Apartments on the Go Podcast

Multifamily owners, operators, property managers and residents have numerous proptech choices when seeking solutions to today's pain points. Vendors that initially set out to solve a single problem have since evolved into trusted experts in enhancing efficiencies and the resident experience. The current slate of tech must do it all, including solving across multiple operations, to serve multifamily clients properly. Join Joe Settimi, SVP of Renter Solutions at Assurant, and host Courtney Linderson, for a discussion about tech's next big challenge: driving business and revenue growth.

As rent growth cools, new units hit the market and insurance and interest rates remain high, operators are getting creative in addressing Net Operating Income (NOI). While dynamics continue to shift, passive revenue that doesn't require CAPEX dollars is finding its way into operations and improving the resident experience at the same time. Joseph Woodbury, Co-Founder and CEO of Neighbor, joins Matt and Courtney to explain how a growing marketplace for self-storage is maximizing unused space in both existing and new construction.

Following the 2024 NMHC OPTECH Conference, it's never been more clear that adopting and implementing the right tech stack for multifamily operations is no simple task. Whether you're trying to ramp up tech, like introducing smart home technology, or simplify your tech stack, you have to be strategic in both planning and implementation. Todd Thorpe, director of business development for Cambium Networks, joins hosts Matt and Courtney to discuss the importance of finding a tech mentor, setting realistic time frames and navigating the integrations that serve your portfolio and property goals.

Insights from Rent.'s upcoming multifamily marketing study reveal that many marketers are excited about AI — they just don't know where to start. Nishant Phadnis, Chief Product Officer at Rent., joins hosts Matt and Courtney to share the excitement of AI in multifamily marketing and notes how most of us are already dabbling. Whether it's more traditional AI, such as chatbots and automated communication, or more progressive and predictive AI, like targeting and photo optimization in listings, Nishant explains how to start exploring different AI tools and how to keep the pressure from overshadowing the adventure.

Reputation management and online reviews can be a huge burden on time and resources. What we do know is that reviews have a direct impact on the renter's decision to lease, renew and recommend a property. Katie Ritter, National Director for Multifamily at Widewail, and Cory Smith, VP at Zark Parking Solutions, unpack the 2024 Widewail Voice of the Resident Report and its valuable insights, including the most important amenities and features that affect online reviews, They explore how to reduce negative reviews and increase positive reviews for not only better reputation scores, but higher retention and lower turnover. Download your copy of the report here!

Multifamily faces challenges in attracting and retaining residents in the midst of growing competition, and they can ill afford an uphill battle to keep employees. Katie Nelson, Vice President of Marketing for CAPREIT, joins Matt and Courtney to discuss using technology to advance marketing in multifamily and build strong teams. As an industry veteran, Nelson emphasizes the importance of creating and retaining a solid team. Join the discussion for valuable ideas, programs and incentives that companies need to retain their valuable talent successfully.

The multifamily industry has no shortage of new products and services promising to enhance leasing and living. Mohammad Akhlaghi, a serial entrepreneur and co-founder and CEO of Plugzio, joins Matt and Courtney to talk about the start-up game. According to Mohammad, who has been recognized as one of the Top 30 under 30 in BC Business and also pitched on Canada's Dragons' Den TV show, it all starts with identifying a problem, gauging the demand to solve the problem, and having the stamina to see it through. In this lively conversation, he emphasizes the need to stay curious, keep people close who will challenge and complement your strengths and be prepared to fail. There's even a business idea in there, but you've been sworn to secrecy!

The economic and multifamily market volatility of the last few years has left 2024 feeling like it's moving at a glacial pace. Join Courtney, Matt, and Chris Nebenzahl, Director of Economic Research at Radix, as they examine how apartment supply, traffic and occupancy are reflecting more normalcy, as well as a preview of what 2025 may look like as inflation, employment rates and interest rates continue to fluctuate. Plus, download insights from Radix's 2024 Midyear Review & Second Half Outlook.

Everyone loves rewards, especially when they get them for doing things they do every day. Multifamily loves the idea of rewards but doesn't know that simply rewarding positive behaviors like on-time rent payments and lease renewals is a great way to boost resident satisfaction. Ron Klein, Head of Product for Domuso, joins hosts Matt and Courtney to discuss how rewards programs create happy residents by growing the appeal of a property, increasing on-time payments and reducing turnover.

