Empowering Leadership and Re-Imagining Team Structures with Ashley Lipp

In this episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, hosted by Carrie Antrim, we have the pleasure of welcoming Heather Williams, Vice President of Strategic Solutions at Willow Bridge Property Company. Heather shares her journey and the various factors that have contributed to her remarkable success in the multifamily industry.

The discussion begins with a reminder about the upcoming Multifamily Women Summit, a crucial event for professionals seeking to expand their network and gain industry insights.

Heather Williams attributes her success to several key factors: a collaborative work environment, the embrace of technological advancements, and the unwavering support from her leadership. These elements, she believes, have been instrumental in her professional journey and in executing numerous significant projects across her region.

A central theme of the conversation is the necessity of embracing innovation in the multifamily industry. Heather emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the curve.

Heather also shares her strategies for building effective teams. She stresses the significance of fostering open communication and a feedback culture within the team. According to her, adaptability is a key trait, especially when new initiatives arise or when aligning with investor objectives.

Leadership plays a critical role in the multifamily industry, and Heather highlights the qualities she values in a leader. She looks for individuals who are willing to embrace innovation and adapt to the changing industry landscape.

Mentorship and nurturing new talent are passions for Heather. She discusses her approach to guiding and supporting the professional growth of her team members. This includes creating dynamic job roles tailored to individual strengths, fostering an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

A notable aspect of the discussion is Heather's involvement in the Multifamily Innovation® Council. She shares how the Council has been transformative for her, both personally and professionally.

In closing, Heather offers some powerful advice to the listeners. She encourages embracing risk-taking, committing to continuous learning, and viewing failure as an opportunity for growth. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the face of technological shifts and reminded listeners of the fundamental human element in the work they do - creating homes for people.

Connect with Heather Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-t-williams/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

In this episode, host Carrie Antrim engages Katie Battig and Liz Findura from MRI Software in a nuanced discussion about the company's initiatives in fraud prevention and their exploration of AI technology within the real estate sector. While AI often floats around as an industry buzzword, the conversation delves into how MRI Software is actively incorporating it as a tool aimed at supporting organizational efficiency.

Carrie Antrim scrutinizes MRI Software's focus on AI, inviting Katie Battig and Liz Findura to elaborate on its potential to augment on-site staff capabilities and streamline processes. They discuss MRI Software’s emphasis on fraud prevention, explaining how AI can offer an additional layer of security. While the company serves various real estate sectors, including commercial and corporate occupiers, the conversation zeroes in on what this means for high-level multifamily executives who are contemplating technology adoption in their operations.

The episode also covers MRI Software's "open and connected" philosophy, which allows users the option to integrate their products with other platforms, be they from partners or competitors. This aspect is discussed as a reflection of the company's willingness to offer a certain level of customization to meet the divergent needs within the real estate industry.

If staying abreast of the latest trends in AI, fraud prevention, and tech integration is on your priority list, then skipping this episode may leave you trailing behind. Carrie Antrim masterfully guides the conversation to ensure that the value-packed insights serve as a guide for high-level executives seeking to navigate the complex landscape of technology in multifamily real estate. #multifamilyinnovation #multifamilywomen #wearemultifamily

Connect with Our Guests:
MRI Software: https://www.mrisoftware.com/
Katie Battig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-battig-33186114/
Liz Findura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizfindura/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

In today’s episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, host Carrie Antrim sits down with Jennifer Carter, the Customer Advocacy Manager at HappyCo, to delve into the twin pillars of empathy and innovation that are transforming the multifamily industry. Jennifer’s rich cross-industry background empowers her with unparalleled insights, and today she’s sharing them exclusively with you.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why your multifamily strategy could be vastly improved by gleaning insights from other industries, and how to do it effectively.
• Discover the critical role of empathy in cultivating strong, lasting relationships with residents and employees alike.
• Unpack the often-overlooked art of crafting responses to reviews that not only satisfy the reviewer but also entice new prospects.
• Whether you're breaking into the industry or looking to scale new heights, Jennifer reveals her formula for identifying and engaging mentors that can accelerate your career.
• How to integrate the lessons learned from other industries to outperform in the multifamily space.
• The actionable steps to build a culture of empathy and validation within your organization.
• The true impact of your online responses, through the lens of resident trust and prospective engagements.
• Jennifer's go-to resources and habits that keep her at the top of her game.

This episode is a goldmine for VPs, Directors, CEOs, Founders, and Presidents in the multifamily industry who are struggling with client retention, talent acquisition, and bottom-line growth. If you’re looking to be at the cutting edge of multifamily innovation and relational management, this episode is your ticket.

