The Multifamily Hangout

Cat Martinez is a multifamily professional with a diverse and accomplished background in real estate.

Her career includes serving as the Director of Quality Control for a nationwide company based in Dallas, where she oversaw courthouse research, appraisals, surveys, title insurance, and custom home building.

During her tenure, she developed operations manuals, HR policies, AP/AR procedures, and multifaceted training programs to ensure quality reporting for major lenders and title insurance companies across the United States.

For the past 12 years, Cat has been active in the multifamily industry in the Phoenix market, specializing in value-add assets. She currently serves as a Lease-Up Community Manager with Greystar, bringing her expertise to the forefront of property management.

Additionally, she has experience in the non-profit sector, where she managed day-to-day operations, administration, and social media for a successful organization with global connections.

With more than 20 years of experience across single-family rentals, multifamily, student housing, development, and brokerage, Brandon is bringing a treasure trove of industry insights and leadership expertise to the table.

Starting as a Leasing Agent during his time at NC State University, Brandon has built an impressive career. From managing student apartments at EdR (now Greystar Student Housing) to senior leadership roles at Kenney Realty Services, Pinnacle Property Management, and Progress Residential, his journey has been one of growth, impact, and unwavering excellence.

In addition to his professional achievements, Brandon’s dedication extends to his community in Fayetteville, NC. He serves as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church and actively contributes to the National Rental Home Council and the North Carolina Rental Home Council.

Ben Nollola is Vice President for Gables Residential, overseeing operational execution across the western US portfolio, encompassing Colorado, Washington, Utah, California, and Arizona.

Ben has worked for other reputable companies such as Holland Partner Group, Mark Taylor, Inc. and CWS Apartment Homes.

Prior to joining Gables, Ben served as the Senior Vice President of Operations for a national company, where he managed a portfolio exceeding 10,000 units and supervised various corporate support departments.

With a robust background in the multifamily industry since 1997, Ben has held various leadership positions in multisite management since 2009.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and is one academic quarter from completing his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Executive Leadership from the University of Denver, earning the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma Honors nomination.

As the Regional Vice President at Cardinal Group, Erica oversees operations and performance across Texas and parts of Colorado, bringing over nineteen years of dedicated experience to the role.

Her career spans pivotal roles in operations, leadership, and business development with esteemed organizations such as Centerspace, Mission Rock Residential, US Residential, and Riverstone Residential Group.

At Riverstone, Erica pioneered growth and development initiatives in Williston, North Dakota.

She co-founded the Bakken Apartment Association, where she took on executive responsibilities and actively contributed to the North Dakota Apartment Association. Additionally, she volunteered on the policy committee for the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce, promoting proactive advocacy.

Erica’s commitment to service extends to various leadership roles within industry organizations. She served on the Board of Directors for the Apartment Association of Metro Denver (2022-2024), co-chaired the golf committee, and contributed to the TechCon and Trade Show Committees. Her involvement also includes two NAA Committees: RPM Careers and Operations. Erica will serve as the 2024-2025 Co-Chair on the PR Committee for AAMD.

Deeply engaged in legislative matters, Erica advocates for the industry’s interests at both local and national levels. From testifying on critical local bills to lobbying in Washington D.C., she is dedicated to championing policies that foster growth and sustainability within the community.

With over 20 years in the multifamily industry, Alex Colasuonno began her career as a Leasing Consultant and worked her way up to Vice President.

She currently oversees Bridge Property Management’s Florida market, leading a team that includes 4 Regional Managers, 1 VP, and 1 Senior VP.

Recognized for her excellence, Alex has received the Big Star Award from Bridge Investment Group (2021), Bridge Property Management’s Regional Manager of the Year (2022), and the Regional Manager of the Year from the Orlando Apartment Association (2022).

A graduate of the Valencia College DEI Leadership Academy and the Florida Apartment Association Lyceum Program, Alex serves on multiple boards, including the Apartment Association of Orlando, Latinas in Property Management, and the local chapter of Entry Way.

She is committed to mentorship and DEI initiatives, hiring from the Valencia College Service Tech Program, implementing an internship program at Bridge, and teaching CAM License classes since 2022.

As an active community leader, she has organized and participated in Orlando’s Pride and Cancer Walk events for three consecutive years. Additionally, Alex mentors new hires and serves as a language exchange instructor at Bridge.

Mr. Epps, who works out of the Fund’s Atlanta office, leads ASREF’s originations and also assists in underwriting and asset management.

Mr. Epps is responsible for the origination of middle market joint venture and preferred equity investments in workforce and affordable housing projects across the south.  

Prior to joining ASREF, Mr. Epps spent three years at Rialto Capital and two years at Trimont Real Estate Advisors, overseeing more than $1B of commercial real estate across the United States in various investment funds.

His responsibilities included the underwriting and asset management of all product types including hotels, retail, multi-family, industrial, and office properties.

During his time at Rialto Capital, Mr. Epps also underwrote more than $3.5B of commercial real estate across all product types, from senior loans to direct equity investments.

Mr. Epps earned an undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Georgia Tech.

Jay Parsons is a rental housing economist, consultant, writer and speaker.

He has advised numerous multifamily and single-family rental housing stakeholders – from institutional investors, REITs, smaller investment groups, lenders, regulators, government agencies, trade groups and non-profits.

He also serves a Principal, Head of Investment Strategy & Research, at Madera Residential, a multifamily owner/operator with 11,000+ units, and as a partner with WayMaker multifamily investment group.

