🔍 Summary

In this episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, hosts Wesley Deese and John Barr welcome Nick Hill, COO of Up Campus, for a candid and insightful conversation as part of the Tough Talks series. With a diverse background in student housing across both U.S. and international markets, Nick shares a unique perspective on development, acquisitions, leadership, and the grit it takes to navigate tough transitions and late deliveries.

Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at Nick's career journey, his take on what’s harder—acquisitions or new developments—and how challenges in delivery timelines helped shape his leadership and operational approach. The discussion also emphasizes transparency in crisis situations, advice for young professionals entering the industry, and the value of long-term relationships in student housing.

⏱️ Time Stamps

• 00:01:30 – Welcome to the podcast & Tough Talks intro

• 00:11:30 – Interview starts: Meet Nick Hill

• 00:13:05 – Industry “spicy take”: Stop hoarding data

• 00:14:28 – Acquisition vs. Development revisited

• 00:15:49 – Turn stories: From chaos to core memories

• 00:18:03 – Advice for student housing professionals

• 00:20:39 – Outro: Upcoming events: SHI x Bisnow, Shop Talk

• 00:32:38 – Preview of next episode: Willie Butler

💡 Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies Whether you're developing a new community or acquiring an existing one, Campus Technologies delivers robust internet and IT services tailored for student housing. With nearly 25 years of experience, their high-speed wired/wireless internet, combined with managed IT services, ensures operational excellence and satisfied residents.

👉 Learn more or download their white paper at: www.campustechnologies.com

🔗 Referenced Links & Resources

• Student Housing Insight Events Page – https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events

• Bisnow Student Housing Event – Atlanta, July 30 – https://www.bisnow.com/events/atlanta/student-housing/atlanta-student-housing-summit-8990

• “Hi, How Are You” Project – https://www.hihowareyou.org

• NMHC Student Housing Conference – https://www.nmhc.org/meetings/calendar/shc/2025-nmhc-student-housing-conference/

• SHI's TopGolf Mixer 2025 - https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events/2025topgolfmixer

📌 Episode Summary: In this episode of Student Housing Insight, we sit down with Aryne Bailey, EVP of Student Housing at The Dinerstein Companies, as part of the “Tough Talk” series hosted by John Barr. Aryne opens up about her dynamic role, her take on AI and centralization in property operations, and the evolving challenges of acquisitions versus new developments. The conversation blends candid insights, industry trends, and even a hilarious turn-time mishap that perfectly illustrates the learning curve many face in student housing management. If you're an operator, vendor, or aspiring industry leader, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and relatable stories that reflect both the complexity and the community within the student housing industry.

⏱️ Episode Time Stamps:

00:00:00 – Welcome & Aryne’s hilarious “refrigerator trailer” story

00:00:28 – Sponsor spotlight: Campus Technologies

00:01:55 – Recap of the Tough Talks series and Aryne’s industry presence

00:03:38 – Overview of Shop Talk and market updates

00:04:57 – Preleasing and rental rate trends post-pandemic

00:07:45 – Impact of declining enrollment and international student policies

00:09:07 – Cyclical nature of student housing development

00:11:00 – Intro to Aryne’s interview and her leadership role

00:14:40 – Aryne on her scope of work at Dinerstein Companies

00:16:59 – Hot take: AI and centralization vs. human presence in ops

00:19:33 – Acquisitions vs. new developments: which is harder?

00:22:11 – Aryne’s best turn story – “The refrigerator incident”

00:24:29 – Career advice: “Never burn a bridge” in this tight-knit industry

00:27:08 – Wrap-up & preview of the next Tough Talks guest

00:30:33 – Announcements: BIZNOW event, Topgolf Mixer, and fundraising

💡 Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies Whether you're developing a new community or acquiring an existing one, fast and reliable internet is no longer optional—it's essential. Campus Technologies brings nearly 25 years of experience delivering top-tier wired and wireless internet, as well as managed IT services specifically designed for student housing.

