Boss Talks | Elevating ALL the Bosses of the Multifamily Industry

Show Notes & Timestamps

• 0:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 0:23 – Meet Sue Vickery
• 0:33 – Sue’s Company and Success Story
• 1:03 – Host Introduction & Community Boss Solutions
• 1:41 – Sue’s Journey to Entrepreneurship
• 2:10 – Parking Problems in Multifamily Housing
• 4:38 – The Importance of Resident Experience & Online Reviews
• 5:06 – Zillow Data: Parking as a Top Resident Concern
• 5:36 – The Myth of Decreasing Parking Demand
• 6:59 – Music Preferences and Motivation
• 8:39 – Cold Brew: The Ultimate Beverage
• 10:14 – Sue’s Career Background
• 11:02 – From Property Management to Acquisitions
• 13:24 – Resident Experience Role at TCR
• 15:04 – Designing for Retention vs. Attraction
• 19:24 – Amenities That Matter (Smart Tech, Showers, Bathtubs, etc.)
• 28:50 – Home Comforts and Daily Appreciations
• 29:38 – Sound Insulation Challenges in Apartments
• 30:22 – Management Expectations and Resident Retention
• 32:04 – The Impact of Concessions on Leasing
• 35:53 – Amenities for Different Property Classes (A, B, C)
• 36:55 – Outdoor Spaces and Modern Amenities
• 38:41 – Functionality Over Aesthetics in Rentals
• 40:14 – Management Preferences vs. Resident Needs
• 41:00 – Package Delivery and Management Practices
• 44:12 – 24/7 Amenities and Resident Satisfaction
• 45:56 – Technology Solutions for Property Management
• 47:46 – Marketing Strategies and Digital Campaigns
• 58:39 – Final Thoughts and Future Episodes

Key Topics Covered:

• Sue’s background in property management, acquisitions, and consulting
• The evolution of resident experience roles in multifamily housing
• Why parking is a top concern for residents (with data from Zillow and online reviews)
• The myth of decreasing parking demand and the reality in most U.S. cities
• The importance of functional amenities over flashy features
• How management preferences can conflict with resident needs
• The impact of pricing, concessions, and digital marketing on resident retention
• Actionable tips for designing communities that attract and retain residents

Notable Quotes:

• “Parking is one of the biggest reasons why people are unhappy—because their friends can’t park.”
• “Zillow data shows that off-street parking is the top feature residents save and share when searching for a new place.”
• “Function is everything. Residents want durable, easy-to-maintain spaces, not just aesthetics.”

Takeaways:

• Focus on amenities and features that residents actually use and value, like parking, storage, and functional layouts.
• Don’t underestimate the impact of parking on resident satisfaction and retention.
• Use data and resident feedback to guide design and management decisions.
• Invest in digital marketing and a strong online presence to attract new residents.

Connect with Sue Vickery:
LinkedIn: Sue Vickery 

Carryatid Multifamily Consulting: Website

Connect with Host Evan Happel:
Community Boss: Website

Next Episode:

Boss Talks will return after Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for more industry insights and guest interviews!

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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.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome
• 1:35 Fun Anecdotes & Icebreakers
• 3:13 Parking Challenges & Community Boss Solutions
• 5:53 Music, Coffee, and Personal Preferences
• 10:35 Seth’s Journey into Promo Marketing
• 14:03 Promo Strategy: Why Swag Needs Purpose
• 22:41 Gamification & Lead Generation at Events
• 32:00 Brand Storytelling & Memorable Campaigns
• 39:57 Cost-Saving Tips & Order Consolidation
• 43:19 Trade Show & Customization Ideas
• 50:20 Final Thoughts & How to Connect

• Be Strategic: Don’t just buy swag—know your audience, your goals, and the story you want to tell.
• Gamify Engagement: Use digital tools and games at events to capture leads and make your booth memorable.
• Personalize and Plan Ahead: Tailor swag to your recipients and plan early to avoid rush fees and “brand fill.”
• Tell Your Story: Use promotional items as a medium for brand storytelling and connection.
• Sustainability Matters: Consider plantable and eco-friendly swag options for a lasting impression.

