Boss Talks | Elevating ALL the Bosses of the Multifamily Industry

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.

#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

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.

#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 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.

#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.

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

#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.

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? 

#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.

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.

In this inspiring episode of Boss Talks, we had the chance to interview the remarkable Boss, LaShyra Escobosa. 

LaShyra began by sharing her journey from being a teenage mother living in Delaware to establishing herself as an industry award winner. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and perseverance, having overcome multiple odds stacked against her to succeed in her career. Despite encountering various challenges early in her life, she constantly strived to improve herself and make a difference. She explained how these experiences did not hold her back rather they motivated her to make a name for herself in the industry. 

LaShyra also discussed her professional life and her significant roles as a senior property manager with YS Management and an Executive of the board with the Delaware Apartment Association. She described her passion for helping others and how she has utilized her own life journey to guide and mentor others. LaShyra’s foundation, the Fix Her Crown Foundation, aims to provide mentorship and guidance to young girls, making a significant positive influence in their lives.

We further explored her views on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. LaShyra stressed the importance of considering multiple perspectives and the need for integration rather than separation when it comes to diversity. She emphasized how she strives to treat everyone equally and values every individual's opinion and perspective. Moreover, she shared light on her experiences of being a woman of color in the industry, highlighting the challenges she faced and how she overcame them by demonstrating her competence and potential.

LaShyra shared about her recent achievements such as being awarded Property Manager of the Year. She expressed her surprise and gratitude for this honor, describing it as a pinnacle of her career. 

She also spoke about completing the NAA's Diversity Leadership Program, detailing how the program helped her in self-improvement and how it led to a better understanding of herself. LaShyra shared that she has improved her communication style and leadership skills using the insights gained from the program. 

Additionally, LaShyra described her involvement in a national non-collegiate sorority, detailing how it provided not just a venue for connection but also opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds to gather, bond, and support each other.

To sum up, our conversation with LaShyra was incredibly enlightening. Her story is a powerful reminder of the remarkable strength human spirits possess to overcome life’s hurdles. Her commitment to mentorship, empowerment, and praising diversity indeed characterizes her as one inspirational boss.

#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 Guest Presentation

03:22 Building Community: Insights and Experiences\

10:16 Career Journey and Progression

18:37 Challenges and Successes as a Woman in the Industry

26:29 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Rooting for the Underdog

28:30 Building Community and Breaking Cliques

31:06 Transitioning to the Supplier Side and Embracing Learning

37:25 The Journey to Becoming a Consultant

39:09 The Power of People-First Approach and Leadership at All Levels

49:00 The Love for Animals and Personal Growth

In this episode of "Maria Pietroforte Boss Talks", industry veteran Maria Pietroforte, who boasts over 30 years of experience in the property management realm, is the guest. 

Maria shares her unique journey in the sector, starting from an operator role, diligently working her way up to an executive position, and then pivoting to a consulting role in the same industry. Despite starting in an environment largely driven by profits and male-dominated leadership, Maria credits her career progression to always doing her best and being solution-oriented.

The conversation delves into discussing the 'people-first' approach within the industry. Maria has been a firm advocate for the philosophy, asserting that leadership success often stems from cultivating a nurturing culture that values employees and prioritizes their needs and developmental growth.

The discussion also brings up the issue of gender bias in the real estate industry. Maria speaks on her experiences as a female leader, emphasizing that leadership ability isn't tied to a title and true leaders prioritize the success of their team.

Maria also shares her experiences on the supplier side of the business, where she engaged with startups and technology. This was an opportunity for her to learn more about technology and marketing which she could then bring back to the property management side.

The conversation concludes with Maria sharing her passion for animals. She discusses her experiences training her Rottweiler, Gunnar, applying her leadership skills in the process. 

Overall, the podcast serves as an in-depth dive into Maria's career, her leadership philosophy, navigating industry biases, and personal interests, making for a highly informative and engaging listen.

#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

01:13 Introducing the Guest: Amanda Gunn

02:46 About Community Boss

03:20 Conversation with Amanda Gunn Begins

04:17 Amanda's Journey in Property Management

05:46 Building Community and Hospitality

07:51 Amanda's Experience with Rockwood Property Management

10:26 The Importance of Budgeting in Property Management

20:51 The Importance of Continued Education

35:33 Amanda's Personal Growth Story in the Industry

44:59 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of "Boss Talks", Evan Happel, had the privilege to interview Amanda Gunn, an active member of Washington Multifamily Housing Association (WMFHA) from Spokane, Washington. They explored her experiences and gathered insights particularly on budget management and the importance of continued education in property management. 

As they talked about budgets, you could sense the passion Amanda has for this often daunting subject. She emphasized viewing budgets as a guide rather than an absolute rule, which offers a fresh perspective for many in the multifamily industry. She also highlighted the importance of team contribution in managing finances at the property level.

The subject of continued education came up next and Amanda suggested that it is a significant factor that contributes to growth in the property management field. To illustrate, she shared her own career progression and how her drive and willingness to learn catapulted her professional development. 

Throughout the conversation, it became clear that Amanda’s genuine dedication to growth and education sets her apart in the multi-housing sector. From this discussion, listeners can draw a great deal of inspiration and practical advice to navigate the multifamily housing market, manage budgets effectively, and foster personal growth.

#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.

Get to know Qu’Teaus (Lynett Smith, CAM):

Qu’Teaus is a multifaceted professional with a passion for property management and years of experience in the industry. She’s held multiple leadership positions from Onboarding Trainer, Area Manager, Multi Site Manager, and now Senior Community Manager.

She got her bachelor's degree in human services and a masters degree in business management and leadership. Qu’Teaus also received her Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) credential from NAA. She believes this education equipped her to excel in property management.

Qu’Teaus was a participant in the inaugural National Apartment Association (Naahq) Diversity Leadership Program. During this program, she won runner-up in the capstone project.

She’s an active member of the Atlanta Apartment Association where she serves as a membership ambassador. She also is a regular contributor to the Multifamily Insiders’ webinar series.

Beyond property management, she is a mom of 4 and has 2 dogs. She also enjoys volunteering and fostering dogs with Street Paws, inc. AND runs 3 businesses!

#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.

#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.