👉 Download their latest white paper or learn more at www.campustechnologies.com

🔗 References & Links:

Shop Talk monthly webinar:  https://www.shoptalk.info

Biznow Student Housing Conference – Atlanta, July 30 More info & registration:

https://www.bisnow.com/events/atlanta/student-housing/atlanta-student-housing-summit-8990

Topgolf Mixer @ NMHC Student Housing Conference (October – Scottsdale) Details & sponsorship:

https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events/2025topgolfmixer

College Student Mental Wellness Advocacy Coalition Powered by: How Are You Foundation

📘 Episode Summary In this premiere episode of the Tough Talk series from Student Housing Insight, host John Barr (Director of Leasing & Innovation, The Dinerstein Companies) sits down with JT Bailey, VP and GM of Student at RealPage. Together, they dive into the nuances of AI integration in student housing, the importance of keeping human interaction at the forefront, and the irreplaceable value of site-level experience. JT reflects on his journey from leasing desks to product development at RealPage, delivers a bold “spicy take” on AI, and shares some nostalgic chaos from turn season—including flying furniture. This episode kicks off a full summer series of candid conversations with industry leaders recorded live at the Interface conference.

⏱️ Time-Stamps

00:00:00 – Introduction + Sponsor Message from Campus Technologies

00:01:30 – About Student Housing Insight & Ambassador Program

00:03:00 – Guest Intro: John Barr from Dinerstein

00:04:00 – The Innovation Role Explained

00:06:30 – Exploring Site Team Challenges & Testing New Tech

00:08:00 – Ambassador Content Creation + Tough Talks Series Concept

00:10:00 – Preview of Upcoming Interviews in the Series

00:17:00 – JT Bailey Interview Begins

00:20:00 – JT’s Role at RealPage & Focus on CRM Integration

00:22:00 – “Spicy Take” on AI in Student Housing

00:25:00 – Why Human Connection Still Matters

00:26:30 – Turn Season Nostalgia & JT’s Wildest Turn Story

00:28:00 – Advice to Young Professionals in the Industry

00:30:00 – The Power of Speaking Up & Career Exploration

00:33:00 – Reflections from Wes Deese & Preview of Next Episode

🙌 Episode Sponsor Campus Technologies For nearly 25 years, Campus Technologies has been the go-to provider for fast, reliable internet infrastructure in student housing. Their solutions go far beyond basic connectivity, offering fully managed IT services and support tailored to the unique demands of student living environments.

🖱️ Download their latest white paper or learn more at campustechnologies.com

🔗 Resources & Mentions

Student Housing Insight Ambassadors – Learn more: StudentHousingInsight.com

Shop Talk Webinars – Sign up: ShopTalk.info

BISNOW Student Housing Summits – Bisnow Events Page

Stay subscribed for more insightful, candid conversations from top voices in the student housing industry.

📝 Episode Summary:

In this special Lunch and Learn edition of the Student Housing Insight podcast, Wes Deese discusses the growing trend of using short-term rentals (STRs)—such as Airbnb and VRBO—as a strategy to offset vacancy in student housing. Featuring insights from Mickey Kropf of Vector Travel and Pam West of Campus Advantage, this session explores how STRs can be successfully integrated into student properties, the regulatory landscape, operational logistics, safety protocols, insurance, financial models, and ideal markets.

Whether you're new to STRs or looking to refine your implementation, this episode delivers practical advice and first-hand experiences to help student housing operators make informed decisions.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00:00 – Introduction and background on STRs in student housing

00:01:00 – Vector Travel’s role in managing student housing STRs

 00:02:00 – Wes shares personal experience using STRs during high vacancy

 00:03:00 – National leasing trends and challenges in 2025

00:04:00 – How Vector helped address occupancy gaps

00:05:00 – Guest introductions: Mickey Kropf and Pam West

00:06:00 – Mickey’s background and Vector’s student housing focus

00:07:00 – Pam’s experience managing STR assets with Vector

00:08:00 – What qualifies as a short-term rental legally?

00:09:00 – Midterm stays and platforms like Furnish Finder

00:10:00 – Navigating STR regulations and city-specific overlays

00:12:00 – Example: Charleston, SC regulatory framework

00:13:00 – Safety and preventing parties in STR units

00:14:00 – Noise monitoring, guest screening, and onsite team collaboration

00:15:00 – Insurance and liability for STR units

00:17:00 – Advertising STRs as an amenity to residents and families

00:18:00 – Lessons from Adobe Center in Austin, TX

00:19:00 – Operational logistics: cleaning, guest comms, and maintenance

00:21:00 – Why property teams should not DIY STR management

 00:22:00 – Corporate and site-level collaboration for success

00:24:00 – Marketing to residents and their families

00:25:00 – Accounting, taxes, and financial reporting of STR income

00:27:00 – Revenue share vs. guaranteed income models

 00:29:00 – Risk mitigation and flexibility in contract models

00:30:00 – Ideal student markets for STRs

00:31:00 – Real-life examples: Eugene, Missoula, Waco, and more

00:33:00 – Exit strategies and using STRs as temporary solutions

 00:35:00 – Wrapping up and future SHI events

🔗 Referenced Sources & Links:

Vector Travel: https://vectorstays.com

Student Housing Insight (Events Page): https://studenthousinginsight.com/events

Charleston STR Regulations: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/shortte...

