Beyond Rent: Exploring Property Management

In the past, the manufactured housing industry was plagued with outdated terminology and negative connotations. Today, manufactured homes are no longer considered “trailers” or “mobile home parks”—they’re like any other dwelling, except they’re constructed in environmentally protected areas, and can be a better option than site-built homes for many reasons.Rick Robinson joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of manufactured housing and how the industry is promoting new factory-built solutions, such as barndominiums and modular mansions. Manufactured construction tends to be more efficient and cost-effective; fully customizable (amenities, design, layout, etc.); and located in amenity-rich communities featuring golf courses, dog parks, swimming pools, and more. Rick also explores U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, industry resources to consider, and where to research available inventory. Further, he shares his thoughts on “From Bookwork to Blueprints,” a documentary that tells the heartwarming story of students who built a modular home at their school to donate to Habitat for Humanity.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Rick Robinson on LinkedIn, and ManufacturedHomes.com on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to change the way we conduct business and shape how individuals perform various duties throughout their careers.Steve Cunningham of Simple Academy joins the podcast to discuss the evolution of Open AI and the five-stage process. Further, he discusses his AI performance formula—Work Faster x Solve Smarter x Track and Communicate = Performance and Profit. From base model technology—like ChatGPT—to thousands of intricate workflow tools, AI is beneficial to the bottom line.Steve also explores the adoption rate of AI; how the use of this technology can increase productivity while providing more purpose, meaning, and enjoyment for employees; and what you should do now to be successful as the future of AI transforms our world.As a thank you to our listeners, Steve is offering 30 days of free access to his AI performance workshop and community, which supports this topic, Simple - AI Enablement Training, Coaching, and Online Certification.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Steve Cunningham on LinkedIn, and Simple Academy on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

Tara Samuels joins the podcast to discuss how stepping out of your comfort zone to make new connections can change your life, why networking takes work, and the importance of nurturing relationships and having impactful conversations.Tara also discusses her passion for connecting people through mentorship and helping organizations build “sticky” environments to retain talent. With more than 20 years in the industry, she also works to empower multifamily companies to engage and keep their teams, matching top talent with their next career steps.We encourage you to check out Tara’s article on the NAA’s website 10 Things to Do to Improve Your Professional Network.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Tara Samuels and Multifamily Mentor Matchmaking on LinkedIn.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

Sam Heimerl joins the podcast to discuss how his organization transitioned from relying on a spreadsheet for maintenance requests to using Rent Manager as its maintenance coordination solution. This change allowed the company to implement new methods, systems, and processes. Sam also explains the 5W Method in detail—who is involved, what is being done, where it is, and when and why it’s happening. In addition, he shares the importance of obtaining buy-in from team members.Further, Sam discusses overcoming challenges; learning how to be successful by achieving goals, setting expectations, and communicating with residents; and why it’s important to have human interaction in conjunction with automated technology to maintain a personal touch.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Sam Heimerl on LinkedIn, and Midwest Expansion on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