• “Stop giving out junk. That is part of the way to keep things out of the brand fill.”
• “Promotional items are not always the answer, but they’re a powerful support to your overall messaging.”
• “If you tell people what you’re about, and they like your story, they want to be part of it.”

• Sonic Promos
• Community Boss

Connect with Seth Weiner:
If you need help with promotional marketing or want a consultative approach to your swag strategy, reach out to Seth at Sonic Promos.

Want to be a guest?
Contact Evan Happel to share your story and expertise on Boss Talks!

Thank you for listening to Boss Talks! Subscribe for more episodes and insights on brand marketing, community management, and more.

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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.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 01:25 – Joel Zeff’s Background and Move to Dallas
• 01:47 – Kansas City Roots & Chiefs Anecdotes
• 06:27 – Book Announcement: "Make the Right Choice"
• 07:33 – Improv’s Role in Keynotes and Work Culture
• 08:01 – Embracing Change Through Improv
• 09:03 – The Importance of Opportunity and Fulfillment at Work
• 11:24 – Joel’s Transition from Journalism to Comedy
• 12:20 – First Improv Experience with Executives
• 13:05 – Building a Speaking Career Organically
• 15:09 – Joel’s Love for Different Work Cultures
• 16:20 – Focus on Multifamily Industry
• 21:05 – Improv Games and Teamwork
• 25:05 – Empowering Your Team & Effective Communication
• 26:17 – Encouraging Innovation and Problem Solving
• 27:00 – Expanding Possibilities with Improv
• 30:18 – Staying in the Game: Persistence and Success
• 32:33 – Creating Fun and Energy at Work
• 33:12 – Appreciation, Recognition, and Giving Back
• 35:43 – Team Building Activities and Skit Night
• 41:44 – Interactive and Engaging Sessions
• 42:24 – Promoting Connection and Engagement
• 44:29 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Guest Links:

• Joel Zeff’s Website: joelzeff.com
• Book: "Make the Right Choice" (Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Porchlight Book Company)

Connect with Host:

• Evan Happel, Community Boss

Takeaways:

• Improv and play can transform workplace culture and boost engagement.
• Embracing change and being present are keys to team success.
• Leaders should focus on opportunity, appreciation, and positive support.
• Team-building activities and fun are essential for connection and fulfillment.

Call to Action:
Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, rate, and review Boss Talks!
Check out Joel’s book and website for more insights on leadership and workplace culture.

Thank you for listening!

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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.

Episode Title: Excellence Through Innovation — Boss Talks with Mike Brewer

In this episode, host Evan Happel sits down with Mike Brewer, a 30-year veteran of the multifamily industry and co-founder of Multifamily Media Network. Mike shares his journey from property management to media entrepreneurship, offering candid insights on leadership, organizational design, and the future of work.

00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 

00:34 Mike’s Background & Industry Experience 

02:43 Coffee, Community, and First Impressions 

05:23 Parking Anecdotes & Technology 

07:56 Music, Focus, and Personal Routines 

14:30 Mike’s Real Estate Journey 

18:55 Leadership: Lessons, Book, and Philosophy 

22:04 Embracing Video & Social Media 

28:45 Self-Care, Introversion, and Leadership 

41:25 Organizational Design & Centralization 

46:02 Automation, AI, and the Future of Work 

49:29 Excellence Through Innovation 

57:08 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Key Topics:

• Mike’s career path and early experiences in real estate
• The importance of leadership, trust, and consistency
• Embracing video, social media, and personal branding
• Self-care, introversion, and maintaining energy as a leader
• Organizational design, centralization, and the impact of AI/automation
• The value of upskilling and adapting to technological change
• Mike’s passion for coffee and his book, "The Daily Collective"

Highlights:

• Why you won’t lose your job to AI, but to someone who uses it
• How to build trust and lead by example
• The role of curiosity and innovation in personal and professional growth

Connect with Mike Brewer:

• Multifamily Media Network
• "The Daily Collective" (book)

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Boss Talks. Share your favorite takeaway and connect with us for future episodes!

