1 in 3 property managers stay up-to-date on industry news via word of mouth; and when they’re facing a new challenge, 3 in 4 property managers turn to other property managers for advice.
Sharing stories and expertise are at the heart of the property management business. That’s why Season 3 of The Property Manager Podcast welcomes property managers like you, subject matter experts, influencers making noise in the space, and those at the top companies that impact your world.Â
Listen along as we dig deep into the trends that are transforming the industry and celebrate each others’ successes. Subscribe now to join the community!
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Episode 23 (Season 3 Finale): Leading the Work-Life Blur ft. Chris Litster
When the pandemic started, many of us thought it would be a much shorter ordeal—guessing that it would last around three months before our lives would get back to normal. It’s been about a year since the original lockdown, and we’re still in it.
We all know that property managers are used to handling challenging situations—and this is no different. That said the past year has been hard. Most of all, it’s difficult to maintain balance and a strong culture at work, and many business have felt these pangs at different moments. But there’s still been a lot of growth in the property management industry for those who’ve figured out how to best adapt and lead their teams through it.
In the grand finale of Season 3, we welcomed Chris Litster, Senior Vice President of Buildium, Propertyware, and Kigo to explain his leadership approach and what’s worked for his team throughout the pandemic.
Episode 22: The Newfound Transparency in User-Centric Leasing ft. Zumper
Think about the top 10 sites you visit every week. They probably have one thing in common: accurate, authentic, quality information. Tech companies like Google and Amazon have understood the value of data and putting the needs of the user first for years. But as with many things in real estate, we’re still seeing these kinds of trends change slowly in leasing.
In this episode, we talk to Anthemos Georgiades, CEO and Founder, and Allison Nesbitt, Director of National Accounts, from rental marketplace Zumper about transparency and speed in leasing—and where they’re seeing the largest leaps kicking off 2021.
Episode 21: What’s in Your Marketing Funnel ft. Alexander Hassoulas
Property management marketing is tough work. A lot of times for property management businesses, it can take a backseat to other pressing needs. Getting the nuance just right during trying times also isn’t easy; but, at the end of the day, a solid, realistic marketing strategy for your business is more important than ever.Â
In Episode 21, What’s in Your Marketing Funnel, we talked about how to enhance your owners’ and residents’ journey down the marketing funnel with Alexander Hassoulas, Co-Founder and President of Upkeep Media, a boutique marketing agency for property managers.
Episode 20: The Unexplored Side of Virtual ft. Amir Frank
Whether we like it or not, the pandemic created the necessity to do business in new ways—and further jolted the adoption of virtual technology. While virtual tours of rentals are nothing new, there’s a whole world of possibilities that have opened up for property managers. And there’s nobody better to explore these trends than Matterport, the leader in creating 3d digital twins for real estate.
As our guest for Episode 20 of The Property Manager Podcast, Amir Frank of Matterport walked us through how property managers can use precise, 3D digital models of their properties beyond showing them off to potential residents—along with the underlying trends making all this happen. Spoiler alert: There’s a lot more to it than leasing and virtual tours.
Episode 19: What Investors Want ft. Jesse Fragale
We think of The Property Manager Podcast as a lively conversation about our industry. And conversations are more interesting when they bring together different perspectives. For Episode 19, we added a fresh perspective—that of the real estate investor, an increasingly common type of client for property managers.Â
Jesse Fragale isn’t just any investor. He’s an expert in the field who hosts a popular YouTube series and contributes to BiggerPockets. Jesse tells us what information from property managers he examines most closely, why the value of property managers is rising from investors’ point of view, and—clutch bonus question—his all-time-favorite guitarist.
Episode 18: Leasing for Longevity ft. Matt Easton
Matt Easton is a master when it comes to leasing apartments. The face and founder of Leasing University, Matt advocates an approach that’s all about respecting residents and understanding their needs first—in short, incorporating their voice into your leasing process.
We wanted to ask Matt what property managers can do right now to meet residents’ evolving needs so that, even once they CAN move elsewhere, they’ll want to renew their leases instead. He answers that, and much more, on Episode 18 of The Property Manager Podcast.
