look bad bringing this up to my supervisor? Kendall shares several practical tips on having those needed honest conversations. Most Apartment Life Coordinators would agree that serving a community is a very stretching experience. There are many different skills and many different tasks that are required to do the job well. The Groft's mention that there are at least three ways that they have been stretched being coordinators.  

The workplace can sometimes be a difficult setting to be more than professional in nature. Danielle reminds listeners that being authentic and real helps build true relationships where trust exists between co-workers and with clients. Our world is running at warp speed today and building relationships can be hard to start or develop. The Peterson's share how they intentionally set aside time and spaces to engage in conversations with residents. This not only is a wonderful way to show that they care about the community, but it allows them to hear about other needs that they can then try to meet.  

There seems to be a continual pull between a leader's work and the rest of their life. Alicia Stoermer Clark, CEO of Seldin Company shares how to build a “work-life plan” that includes persistence, compartmentalization, and recognition. The Burris' share how resident visits are a powerful part of building a sense of authentic community, jump starting relationships, and connecting with new residents. It also brings a solid business value to the community in helping increase satisfaction and resident retention. Visits are a win-win-win proposition!  

It is vitally important for leaders to have an eye to the horizon to see what may be coming next in order to prepare their companies for it. Ryan shares the how Witten Advisors does “data carpentry” to help them see trends and forecasts in the industry. The Hutzler's intentionally build solid relationships not only with their residents, but also with their property staff. This allowed them to be available during a major life event for their property manager. That is just the beginning of their story.  

If your goal is to be successful in leadership, there are mindset characteristics that are needed. Hugh discusses the need to continually be focused on growing personally; learning to communicate direction in a way that speaks life into others; and focus the spotlight on others in humility. The Atkinson's have developed a creative event for their community that has become indispensable. Their “Community Conversation” event is their most popular event and allows residents to discuss vital topics relevant to all their residents.   

It is easy to fall into a scarcity mindset. William Ryan discusses the reality of “abundance” and the possibility of making the pie bigger. Remembering our source and saying “yes” only to the right opportunities are a couple of the tips he shares in this episode. By being intentional and strategic, the Smith's are averaging almost 30 acts of care a month. That is one per day! People can go through their week or even month and never have someone do an act of care for them. Robert and Michaela attempt to touch as many in their community as they can, and it makes a difference.  

Everyone wants their business to run well, function smoothly, and at the end of the day be profitable. Tom Sittema, Executive Chairman of StepStone Private Wealth, approaches excellence in business as something that needs to be viewed as a whole-of-life pursuit, a constant improvement mindset, and often as a team sport. The Nelsons have not only been Apartment Life Coordinators for 11 years, but they have also taken serving their residents to a whole new level! Richard developed a “tea” event that is outstanding. Yes, tea! Their community cannot get enough, and other communities use his services. Joanne shares how they cared for a resident in an above-and-beyond way.  

Many organizations discover that they have somehow become stuck. Pete Kelly, CEO of Apartment Life describes three reasons why this can happen to organizations and to individuals. He also shares several steps for getting unstuck and back on track. Everyone wants to be seen and cared for where they live. Destiny and Isaac share how that giving flowers, providing food to neighbors in need, giving a card, or sharing a smile can start meaningful relationships. No act of kindness is too small to have an impact.  

Paul (Co-Founder and CEO, Thompson Thrift Real Estate Company) shares the value and power of servant leadership in the workplace. Thompson Thrift takes this principle to new heights by integrating serving others from the Board Room, to staff members, to their properties, to local non-profits, and to others in need globally. Katie and Steven share how remembering the “Why” has enabled them to serve as coordinators with Apartment Life for 15 years. They also mastered the art of transition. They served 4 different communities, 3 owners, and 12 property managers with grace and powerful impact. They helped build community in part by hosting over 500 events!  

