Student Housing Matters

Women and other minorities often struggle to make their voices heard, especially in the tech industry.

But Erica Steele proves that a dynamic, young Black woman can rise through the ranks and become a C-suite leader in the technology space.

Erica is the Chief Marketing Officer for the proptech startup EZ Turn, where she oversees the planning, development and execution of all marketing and advertising initiatives for the company.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Erica joins host Brittany Oliver to explain how she landed in the student housing industry and walk us through a day in the life of a CMO in the tech world.

Erica describes the challenges she faces as a Black woman in tech and offers her take on the next big disruption in the way we market student housing.

Listen in for Erica's advice to aspiring female leaders in the industry and learn how she is empowering women to become the best version of themselves!

Topics Covered

How Erica landed in the student housing industry

How her previous experiences prepared Erica for her current role

A day in the life of a CMO in the tech world

Why marketing is usually the last place organizations want to invest

How marketing professionals can leverage data to prove their value

The next big disruption in the way we market student housing

What challenges Erica faces as a Black woman in tech and how they impact her personal growth and development

Erica's advice to aspiring female leaders in tech or marketing

What excites Erica about the future of proptech and student housing

Empowering women to be the best version of themselves

Connect with Erica

EZ Turn

EZ Turn on YouTube

EZ Turn on Instagram

EZ Turn on Facebook

EZ Turn on LinkedIn

The Prop Ops Podcast

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Do you seem to have the same issues with turn year after year? Are you still using paper lists? And communicating with vendors in a fragmented way?

What if you could use a proptech platform to streamline the process, making turn season (and many other aspects of your student housing operations) run much more smoothly?

CEO Chase Minnifield and COO Lincoln Ogata are the cofounders of EZ Turn, the world's first property project management software.

The EZ Turn web portal and mobile app helps student housing professionals manage the day-to-day operations of their facilities, including the turn process, quarterly inspections, scheduling and communication with students and service providers.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Chase and Lincoln join host Brittany Pieper to discuss the challenges the student housing industry faces in terms of maintenance and operations and describe how sites of any size can benefit from EZ Turn technology.

Chase and Lincoln explore why the current generation of students demands more from operations teams, offering advice on how to communicate with residents and give them an avenue to air complaints.

Listen in for Chase and Lincoln's insight on automating the turn process and leveraging proptech data to make it faster, easier and more efficient!

How Chase's experience as a turn services vendor inspired him to build EZ Turn

How Lincoln's background in the Navy's construction battalion led him to student housing

EZ Turn's role as the original property project management tool and why it's useful for a site of any size

The challenges the student housing industry faces in executing quarterly inspections

Why the current generation of students demands more from operations teams

Chase & Lincoln's advice on communicating with students and giving them an avenue to air complaints

Chase & Lincoln's predictions re: disruptions likely to change student housing operations

Chase & Lincoln's experience running a minority-owned business

Automating the turn process and leveraging data to make it faster, easier and more efficient

The impact Chase & Lincoln want to have on student housing and proptech

EZ Turn

EZ Turn on Instagram

EZ Turn on Facebook

EZ Turn on LinkedIn

Chase on LinkedIn

Lincoln on LinkedIn

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Helping Hand

Storytelling is a powerful teaching tool. It helps us engage with history and make sense of complex ideas.

Telling stories is also an effective way to demonstrate the value of a business or organization and help consumers make informed decisions.

So, what does that mean for us in the student housing industry? How can we best use storytelling to communicate with students, their parents and each other?

F.J. Talley is a career educator with more than 40 years of experience. He began his career in student affairs and has since served as Dean of Students, Adjunct Professor, Associate Provost and President of a small college in Michigan.

Seven years ago, F.J. added published author and professional copywriter to his resume, penning several novels as well as a blog entitled Helping Your College Student Succeed. F.J. also writes blogs, e-newsletters and case studies for businesses selling to colleges and universities. His first non-fiction title, Parenting a College Student, is due out in June.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, F.J. joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss the power of story in helping us frame our lives and make important decisions.