Episode 17: Behind the Numbers of the 2021 Industry Report ft. Robin Young
In the debut episode of Season 3, we feature Robin Young, Senior Researcher at Buildium; as she reveals quantitative, in-depth research that puts the impact of COVID-19 into context, including:
- How PMs have changed their strategies in a COVID-19 world
- Why PMs are more essential than ever to both residents and owners
- What PMs have to say about the state of the industry (they didn’t hold back)
Episode 16: The Future Is What You Make It
In the Season 2 Finale of The Property Manager Podcast: The Future Is What You Make It, we invited CEO of Buildium, Chris Litster and Robin Young, Sr. Researcher, to show a behind-the-scenes look at the 2020 State of the Property Management Report.Â
Coming off of NARPM’s Annual Conference, Chris shared what resonated the most from his keynote presentation with Gail Phillips, CEO of NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers).Â
In the second segment, Robin Young, dug into her process for creating this year’s report, what surprised her, and why it’s the only research of its kind on the property management industry.
Episode 15: Do What You’re Good At (And Crush It)
In Episode 15, Do What You’re Good At (And Crush It), we spoke with Salvatore Friscia of San Diego Premiere Property Management. A longtime customer of Buildium, Salvatore has always demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, willing to try new approaches when he feels they harness his skillset. A social media pioneer in the industry, he has helped other property managers embrace a social-first approach. Most recently, he pivoted yet again, experimenting with a new business model that offers stripped-down services.
We discussed the kind of adaptability needed to embrace the new property management industry amidst the shifts in profitability, regulations, and technology—and what we think the future holds for him (and property managers everywhere).
Episode 14: Where’s Your Sweet Spot?
In Episode 14: Where’s Your Sweet Spot?, we spoke with Glenn Russell of Coastal Group, Inc out of Virginia Beach to dig into the nuances that come with the naval presence and transience in his market. We also discussed how Glenn successfully reinvented his business over the years through strategic acquisitions with a honed approach appealing to military families.
We further got into his tactics and use of property management software to make more money and conserve his most valuable asset: time.
Episode 13: Metrics-Driven, Officeless, and Successful
In Episode 13: Metrics-Driven, Officeless, and Successful, we sat down with Jonathan George, principal broker and owner of Zen Real Estate Group to discuss the benefits and challenges of a remote property management business. From reducing redundancies to improving workflows, George offers insights into available resources and technologies that help his property management team stay connected and organized. Hear how you can apply George’s strategies to your own business model.
Episode 12: The Great Vegas Housing Frenzy
In Episode 12: The Great Vegas Housing Frenzy, we spoke with Briana Parra of The Brazill Team to hear firsthand what’s going on with Las Vegas’s booming real estate market. In a hot market, there are always winners and losers because of the sudden increase in competition. In this episode, Parra reveals ways technology can help property managers weather the influx and come out on top.
Plus, she lets us in on significant changes in some key regulations and how they can impact business.
Episode 11: Staying True to Yourself
In Episode 11: Staying True to Yourself, we talked with Bert Miller of Southern Property Management. From collecting rent checks weekly (and not missing a Friday for 16 years!) to standing up for his residents on a regular basis, we could tell straight away that Bert was a goodhearted individual in it for the long haul.
We also learned about the transition happening in the small town of Dayton, TN that is motivating him to change his business model from self-managed to handling other people’s properties—and how technology is making it all possible.
Episode 9: How a Focus on SEO Could Be Hurting Your Business
In Episode 9: How a Focus on SEO Could Be Hurting Your Business, we spoke to the fiery Jason Hull of DoorGrow (a marketing agency focused on property managers) about the challenges of SEO in property management and the kind of online marketing that often doesn’t generate cost-effective leads for many small businesses—and why that is.Â
We continued the conversation and traded insights on what you can do about it, along with the necessity of brand in today’s crowded business landscape.