Core values help solid companies stay on course and shape the decision-making process. Matt Maglothin, Chief Investment Officer at i3 Interests describes how i3 Interests uses the P6 (Pause, Pray, Pow wow, Prepare, Practice, and Present) when making all big decisions. There is a power to the P6! How do you build community when you do not know the culture? The Hunts share their tips of how they learned how to serve their community when 80% of the residents are from India and in their very first home in the US. The Hunts discovered that event start times, menu choices, length of visits, and personal interactions all were affected. Mattie and Joel share how they have built a tremendous sense of community.  

Many people talk about and struggle with “work-life balance”. Greg Brenneman, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Turnworks Inc., discusses the advantages of “work-life integration”. Greg points out that the work in work-life balance usually wins out. However, with work-life integration there is a harmony between both. The Apartment Life's Senior Adult program is designed to promote resident well-being in the physical, mental, occupational, social, and spiritual areas of life. Rosie shares how her communities of active senior adults thrive with this program. They love the events and have accepted Rosie as family.  

David Oelfke, Co-Founder and Principal of Marble Capital shares his experience of starting and growing multiple successful organizations. He discusses the vital ingredients of vision, risk taking, skills and abilities, and building the right team. Oelfke goes in depth on each topic and how they contribute to a winning combination. Beth Coble serves with the new Apartment Life's concierge program. She describes how the programs are designed to meet the needs of each community and reflects its unique features. Located on Lake Wylie, Beth's residents are treated to events such as lake cruises. Since Beth's property is a lease-up, she has been able to get to know each resident personally.

Ben Erskine, Partner at Sovereign's Capital shares that when we share a common purpose with others it brings a corresponding motivation and alignment with them. It also brings greater results. Whether speaking about business, employees, or clients, there is a power to being reminded of that common purpose. In our personal lives, it can take us from success to significance. Lisa Moore describes how “building community partnerships is one of my greatest joys!” Her tenacity helps find perfect partnerships for the needs of her community. Lisa combs through Google, asks local churches, asks friends, and networks with others all to bring excellence for her residents.  

Greg Cerbana, VP for Public Relations and Government Affairs for Weidner Apartment Homes shares that we are all created to contribute in one way or another. Meaning comes not as much from the work that we do but from the impact that we make. The Seavers, Lety and Ric, have found that having their own children involved with them as they serve has become integral to the success they have building community on their property. They also make it their mission to love on, support, and show appreciation to their Property Manager. It is a demanding job for all managers. The Seavers bring a healthy dose of encouragement in many ways.  

Dr. Debbie Phillips, President and Founder of The Quadrillion, explains how Transformational Leadership empowers a company's staff to develop and create extraordinary results. She shares “Dr. Debbie's Dozen” for making sure your staff is fully engaged in maximizing their talents in the organization.   The Martinez team have made it a science on how to research, recruit, and utilize outside groups and individuals to partner with them to enhance their service to their two communities. They partner with local schools, restaurants, nearby businesses, and churches to help them increase the breadth and depth of their service to the residents.  

David Wylie, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Hilltop Residential, discusses the value of knowing your work “super-power”. He gives valuable tips on how to discover where you excel in your abilities. Apartment Life Coordinators do a great job of building community through hosting events. But, when Tonya hosts a “Positivity Day” in her community, it is over the top! Residents love this time of growth and getting to know each other so much they demand to have it EVERY WEEK!

Paul Schultheis, the Founder and a Managing Partner at Strategic Resource Group for 28 years, shares three great tests for all leaders: they must cast vision, they must seek partnerships, and they must have followers. Volunteers are a key to the most successful Apartment Life programs. Matt from Kent, WA shares the fundamentals of the “why”, “when”, and “who” of utilizing the power of volunteers for events. No matter the size of the community you do not need to serve alone. Coordinators can multiply their effectiveness by inviting others to join them.

Rob de Bruin, President of StreetLights Residential, explains that all leaders have flaws. “Everyone sees them - why deny it?” Receiving negative feedback can be the key to growing as a leader.   Serving a Huge community of 1700 units does not faze the Morris in the slightest. In fact, they take their events to the next level. Their schedule includes events like “Puppy Prom“ complete with a King and Queen; “Car Shows” with top-of-the-line EV's with test drives; and an amazing “.5K Run” with all the extras.