F.J. explains how case studies lend credibility to a business and where to share these stories for maximum benefit to your organization.

Listen in for F.J.'s insight on using blog content to demonstrate market authority and learn how to leverage storytelling as a marketing tool in the student housing space.

How the challenges F.J. faced in his first year as an undergraduate informed his decision to pursue a career higher ed

What inspired F.J. to add writing to his professional resume

The power of stories to help us frame our lives and make important decisions

How case studies lend credibility to a business like COCM

F.J.'s insight around the 2 main types of case studies

Where to share case studies for maximum benefit to your organization

How blogs demonstrate market authority in the student housing industry and F.J.'s advice on how often to publish new blog content

The role of collaboration in making great things happen (in student housing and beyond)

F.J.'s Website

F.J. on Twitter

F.J. on Facebook

Helping Your College Student Succeed

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Books by F.J. Talley

National Novel Writing Month

The bar for providing an unforgettable student housing experience gets higher every year. And it's crucial for a student housing community to develop a digital marketing strategy that showcases its differentiators and truly stands out from the rest.

That's where a strong agency collaboration comes in.

Matt Pavlick is President at GRO, a full-service digital marketing agency that specializes in student housing. GRO serves 200 communities in 100 markets, leveraging proven digital marketing strategies to reach 100% pre-leased well ahead of schedule.

Matt earned the Student Housing Business Innovator Award for Best Digital and Mobile Marketing Campaign two years running, and his team is dedicated to helping student housing communities develop their identity and execute multi-channel marketing strategies that generate opportunities and put heads in beds.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Matt joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss what owners and operators should look for in a partnership with a digital marketing agency and describe what communities with limited budgets can do to build an online presence.

Matt offers his take on holistic versus paid advertising, explaining where to invest your ad dollars and how to take advantage of video as part of a successful organic social media strategy.

Listen in for Matt's insight on digital marketing in the metaverse and learn how your student housing community can stay competitive and maintain authentic, human connection in the quickly evolving online world.

Matt's journey to starting a digital marketing agency that serves the student housing industry

What Matt learned from other industries that lends to his success in marketing student housing online

The ownership mentality and proactive, customized approach owner-operators should look for in a partnership with a digital marketing agency

Why Matt recommends paid search advertising for communities with limited budgets

The benefit of maintaining an online presence through SEO or a limited brand awareness campaign—even if you're leased up to 100%

Why Matt suggests having real estate in paid ads, the local maps pack and the top organic listings on Google

Matt's insight on the importance of short-form video as part of a successful organic social strategy

Why advertising dollars don't go as far on TikTok as other social media platforms

Matt's take on virtual reality, the metaverse and the future of digital marketing

What makes one-on-one, in-person interactions the most powerful marketing strategy of all

GRO

GRO on Instagram

GRO on Facebook

GRO on LinkedIn

Matt on LinkedIn

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Google Business Profile

Google Paid Search

Circumstances in our world have challenged individuals to be resilient in ways they never have before. The pandemic was new territory for all of us. As our world is changing, we need to activate new skills in order to land on our feet.

Mental toughness is believing you will prevail when confronted with the unknown.

So, how do you develop the mental toughness that will see you through?

LaRae Quy grew up on a remote cattle ranch in Wyoming. Her influences there prepared her for her 24-year career as an undercover counterintelligence agent and spokesperson for the FBI in Northern California. Her upbringing, combined with her career achievements, helped her develop the mental toughness required to survive in environments of great risk and uncertainty and the survival skills she would need to navigate life.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, LaRae joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss how the student housing industry can benefit from team members receiving training on mental toughness, and how mental toughness aids individuals and organizations.

Listen in as LaRae shares her journey toward developing her own mental toughness and offers listeners strategies for failing forward, balancing burnout and mediocrity, and suggestions for safe spaces in which to develop mental toughness.