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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.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:16 Introducing Ryan Yetter

01:18 Ryan's Background in Property Management

01:52 Bridging the Gap Between Maintenance and Leasing

03:53 Parking Management Stories

04:45 Creative Parking Solutions

08:20 Music and Motivation

11:26 Caffeinated Beverage of Choice

14:05 Networking and Career Growth

16:53 Ryan's Journey into Property Management

24:00 Calling Out Invoices and Ensuring Quality

24:36 Training Community Managers on Billing

25:06 Efficiency in Cleaning and Maintenance

26:18 Experience in Commercial Cleaning

27:31 The Importance of Cross-Training

29:25 Bridging the Gap Between Maintenance and Leasing

32:00 Empowering Staff Through Knowledge

39:01 Developing a Strong Work Ethic

42:57 Using Technology for Better Management

48:08 The Value of Diverse Experiences

In episode 109 of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel welcomes guest Ryan Yetter from Rockwood Property Management based in Spokane, Washington. Ryan, who has been in the property management industry for 11 years, shares his unique journey and experiences that have given him a comprehensive view of various community management aspects, including maintenance, leasing, and community management.

During the episode, Ryan discusses the importance of bridging the gap between maintenance and leasing teams, sharing anecdotes and strategies for improved collaboration and efficiency in community management. He emphasizes the value of cross-training staff to handle minor maintenance tasks, which not only saves time and money but also empowers employees.

Ryan also highlights the importance of networking within the industry, sharing his own experiences with organizations such as WMFHA and various mentorship programs. He provides insights into his work ethic, driven by a passion for excellence and the responsibility of being a sole provider.

The episode concludes with discussions on innovative approaches to task management and Ryan’s personal motivators, offering valuable tips for anyone looking to excel in the multifamily housing industry.

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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.

Or Bokobza, a visionary in the prop-tech space, joined us to discuss the exciting developments at VENN, including their recent collaboration with Bozzuto on the My Bozzuto platform. This all-in-one platform aims to revolutionize the resident experience by automating and simplifying every aspect of living in a community.

Evan and Or delved into the innovative My Bozzuto initiative, which promises to bring "Apple Magic" to multifamily living. My Bozzuto combines operational efficiency with exceptional resident experience, covering everything from apartment sales to automated resident touchpoints, effectively transforming buildings into autonomous entities. 

The conversation took a personal turn as Or Bokobza shared his Israeli roots and how Tel Aviv's vibrant tech scene inspires innovation. From bustling streets filled with young innovators to a strong sense of community, Tel Aviv's unique atmosphere fosters groundbreaking ideas and startups. Or recommended reading "Start-Up Nation" for those interested in understanding Israel's innovative culture.

Or painted a vivid picture of Tel Aviv's essence, describing it as a bustling city with a small-town feel, where community and support flourish. He noted the density of the city parallels that of New York, making transportation and parking a challenge, much like many metropolitan areas.

Or discussed the significant impact of mandatory military service on Israeli culture. This experience fosters camaraderie, innovation, and a sense of mutual responsibility, which he believes is integral to Israel's success as a tech hub. The shared experiences in the military create strong bonds that often translate into successful business ventures.

Or shared VENN's journey, from humble beginnings to creating a technology-driven operating system that enhances resident experiences. The company has successfully launched My Bozzuto, marking a significant milestone in their mission to digitize and elevate the multifamily industry.

The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and building an open API ecosystem within the industry. Or emphasized the need for vendor collaboration to create seamless tech solutions, making My Bozzuto an integral part of Bozzuto's digital transformation strategy.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:14 Introducing Or Bokobza and My Bozzuto

01:37 The Magic of My Bozzuto

03:38 Tech Innovation from Israel

05:26 Life in Tel Aviv

07:34 The Multifamily Industry in Israel

08:48 Music and Personal Interests

10:12 Coffee Preferences

11:30 Military Service and Israeli Culture

20:27 The Spirit of Innovation at VENN

22:10 Military Service and Early Career

22:21 Real Estate Ventures and Hospitality

22:33 Building a Community-Focused Brand

22:46 Life in a Small Town

23:46 Transforming a Tel Aviv Neighborhood

25:29 Developing a New Operating System

26:28 Challenges and Achievements

27:42 Launching in Kansas City

28:19 Vision for the Future

29:57 Partnerships and Industry Insights

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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.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:12 Introducing Twynate Boyd