Around 50% of multifamily technology projects are ultimately left uncompleted. At a time when technological solutions can be a boost to leasing success, project planning, execution and completion are essential. Savas Karas, Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Transformation Officer for CAPREIT, joins AOTG hosts Courtney and Matt to explain how thoughtful implementation and thorough training can help multifamily owners and operators realize success.

For those seeking career growth in multifamily, connecting with a mentor can bring much needed guidance and perspective to the journey. Surprisingly, mentorships are not as common as one might think. Discovering this, Tara Samuels founded Multifamily Mentor Matchmaking to help connect ambitious industry employees with mentors. Ian Bingham, SVP of Business Development at Buckingham Companies, and Tyler Goss, Regional Director of Sales for OneApp, join Tara and the hosts of Apartments on the GO to share their beneficial experience with The Multifamily Mentor Matchmaker.

Apartments on the Go is back! Megan Orser, CEO of Smart Apartment Solutions and Smart Moves LLC, kicks off our return with an informative discussion on what it means to be an Independent Rental Owner (IRO) and how multifamily is increasingly inclusive of IROs on the state and national level. Elevating IRO's efficiency and success means advocating for ourselves or perhaps even "firing ourselves" from some tasks to achieve end goals.

Multifamily owners and operators are always seeking ways to boost operational efficiency and enhance the resident experience. Mike Branam, Director of Sales and Customer Success for PointCentral, shares how the attitude of owners has shifted to not just seeking solutions but also unifying them to improve ease of use for their organization, onsite teams, residents and prospects.

As its rapid expansion continues, artificial intelligence (AI) has generated concerns about its impact on jobs. For multifamily, says HappyCo CEO Jindou Lee, AI is currently less likely to be a replacement for industry employees and more likely to be an enhancement to their current positions. Lee discusses this and more about the future of AI in multifamily maintenance.

Centralization continues to be a significant topic in the multifamily industry, particularly as owners and operators look for ways to control costs. Dom Beveridge talks about the 2023 20for20, which is less technology-centric and more process-centric in its examination of centralization. The 2023 report looks at how centralization works in leasing, administration and maintenance. The biggest surprise, Dom says, is the shift in centralization focus away from leasing toward specialization, especially in administrative tasks.

“Self-guided touring is a people and process problem, not a technology problem…. and realistically we are probably a few years away from this feeling good to a renter, but we know that renters want this option” We are joined in today's episode by digital branding expert and visualization strategist Brent Steiner of Engrain! Sight maps, self-guided tours and the tech around these products have skyrocketed in popularity within the past few years and our industry has a huge need for even more innovation in this space. What's going to happen in the next few years, how will these products and operators evolve? Find out in Brent's episode, listen now! Connect with Brent and Engrain: brent@engrain.comhttps://engrain.com/sightmap/

Big Data! Our industry is full of data, every data point you could imagine, right? But what do we do with it? Is the data talking to each other? Are we building the right business intelligence dashboards with all that data?    “Everyone says they have a lot of data, and usually the problem is that it's saved in excel workbooks” Marc Rutzen   All the tech that is emerging within our industry is finally allowing us to extract this data and actually use it. Marc Rutzen, entrepreneur turned CMO, dives into the ways he's leveraging data at Fortress.    If you are a developer, you need to know what units are successful so you can devote more resources alongside the market data to predict and adjust your strategy per market.    Is your revenue management system up to speed with today's latest and greatest machine learning? Find out in this week's episode!   Connect with Marc – mrutzen@fortresstech.io Fortress

Have you considered allowing residents to home-share? Would a 10% or higher revenue lift persuade you to try? Join us on our first podcast of 2023, as Julie Butler dives into the in's and outs of Sentral's unique and modern approach to property management; the new era of renting is flexible lease terms. Hear how pushing past the boundaries of traditional leasing can benefit your company, your residents and especially your employees. We think we may have tapped into the next big trend!