How growing up on a remote cattle ranch prepared LaRae to overcome life's obstacles

LaRae's definition of mental toughness and why she believes is it so essential for Gen Z

What makes strong-minded individuals unique according to LaRaeThe 4 key components of resilience

Why high ideals play a bigger role in defining mental toughness for Gen Z

The biggest risks individuals face in developing a strong mindset Key strategies for individuals and organizations to develop mental toughness in a safe space low risk way

How the student housing industry can benefit from mental toughness training

LaRae Quy

LaRae on Twitter

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Secrets of a Strong Mind

Mental Toughness Assessment

There are over 100 languages spoken at Queens College. It is one of the most diverse higher education institutions in the United States.

So how can other colleges, universities, and companies across the country become more proactive in their diversity efforts?

Frank Wu is the first Asian American President of Queens College in New York. He is also the author of Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Frank joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss his immigrant roots, his experience in higher education, and his vision for the future of Queens College.

Frank shares his insights on the rise in violence against Asians since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as how Queens College believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students.

Listen in to hear more from Frank Wu and how Queens College prioritizes students by ensuring the education works for them, not the other way around.

Frank's immigrant roots and educational history

The diversity of Queens College

Why Frank still believes in American higher education as the engine of the American dream

Why Queens College prioritizes flexible schooling options for students to ensure everyone can achieve their goals

Why it is crucial to have a residence hall on campus

How students at Queens College can and are encouraged to explore multiple education programs

Frank's book Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White

The racism and violence Asians face on a daily basis, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic

The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion… but it's not about charity

How companies can invest in their personnel and become more in-touch with their employees

Frank on LinkedIn

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White, by Frank Wu

Queens College

Queens College on LinkedIn

We all know about the supply chain issue. Manufacturers, companies, and even individual buyers know they're more susceptible to issues receiving their products than ever before. But what is the impact on the furniture and student housing industries?

Division Twelve is a minority-owned contract furnishings company, representing the finest manufacturers in the contract furnishings industry. President Christopher Washington is joined on the podcast today by Vice President of Account Management and Product Management, Nathan Re, Director of Marketing and Sales, Judd Levinson, and Director of Interior Design and Project Management, Cathy Brown.

On today's episode of Student Housing Matters, host Brittany Pieper sits down with the team from Division Twelve to discuss furniture industry trends, the supply chain issue, and how student housing can be better prepared for the challenges ahead.

Listen in to learn more about how issues in the supply chain impact student housing!

Background on Division 12 and all four guests on the shows

Current problems for industry manufacturers due to the supply chain issues and the impact it's having on the industry

The significant price increases from 2020 to 2021 in manufacturing and shipping

How material shortages have affected the furniture industry and student housing

Logistics problems and the causes of the foam shortage and the impact it's leaving on the furniture industry

Juggling manufacturer lead times and product price increases to meet deadlines

Importation of goods from other countries vs working with American-made goods

The best strategies for guaranteeing manufacturing and shipping deadlines

Projection for industry lead times in the foreseeable future

The long-term impact people and companies face when furniture lead times are not planned properly

The shift in the furniture industry to appeal to younger generation preferences

Christopher on LinkedIn

Judd on LinkedIn

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Email [email protected]

Division Twelve

Division Twelve on Instagram

Division Twelve on Facebook

Division Twelve on Twitter

Division Twelve on LinkedIn

Higher education has evolved drastically over the last century. These unprecedented times have put the strategic leaders of colleges and universities inside a whirlwind of financial, demographic, and social challenges.

On today's episode of Student Housing Matters, guest host Alton Irwin sits down with Richard Gaumer and the authors of the new book Leadership Matters: Confronting the Hard Choices Facing Higher Education, W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell. They discuss the importance of accepting strong leadership in order to modernize practice, monetize assets, and focus on core educational strategies.

Dr. Brian C. Mitchell previously served as President and first CEO of Bucknell University and is a past chair of many other colleges, universities, and athletic conferences. Dr. W. Joseph King served as the President of Lyon College and Executive Director of the National Institute for Technology in Liberal Education.

Also joining us on the show today is Richard Gaumer, a highly regarded and distinguished professional whose career is dedicated to internal corporate management and assisting struggling institutions in becoming stronger and more sustainable.