01:43 Twynate's Experience at Apartmentalize

02:18 The Importance of Authenticity

03:08 Community Boss and Its Impact

05:14 Funny Parking Stories

07:32 Music and Motivation

09:04 Caffeinated Beverage of Choice

10:31 Soft Girl Era and Personal Growth

13:06 Journey in Property Management

25:47 Community Support and Care Initiatives

26:38 Personal Journey into Property Management

26:53 Leadership and Merging with Apartment Life

27:29 Balancing Introversion with People-Facing Roles

28:25 Innovative Ideas for Resident Engagement

32:12 Challenges and Adaptations in Property Management

34:44 Trade Show Experiences and Industry Connections

37:27 The Importance of Genuine Care in Management

42:29 Faith and Personal Motivation

48:45 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

In this episode, we sit down with Twynate Boyd, a senior community manager at Hilltop Residential in Atlanta, Georgia. Join us as we dive into her inspiring journey in property management and learn why she embodies the spirit of a true boss.

Twynate Boyd, based in Atlanta, Georgia, with Hilltop Residential, is no ordinary community manager; she has a unique flair for bringing love and care to the property management industry. She has a passion for fostering community-driven initiatives and her dedication to integrating her faith into her professional life.

Twynate shared her transformational experience attending her first Apartmentalize. Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, she described how both the company, Community Boss, and everyone involved made her feel part of a genuine, welcoming community. At the trade show, she expressed how her transition from initially being apprehensive to absolutely enjoying the experience was a testament to how true connection can thrive under the right conditions.

Central to Twynate's management style is her unwavering commitment to building genuine relationships within her community. With Apartment Life teams, she orchestrates regular events, from paint-and-sip evenings to movie nights on the rooftop. These activities foster a sense of belonging, enabling residents to connect and form meaningful ties right where they live.

She recounts memorable experiences where even in challenging situations, the systems and networks she helped cultivate allowed her to provide superhero-level care to her residents, often resolving issues swiftly with a personal touch. Which is why she is the first "AmBOSSador", an enthusiastic user of PARKING BOSS.

On top of her impressive professional achievements, Twynate embraces personal growth through balance and self-care. She shares her musical tastes, from Atlanta's Lil Jon hype music to softer tunes from artists like Yeba, all curated to fit different facets of her life. Her journey into what she calls "the soft girl era" reflects her transition into a more balanced approach to leadership and life.

Twynate's faith remains a steadfast source of strength and motivation. It acts as a grounding force amid the numerous challenges of community management. Whether she's recharging with gratitude, tackling the complexities of property management, or simply enduring a resident's difficult day, her spirituality helps her maintain perspective and extend compassion to others.

As Twynate reflects on her career, she highlights the impact of working with a supportive company like Hilltop Residential, where individuality is celebrated, and community care is prioritized. She sees no achievable end to where her passions could take her, constantly pushing the industry to new heights.

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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 a world where career progression often equates to self-worth, understanding and embracing the journey that leads to personal and professional growth becomes paramount. During episode 106 of Boss Talks, our host Evan Happel sat down with multifamily industry expert, author, and speaker Gary Gregory to explore the multifaceted aspects of career development, overcoming setbacks, and the value of pre-deciding who we strive to be. Here are some key insights from our engaging conversation.

Gary Gregory's story is one of synchronicity and the impact of human connections. He began his journey in the multifamily and student housing sectors, eventually finding his way into writing books. The pivotal moment that launched his writing career came from a spontaneous interaction with an admired speaker. This connection, made through LinkedIn, emphasized the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of stepping out of your comfort zone. Gregory's experience demonstrates that sometimes a simple conversation can be the springboard to achieving unimagined dreams.