Hello 2023! The week, Joseph Nagle, head of marketing and business development at Orange Charger, is in the studio. We're talking about the future of electric vehicles and the growing need for EV charging station availability in multifamily communities. Joseph and the team at Orange make charging electric vehicles simple, equitable, and scalable at any multi-unit property. Contact Joseph linkedin.com/in/josnagle/ linkedin.com/company/orange-charger/

Rebranding can be an emotional transition. Attachment to what is familiar and what works can run deep among employees and associates. But as companies evolve and grow, their identities need to do the same. This week we are joined by Beth Tuttle, senior vice president of marketing for Quarterra, who tells us more about her company's rebrand and how, at the end of the process, it's truly a labor of love. Connect with Beth www.linkedin.com/in/bethtuttle/ www.linkedin.com/company/quarterra-group/

Our guest list looks a little different this week! Matt is taking the opposite side of the mic to tell us more about his company's decision to bring embroidery in-house. From new production equipment to an apparel showroom, Triple R Marketing is bringing more services to multifamily property owners and teams. Connect with Matt www.linkedin.com/in/triplermarketing

Welcome back to Apartments on The Go! We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday with loved ones. This week we are talking to Terry Danner, executive vice president of sales at SmartRent. Terry has decades of experience in multifamily management and discusses the full property lifecycle, why it needs attention, and how technology serves a large role in keeping the property lifecycle healthy. Connect with Terry https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-danner-075552102/ https://smartrent.com/

“The renter's journey is a complicated spider web of forks, turns, AND twists. We have to be able to adapt as on-site teams and as tech providers to that branching spider web and work accordingly.” Jacob Carter, founder and CEO of Nurture Boss, joins us to discuss hyper-personalization in marketing campaigns. 80% of consumers are much more likely to make a purchase if their experience is personalized. How can we take this information and implement it into the renter customer journey? “What we should be doing, as we're nurturing these prospects, is understanding how the questions they're asking us are actually painting us a roadmap for success on how to sell them on the property … how to turn them into a customer and into a resident.” Connect with Jacobwww.linkedin.com/in/jacobscarter nutureboss.io

Over the last three years, 10s of millions of animals were adopted or purchased and joined families across the nation. David Meit and his company, Oculus Realty, have found a way to embrace this trend by creating a welcoming, inclusive community for pets and their parents. Today, David joins us to discuss the challenges and rewards of open pet policies and the value of being as passionate as your residents are for all our pets. Connect with David https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdavidmeit/ https://www.oculusrealty.com/  

“You aren't wired as a leader, it's an evolution.”  Todd Allen, founder and CEO of Connect, a multifamily digital ad tech company, sits down to discuss servant leadership and its ability to be a learned skilled. Servant leaders embrace availability and communication to build strong, high-performing teams. Being open and transparent with team members creates a comfortable environment for them to share feedback and ideas in actionable ways. Connect with Todd www.partnerwithconnect.com www.linkedin.com/in/toddallenconnect

In episode 108, we sit down with Adam Meshekow, cofounder and chief growth officer at Leap, a provider of innovative occupancy and risk management solutions for multifamily and single-family rental markets. We discuss property technology's move from the private to public sector, pros and cons of each, and how the proptech industry will continue to innovate as the new generation of renters search for “experience” over features and amenities. Connect with Adam www.linkedin.com/in/adammeshekow/ https://www.leapeasy.com/

How can we create more talent? Moshe Crane, joins us to share a new perspective on hiring and training talent. Moshe is the director of leasing and marketing at Sage Ventures, a residential development and investment firm in Baltimore, Maryland. He and his company developed a leasing training and internship program that seeks to hire people who have yet to enter the job market. Moshe's discovered that hires who have little to no experience in multifamily marketing bring a fresh perspective and challenge us to look at different ways to grow our industry. “If you drive the same way to work every single day, try driving a different way.” Connect with Moshe at www.linkedin.com/in/moshecrane/

How can we move marketing from “What's my ROI?” into being seen as a strategic revenue producing and predictable lever? Erina Malarkey, cofounder of Remarkably, joins us to discuss the marketing funnel, how it changes and evolves as we approach a sale, and how we can tell if it's working. There are five lenses through which you need to evaluate the success of your marketing. Learn how these lenses can be matched to company goals to measure what's working and what isn't.

We all have seen the “pet friendly” tag line in the majority of apartment community marketing. Have you considered what it really means to be pet friendly? Sibling co-founders, Devir and Danit of Bark Buildings, join us today to discuss how you can take pet friendly to the next level!   Over 67% of households have at least 1 pet. Learn how Devir and Danit are creating an experience for your residents that will positively impact their lives and keep them living in your communities even longer.   “If your doctor could prescribe a pet, they would!”

