The multifamily marketing landscape is shifting big time!

In this episode of The Digible Dudes Podcast, hosts David Staley and Reid Wicoff dive into the Zillow-Redfin partnership, the mass layoffs at RentPath, and what these industry changes mean for property owners, marketers, and investors.

Key Takeaways:

• Property owners need to rethink their listing and marketing strategies

• Zillow's move is about consolidating market power – but will it work?

• CoStar remains dominant, but AI and search trends could shake things up

• SEO, Google Search, and AI are becoming more critical than ever

What do you think? Will Zillow’s $100M bet on Redfin pay off? Is the traditional ILS model dying? 

Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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(00:00) The Disruption of Apartment Search & Marketing Trends

(02:00) Zillow & Redfin Partnership – What It Means for Multifamily

(06:15) $100M Syndication Deal – Smart Move or Desperation?

(10:26) RentPath Layoffs – 450+ Employees Affected

(14:49) The Struggles of Digital Services in Real Estate

(18:58) The Future of Apartment Listings – Is AI the Real Disruptor?

(23:06) Should Property Owners Shift Away from ILS?

(27:49) The Uncertain Future of Rent.com & Apartment Guide

(32:56) What’s Next for the Industry?

In this episode of the Digible Dudes podcast, co-founders David Staley and Reid Wicoff dive deep into the unspoken challenges every founder faces-from identity struggles and burnout to the difficult transition of stepping away from the business you built.

David shares his personal journey of leaving the day-to-day operations at Digible, the emotional toll of redefining purpose, and how his search for meaning led him to take on extreme adventures, including climbing Aconcagua and Ojos del Salado.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Founder’s Dilemma: Why stepping away from your business is harder than it seems.

• Burnout, Identity & Purpose: The mental and emotional challenges of leadership.

• The Tony Robbins Approach: How coaching helped redefine priorities and balance.

• Lessons from 'Die With Zero': How shifting focus from wealth accumulation to experiences changed everything.

• From Hustle to Adventure: Why David is saying YES to extreme challenges—and what it’s teaching him about life.

  
  

Join David and Reid as they unpack the raw realities of entrepreneurship, self-discovery, and what it truly means to build a life beyond work. If you’ve ever felt burned out, lost, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you.

Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/

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(00:00) The Struggles Every Founder Faces  

(04:31) The Harvard Study: Only 20% of People Find Purpose  

(07:02) How ‘Die With Zero’ Changed Our Perspective on Life  

(10:07) The Founder’s Dilemma: Work vs. Life Balance  

(12:43) Leaving the Business: The Emotional Toll of Letting Go  

(16:09) Pushing Limits – Climbing Aconcagua & Ojos del Salado  

(20:05) How Adventure Became My New Way of Life  

(22:56) Can Purpose Be Selfish? The Truth About Fulfillment  

(26:36) The Tony Robbins Coaching Experience & Life Lessons  

(30:49) Redefining Success – What Actually Matters?  

(32:57) The Internal Struggle: Adventure vs. Altruism  

(39:38) Why Stepping Away From Work is So Hard  

(42:34) The Impact of Stress on Health – Hair Loss, Anxiety & More  

(47:02) Overcoming the Fear of Loneliness & Uncertainty  

(50:44) How to Embrace the Unknown

In this episode of the Digible Dudes podcast, co-founders David Staley, Reid Wicoff and Nicole Staley reflect on the transformative journey of 2024, a year marked by significant growth and strategic evolution for Digible. 

They delve into the challenges and triumphs of expanding their team by 50%, transitioning to a remote-first culture, and the imperative of maintaining authentic workplace humor amidst rapid scaling.

Key Discussion Points:

• 2024 in Review: Insights into the strategic decisions and growth that defined Digible's year.

• Organizational Evolution: Navigating cultural shifts and the dynamics of a remote-first workforce.

• Leadership and Personal Development: Emphasizing the role of mindfulness and self-improvement in steering through change.

• Looking Ahead to 2025: Setting the stage for future goals with a focus on efficiency, clarity, and strategic alignment.