Don’t let your competition be the only ones tuning in. The game is changing; ensure you're not left behind.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-carter-mba-25261b8/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

As part of our Multifamily Women® Summit, we share time with innovative brands as part of our "Meet the Sponsors" series that showcases those brands that are supporting the platform to advance technology, innovation, leadership, and investments.

This episode features a discussion with Shannon Irby, the National Account Manager for New Construction at Pfister Faucets. Pfister is a brand that actively supports the platform, promoting technology and innovation within the industry.

Renowned globally for their product innovation, design, and value, Pfister's designers are based in California, surrounded by forward-thinking designs from various industries such as automotive, aeronautics, computers, and fashion. By following trends in fashion, home design, and car manufacturing, among others, Pfister crafts new and exciting products.

Pfister also prioritizes practical innovation, ensuring their multifamily products are easy to install, clean, and use in everyday life. Working closely with multifamily developers and owners, Pfister tailors their offerings to each customer's needs, whether that means providing a wide range of options or simplifying the selection process. In essence, Pfister is a full-service manufacturer that offers a diverse range of products, from entry-level to designer custom products for multifamily developers and owners.

Timestamps:
[00:05:13] Push and Seal drain innovation for multifamily properties.
[00:06:03] Practical innovation for everyday life using Pfister Faucets and other multifamily products.
[00:10:02] Pfister's origin story.
[00:13:14] American Plumber Stories - Pfister's Web Series.
[00:17:55] Inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Connect:
Shannon Irby Email: shannon.irby@spectrumbrands.com
Shannon Irby LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-irby-9a1039a/
Pfister Faucets: https://www.pfisterfaucets.com/
American Plumber Series: https://www.americanplumberstories.com/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

As part of our Multifamily Women® Summit, we share time with innovative brands as part of our "Meet the Sponsors" series that showcases those brands that are supporting the platform to advance technology, innovation, leadership, and investments.

On today's episode, host Carrie Antrim talked with Krista Hurley and Talisa Dever who are both seasoned Industry Principals at RealPage. When it comes to leveraging technology to drive efficiencies and increase ROI, these women are the go-to authority. They have been instrumental in shaping innovative strategies that have not just disrupted but transformed the way we think about property management and resident engagement.

Krista and Talisa discuss how, according to a recent survey, two-thirds of multifamily renters are satisfied with their current housing situation because it provides them with financial freedom. This indicates that a majority of renters who choose to live in apartments are content with their decision to rent rather than buy a property. Renting offers these individuals the flexibility to allocate their money towards other expenses or investments, giving them more control over their finances.

These insights are invaluable for RealPage as they delve into the minds of their customers and gain a deeper understanding of the industry's direction. By combining multifamily market intelligence with a customer-centric approach and addressing pain points, RealPage can identify areas where technology can bridge gaps and assist its customers.

RealPage places great emphasis on excellence, character, ownership, and teamwork as their core values and guiding principles. These four values serve as the foundation of the company's identity. These values have evolved over time and continue to be the fundamental principles that RealPage strives to uphold. They not only guide the company internally but also shape their interactions with clients and their engagement in the industry. These values are the most crucial aspect of RealPage's culture.

Timestamps:
[00:01:32] RealPage's commitment to innovation.
[00:04:17] Renting as an investment.
[00:07:22] The launch of DemandX platform.
[00:11:24] Using technology as a support tool.
[00:15:43] Supporting the Multifamily Women® Summit.
[00:18:01] Female leadership across industries.

Connect:
Krista Hurley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-k-hurley/
Talisa Dever: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talisa-dever/
RealPage: https://www.realpage.com/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

In this episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, host Carrie Antrim chats with Jenna Juniper, a National Speaker, Housing Consultant, Trainer, and President at Housing Consultants of America, LLC. Jenna shares her 16-year track record of successfully facilitating partnerships between nonprofits and developers to drive the implementation of crucial services for low-income properties across the nation.

Jenna's passion for affordable housing and expertise in compliance has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a premier affordable housing expert. Tune in to hear Jenna's unique story and what sparked her interest in affordable housing. Plus, don't forget to grab your ticket for the upcoming Multifamily Women® Summit for a chance to meet industry experts and boost your business's success.

In today's episode, Jenna leads us through the transformative world of modern affordable housing, challenging longstanding stereotypes and perceptions. Gone are the days of run-down, unattractive multifamily properties. Today's affordable housing units stand as testaments to innovation, beauty, and design. Join us as we dive deep into the renaissance of housing for those of modest means, and explore how these contemporary spaces are reshaping communities nationwide.