King, Mitchell, and Gaumer are all principals of Academic Innovators, an organization offering solutions to the people, programs, governance, and facilities challenges facing higher education. In addition to Leadership Matters, King and Mitchell also co-authored How to Run a College.

Recommendations from the new book Leadership Matters: Confronting the Hard Choices Facing Higher Education

Higher education struggles, such as higher sticker prices, tuition discounting, and loss of consumer confidence

The difference between strategy and strategic planning

How higher education institutions can make a difference in the communities they reside in

Capabilities and inefficiencies of shared governance in relation to academic endeavors and economic enterprises

What colleges and universities need to do to adapt and thrive in the modern age

King, Mitchell and Gaumer's hope for the future of higher education

Joseph King on Twitter

Joseph King on Academic Innovators

Brain C. Mitchell on Twitter

Brian C. Mitchell on Academic Innovators

Richard Gaumer on Academic Innovators

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Alton at COCM

Alton on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

Leadership Matters by W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell

How to Run a College by W. Joseph King and Brian C. Mitchell

It's important for students to feel valued in the place where they live. And emotional intelligence is key in giving Gen Zers that sense of belonging and connection.

So, what can student housing organizations do to make EQ a priority? How can we create a culture where students feel seen, heard and understood?

Natalya Cook is one of the newest team members at COCM. She serves as Marketing Coordinator for THE MARQ, a unique collection of student housing communities on the campus of Marquette University.

Natalya is also a published author, versatile creative and passionate activist on a mission to inspire others and make them feel valued.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Natalya joins host Brittany Pieper to define emotional intelligence and discuss how she applies it in her current position at THE MARQ.

Natalya shares several strategies organizations can use to market in an emotionally intelligent way, describing how Gen Z's demand for authenticity is playing out in the student housing space.

Listen in for Natalya's insight on getting into the mind of a student to plan community events and learn how to reach Gen Z by creating a healthy environment based on transparency, vulnerability and trust.

How Natalya defines emotional intelligence and why it's essential in student housing

Why emotional intelligence is overlooked in our personal and professional lives

How Natalya sees Gen Z's demand for authenticity playing out in the student housing space

How Natalya applies emotional intelligence in her current position as Marketing Coordinator at THE MARQ

The alignment between what COCM stands for and Natalya's purpose to inspire others

Why it's crucial for Gen Z students to have a sense of home and feel like they belong

What strategies organizations can use to market to Gen Z in an emotionally intelligent way

How to get into the mind of a Gen Z student for the purpose of planning community events

How to reach Gen Z by creating a culture where students feel seen, heard and valued

THE MARQ

Natalya on LinkedIn

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]

No Studios

How do you achieve 100% occupancy in a new student housing community—during a pandemic?

ReNesha Martin is the Director of Affiliated Housing at Bowie State University's Christa McAuliffe Residential Community and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community (ELLC), a new development designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and other business-minded students with the resources and space for collaboration, creativity and innovation.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, ReNesha joins host Brittany Pieper to discuss Bowie State President Dr. Amita Breaux's vision for the ELLC, explaining what differentiates it from apartment-style campus communities.

ReNesha reflects on COCM's role in matching Dr. Breaux's vision with student needs and describes how student involvement in the ELLC project contributed to its success.

Listen in for insight on how ReNesha's team achieved 100% occupancy of the Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community in its first year—during a pandemic!

Bowie State University's history as the oldest HBCU in Maryland

ReNesha's role as Director of Affiliated Housing at the Christa McAuliffe Residential Community and Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community

Dr. Aminta Breaux's vision for the new ELLC community

How the ELLC provides a space for creativity and innovation

What differentiates the ELLC from apartment-style campus communities

COCM's role in matching Dr. Breaux's vision with student needs

How ReNesha's team achieved 100% occupancy of the ELLC in its first year (during a pandemic)

How student involvement in the ELLC project contributed to its success

Bowie State University

Christa McAuliffe Residential Community

Entrepreneurship Living Learning Community

ELLC on Instagram

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Brittany on LinkedIn

Email [email protected]