Today we are joined by Ellen Thompson, digital marketing expert and Founder and CEO of Respage and Results Repeat! She discusses the stigmas of automation and how those stigmas are steadily being broken in the multifamily industry. She also highlights the advantages of automation in terms of the overall customer experience. Ellen shares the technological side of automation as well, explaining what's needed for a chatbot to be successful. Want to Learn More? Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn or via ellent@respage.com

Today we are joined once again by Steve Wunch! Steve discusses the ins and outs of what it takes to be a speaker and to reach your audience. He provides tips and tricks for people who are afraid of public speaking but still want to deliver messages that they care about. It's all about having passion for your topic and being confident in your knowledge of it! Want to Learn More? Connect with Steve on LinkedIn or via steve@leapeasy.com Visit www.leapeasy.com

Today we are joined by Peter Jakel to discuss crisis management within the multifamily industry. Peter expands on the importance of having a crisis management plan in place for not only the residents' sake, but also for the benefit of the property and its image. He also shares how crisis management can potentially help avoid future conflicts and issues by addressing them early. Take a listen and hear this and so much more! Want to Learn More? Contact Peter at peter@linnelltaylor.com

Today we are joined by Ed Wolff to discuss the growing trend of deposit-free apartments. Ed is the Chief Revenue Officer for LeaseLock, the only company who provides lease insurance for the multifamily industry. In lieu of hefty and troublesome security deposits, LeaseLock provides a means for renters to pay smaller, more affordable monthly fees while providing customizable coverage for multifamily owners. Take a listen and hear all about how LeaseLock operates! Want to Learn More? Contact Ed via ed@leaselock.com or 214-604-2866 Find out more about LeaseLock

Join us in celebrating 100 episodes!!! In this episode, we share some of the most impactful messages and ideas we've heard while recording this podcast. We've learned a lot over the past 2 and 1/2 years and can't wait to continue being an avenue for connections and voices in the multifamily industry! Thank you to all our listeners for continuing to support us, we can't do it without you!

Today we are joined by Mary Stewart Malone to discuss what true grit looks like in an entrepreneurial sense. She talks about her own personal journey to finding the will power and grit she needed to succeed in an environment that wasn't catered towards her. She also shares some ways of seeking out employees that demonstrate true passion and drive to do their best, grow, and help shape the business they're in. Want to Learn More? Connect with Mary on LinkedIn Check out Addison Partners

On this episode we're joined by Karen Gladney to discuss the importance of valuably training employees and setting up spaces in a way that will impact both them and potential residents! She shares some of the biggest misses and biggest musts in developing signature experiences for guests. She also gives examples of how to arrange tours and potential resident visits in appealing and inviting ways, in terms of staging and arranging details. Take a listen and hear this and so much more! Want to Learn More? Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Check out The Leasing Highway Podcast

Today we are joined by Regan Hartley to cover an extremely popular topic in today's climate – EV advancements in the multifamily industry! With electric vehicles drastically rising in popularity, Regan emphasizes why it's important and necessary to have EV charging stations on apartment properties. She covers the in-depth needs and technical requirements involved in installing these stations. She also offers several avenues and resources that multifamily properties can utilize to start the installation process smoothly. Want to Learn More? Visit Xeal Energy Visit their NAA booth 147

Sydney Webber and Katie Kane join us to discuss the impact and purpose of creating valuable podcasts! They share their own perspectives as creators and supporters of podcasts and the outreach they facilitate. They also discussed the future uses of podcasts and how they could potentially be utilized for training purposes. Finally, they share some key steps you should take when beginning a podcast of your own and some helpful tips on reaching the right listener. Want to Learn More? Connect with Katie and Sydney on LinkedIn Sign up to join a live recording of Renter Obsessed Or listen to past episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts

Today we are joined by Kristi Fickert, an instructor for apartment associations across the country! Kristi discusses centralized leasing with us, why it's so important and what benefits it adds to multifamily properties. She provides strategies and answers to some of the cautions and unknowns of centralized leasing, shedding some light on how valuable it is for the customers as well as the leasing agents. For more information on leasing centralization, reach out to Kristi to join one of their Centralization Central meetings. Want to Learn More? Connect with Kristi on LinkedIN Or email at kristi@realync.com

Today we are joined by Erica Byrum, Assistant VP for Social Media at Apartments.com! Erica discusses affordable and efficient ways in which multifamily complexes can hire influencers and produce social media content that will attract renters to their properties. She provides simple solutions that property managers can implement today that will further their outreach and impact. She also highlights the differences between the various social media platforms and how to utilize each of them.

