Boss Talks: Episode 49 with Christi Wedel

00:48 The Journey from Law to Real Estate

01:39 Community Boss and Its Offerings

02:13 Guest Introduction and Location Discussion

03:43 Building Community and Personal Interests

07:34 Newsletter and Company Culture

11:17 Elizabeth's Journey in Real Estate

16:45 Insights on Tenant Retention

20:39 Revolution RE: The Startup Journey

24:05 Understanding Data Aggregation and Visualization

24:51 The Importance of Data Consistency and Transformation

26:14 The Role of Engineers in Data Management

26:40 Challenges in Data Analysis and Interpretation

28:00 The Impact of Data on Real Estate Operations

28:55 The Power of Raw Data and APIs

29:34 The Complexity of Data in Real Estate Amenities

32:39 The Importance of Data in Parking Management

35:25 The Future of Data in Real Estate

38:42 The Role of Data in PropTech Companies

42:23 The Personal Side of Data Enthusiasts

45:42 Conclusion: The Power and Potential of Data

In the 78th episode of Boss Talks, we welcome Elizabeth Braman, CEO of Revolution RE, a company at the forefront of enhancing the real estate space with robust data solutions. Elizabeth's journey transitions intriguingly from practicing technology law to leading a data-driven real estate company. 

Revolution RE was bred out of a quest to understand the dearth of usable data in the real estate sector. Despite being the world's largest asset class, critical data about property operations and finances were surprisingly scanty. Revolution RE undertakes the role of gathering raw data, transforming it into a digestible format, and disseminating useful information to clients. This aids stakeholders from real estate owners to PropTech companies in streamlining operations and making well-informed decisions.

Data plays a crucial role in improving tenant retention. Leveraging various data points, Revolution RE employs predictive analytics to gauge whether a tenant is expected to leave or stay. The ability to utilize consolidated data enables managers to make informed decisions about their property.

Aiding the PropTech industry forms a significant part of Revolution RE's operations. They facilitate data accessibility and enrich existing data sets for PropTech companies, enabling the provision of value-add services to clients. Revolution RE employs various property management systems to transform raw data into consistent formats for business intelligence, aligning data visualization with client preference for actionable insights.

Real-world dynamics such as seasonal impacts and localized trends also form a part of the data set, providing comprehensive insights to the property management companies.

Beyond data and technology, Elizabeth holds human interaction paramount to building community. She utilizes her passion for baking to engage colleagues and friends and extends this to her company's monthly newsletter where the love for baking meets multifamily data discussions.

Real estate is witnessing a transformation driven by data. The insights shared by Elizabeth Braman highlight data's potential in revolutionizing real estate operations and driving tenant retention. As Revolution RE stands at the helms of leading the 'data revolution', they turn data into an invaluable resource that optimizes the future of real estate. Until the next episode of Boss Talks, keep bossing it in your own unique ways.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:21 Introduction and Welcome

01:48 Getting to Know the Guest

03:02 Building Community and Personal Interests

06:38 The Art of Hospitality and Food

08:42 Exploring Caffeinated Beverages

11:21 Diving into Professional Life

17:56 The Power of Travel and Understanding Cultures

23:26 The Journey of Personal Growth

26:26 The Impact of Relationships in Business

27:34 Breaking the Ice in Business Meetings

28:28 The Art of Genuine Salesmanship

29:10 The Power of Relationship Marketing

29:41 Creating Positive Experiences for Clients

30:12 The Impact of Personal Interactions in Retail

31:55 The Role of Humor in Business Meetings

32:35 The Importance of Personal Connections in Business

33:41 Building Relationships in the Multifamily Industry

34:04 The Power of Networking at Industry Conferences

39:25 The Importance of Building Relationships with Coworkers

43:32 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

50:22 The Role of Community Engagement in Apartment Life

In today's interconnected world, reaching out, building relationships, and fostering a sense of community have never been more crucial. A perfect example of this is the story of Dywuan Brown, the ever-engaging Director of Growth in the East Division at Apartment Life.

Dywuan, a personable and outgoing individual, enjoys keeping people engaged and creating positive interactions in his work and personal life. From the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, he ties his passions for building relationships, traveling, and experiencing diverse cultures into his daily life and work.

In Apartment Life, he helps create spaces where people can connect, form meaningful relationships, and enjoy a sense of community. This philosophy is deeply connected to his belief in being kind, understanding, and loving towards one's neighbors, a trait he tries to apply to every aspect of his life.