Doby Center (Adobe Center) History Episode: Previously mentioned SHI podcast episode featuring Bill Bayless

QR Code: http://www.vectorstays.com/SHI

In this engaging episode of Student Housing Insight, recorded live at the 17th Annual Interface Student Housing Conference in Austin, Texas, host Wes Deese brings together industry leaders to discuss the current state and future of the student housing sector. Held in mid-April 2025 at the JW Marriott, the conference attracted over 1,500 attendees, uniting top executives for three days of sessions, roundtables, and networking. The panel, featuring Sean Divine (Core Spaces), Adam Byrley (The Price Company), Jennifer Cassidy (Cardinal Group Companies), and Casey Petersen (Tailwind Group), delves into critical topics such as the impact of FAFSA delays on leasing velocity, competition from conventional multifamily housing, centralization strategies, and the potential effects of tariffs. The discussion also explores emerging trends like AI, international student demand, mental health programming, and user experience. The episode wraps up with audience Q&A, offering insights into what keeps these leaders passionate about the industry and their excitement for technology adoption.

InterFace Student Housing Conference – https://www.interfaceconferencegroup.com/event/student-housing

University of Florida (Gainesville) – https://www.ufl.edu

NC State University (Raleigh) – https://www.ncsu.edu

In this special episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, host Wesley Deese sits down with industry legend Bill Bayless, co-founder and former CEO of American Campus Communities and current CEO and founder of Maslow’s Campus Communities. From his humble beginnings in West Virginia to founding one of the largest student housing companies in the world, Bill shares the pivotal moments, challenges, and philosophies that have defined his career and shaped the industry. This candid, in-depth interview also covers his new vision for Maslow’s Campus Communities and a full-circle moment with Disney. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just entering the student housing world, this episode is packed with inspiration, insight, and wisdom from one of the industry’s greats.

Campus Technologies

In this episode, co-host Greta Dare sits down with Alex Wallace, Development Manager at College Housing Northwest (CHNW), to explore how the nonprofit has been delivering affordable housing to Portland-area students since 1969. They discuss CHNW’s origins, current initiatives, and how the organization is partnering with schools and government programs to address rising student housing insecurity and homelessness. With innovative redevelopment strategies and a mission-driven approach, CHNW presents a compelling model for expanding access to affordable student housing across the U.S.

00:00:00 – Sponsor Message from Campus Technologies

00:01:00 – Introduction by Wesley Deese

00:03:00 – Why affordability in student housing isn’t discussed enough

00:04:15 – Introduction to College Housing Northwest (CHNW)

00:06:00 – Mission and structure of CHNW

00:07:00 – The rise of student homelessness and nationwide affordability crisis

00:11:00 – Statistics from the Hope Center on housing insecurity

00:13:00 – How CHNW began: the 1969 student-led initiative

00:15:00 – Types of developments and redevelopments CHNW has completed

00:18:30 – Hotel acquisition and conversion into student housing

00:20:00 – Student referral process and relationship with schools

00:21:30 – Lowering barriers: no guarantor or rental history required

00:24:00 – The evolving demographic of college students

00:27:00 – Exclusion from LIHTC and policy challenges

00:28:00 – Partnerships with schools and state governments

00:30:00 – Potential for broader partnerships with developers

00:34:30 – How to get involved with CHNW

00:36:00 – Closing thoughts and call for collaboration

Alex Wallace

Campus Technologies

📊 The Hope Center Report on student food and housing insecurity: https://hope.temple.edu

🖥️ Shop Talk Webinars by Student Housing Insight: https://www.shoptalk.info

🏢 College Housing Northwest: https://www.chnw.org

In this milestone episode of Student Housing Insight, host Wesley Deese sits down with founders and co-owners of SouthPark Interiors, Martha Thomley and Lisa Brooks, to commemorate 20 years of excellence in interior design for the student housing industry. From their humble beginnings to establishing one of the most trusted design firms in the market, this episode is a heartfelt and insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and the impact of design on student living communities.

Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how SouthPark Interiors built a reputation for creative, budget-conscious, and impactful design that enhances both branding and resident experience. Traci and Christie also reflect on the changes they’ve seen in the industry and offer advice to up-and-coming designers and developers.

