In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Jesse Best, Regional Maintenance Supervisor at J&G Companies and a standout figure in the multifamily maintenance industry. Jesse's journey from a maintenance technician to being honored as the Indiana Apartment Association’s 2024 Maintenance Technician of the Year and a 2025 "20 on the Rise" recipient by the National Apartment Association showcases his dedication to excellence and leadership in the field.
Jesse shares his insights on the importance of mentorship, setting goals, and the evolving landscape of the apartment industry. He emphasizes the value of listening in leadership roles and discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with professional growth. This conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in the multifamily maintenance sector and the significance of continuous learning and development.
In this episode:
-Why is mentorship crucial for professional growth in the multifamily maintenance industry?
-What challenges and opportunities exist within the apartment industry for emerging leaders?
-The 20 on the Rise program recognizes rising stars with less than 10 years of experience in rental housing.
-How can setting short-term and long-term goals impact career advancement in property maintenance?
About our Guest:
Jesse is a Regional Maintenance Supervisor with over five years of experience in the apartment maintenance industry. Based in Lafayette, Indiana, Jesse has earned@ recognition for excellence, being named the Indiana Apartment Association’s 2024 Maintenance Technician of the Year. In addition, Jesse was honored as a 2025 “20 on the Rise” recipient by the National Apartment Association. With a commitment to quality service and leadership, Jesse continues to make a significant impact in the industry.
Connect with Jesse:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bestjesse3/
If you found this episode insightful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network. Your support helps us bring more valuable content to the multifamily maintenance community.
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#MultifamilyMaintenance #PropertyManagement #MentorshipMatters #ProfessionalGrowth #20OnTheRise #MaintenanceLeadership #ApartmentIndustry #CareerDevelopment

In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica welcomes Kenny Choat https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-choat-5645b1a2/ , Director of Maintenance at Thompson Thrift https://www.thompsonthrift.com/ , to share his compelling journey from military service to a leadership role in multifamily maintenance. Kenny's story is a testament to how discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to mentorship can shape a successful career in property management.​
Kenny discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning from the military to the multifamily industry, emphasizing the importance of hands-on training and the value of hiring for personality over technical skills. He also explores innovative recruitment strategies to attract the next generation of maintenance professionals and shares insights on maintaining effective communication across geographically dispersed teams.​
In this episode, we explore:
-Why is hiring for personality traits more effective than focusing solely on technical skills in maintenance roles?
-What creative recruitment strategies can attract the next generation of maintenance professionals?
-The discipline and calmness from military experience are invaluable assets in crisis management within property maintenance.
-How can companies maintain effective communication and support across geographically dispersed maintenance teams?
🎧 Tune in to gain valuable insights from Kenny's experiences and learn how to foster a strong, adaptable maintenance team in the multifamily industry.​
👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to support our channel's growth and stay updated on future discussions.​
#MultifamilyMaintenance #PropertyManagement #Leadership #Mentorship #RecruitmentStrategies #MaintenanceTraining #MilitaryToMaintenance #TeamCommunication #BeyondTheWork #Podcast

What does it really take to build a lasting career in property management—and keep great people along the way? In this episode, Mark Sharp https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sharp-camt-18b468182/ and Chris Caramanica unpack their biggest takeaways from RPM Careers Week and the Advocate Conference. From career mapping and employment retention to mental health and affordable housing advocacy, they cover the evolving priorities shaping today’s multifamily industry.
If you're in property management or thinking about entering the field, this episode gives you a front-row seat to where the industry is headed and how you can grow with it. Whether you’re navigating career development, centralization challenges, or committee involvement, you'll come away with fresh insights and practical takeaways to inspire your next step.
In This Episode:
–Why is retention becoming one of the most urgent issues in property management today?
–What role does mental health play in supporting staff across teams and properties?
–The industry is shifting—centralization, advocacy, and networking are reshaping how teams work and grow.
–How can career mapping tools and committee involvement help professionals advance and create lasting impact?
🎧 Enjoying the episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to keep these conversations going and help grow the channel!
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🔗 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore a wealth of podcasts and blogs from today’s top leaders.
#RPMCareers #PropertyManagement #EmploymentRetention #MentalHealthMatters #IndustryTrends #AffordableHousing #CommitteeWork #CareerGrowth #MultifamilyLeadership #NAAEvents #NetworkingInRealEstate #BuildYourCareer