In this inspirational episode, Joe Jackson of Prime Oak Capital joins the podcast to discuss his journey from growing up in manufactured homes to being in the Marine Corps for 20 years to his transition to the real estate industry—specifically, the manufactured housing market.Joe addresses the stigma surrounding manufactured housing communities and explains how elevating the language associated with the industry helps elevate the business, by paving a path to different experiences and helping people feel better about where they’re living.Joe also discusses the John Muir Trail Veteran’s Hike, which runs from Yosemite to Mount Whitney (the highest point in the lower 48 states) in California. This annual event benefits the Veterans Community Project (VCP), an organization that helps homeless veterans by providing them with homes and other forms of assistance.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Joe Jackson on LinkedIn, and Prime Oak Capital on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Lean Six Sigma helps identify and eliminate waste and optimize efficiency to add value for the customer. The multifamily industry has many complex processes, and applying Lean Six Sigma practices to existing processes can improve both the resident and employee experience.Larry Foster of MuniBilling joins the podcast to discuss the foundational principles of Lean Six Sigma, and the steps you can take to successfully implement this approach to streamline your multifamily operations. Lean Six Sigma empowers employees, gives middle management a sense of ownership, and provides them with problem-solving tools to identify the root causes of waste.Larry also addresses how Lean Six Sigma can solve common challenges and its many benefits, such as removing constraints by resolving issues for smarter decision-making.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Larry Foster on LinkedIn, and MuniBilling on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is continuously evolving and changing how we operate. While every residential property management company is different, most experience similar pain points. And by observing these commonalities, you’ll find a lot of improvements that AI can make for you.Arthur Attal of Domos joins the podcast to discuss ways that AI assists property managers in making time-consuming tasks easy so they can focus on high-value assignments, improve resident relations, and operate more efficiently. Arthur also explores how to teach AI to adapt to business practices through personalization in order to make decisions.With the limited amount of free time property managers have, it’s important to automate mundane tasks such as emails, text messages, phone calls, etc. when possible. Recent advancements in AI can mimic what humans do and carry out routine tasks. Examples include assisting leasing teams by capturing all prospect information and scheduling tours; providing quick, meaningful responses; communicating with residents 24/7; and reviewing documents.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Arthur Attal on LinkedIn, and Domos on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

In 2019, the National Apartment Association (NAA) launched the 20 in their Twenties Program, which was founded as a way for NAA to engage with emerging leaders in the property management industry. Duy Vu of The Associated Management Company was a member of the inaugural class.Stefani Hurst of the NAA and Duy Vu join the podcast to discuss the recently rebranded program, now known as 20 on the Rise. While the project is still comprised of 20 individuals from various aspects of the multifamily industry, it has become more inclusive for people of all ages. This shift makes it possible for those entering the rental housing industry at all stages of life, with 10 years or less experience, to be eligible.Stefani and Duy further discuss how being involved in this program—as well as various local, state, and national apartment associations—can add value to your career. Benefits include networking opportunities, career development and growth, leveraging resources, free registration to Apartmentalize, recognition through awards programs, and support from colleagues—just to name a few.Stefani also outlines the parameters, qualifications, and how to apply to the 20 on the Rise Program. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, February 14, 2025.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Stefani Hurst on LinkedIn, NAA on the organization’s website; and Duy Vu on LinkedIn.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Implementing green initiatives and amenities has become increasingly important in the property management world. Both can positively impact the bottom line and make residents, investors, and owners feel good about improving the environment.Stacy Brown of Real Property Management joins the podcast to discuss green initiatives, amenities and additions, and the importance of performing audits to determine your plan of action in order to make the greatest impact for residents and investors.Stacy also explores how to best plan your initiatives and communicate these positive changes to residents. Some of the most commonly requested green amenities are smart technology to conserve energy; LED bulbs; energy-efficient appliances; low-flow plumbing with water-saving aerators; and community composting gardens. Replacing or adding insulation, EV chargers and solar panels, and recycling can also have a positive impact on your community and create additional cost savings for you.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Stacy Brown on LinkedIn, and Real Property Management on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

The world of real estate investments has many challenges—lack of visibility and transparency across data sets; errors in data sets; potential loss of money on deals; and slow decision making.Arunabh Dastidar of Leni joins the podcast to discuss how data should be conceived and consolidated through specific AI-driven strategies for effective revenue management including predictive analytics for rental pricing, identifying and reducing operational inefficiencies, and enhancing resident retention through personalized services.Arunabh also explores how multifamily property owners and managers utilize AI capabilities to optimize cash flow, enhance property operations through AI applications in daily asset management, streamline marketing efforts and reduce costs by adjusting for seasonality, and analyze property-level trends to allocate resources efficiently—all of which can lead to significant cost savings and improved overall property operations.Explore additional Beyond Rent episodes by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.You can learn more about Arunabh Dastidar on LinkedIn, and Leni on the company’s website.Visit RentManager.com/Podcast to submit an idea for an upcoming episode of Beyond Rent and discover more about the program.Learn more about Rent Manager’s industry-leading accounting, reporting, maintenance, and communication features at RentManager.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.