The Multifamily Hangout

Carlyle Swafford’s multifamily career spans a diverse range of responsibilities, combining Corporate and On-site Operations experience. His expertise is built on three decades of coaching, leading, and executing effective management, marketing, strategic financial planning, acquisitions, and third-party management. The communities and teams he has managed include REIT-based portfolios, Conventional and Military Housing, Low-Income Tax Credit, and HUD communities. Carlyle’s success is rooted in his ability to connect with individuals at all levels of management. He has led organizations as a member of the Executive Team, collaborated with Support Departments and Community Teams, and executed strategies designed to maximize NOI goals. His efforts have consistently improved successful assets, prioritized extraordinary customer service for both internal and external customers, and repositioned challenged communities while enhancing coaching and team building. Over his distinguished career, Carlyle has earned multiple Multifamily Industry Certifications, including CPM and ARM through IREM; HCCP and SHCM through NAHB; C3P through Spectrum; CAM through NAA; and the Military Designation CDPM II through PHMA.

Adrian Danila and Chris Moreno explore the key trends and opportunities shaping 2025 in multifamily real estate and beyond. 🌟 Topics include: The value of in-person interactions for building meaningful connections. The transformative potential of AI and its inevitable impact on multifamily. How improving efficiency in project cycles drives financial benefits. They dive into:🔍 Intentional curiosity and learning from diverse perspectives.💡 Open debates that fuel innovation and creativity.🚀 Technology's role in enhancing operations, safety, and resident experiences—while balancing progress with risk management. Reflecting on purposeful living, Adrian and Chris share insights on adaptability and making the most of every opportunity. 🎧 Tune in on Spotify and discover strategies for thriving in multifamily real estate in 2025. Don’t miss it! 👉 Subscribe now and join the conversation.

David Perez is the Senior Vice President & Head of Residential at RMR Residential. He oversees operations, management, and support functions, focusing on leveraging technology, processes, and data to achieve business objectives. David emphasizes the importance of people as key assets and upholds high standards of professionalism and accountability in daily operations. Since joining RMR Residential in 2017, David has applied his expertise across operational, strategic, and transactional disciplines. He previously held leadership roles at EY, Houlihan Lokey, AirServ Corporation (a subsidiary of ABM), and Slalom Consulting, gaining extensive experience in financial advisory, operations, and strategy for Fortune 500 clients. David holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia and is a certified Scrum Master. He serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Georgia Student Finance Commission, supporting educational goals and financial literacy in Georgia. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and supporting the Atlanta Braves and UGA Football, with a passion for building high-functioning teams.

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.