Impactful Quotes:
"But I will never forget that moment sitting there on the desk with the agent and she showed me my rent portion. It was less than $200 and it was just the weight lifted off my shoulders that I could finally focus on my career on just becoming more stable, going back to school. So Section 8 was my saving grace."

"We really are trying to change mindset by showing the community, look what we can do. We can actually level up your community by bringing in Section 8 or an affordable property versus level down."

Timestamps:
[00:02:02] Jenna's unique and personal journey to affordable housing.
[00:04:09] Revolutionizing affordable housing.
[00:09:21] Eco-friendly affordable housing.
[00:13:03] Micro-school and education within multifamily assets.
[00:17:43] Converting hotels into multifamily affordable housing.
[00:21:19] Motivation and impacting lives.
[00:26:06] Pursuing the affordable multifamily housing industry.
[00:29:33] Know your energy limits.

Resources:
Connect with Jenna!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennajuniper/
Website: https://housingconsultantsofamerica.com/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

In this episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, host Carrie Antrim interviews Michelle Flandreau, Chief Revenue Officer at CredHub. Michelle shares her insights and experiences in the multifamily industry, drawing from her background in sales, marketing, business development, and user experience. With a career that spans both Fortune 500 companies and startups, Michelle discusses building brands and creating scalable growth. Don't miss this informative conversation about how CredHub is redefining rent within the Multifamily Industry.

Plus, find out more about the upcoming Multifamily Women's Summit and get your ticket today.

The episode delves into the significance of CredHub's mission: to bridge the often separate worlds of rent payment and credit reporting. Carrie and Michelle explore why it's crucial for renters to have their payment status reported to credit bureaus. They shed light on some unexpected benefits that both businesses and residents reap through CredHub's innovative solution. Michelle also speaks candidly about the challenges in credit reporting and how CredHub navigates educating multifamily property managers and owners about this need-to-have service.

As they continue their conversation, Michelle's multi-faceted role at CredHub emerges, overseeing various departments. How does she maintain synergy across sales, marketing, business development, and user experience? It's a balancing act that she has mastered. The world of credit scoring is evolving, and Carrie seeks Michelle's insights into its future trajectory, especially with platforms like CredHub shaking things up.

Michelle offers a glimpse into the near future of CredHub. What innovations and features can users look forward to? Tune in to find out!

Timestamps:
[00:03:06] Shaping approach at CredHub.
[00:05:22] CredHub and rental payment reporting.
[00:06:55] Zero credit score impact.
[00:10:26] Impact of credit score improvement in multifamily.
[00:12:01] Synergy across departments.
[00:16:03] The future of credit reporting.
[00:19:26] Challenges in the multifamily industry.
[00:22:01] New product offerings and research.
[00:24:07] Property management program.
[00:28:00] Facilitating networking intentionally.

Resources:
Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleflandreau/
Visit CredHub: https://credhub.com/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

In this episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, host Carrie Antrim interviews Amber Tran, Product Designer at Vizibly. This episode is part of our "Meet the Sponsors" Series where we get to know the brands creating the most forward-thinking innovations in software and technology to offer solutions for multifamily property management and ownership to become more efficient and successful.

Amber shares her insights on user-centered design and how it can be applied to the world of multifamily property management. She discusses her role at Vizibly and the importance of designing experiences that add value to the end user.

The success of a design or product in property management is measured by its ability to provide a user experience that caters to the needs of property managers. Amber emphasizes the importance of a simplified user interface that is still complex enough for power users, aiming to strike a balance where technology is useful and enhances property managers' efficiency.

Technology is not meant to replace jobs but rather to support and enhance human efficiency. Amber addresses the fear that technology will replace jobs, clarifying that it is more of a transition. The purpose of technology in this context is to provide property managers and on-site teams with more time to focus on building relationships.

While technology can automate tasks and streamline processes, it cannot replace the human touch and understanding necessary in property management. The goal of technology is to give property managers more time and enable them to be faster and more efficient. The success of a design or product in this context is measured by its ability to improve outcomes, processes, and user experience.

Timestamps:
[00:01:43] Being a product designer in the multifamily industry.
[00:06:01] Designing for different user groups.
[00:07:18] Fail fast and learn fast.
[00:12:08] User-friendly multifamily budgeting with Vizibly.
[00:15:48] Software design and budgeting.
[00:19:36] Decision intelligence and user feedback with Vizibly.
[00:23:16] Budgeting stages and user feedback.
[00:26:10] Multifamily Women® Leadership Series.