How does advocacy shape the future of the multifamily housing industry? In this episode, Chris Caramanica and Mark Sharp take us inside their experience at the NAA's Advocate Conference in Washington, DC. They discuss why advocacy matters, how networking strengthens the industry, and what independent rental owners need to know about legislation that affects their business.
Beyond the conference, they explore the role of committee work in shaping industry policies, the importance of education and credentialing, and why events like RPM Careers Week are crucial for community engagement. Whether you’re a property manager, investor, or simply interested in real estate advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights on how to stay informed and involved.
In This Episode:
-Why is advocacy essential for protecting and shaping the multifamily housing industry?
-What role does networking play in strengthening industry connections and opportunities?
-The Advocate Conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with policymakers on key housing issues.
-How can education and credentialing programs help professionals advance in the multifamily housing field?
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! Stay updated on the latest industry trends and insights.
📢 Click subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date with the latest insights from multifamily industry experts!
🔗 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore a wealth of podcasts and blogs from today’s top leaders.
#AdvocateConference #MultifamilyHousing #PropertyManagement #Networking #Legislation #CommunityEngagement #Credentialing #RPMCareersWeek #RealEstateAdvocacy

What does it take to transform a career from politics to property management leadership?
In this episode, Freddie Zelaya shares his incredible journey from working in government in Honduras to becoming the Vice President of Facilities and Maintenance at Horning. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the power of building strong relationships.
Freddie opens up about the importance of proactive maintenance, centralization strategies, and fostering a culture of leadership within teams. He also discusses the role of communication, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with regulatory agencies in improving property management operations. Whether you're in facilities management or leadership, this episode is packed with insights on efficiency, teamwork, and long-term planning in the multifamily housing industry.
In This Episode:
-Why is centralizing maintenance operations key to efficiency and compliance in property management?
-What are the essential leadership skills that help build strong teams in facilities management?
-The role of data-driven decision-making in optimizing maintenance operations.
-How can property managers strengthen partnerships with regulatory agencies to improve compliance and operations?
🎧 Listen now and get inspired by Freddie's journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast.
Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay updated on our vast network of multifamily professionals hosting podcasts on all the industry hot topics!
👉 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#FacilitiesManagement #Leadership #PropertyManagement #MaintenanceOperations #MultifamilyHousing #TeamBuilding #ProactiveMaintenance #CareerGrowth

When disaster strikes, how prepared are property managers to handle the unexpected?
In this episode, Chris Caramanica sits down with Andy Goldberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-goldberg-0312847/ of Restore Core https://restorecore.com/ to explore the challenges and strategies in the multifamily disaster restoration industry. From water damage to mold growth, they unpack the crucial steps that property managers need to take to safeguard their buildings and tenants.
Andy shares expert insights on disaster planning, the importance of strong supplier partnerships, and the critical role of proactive maintenance. The discussion also highlights the impactful work of Hope and Door, an organization dedicated to preventing homelessness, and how philanthropy plays a vital role in the property management industry. If you're looking for actionable strategies to protect your property and prepare for emergencies, this episode is a must-listen!
In This Episode:
-Why is disaster planning a non-negotiable for property managers?
-What role does water management play in preventing costly damage and health risks?
-The impact of mold growth extends beyond property damage—it poses serious health hazards.
-How can supplier partnerships enhance disaster response and long-term recovery efforts?
🔹 Like this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us grow!
Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay updated on our vast network of multifamily professionals hosting podcasts on all the industry hot topics!
👉 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#DisasterRestoration #PropertyManagement #WaterDamage #MoldPrevention #SupplierPartnerships #DisasterPreparedness #HopeAndDoor #MultifamilyHousing

From groundskeeper to Regional Maintenance Director, Josh Hayes https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-hayes-camt-l-caps-naaei-faculty-member-a041a2188/ has carved out an inspiring career path in the maintenance industry.
In this episode, he shares how his journey unfolded, the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership, and the unexpected passion he discovered for training. Josh reveals the challenges of transitioning from hands-on work to teaching and how he overcame the fear of standing in front of a classroom.
If you've ever wondered how confidence, preparation, and storytelling can transform a career, this episode is for you.
Beyond the technical skills, Josh dives into the importance of personal connections, leadership, and grooming the next generation of industry professionals.
He reflects on lessons learned, the power of consistency, and why safety and verification are non-negotiables in maintenance work.
Whether you're in property management or looking for motivation to push past your comfort zone, Josh's insights will leave you thinking differently about growth and success.
In This Episode:
-Why is confidence essential when stepping into a training role?
-What key lessons did Josh learn about leadership and communication in maintenance?
-The importance of verifying power before working on electrical systems – safety first, always.
-How can personal stories and real-world experiences enhance professional training?
Listen now and get inspired by Josh's incredible journey! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us grow and reach more listeners.
Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay updated on our vast network of multifamily professionals hosting podcasts on all the industry hot topics!
👉 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily leaders!
#JoshHayes #LeadershipJourney #MaintenanceTraining #CareerGrowth #PropertyManagement #SafetyFirst #ConfidenceMatters #PersonalGrowth #TrainingSuccess