Join David, Reid and Nicole as they candidly discuss the lessons learned and share their vision for the future, offering valuable insights for professionals navigating growth and change in the multifamily marketing industry.

Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/

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(00:00) Digible’s 2024 Recap  

(04:56) David’s Self-Discovery Journey  

(06:19) Key Highlights of 2024 for Digible  

(10:09) Financial Challenges & Overcoming Profit Concerns  

(12:17) Employee Engagement & Company Culture Changes  

(16:19) The Impact of Scaling on Team Dynamics  

(20:07) Dunbar’s Number & Maintaining Relationships at Scale  

(24:28) How Digible’s Culture Evolved

(32:33) Communication Strategies & Leadership Learnings  

(38:35) The Importance of Open Conversations & Trust  

(40:31) Building Good Workplace Culture

(47:32) Making Work Fun in a Growing Company  

(50:08) What’s Coming in 2025 for Digible 

In this episode of the Digible Dudes podcast, we’re joined by Joe Robbins, Co-Founder of Public Grid, to explore how technology and innovation are disrupting utility management in the multifamily real estate industry.

Joe shares his unique journey—from creating an award-winning documentary to co-founding Public Grid, a platform designed to simplify utility account setup, save residents money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

We dive into the pressing issues multifamily operators face today, including utility theft, inefficiencies in energy management, and the complexity of meeting environmental legislation. Joe explains how Public Grid bridges these gaps through automated processes, smart integrations, and programs like community solar and demand response. 

Joe also discusses the company’s long-term vision, the importance of balancing growth with operational stability, and how Public Grid is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into multifamily real estate and energy solutions!

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(00:00) Introduction to Public Grid  

(01:10) Why Utility Management Needs Innovation  

(03:45) The Pain of Setting Up Utility Accounts  

(07:30) Public Grid’s Mission

(11:00) The Story Behind Public Grid’s Name  

(14:15) Joe Robbins’ Journey

(18:10) Simplifying Utility Management

(22:45) How Public Grid Saves Residents Money  

(28:50) Public Grid’s Business Model  

(32:00) Navigating the Energy Supply and Demand Space  

(36:40) Common Challenges in Energy Management  

(40:10) Why Public Grid is a No-Brainer Solution  

(44:00) Growth Challenges and Strategic Expansion  

(48:20) The Vision for Public Grid’s Future

In this episode of the Digible Dudes podcast, we’re joined by Misty Rowell, founder of Elev8 Residential, for an in-depth look at developing property management for small and mid-sized landlords.

With over two decades of industry experience, Misty shares her journey from working in property management to launching her own company, Elev8 Residential, aimed at filling critical gaps in the market.

Misty opens up about the challenges facing property management today, including staffing shortages, scope creep, and balancing operational efficiency with personalized service.

She explains how Elev8 Residential is pioneering a new approach—offering on-site expertise, centralized systems, and a client-first mindset—to deliver better results for property owners and their tenants.

We explore the importance of operational excellence, transparent communication, and building strong client relationships in property management. Misty dives into her leadership philosophy, emphasizing vulnerability, continuous learning, and creating a culture of excitement and engagement for her team.

She also shares her strategies for staying hands-on in operations, maintaining high standards, and preparing for the future of property management.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into property management and real estate trends!

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(00:00) Introduction 

(02:15) Misty’s Journey in Entrepreneurship

(08:08) Filling the Gaps in Property Management

(11:32) Problems with Property Management 

(12:52) Starting Elev8 Residential: Planning and Preparation

(15:15) Retaining Staff and Building Trust

(20:06) Defining Success in Property Management

(22:54) Differentiating Elev8 Residential in the Market

(24:48) Saying No to the Wrong Clients

(27:37) Managing Scope Creep in Property Management

(32:08) The Importance of Flexibility and Transparency

(38:46) Staying Hands-On as a Founder

(44:45) Balancing Operations and Leadership Growth

(49:29) Hiring Smarter: Building Strong Teams

(55:05) Promoting Internally vs. Hiring Externally

(01:02:25) Advice for Aspiring Property Managers

In this episode, we’re joined by Caren Maio, CEO and co-founder of 100, for a deep dive into the challenges of fraud in multifamily housing and her innovative approach to solving this billion-dollar problem.