Resources:
Amber Tran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambertran7/
Vizibly: https://www.vizibly.io/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

In this episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, host Carrie Antrim and Ashley Lipp, VP of Residential Property Management at Lloyd Companies, discuss the importance of cultivating a strong relationship with oneself as a leader, and how new leaders often underestimate the significance of this internal connection. It is stressed that without a healthy relationship with oneself and a commitment to self-honesty, it is unlikely for a leader to inspire and motivate others.

In this episode, Ashley underscores the significance of investing in oneself and cultivating curiosity as a means to become a better leader.  This includes the importance of utilizing technology as a problem-solving tool rather than allowing it to become a distraction. Ashley acknowledges that technology should serve as a support tool, enhancing individuals' abilities to perform their roles more effectively and efficiently. Technology can be intimidating for some, but it is an integral part of the business landscape, and failing to embrace it can lead to falling behind and suffering in the industry.

Ashley advocates for finding the right balance between technology and human interaction, recognizing that technology should enhance the customer service-oriented nature of their business rather than replace it. Ashley firmly believes that technology will not completely overshadow everything, especially in property management where there will always be a need for human interaction to deliver exceptional customer service.

Timestamps:
[00:01:40] Importance of leadership development.
[00:05:30] Innovation in Maintenance
[00:08:24] Fostering personal growth and leadership.
[00:13:44] Struggling with imposter syndrome.
[00:15:13] Overcoming self-doubt and speaking up.
[00:19:03] Imposter syndrome.
[00:24:22] Get curious about yourself.

Connect:
Ashley Lipp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-lipp-23426243/
Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit Registration: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Multifamily Innovation® Advisory Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/

On this episode of the Multifamily Women® Podcast, host Carrie Antrim speaks with Angela Flick, Vice President of Strategic Solutions at Mack Property Management. Angela has extensive experience in the industry, having worked for Greystar, Riverstone Residential Group, and ConAm Management. Angela is a member of the Multifamily Innovation® Council and loves talking about prop-tech and innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Embracing Technology in Multifamily: Angela talks about her approach to technology. We discuss the courage needed to embrace new technology, when the timing is right to implement new programs or software, and knowing when it's time to pivot or abandon a tool or strategy.

Navigating Change in Multifamily: Angela delves into why change can be challenging for multifamily companies and how to overcome these hurdles.

The Role of Pilot Programs: Angela discusses the importance of technology pilot programs within apartment communities, along with their impact on her strategic decisions.

Tech Companies & Beta Testing: Angela provides insights for multifamily technology companies from her experience in multifamily management, discussing the role of beta testing in product development.

The Changing Landscape of Hiring: In an increasingly tech-driven world, Angela discusses how the approach to evaluating multifamily new hires is evolving.

The Era of Remote Work: Angela shares effective strategies for managing and leading remote teams who are managing apartment communities.

Women in Leadership: Angela offers advice for women in leadership roles in the multifamily industry.

Identifying Business Process Gaps: Angela talks about her approach to identifying business process gaps and the steps she takes to address them.

Future Trends in Prop-Tech: As a member of the Multifamily Innovation® Council, Angela shares her thoughts on emerging trends in prop-tech and how they could transform the multifamily industry.

Timestamps:
[00:02:04] Excitement and fear of technology.
[00:04:20] Knowing when to implement change.
[00:08:24] Implementing new technology in the apartment workplace.
[00:13:19] Apartment sales team education on technology.
[00:20:05] AI and chat GPT in multifamily.
[00:21:42] Managing remote teams effectively.
[00:25:27] Creating a home structure.
[00:29:35] Investing in yourself.
[00:33:31] Process mapping for workflows in multifamily.
[00:37:08] Planning and problem-solving strategies.
[00:41:20] Prop tech transforming the industry.
[00:45:34] Women's Leadership Series.

Resources:
Angela Flick:

Connect with Multifamily Women®:

Carrie Antrim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieantrim/
Multifamily Women® Summit: https://multifamilywomen.com/
Be a Guest on the Podcast or at the Summit: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/speakingrequest
Multifamily Women® Leadership Series: https://apps.multifamilywomen.com/join
Multifamily Innovation® Council: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/council/
Multifamily Innovation® Summit: https://multifamilyinnovation.com/
Best Places to Work Multifamily®: https://bestplacestoworkmultifamily.com/