Gary shared his personal story of being demoted, a career event he describes as both humbling and invaluable. His initial fear and embarrassment turned into gratitude, as he realized that this setback allowed him to realign with his true career path. He credits his supervisor for recognizing that a demotion was the best course of action for his growth. This experience taught him that sometimes the most significant lessons come from difficult situations, and leaders should have courage to hold these tough conversations for the betterment of their team's career trajectory.

One of Gary's core messages is about the significance of defining "who" you want to become rather than just "what" you want to achieve. He encourages individuals to focus on personal principles, core values, and self-awareness. By understanding who you are and who you want to be, you add value to any role you undertake, making your impact larger than the job description itself. It's about being intentional with your growth and ensuring your identity and purpose aren't solely tied to your professional title.

A crucial part of personal and professional development is seeking out feedback—even when it’s unsolicited. Gary advises building a network of mentors and peers who can provide honest, constructive feedback. He stresses the importance of accepting this input with an open mind and acting on it. By being aware and responsive to feedback, you actively contribute to your growth and avoid repeating past mistakes.

In line with striving for continuous improvement, Gary reminds us that taking risks is part of the journey. By stepping out of your comfort zone and trying different things, you not only learn from your own mistakes but also benefit from others' experiences. It's crucial to stay curious and open to new experiences.

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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 Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews Angela Flick, founder of Why Not Strategic Concepts, who shares her extensive 20-year experience in the multifamily industry. Angela discusses her career trajectory, transitioning from marketing roles in commercial property management to founding her consultancy dedicated to improving the industry. The discussion covers the challenges and solutions related to managing the PropTech stack in multifamily housing, emphasizing the need for dedicated tech management roles and better organizational structures to support technology implementation and operation. Angela also provides insights into what questions operators should ask their SaaS partners to ensure successful technology integration and ongoing support.

00:00 Introduction to Boss Talks

00:12 Meet Angela Flick

00:17 Angela's Career Journey

00:37 Founding Why Not Consulting

01:58 Small World Connections

03:10 Parking Challenges in Property Management

06:26 Music Preferences

09:28 Favorite Coffee Choices

10:41 Angela's Background in Property Management

18:02 Marketing and Technology in Property Management

26:49 Understanding the Sales Process

26:58 Challenges with Property Management Decisions

28:01 Importance of Educating Property Managers

28:58 Stakeholder Communication and Pain Points

30:19 Overinvestment and Changing Skill Sets

31:09 The Role of Regional Managers in Tech Implementation

33:53 Bridging the Gap Between PropTech and Operators

36:17 Creating Effective Tech Support Structures

41:20 Innovative Approaches to Tech Stack Management

45:13 Final Thoughts and Industry Solutions

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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 Episode 104 of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews Jamal Lee, a veteran in the multifamily industry with a passion for music conducting. Jamal shares his extensive background in multifamily marketing and provides unique insights into how his musical talents contribute to his professional life. The conversation also covers key aspects of multifamily operations, the importance of ongoing learning, the impact of cultural understanding in marketing strategies, and the parallels between conducting music and leading a marketing team. Additionally, Jamal discusses his early training, his career transitions, and the personal journey that shaped his dual passions for music and multifamily marketing.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:12 Introducing Jamal Lee

00:51 Evan Happel's Introduction

01:19 Jamal Lee Joins the Conversation

01:24 Discussing the Weather and Gratitude

01:56 Jamal's Multifamily Journey

02:19 Studio Updates and Personal Life

03:32 Audience Interaction and Questions

04:26 Parking Stories and Technology

05:55 Music and Motivation

07:08 Living in Bryans Road, Maryland

08:04 Caffeinated Beverage Preferences

11:03 Teaching and Transition to Multifamily

12:20 Internship Experience at Southern Management

19:56 Career Progression in Multifamily

20:43 Marketing Insights and Best Practices

21:58 Parallels Between Conducting Music and Marketing

23:12 Harmonizing in Music and Marketing

24:01 The Role of Timing and Pace

24:32 Communication and Leadership

26:11 Adaptability and Problem Solving

26:54 The Complexity of Live Performances

31:00 Balancing Passion and Profession

35:40 The Importance of Travel and Cultural Immersion

42:14 Lifelong Learning and Innovation

47:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#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.