Dywuan's approach to building relationships extends to his culinary skills. He shares his enjoyment of creating memorable experiences through food, particularly his "bomb chicken Alfredo” with a fun twist of using different types of pasta. His skills in the kitchen don't just fill stomachs; they brighten up the day and create satisfying moments for people in his immediate environment.

Fostering community is a passion for Dywuan. While engaging in this could be challenging since not everyone is naturally inclined to socialize or build relationships, he employs a strategy of being genuinely interested in people's stories.

Dywuan is a strong believer in the power of understanding a person's interests, culture, and environment. His approach provides insights into the person’s lifestyle, creating a stronger bond and a sense of kinship.

In the multifamily industry, fostering a sense of community can be incredibly beneficial. Not only does it create a warm and welcoming environment for residents, but it can also influence profits. If residents have warm interpersonal interactions within a community, they are likely to renew their lease - a crucial aspect of good property management.

At Apartment Life, they've seen first-hand that if a resident knows seven or more other residents, they're more likely to renew their lease. Also, being in a healthy community helps boost the care residents have for the property in general.

Dywuan takes relationship marketing to heart. He believes deeply in the "experience" of doing business and focuses on cultivating genuine relationships. When it comes to building connections, it's not just about making the sale. To Dywuan, it's about making each interaction an experience and making sure that every engagement is guided by genuine interest in the other person.

Dywuan's approach to relationship marketing encapsulates his love for relationship-building and the power of connection. His experiences establish a compelling argument for the importance of fostering a sense of community and a strong emphasis on relationship-building.

Dywuan Brown is a vibrant example of what it means to foster community and meaningful relationships. His approach to his work and personal life underlines the importance of openness, genuine connection, multicultural experiences, and understanding other people's experiences as we navigate our interconnected world. It's a refreshing perspective and a good reminder of the pivotal role we all play in building lasting and meaningful relationships in our communities.

#bosstalks

*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:19 Introduction and Welcome

00:41 Introducing the Guests

02:23 The Importance of Being an Involved Dad

04:20 Sharing Personal Life on Social Media

09:30 The Journey to Becoming a Dad

17:29 Impact of Family Structures

29:31 Balancing Work and Family Life

30:38 The Importance of Efficiency at Work

32:02 Challenges of Social Interaction in the Digital Age

37:30 The Importance of Self-Care

48:28 Raising Children: Breaking Stereotypes

58:14 The Role of Company Culture in Work-Life Balance

Evan Happel introduces his two guests for the episode - Andrew Dart, a Canadian father of two young daughters and Tony Sousa, a father of three with a fourth on the way. The episode revolves around the experiences of being a dad, the way they balance work, personal life, and parenthood, and their different takes on managing and taking care of their families.

The first part of the discussion is centered around the theme of balancing professional responsibilities with fatherhood. Tony Sousa shared his experiences of dealing with this struggle and how he manages to keep up with his professional duties while being available for his children. Andrew spoke about dealing with the early stages of fatherhood with two young daughters. They also questioned the idea of being the default parent, how their work intersects with their parental responsibilities, and how they handle social media and work that potentially intrude into their personal lives.

Next, they delve into the stereotypes about raising boys and girls, where each of them express their views. Andrew conveys the importance of not limiting the experiences of his daughters based on societal norms related to gender. Tony shares his sentiment, emphasizing how important it is for each child to be allowed to "bloom and blossom" into who they are meant to be.

In addition, there's discussion about how they maintain their own physical health and mental health. The fathers agree that taking care of oneself is crucial not just as an individual, but as a parent too. They are all in consensus that in order to be a good father, and to set a good example, maintaining their own mental and physical wellness is of paramount importance.

Lastly, they speak about their workplaces and the support they receive. Dart discusses his company, VIDA, a Canadian company scaling rapidly in the affordable housing sector, and how the company encourages employees to take family time. Sousa shares his experiences at RPM Living, emphasizing how the company respects the family as priority. 