The world of multifamily maintenance is evolving, and the way we train and develop talent is more critical than ever.
In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica sits down with Lori Agudo, Director of Training and Talent Development at Royal American Management, to explore why maintenance professionals need more than just technical know-how to thrive.
Lori shares her unconventional journey into the industry and unpacks why a culture of learning, mentorship, and inclusivity is essential for long-term success. If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your team’s skills, enhance career pathways, and boost employee engagement, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
In This Episode You'll Learn:
🔹 Why are both technical and soft skills critical for maintenance professionals?
🔹 What role does mentorship play in shaping career growth in the industry?
🔹 The right training programs enhance employee engagement and impact the bottom line.
🔹 How can organizations create a culture of continuous learning and feedback?
🎧 Listen now and level up your approach to maintenance training!
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us grow!
Don't miss out—click subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube to stay updated on all the latest multifamily industry insights!
Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of podcasts and blogs from today’s top multifamily leaders!
#MultifamilyMaintenance #TrainingAndDevelopment #CareerGrowth #SoftSkills #TechnicalSkills #MentorshipMatters #PropertyManagement #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement

What makes or breaks a resident’s experience in multifamily housing?
It’s often the one factor that gets overlooked—maintenance.
In this episode, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Katie Ritter https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-ritter-a376b128/ and Jake Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-hughes-98194026/ from Widewail https://www.widewail.com/ to explore how maintenance plays a pivotal role in shaping online reviews, tenant retention, and overall satisfaction.
They uncover why maintenance teams deserve more recognition and how AI is changing the game in property management.
If you’ve ever wondered why maintenance issues dominate online reviews or how better communication can transform resident experiences, this episode is for you. Discover the hidden impact of service quality on lease renewals and future trends in property management that can elevate resident satisfaction.
What’s Covered in This Episode:
-Why do maintenance issues have such a strong influence on online reviews and resident satisfaction?
-What role does effective communication play in preventing negative reviews and enhancing tenant relationships?
-The interactions maintenance teams have with residents are more frequent and impactful than those of leasing staff.
-How can AI-driven feedback analysis help property managers improve service delivery and resident experiences?
🔔 Don’t miss this essential conversation!
Like, subscribe, and share to help more property managers and maintenance teams unlock the secrets to a better resident experience.
🌐 Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to sign up for our newsletter and explore an extensive library of blogs and podcasts from today’s multifamily professionals.
#MultifamilyHousing #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement #OnlineReviews #MaintenanceMatters #AIinRealEstate #TenantSatisfaction #LeaseRenewals

What does it truly mean to build an inclusive and thriving workforce in multifamily maintenance?
In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Ishea Shepherd https://www.linkedin.com/in/ishea-shepherd-naaei-faculty-cam-625820123/ to discuss the importance of valuing service teams, the impact of generational differences in trades, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives shape the industry.
Ishea shares her journey from construction to property management, highlighting the evolving landscape of skilled trades and the challenges that come with it.
She also discusses how remote work has changed maintenance demands and why representation in leadership matters.
If you’re looking for insights on building stronger, more inclusive teams in property management, this episode is for you!
What’s Covered in This Episode:
-Why is it crucial for service teams to be valued and included in industry-wide initiatives?
-What role do generational differences play in shaping skills and career paths in maintenance?
-The shift to remote work has increased maintenance requests, presenting new challenges for property managers.
-How can DEI initiatives ensure teams reflect the diverse communities they serve?
Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe, and share Beyond the Work! Tell us in the comments—what changes have you seen in the industry, and how can we better support service teams?
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#MultifamilyMaintenance #DEIInitiatives #PropertyManagement #Leadership #ServiceTeams #CareerGrowth #TradesIndustry #DiversityMatters #WorkforceInclusion #MaintenanceProfessionals