Karen shares her journey from founding Funnel, a leading prop-tech company, to creating 100—a groundbreaking solution designed to eliminate bias, fraud, and friction from the multifamily screening process. Drawing on her extensive experience in property technology, Karen offers candid insights into what it takes to build a successful startup, navigate industry challenges, and develop solutions that truly make an impact.

We explore the growing sophistication of fraud in multifamily housing, including identity and income fraud, and discuss why this issue remains unsolved despite existing solutions. Karen explains how 100 integrates lessons from industries like fintech and aviation to deliver a comprehensive and efficient fraud prevention tool tailored to property management companies. 

From branding strategies and entrepreneurial lessons to navigating legislative hurdles and creating a must-have product, Karen provides invaluable takeaways for anyone in prop-tech, multifamily housing, or entrepreneurship.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!

Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/

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(00:00) Fraud in Multifamily Housing

(01:00) Introducing Caren Maio and 100

(04:22) The Mission of 100: Eliminating Bias, Fraud, and Friction

(06:50) Karen’s Prop-Tech Journey: From Funnel to 100

(09:24) Lessons from a Second-Time Founder

(13:48) Defining Success in Business Ventures

(19:20) First-to-Market vs. Improving Existing Solutions

(21:28) Why Fraud Remains Unsolved in Multifamily

(25:05) The Hidden Costs of Fraud in Property Management

(31:33) Creating a Win-Win for Renters and Operators

(34:25) Fraud Detection Insights

(36:34) Pricing a Startup: Aligning Incentives with Customers

(41:51) Building a Scalable, Sustainable Business Model

(45:35) Overcoming Objections in the Prop-Tech Space

(47:17) Why 100 Is a Game-Changer for Multifamily Operators

In this episode of the Digible Dudes Podcast, David and Reid explore the challenges and strategies behind building and optimizing effective scorecards and KPIs for businesses.

With candid discussions on leading vs. lagging indicators, time-boxed experimentation, and balancing accountability with team autonomy, this episode unpacks what it takes to drive measurable outcomes while maintaining organizational flexibility.  

David and Reid share personal stories, reflect on lessons learned from frameworks like EOS, "Traction," and "Good to Great," and debate the balance between focusing on fundamentals versus pursuing advanced metrics. They also dive into cross-industry applications of scorecards, offering actionable insights for leaders aiming to create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.  

Key Topics & Highlights:

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more actionable business insights!

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(00:00) Leading Behaviors vs. Outcomes  

(01:22) The Challenge of Defining Scorecards  

(03:04) Understanding Leading vs. Lagging Indicators  

(06:42) Aligning Metrics with Business Behaviors  

(08:22) Setting Theories and Baselines for Success  

(10:26) Real-World Examples of Behavioral Metrics  

(15:25) Autonomy and Accountability in KPI Design  

(18:31) Lagging Indicators vs. Behavioral Drivers  

(20:40) Learning from Top Performers in Teams  

(22:44) Case Study: Walgreens’ Metric Innovation  

(24:01) GPT vs. Google for Business Insights  

(25:22) Applying Metrics to Multifamily Properties  

(27:54) Evolving Metrics: From Basics to Advanced  

(33:22) Time-Boxing Metrics for Continuous Growth  

(35:45) Mastery of Fundamentals vs. Advanced Strategies  

(41:24) Sports Lessons for Business Success  

(46:37) Balancing Basics and Innovation in Metrics  

(50:28) How to Craft Great Scorecards

In this episode of the Digible Dudes Podcast, hosts David and Reid dive deep into the art of running lean and efficient teams, sharing insights from their own experiences leading growing organizations.  