Overall, this episode provides an engaging and thoughtful discourse on the balancing act of fatherhood, professional commitment and personal well-being in the modern-day context.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:28 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:18 Getting to Know Jerry

02:08 Jerry's Personal Life and Family

02:19 Community Boss and Its Solutions

02:55 Jerry's Arrival and Initial Conversation

03:37 Jerry's Career Journey and Lessons

05:06 Building Community and Listening Skills

09:31 Jerry's Hospitality and Cooking Skills

15:19 Jerry's Early Career in Sales

18:32 Jerry's Personal and Professional Growth

25:32 Breaking into the Multifamily Market

26:29 The Challenges of Integration in the Industry

27:19 The Benefits of Tango's Platform

29:55 The Importance of Connections in the Industry

31:23 The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

31:50 The Challenges of Parenting in the Digital Age

33:12 The Impact of Social Media on Happiness

44:48 The Importance of Balance and Self-Care

47:57 Conclusion and Looking Forward

In this episode of "Boss Talks", hosted by Evan Happel, he interviews Jerry Morales, who works with Tango, a gift card platform. Morales shares his journey of getting into multifamily housing through sales, starting from his formative days of selling study guides door to door during summers in his college years. He speaks about how the rigorous demands of direct sales, despite the high rate of rejection, instilled in him a resilience and willingness to persist that laid a foundation for his professional success. 

Morales and Happel discuss the pressures of working in sales and marketing, the value of listening to others, building community, and the importance of making time for personal breaks and unplugging. They talk about experiences with social media, the need for balance, and how constant digital distractions can impede happiness. Morales emphasizes the importance of focusing on the joy derived from helping others and the immense satisfaction that comes from seeing others thrive. He also shares the significance of differentiating between 'like' and 'love', 'happiness' and 'joy'. 

The conversation also covers Morales' personal life, touching on his meaningful relationship with his wife, whom he met during a shared experience selling study guides, and their two children. Morales and Happel both speak about their roles as fathers and the responsibilities that come with it.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:19 Introduction and Welcome

00:30 Meet Ashley Jenkins: A Rising Star

01:27 About the Host and Community Boss

02:00 Ashley's First Words and Impressions

02:44 Building Community: Ashley's Approach

03:55 Southern Hospitality and Food

05:59 Ashley's Love for Coffee

07:22 Unpacking Ashley's Inspiring Journey

09:28 Overcoming Obstacles: Ashley's Story

15:45 Ashley's Innovative Solution: Appliance Manager

19:46 The Role of a Property Manager

21:43 Career Aspirations and Growth in Property Management

23:24 Exploring the Boundless Opportunities in the Multifamily Industry

24:25 The Importance of Starting from the Bottom and Climbing Up

25:39 The Role of a Regional Manager and the Challenges it Entails

29:14 The Importance of Cross-Training and Understanding Different Roles

29:25 The Need for Maintenance Training and Development

43:44 The Impact of Maintenance Professionals on Resident Retention

44:48 Closing Remarks and Future Goals

Ashley Jenkins started her career without finishing high school and worked two minimum wage jobs. Following a crippling accident while coaching gymnastics, Ashley was faced with unprecedented challenges. Soon after the accident, a property manager offered her a position as a leasing agent which marked the start of her journey in the property management industry.

Ashley recounts her growth in the property management industry, first as a leasing agent in a Class C property, then as a property manager in a Class A property, and her ambition of becoming a regional manager. She acknowledges the importance of personal growth and the significance of every step in her career. She emphasizes the need for cross-training in property management, explaining the differences between class A, B, and C properties, and how each requires different skills and approaches.

Ashley also discusses the importance of maintenance professionalism in the industry and the development of training programs that equip maintenance staff with the necessary skills and knowledge. She is part of a project to develop a maintenance readiness training program in partnership with her local college and has even achieved her EPA certification to understand this segment better.

In conclusion, Ashley encourages listeners not to get discouraged by challenges and always seek growth. She also promotes the importance of learning, cross-training, and problem-solving in the property management industry. Her story offers inspiration to those at any stage of their career and emphasizes that anyone can be successful by embracing opportunities, being innovative, and staying focused.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:19 Introduction and Welcome

01:05 About Community Boss

01:48 Introducing Lissette Perez

02:31 Lissette's Work with Latin Women in the Workplace

04:44 Millennials in Leadership Positions

06:19 Servant Leadership and Social Interactions in the Workplace

06:47 Building Community through Servitude

12:40 Lissette's Personal Journey and Career Path

18:45 Millennials as Bridge Builders in Leadership

20:39 Millennials Bridging the Gap in the Workforce

21:50 Impact of COVID-19 on Work Culture

22:39 Generational Differences in the Workplace

23:58 The Role of Millennials in Leadership

24:42 The Impact of COVID-19 on Social Interactions at Work

25:58 The Importance of Trust and Authenticity in Leadership

26:41 The Value of Face-to-Face Interaction in a Remote Work Environment

31:09 The Role of Empathy and Understanding in Leadership

37:07 The Importance of Giving Back and Community Involvement

40:20 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

In this podcast, Lissette Perez shares her journey in the property management industry, including her recent promotion to the Regional Vice President of American Landmark. Lissette shares her experience in juggling full-time work and college, changing her major from nursing to business management, and rising through the ranks from a leasing agent to a vice president role. 