Previously, Jay was the Chief Economist at RealPage, a leading rental housing software and analytics provider.
Additionally, Jay serves as a consultant and public speaker for rental housing stakeholders across the U.S.

Jay has been cited in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, The Financial Times, The Economist, The New York Times, NBC News, Politico and he has appeared on CNBC and BloombergTV.

His commentaries have been published by Barron’s, the Pension Real Estate Association, the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Apartment Association, and American Banker, among others.

His social media posts attract an average of half-million impressions per week. GlobeSt, a leading trade publication, named Jay one of its “2023 Influencers in Multifamily Real Estate.”

Jay also serves on the Board of Advisors for Apartment Life, a faith-based non-profit serving apartment residents and operators.

Haroun Cowans is a prominent social, financial, and philanthropic leader with over two decades of experience leading development and investment in the Five Points District of Denver, Colorado.

Haroun is responsible for Goshen Development’s operations, client relations, partnerships, business development, and strategic leadership.

He has held many leadership positions in real estate and finance but considers his greatest passion his work as an associate pastor at Church in the City – Beth Abraham. Outside of ministry, Haroun is the Founder and Managing Principal of Goshen Development.

Haroun has built strong relationships to the Five Points and greater Denver community through his extensive work and board appointments.

Throughout his career, Haroun has held many different positions in real-estate and finance including managing retail financial branches, raising capital for startups, financial advising, financial services at Merrill Lynch, Chief Real Estate Officer, and commercial real estate broker.

Haroun has been appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Denver Board of Human Services and the Advisory Committee for Housing People Experiencing Homelessness. He is a board member of the following organizations: Colorado Enterprise Fund, the Five Points Business Improvement District (board chair), Historic Denver, Denver Health Foundation, Denver African American Philanthropists (co-chair), and Black Resilience in Colorado, B.E.S.T Summit (board chair) and the Denver Cultural Property Trust. He has previously served on the boards of Denver East YMCA, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Youth Biz (chair).

Notably, Haroun has been featured in the Denver Post, Denver Channel 7 News, Denver Channel 9 News, 303 Magazine, Westword, Business Den and has been cover stories for Denver Business Journal, Denver Rite and Vice Magazine.

The Schuminsky family is a high-net-worth family headquartered in Yukon, Oklahoma, with real estate holdings in Oklahoma, Texas, California, Arizona, Tennessee, Nevada, and Kansas.

The family “CEO” is Jay Schuminsky, who has been the steward of the family holdings for over 15 years and who continues to be active in the day-to-day management responsibilities of the portfolio.
Jay’s father Mike Schuminsky was the founder of a retail wig operation in the 60’s and 70’s, started while Mike was in Law School in Oklahoma.

Eventually developing its own manufacturing operation in China and importing wigs and accessories to the US, Mike Schuminsky operated retail locations in multiple states until the going concern was sold and Mike began investing in real estate.

Jay Schuminskygrew up working in real estate with his father and became the chief decision maker upon his graduation from Pepperdine with his MBA.
The Schuminsky family real estate holdings have included self-storage, retail, warehouse, land, multifamily, and office.

Much of the holdings are self-managed out of Yukon, Oklahoma.

Jesse Holland, CPM, MBA, is the President and Founder of Sunrise Management & Consulting, bringing over 35 years of real estate expertise to the table. As a visionary leader, Jesse is at the forefront of Sunrise’s strategic direction, fostering new opportunities for both the company and its clients.

His extensive credentials include being a licensed Real Estate Broker in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts and holding designations such as the IREM Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) and Certified Property Manager (CPM).

Jesse’s deep involvement with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) underscores his commitment to industry excellence. He has served in various leadership roles, including President of the New York Capital Region Chapter and Regional Vice President of IREM’s Region 2. His contributions to IREM have made him a prominent figure in real estate circles, where he frequently speaks and presents at both local and national events.

In addition to his industry leadership, Jesse is dedicated to leveraging data to enhance operational efficiency and the customer experience.

This commitment led to the creation of Property Gauge, a groundbreaking platform that integrates data from property management software to establish and monitor key performance indicators.

Jesse’s innovative approach has not only improved operations but has also earned him recognition as an Entrepreneur in Residence at SUNY Albany’s Massry School of Business.

Recognizing the need for data-driven decision-making in property management, Jesse collaborated with industry experts, including his sons Adam and Dave, to create Property Gauge.

This platform is designed to streamline operations and provide actionable insights, helping property managers optimize performance and enhance tenant satisfaction. Jesse’s blend of practical experience and forward-thinking innovation makes him a compelling guest on the Multifamily Hangout Podcast, where he will share insights into the evolving landscape of property management and the future of real estate.

Dave Holland, MBA, CPM, is a seasoned leader in the property management industry with over eight years of experience in creating thriving communities and driving operational excellence. Since joining Sunrise Management & Consulting in 2016, Dave has been instrumental in setting new standards for resident retention, operational efficiency, and maximizing property performance.

As co-founder of Property Gauge, Dave spearheads business development and marketing, using his deep industry knowledge to deliver innovative SaaS solutions that streamline property management processes.
His commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional practices showcases his passion for data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency.

Dave serves as the 2023-2024 President of the IREM NY Capital Region Chapter, where his leadership has expanded the chapter’s reach, forged valuable partnerships, and enhanced educational offerings. He is also a finalist for the prestigious 2024 IREM REME award for CPM of the Year, with the winner to be announced at the IREM Global Summit in October.