With candid discussions on value statements, zero-based budgeting, and the complexities of scaling without compromising culture, this episode tackles some of the biggest challenges leaders face today. David and Reid explore how to align team roles with measurable outcomes, why accountability matters at every level, and how to strike the delicate balance between profitability and workplace satisfaction.

They reflect on the differences between fast-moving organizations like Netflix and methodical ones like Slack, debating which approach is better for sustainable growth. The conversation also covers how clear expectations and innovative hiring practices can transform team dynamics and prevent inefficiencies.

Key Topics & Highlights:  

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more!

Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/

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(00:00) Preview and Introduction

(01:45) What Are Value Statements and Why They Matter  

(04:35) Aligning Roles with Business Outcomes and Profitability  

(07:38) Complexity of Back-Office Contributions  

(09:54) Zero-Based Budgeting

(12:04) Balancing Culture, Talent Retention, and Cost-Cutting  

(16:10) Strategic Hires vs. Operational Flexibility  

(19:07) Choosing Your Business Growth Model  

(22:27) The Importance of Accountability in Leadership  

(26:14) Systematizing Processes for Better Team Performance  

(31:44) Balancing Work-Life Integration and Outcome-Driven Success  

(36:49) The 20-Mile March: Setting Sustainable Goals  

(41:55) Value-Based Compensation: Rethinking Employee Rewards  

(54:11) Reverse Value Statements: Evaluating the Impact of Every Role  

(58:34) The Role of Customer Experience in Team Strategy  

(01:02:01) Giving Teams Autonomy to Achieve Results  

(01:04:21) How to Scale Efficiently

In this episode, we’re joined by Kerri Davis, CEO and founder of Fortress OS, for an in-depth look at her journey in property management and the potential of Fortress OS as an operating system for multifamily real estate. 

With a diverse background spanning law, accounting, military service, and real estate, Kerri shares how her unconventional path led to the founding of Fortress, a property management solution tailored to tackle the unique challenges of affordable housing. She offers a candid take on the industry's traditional pain points, from outdated software and slow tech adoption to the complexities of managing affordable and conventional units.

Kerri discusses the principles that drive her leadership at Fortress, including her philosophy of “front-stabbing” for honest feedback, the importance of balancing work intensity with rest, and how her team stays grounded through practices like meditation. 

Diving into the technical side, she explains why Fortress OS was designed with an affordable-first approach and emphasizes the need for seamless integrations with existing accounting systems to streamline operations and empower property managers.

Key Topics & Highlights:

Like, comment, and subscribe for more!

Digible:⁠ https://digible.com/

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(00:00) Preview and Introduction 

(02:47) Kerri’s Leadership Philosophy

(07:00) Exploring Kerri's Career Path

(13:20) Meditation and Team Balance at Fortress

(19:10) The Fortress OS Vision and Purpose

(22:55) Why Fortress OS is Different from Competitors

(25:29) Fortress OS as a Complete Property Management Solution

(29:25) Balancing Affordable and Conventional Units

(33:08) Challenges in Property Management Software

(37:19) Strategic Partnerships and Prioritizing Integrations

(41:16) Overcoming Industry Hesitation to Adopt New Solutions

(45:16) Addressing Common Pricing Misconceptions

(50:07) The Industry’s Approach to Pricing and Discounts

(55:47) Avoiding Fear-Based Pricing Decisions

(01:01:36) Artificial Intelligence in Property Management

In this month’s Digible Dudes recap, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of multifamily real estate.

Join us as we explore AI-driven rent pricing, RealPage's legal battles, and the latest tech innovations transforming the industry. 

Featuring insights from Dom Beveridge, Joe Summers, Maddie from GoldOller, and Zumper’s Anth Moss, we discuss the impact of AI, data strategies, and industry trends shaping the future of multifamily. 

Don’t miss this breakdown of the most pressing topics in Multifamily today!

Digible:⁠ ⁠⁠https://digible.com/⁠⁠⁠

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(00:00) Joe Summers - Synergy Multifamily Advisors

(03:42) Anthemos Georgiades - Zumper

(39:12) Dom Veveridge - 20for20

(52:46) Maddie Grussendorf - Get 100