The conversation moves to a discussion on the role millennials play in current leadership positions. Lissette notes the unique position millennials are in due to their understanding of both pre- and post-technology lifestyles. She states that this understanding allows them to bridge the gap between older and younger generations in the workplace.

Talk turns to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on social interactions at work. Lissette emphasizes the importance of face-to-face conversation and interaction for fostering creativity and improving work relationships.

Moreover, Lissette highlights her involvement with Latinas in PM, a group that empowers Latinas, particularly in leadership roles in the property management industry, and provides support and resources for Latinos in the community. She is part of the advisory board and has witnessed the group's growth and impact firsthand.

In addition to her professional work, Lissette speaks about her personal commitment to community service through Second Harvest Food Bank and Advent Health. She notes that such engagements not only aid the community but also provide a sense of perspective, especially when one is dealing with what seems like a hard day.

The conversation wraps up with Lissette sharing her plans for her new role at work intending to foster a work environment that builds trust, encourages authenticity, and puts emphasis on the interpersonal skills of her team.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:19 Introduction and Welcome

00:41 Getting to Know Jacob Carter

01:38 Host Introduction and Community Boss Overview

02:08 Jacob Carter Joins the Conversation

03:19 Getting to Know Jacob Carter: Personal Questions

08:21 Jacob Carter's Journey into the Tech Industry

11:07 The Birth of Nurture Boss

13:04 The Growth and Funding of Nurture Boss

17:45 Blurring the Line Between Marketing and Operations

19:56 Nurture Boss: Enhancing the Resident Experience

21:33 Blurring the Lines Between Operations and Marketing

22:50 The Role of Text Messaging and Emails in Communication

22:57 Hyper Personalization: The Key to Effective Communication

24:05 Building Profiles Through Data Integration

26:12 The Importance of Human Touch in AI Communication

30:12 The Future of AI in Multifamily Industry

36:31 Data-Driven Decision Making in Marketing

41:48 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects

Jacob begins by sharing his journey from being a software engineer in marketing companies to the CEO of Nurture Boss. His transition into property management was driven by his belief in technology's ability to solve issues and improve processes.

Nurture Boss uses AI to blur the boundaries between marketing and operations. Jacob highlights a significant part of Nurture Boss's platform is dedicated to creating a delightful experience for tenants from day zero. Examples include automating reminders, updates, and invitations for events to ensure a seamless communication flow for the tenants. It further aids the process of lease renewals and the move-in process.

According to Jacob, the primary mechanism driving these strategies is 'hyper-personalization.' Nurture Boss uses AI to understand the preferences, wants, and needs of each prospect or resident, sending them relevant content that resonates with their interests. This information is sourced from various property databases, property websites and is constantly updated based on their interactions.

Jacob also discusses how data can lead to more informed decisions during the lead-to-lease process. He suggests that rather than focusing solely on the source of most leads, companies should look at what happens during the lead's journey. Recognizing patterns could help inform strategies to maximize successes. 

Jacob ends the conversation by noting the growing prominence of AI and the importance of learning how to leverage it to the best advantage. He emphasizes that a blend of AI with human input is currently beneficial but indicates that enhancements to AI could significantly change businesses in the future.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In this episode of BossTalks, host Evan Happel (communityboss.com) invites guest Betsy Kirkpatrick for a chat that's as intriguing as it is humorous. Betsy, known for her years of service at BG multifamily (now BGSF), captivates listeners from the outset with her lively stories about her professional journey. The atmosphere becomes a mix of learning and laughter, setting the tone for an engaging conversation.

The primary discussion revolves around nurturing future leaders in the multifamily industry, which is Betsy's major area of interest. She points out the importance of recognizing employees' inherent skills, refining their strengths, and aligning their job roles accordingly for the overall success of an organization. However, the dialogue is not solely steeped in seriousness. Betsy lightens the mood with her tendency to spontaneously burst into song, delighting the audience.