Episode 8: Building a Brand of Financial Independence
In Episode 8: Building a Property Management Brand of Financial Independence, we interviewed Matt Teifke and Andrew Roberts from TRE Homes out of Austin, Texas. We talked about the thriving Austin market (including the influence of tech companies and where the investment opportunities still exist), as well as their own remarkable brand of property management that helps millennials make smart investment decisions.Â
Episode 7: Roll Up Your Sleeves and Get to Work
Today we’re talking with Mark Liberman, founder and principal of On the Mark Management in Milford, Connecticut. He comes to us with over 25 years of experience and similar to other property managers, he fell into this business. His first taste of the industry was being a tenant himself in New York City. His apartment building was transitioning into a co-op, and he decided to buy in. After being the president of the board for 10 years, he moved out to Connecticut and that’s when his company, On the Mark, began.
14 years later, On the Mark manages a mixed portfolio of over 1,700 units. Mark shares with us things he’s learned along the way and his advice for those new to the industry. His main mantra is to be quick on your feet and proactive with everything that comes your way.
Episode 6: The Key to Property Management is Communication
Back in the 90’s, Michael Cohen was practicing psychotherapy and was slowly purchasing real estate on the side. When his side business began to take off and the psychotherapy industry was changing, he decided to fully enter the property management industry and Asset Realty Management was formed. Twenty years later, Michael has learned a few things about the industry and shared his insights about what keeps his business successful.
This episode is unique in that we were able to talk with not only Michael, but also Marie Sharpe, an Affiliate Broker, who is also a part of the Asset team and is responsible for leading the company with the day-to-day tasks. We’ll hear from the two of them on what they feel makes Asset Realty stand apart from other companies and what they encourage other property managers to practice themselves.
Episode 5: Accounting 101
Cynthia Leon is trained in traditional accounting, but found herself quickly learning the ins and outs of property management accounting when she stumbled upon an opportunity with a property management company. That was eight years ago and she now works with two property management companies, including Astound Real Estate in Concord, California.
In this episode, we learn that although accounting may seem daunting at times, it’s achievable. Cynthia discusses how she navigated the main differences between traditional and property management accounting, what you should keep in mind when preparing for an audit and what to look for when hiring an accountant for your company. Listen along to hear additional tips and tricks!
Episode 4: The Value of Relationships & Networking
Melissa Clinton was raised in the real estate industry, but a career in real estate didn’t pique her interest until she decided to move closer to her family. When her mother asked her to help run her company, At Home Properties, everything fell into place. 17 years later, Melissa is a co-owner and broker associate of the company and serves on the Texas Women’s Council of Realtors.
In this episode of The Property Manager Podcast, Melissa explains what motivates her and why networking with others in the industry has been so important in her career. You’ll also learn how the At Home Properties team creates lasting relationships with their clients. Listen now to hear Melissa’s story and advice.
Episode 3: Why You Should Just Go For It
Susan Goulding was working as a realtor in California when a client asked her to manage the 2 properties she’d just sold him. Although she’d considered entering the property management industry before, she was the first to admit that she had no idea what she was doing—but her client’s confidence in her abilities motivated her to give it a try. 6 years later, Susan’s company, Crown Key Realty & Property Management, is responsible for 80 properties.
On this episode of The Property Manager Podcast, Susan shares how property management courses and organizations like NARPM helped her to jump-start her career. Listen now to hear Susan’s story first-hand, and to discover her best advice for property managers who are just getting started.
Episode 2: Creating a Business that Maps to Your Core Values
Trevor Henson and his business partner started First Light Property Management after noticing that their competitors didn’t seem to value open communication, accounting transparency, and customer service to the degree they believed they should. They figured that if they took a different approach to property management, they’d be successful—and they were right.
10 years later, Trevor and his team have stayed true to their beliefs, and it’s changing the industry for the better. Listen to this episode of The Property Manager Podcast now to learn more about Trevor’s unique approach to running his business, and the valuable advice that he has for other property managers.
Episode 1: Growing a Sustainable Business
Leah Slaughter is the owner of OmniKey Realty LLC, a Texas-based property management company. Since founding OmniKey with her husband 13 years ago, Leah has sought to leave her mark on the industry by building a business centered on her core values.
In this episode of The Property Manager Podcast, we’ll learn how Leah and her team have grown their business without losing their human touch. Listen now to learn how Leah defines success for herself, and what other property managers can learn from her story.