Joanna Zabriskie, CEO of BH Management, transforms the multifamily property sector with her innovative leadership. She shares insights on the current market landscape, discussing challenges and the critical role of trustworthy management partnerships. Joanna emphasizes the importance of data visualization for informed decision-making and how technology integration can drive success. Listeners will learn about BH Management’s growth, strategic use of data, and the implications of their recent acquisition by Pretium, enhancing the future of residential housing.
Joanna Zabriskie emphasized BH Management's evolution into a national leader through strategic hiring and fostering a culture of excellence.
The podcast highlighted BH's investment in data visualization to improve decision-making and operational efficiencies amid evolving market conditions.
Deep dives
Leadership and Growth Strategy
The episode highlights the transformative journey of BH, a multifamily property management company, showcasing its evolution from a small family-owned operator to a national leader managing over 115,000 units. Joanna, who ascended to the role of president, leveraged her prior experience and relationships in the industry to spearhead this growth. By strategically identifying opportunities and hiring talented individuals, she reconstituted the management team and shaped a culture of excellence. BH's focus on technology and strong operational frameworks allowed them to thrive even during challenging market conditions.
Data Visualization and Technology Integration
A key insight from the discussion revolves around the implementation of data visualization and technological advancements at BH. In 2016, Joanna and her team invested in a startup to manage and visualize their operational data, which significantly improved operational decision-making. This data democratization enabled asset managers to better understand performance metrics and respond proactively to market demands. By harnessing technology, BH positioned itself favorably against competitors and attracted institutional capital, enhancing its market presence.
Strategic Acquisition by Pretium
BH's recent acquisition by Pretium is portrayed as a strategic move to bolster growth and access capital markets. The decision followed an evaluation of BH's future potential, particularly in light of its aging founder and the need for a succession plan. Joanna involved her senior management team in the due diligence process, emphasizing transparency and collaboration, which ultimately influenced the positive response from potential buyers. Pretium's alignment with BH's culture and operational ethos was pivotal in deciding to partner with them, ensuring continued success in the multifamily sector.
Opportunities in a Shifting Market
Joanna discusses BH's approach to navigating the complexities of the current economic landscape, focusing on the balance between acquirers and sellers in 2025. Recognizing that the market presents both challenges and unique opportunities, BH aims to target under-managed and dislocated assets for acquisition. The conversation outlines a proactive strategy to enhance operational efficiencies while responding to fluctuating market dynamics. As housing demand evolves, particularly in multifamily and build-to-rent sectors, BH is positioned to capitalize on shifting demographics and consumer preferences.
On a special episode of the Walker Webcast, Willy sat down with multifamily industry powerhouse Joanna Zabriskie, CEO of BH Management, for a dynamic overview of the state of the multifamily market live from RETCON.
They discussed opportunities and challenges shaping the industry, data visualization, BH Management’s investment in technology, the importance of data and innovation, multifamily trends, and much more.