Towards the end of the conversation, Betsy discusses her involvement in legislative advocacy, specifically in the real estate sector. She also shares her excitement at becoming the president of the Rental Housing Alliance Pack. The episode concludes with the audience appreciating the different aspects of Betsy's charismatic personality, leaving them both inspired and entertained.

00:31 Introducing the Guest: Betsy Kirkpatrick

01:00 About the Host and Community Boss

01:35 Betsy's Unique Personality and Love for Memes

03:35 Exploring Betsy's Christmas Spirit

04:45 Understanding Personalities through Enneagram

06:22 Betsy's Role as a Connector and Advocate

06:52 Building Community and Hospitality

07:48 Betsy's Approach to Hosting and Cooking

09:47 Betsy's Caffeinated Beverage of Choice

10:43 Betsy's Journey in the Industry

11:35 Betsy's Passion for Next Gen Leaders

22:02 The Importance of Utilizing Employee Skills

26:13 Cheek Biceps and Ponytail Swish

26:19 The Art of Smiling

26:58 The Power of Facial Expressions

27:05 The Enneagram 5 Personality

27:27 The Struggles of Facial Expressions

27:45 The Power of Listening

28:06 The Journey into Property Management

28:44 The Intersection of Politics and Advocacy

29:03 The Impact of Home Education

30:53 The Power of Citizen Advocacy

35:18 The Importance of Being Involved in Politics

47:11 The Challenges of Being a Working Parent

48:30 The Joy of Random Singing

49:42 The Art of Dad Jokes

51:50 The Importance of Being a Boss

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

So, in this podcast episode, Evan, our host, kicks it with Kara Cermak, a real pro in the Homeowners Association (HOA) world, capisce? They chop it up about all things relevant to HOAs, with Kara talking about everything from managing a neighborhood beef to building a real sense of community. 

Kara shares some wild tales of house disputes—imagine people dropping bowling balls to annoy downstairs neighbors or squabbling over parking spots in the winter. She breaks it all down, giving you the low-down on how to handle sticky situations in your own neck of the woods.

Now, our girl Kara ain't all business. She's got heart, too. She co-founded this outfit called "Celebrating All That Is Feminine," and they're doing some stand-up stuff, like helping female vets and freeing folks from sex trafficking. 

In a nutshell, this chat with Kara ain't just another talk about HOAs and disputes over property lines. Kara's a boss and she's putting her know-how and big-hearted leadership on display. You walk away from this one with some seriously helpful insights that can help you get your own house in order, know what I mean? 

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In this illuminating episode of Boss Talks with Ashly Poyer,  the VP for Sales and Marketing at PeakMade, presents a vibrant tapestry that details her journey in the world of real estate. Being a woman of color in the realm of corporate housing, Ashly draws from her experiences to delve into the complexities intrinsic to her trajectory. 

Ashly discusses the different dimensions of her leadership approach and highlights the essence of diversity as a driving force of innovation. She talks about how she encourages her team members to leverage their unique backgrounds and perspectives in their collective problem-solving approach. Ashly frequently emphasizes that innovation and productivity are byproducts of a culturally rich and diverse team rather than fitting into traditional molds defined by race and gender. Creating an ecosystem that fosters individual growth while cementing a collective identity is central to Ashly's leadership philosophy, and she delves into details throughout the episode.

But it isn't just all serious discourse. Who knew that a shared love for Diet Coke could act as a common bonding factor? Yes, Ashly and the host, Evan, dive into a conversation about their affection for the fizzy drink and how it forms a subtle, fun facet of their work interactions. They also trot into the exhilarating universe of friendly competition, where a game of Dominoes presents an amusing avenue for team members to engage and interact.

The episode progresses to highlight key aspects of being a part of Ashly's team, including nurturing an atmosphere that allows everyone to contribute their unique perspectives. Ashly's openness about sharing her own experiences of feeling distanced in some settings helps create an environment of openness and mutual respect. Acknowledging that these experiences may vary for every team member, she offers unwavering support in navigating those moments.

The podcast also throws light on Ashly's intentionality in leading her team. Constantly checking in with her team about their feelings and their ambitions, she encourages them to evolve and strengthens the team's bond. 

#bosstalks

*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.