⏱ Episode Segments & Timestamps

00:02:18 – SouthPark Interiors 20-Year Celebration

00:05:00 – How SouthPark Interiors Got Started

00:09:52 – Early Projects and Gaining Trust in the Industry

00:13:20 – Working with Clients: Budgeting and Collaboration

00:16:45 – Design Trends Over the Last Two Decades

00:21:10 – Creating a Brand Identity Through Interior Design

00:24:05 – Challenges of Scaling and Maintaining Quality

00:28:40 – Advice to New Developers and Designers

00:32:55 – The Future of Student Housing Design

00:35:35 – Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

00:36:11 – Sponsor Message & Outro

🏆 Episode Sponsor: SouthPark Interiors

🎨 Visit SouthParkInteriors.com to see their portfolio and learn how they can bring your next project to life.

🔗 References & Resources

Student Housing Insight

In this episode, host Wesley Dease previews the upcoming Interface Student Housing Conference, the largest global event for the student housing industry. Wesley is joined by Rich Kelly from Student Housing Business to discuss the conference’s history, its growth, and what attendees can expect this year in Austin, Texas, from April 9-11. They explore key sessions, networking opportunities, and emerging industry trends. If you work in student housing, this episode provides a must-hear preview of the industry's biggest event.

Timestamps & Topics

00:00:00 – Introduction to the Episode and the Importance of Student Housing.

00:01:00 – Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies – Providing high-performance internet for student housing.

00:02:00 – Overview of Student Housing Insight and industry resources.

00:03:00 – What is the Interface Student Housing Conference? Event dates and significance.

00:04:00 – Background on Student Housing Business, France Media, and how the conference started.

00:06:00 – Key highlights from past LeaseCon TurnCon conference and student panel discussions.

00:08:00 – Why Interface Student Housing continues to grow and attract global attention.

00:09:00 – The evolution of the student housing industry and increasing institutional investment

00:14:00 – Breakdown of the Interface Student Housing Conference Schedule: Opening Day (April 9th): Data session, Women in Development panel, International Student Housing panel, Roundtables, and Welcome Reception Day Two (April 10th): Power Panel, Exhibit Hall, Key Sessions, and the Innovator Awards Day Three (April 11th): Final sessions and closing remarks

00:18:00 – Why attendees should stay for the entire conference, including Friday sessions

00:19:00 – Hotel and lodging options near the JW Marriott Austin

00:21:00 – Opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors at the event

00:22:00 – Closing thoughts and call-to-action for attendees

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Campus Technologies. Whether you're developing a new student housing community or upgrading an existing one, reliable high-speed internet is essential. Campus Technologies specializes in internet infrastructure and managed IT services tailored for student housing, ensuring seamless connectivity and support.

📌 Download their latest white paper or visit www.CampusTechnologies.com to learn more.

Resources & Links Mentioned

Student Housing Insight Website: www.StudentHousingInsight.com

ShopTalk Monthly Webinar Registration: www.ShopTalk.info

Interface Student Housing Conference Info & Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/8c037ef7-d0ab-40b4-88f2-7076a4a3d9f3/websitePage:9ee6647b-278e-45b3-95bc-fdca253e1bba

Student Housing Business Magazine: StudentHousingBusiness.com

France Media Publications & Events: FranceMediaInc.com

Hotel Booking for Conference: Check event website for official hotel partners

In this episode, Wesley Deese and co-host Alexis Krissay dive into the world of social media marketing for student housing. They discuss the importance of creating engaging, two-way conversations online rather than just posting content for the sake of it. The episode covers strategies for making social media content relevant to students, the role of leasing agents as social media ambassadors, and best practices for leveraging automation tools to maintain instant communication with prospects and residents.

Alexis shares her insights from working with student housing properties across the country, highlighting common mistakes properties make with their digital presence and how to avoid them. Whether you're looking to improve your property's social media strategy or explore innovative ways to enhance engagement, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you stay ahead.

📌 [00:00:00] – Introduction: Establishing mini brand personalities in student housing marketing

This episode is sponsored by Campus Technologies, a leader in delivering high-speed internet and managed IT services tailored for student housing communities. With nearly 25 years of experience, Campus Technologies ensures top-tier connectivity and seamless tech support for both students and property managers.

🔥 Get their latest white paper on best practices for upgrading your property's internet infrastructure!

🎥 ManyChat (Automation for DMs & Instant Responses): manychat.com

📱 Shop Talk Webinar Series: shoptalk.info

🎥 Student Housing Insight YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@studenthousinginsight8916