In this episode of Unfiltered, co-hosts Dylan Scroggins and Matt Speer sit down with Matt Nelson for a wide ranging conversation on what it takes to build trust, scale thoughtfully, and operate with discipline in modern property management. Matt shares lessons from growing up in a family-run property management business, navigating rapid portfolio growth and contraction, and refocusing on client alignment through performance based fees. The discussion also explores how surveys, technology, and emerging AI driven search are reshaping how operators communicate value and stay competitive in a changing regulatory environment.

They discuss: • Building a performance based property management model aligned with owner interests • Lessons from scaling to thousands of doors and refocusing on a core market • Using surveys and client feedback to improve operations and trust • The role of workflows, KPIs, and technology in creating efficiency • How AI search and content strategy are changing visibility for property managers

Links:

Matt Nelson on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-nelson-2962497a/

Excalibur Homes - https://www.excaliburhomes.com/

Dylan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanscroggins/

Matt Speer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mspeer/

PropertyManagement.com - https://propertymanagement.com/

The Kalmar Group - https://thekalmargroup.com/

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:21) - Matt Nelson's journey in property management (00:03:42) - Growth and expansion strategies (00:08:39) - The importance of surveys and client feedback (00:12:10) - Challenges and solutions in maintenance (00:14:46) - Leveraging technology and AI (00:19:53) - Building trust and transparency (00:20:23) - Future of property management (00:21:45) - Navigating government regulations (00:23:12) - Leveraging AI for visibility (00:23:37) - The importance of quality content (00:28:41) - Personal reflections and leadership (00:29:58) - Wrestling and life lessons (00:33:34) - Lightning round and final thoughts