Today we are joined by David Deitz, President at Birchstone Residential, a fast growing property management group. David joined us to discuss the unique culture that he cultivates in his company for the benefit of his employees. He talks with us about the various methods and efforts you can implement in order to create a strengths-based culture that allows employees to grow and change at their own pace. By encouraging, fostering, and nurturing the needs of your employees, David explains how this can create a beneficial and impactful work experience for everyone involved.

Today we are joined by a very special guest – Sonya Ruedlinger, a well-recognized family and psychiatric nurse practitioner, who also happens to be Matt's wife! Sonya sat down with us to discuss employee mental health and to suggest some ways in which companies can better aid the needs of their employees. She discusses the reactions employees have had from the beginning of the pandemic to the return to work and how this has changed what some deem as a healthy work environment. She also talks with us about the importance of recognizing this new need in today's world, not only for the health of the company, but more importantly for the health of its employees.

Today we are excited to be joined by Dom Beveridge, founder of 20 for 20—the multifamily industry's leading survey of operations and technology. Dom shares with us the top results of the 20 for 20 survey this past year, analyzing the data and interests of some of the industry's prominent companies. With pandemic restrictions significantly reduced, the effects of it are still influential in the business world and Dom highlights how this has changed company approaches to processes and renter decisions. Be sure to checkout his presentation at AIM on Tuesday, April 26th to learn even more about renter decisions and actions moving forward!

Today we are joined by Tyler Marker once again to tackle Part 2 of the Turnover discussion! In Part 1, Tyler covered why and how it is so difficult to acquire and retain talent in the recent years. On this episode, he discusses how to attract and keep good employees. He talks about what needs, benefits, and so forth companies should offer new hires in an effort to better accommodate their needs. He expands on actions and policies companies can implement to appeal to today's pool of employees. Take a listen and learn all of this and so much more!

On today's episode, we sat down with Todd Katler to discuss the topic of leasing centralization. Leasing centralization can be defined several different ways, so Todd gives us his definition that has been developed over several years. He also explains how important it is to engage customers at their level and to meet them where they are. Todd's company, Anyone Home, comes alongside leasing agents and helps them develop their skills in returning calls and interacting with customers swiftly. Take a listen to this week's episode and hear this and so much more!

Today we are joined by Demetri Themelis, Co-Founder and CEO of Knock CRM! He has spent his 8 years at Knock finding innovative and technological solutions in the multifamily industry to increase productivity, customer engagement, and much more! He discusses the various technology advancements that property managements have successfully used to communicate better with today's customers and clients, allowing them to shift their focus to more important areas of business. He also talks about the importance of having flexible means of communication and touring options. Be sure to take a listen and learn about the extent of the new innovative ideas coming to the industry!

In today's episode we are joined by Kendall Pretzer! Kendall discusses various knowledge and productivity keys to the process of training employees and encouraging talent. She explains how to implement training that reflects the best practices of the company and provides employees with direction and motivation. Take a listen and learn about this and so much more!

Tyler Marker joins us on this episode to discuss one of the most prevalent issues in today's work environment – employee turnover. In the first of a two part episode, Tyler shares with us the how and why behind the sudden drop in available new hires and the ability to maintain employees. He explores specific statistics and factual reasoning behind these issues and how it has affected the multifamily industry. Be sure to take a listen and be on the lookout for Part 2 coming soon!

Today we are joined by Chris Vargas, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Chargie! Chris came on the show to discuss one of today's hottest topics – electric cars. With their growing popularity, Chris gives insights on how the multifamily industry can ensure they are prepared for the future of charging ports on properties. He highlights the various ways that multifamily communities can affordably implement this new technology and also stresses the importance of doing so sooner rather than later. Take a listen and find out more!

Today we are joined by James Neely and his over 20 years of experience in the third party collection industry! He came on the show to discuss the new revenue recovery process as the eviction moratorium comes to an end. In addition to that, he gives tips and valuable insight into how to treat and view renters and landlords during this time. He also highlights options and goals that property managers can implement in their leasing processes moving forward. Take a listen and absorb the other insightful ideas that James emphasizes!

“63% of all households have a pet!” John Bradford joins us today to talk about his company PetScreening and how it aids the multifamily industry in becoming more pet inclusive. John talked with us about the various ways apartment complexes can appeal to pet-owning renters, bringing in additional revenue for overall minimal risk. He also explained the ins and outs of his company's pet screening process and how they ensure every renter's pet claims are legitimate. Take a listen and be sure to check out John's company below!