
Property Management Brainstorm
Welcome to Property Management Brainstorm, the ultimate podcast for property managers, PropTech ventures, and real estate investors! Join industry expert Bob Preston as he brings you the latest trends, best practices, and invaluable guidance in the world of property management. Whether you're just starting or thriving in the business, Property Management Brainstorm is your go-to destination for all things property management. Bob is a nationally known figure in the USA property management industry with over 25 years of experience in building and growing property management companies while advising more than 28 property management locations and 12,000+ doors. He has been awarded three prestigious designations by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM): the RMP® (Residential Management Professional), MPM® (Master Property Manager), and the CRMC (Certified Residential Management Company). He served as President and board of directors of the California State Chapter (CALNARPM) for 2020-2023 and on the NARPM National Board of Directors as the Southwest Regional Vice President (2022).
Latest episodes

4 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 44min
Episode 84: Crush it During the Leasing Season Ft Barak Shamir
Barak Shamir from Showdigs discusses challenges property managers face during leasing season, including turnovers, inspections, and squatters. Showdigs offers solutions to streamline operations with a pay-as-you-go pricing model and emphasizes consistency in inspections and reports. Preventing rental fraud and optimizing leasing efficiency are key topics covered in this insightful episode.

Mar 21, 2024 • 30min
Episode 83: Property Management Failures Ft Tiffany Rosenbaum
Renowned property management expert Tiffany Rosenbaum and host Bob Preston discuss the importance of learning from failures in property management. They highlight struggles, self-doubt, and the need for effective processes. Embracing challenges, continuous learning, and anticipating customer needs are key takeaways.

Feb 6, 2024 • 57min
Episode 82: Preparing Your Property Management Co for Acquisition Ft Dylan McGrath
Business acquisition expert Dylan McGrath joins host Bob Preston to discuss preparing a property management company for acquisition. They cover topics such as engaging a business broker, valuation models, due diligence, and structuring the sale. They also touch on the current state of company valuations and the steps involved in closing the sale.

11 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 59min
Episode 81: Crush Your Biz Dev For Max Door Growth Ft Jeremy Pound
Jeremy Pound, a business development expert, joins host Bob Preston to discuss various aspects of business development in the property management industry. Topics covered include understanding the local market, finding the right business development manager, motivating and compensating managers, and the importance of CRM software. Additional topics include challenges in acquiring new doors, building blocks for business development, and determining appropriate compensation for sales positions.

Dec 28, 2023 • 13min
Episode 80: Five Ways to Kickoff 2024 Ft Bob Preston
In this episode, Bob Preston shares his top five ways to kickoff 2024 for property management businesses. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, organizational checkups, accountability and goals, kickoff meetings, and budget trimming. These steps are crucial for setting the direction, aligning the team, and optimizing resources for a successful year ahead.TakeawaysCreate a strategic plan with a forecast and budget for the new year.Conduct an organizational checkup to assess the company's culture and alignment.Establish accountability and goals for every team member.Host a kickoff meeting to communicate expectations and review past performance.Trim 15% of the budget to optimize resources and achieve new profitability goals.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Bob's Five Ways to Kickoff 202403:08 Chapter 1: Forecast and Strategic Planning for the New Year06:02 Chapter 2: Organizational Checkup07:30 Chapter 3: Accountability and Goals09:38 Chapter 4: Kickoff Meeting10:35 Chapter 5: Budget Trim Challenge13:01 Summary of the "Five Ways" and conclusionEpisode 80 Featured Sponsor: Second NatureAt Second Nature, we heart property managers. Because we know you’ve got the toughest job around. So we create new solutions and technology to make your life easier, while keeping residents and investors happy. It’s a triple win for everyone and it’s only from Second Nature.. Second Nature (https://www.secondnature.com/)Shout-out to all of our fabulous Industry Icon Sponsors for supporting our show:SureVestor (https://surevestor.com/)Blanket (https://blankethomes.com/)VPM Solutions (https://www.vpmsolutions.com)RentScale (https://rentscale.com/)APM Help (https://www.apmhelp.com/)Upkeep Media (https://www.upkeepmedia.com/)Second Nature (https://www.secondnature.com/)zInspector (https://www.zinspector.com/)Showdigs (https://www.showdigs.com)Latchel (https://www.latchel.com)Connect with Bob Prestonhttps://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/This episode is always available for listening, sharing, or download at Property Management Brainstorm. Subscribe to Property Management Brainstorm on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and YouTube.

6 snips
Dec 7, 2023 • 37min
Episode 79: Opportunities in Mid-market Multifamily Ft Bob Hansen
Bob Hansen, expert in the mid-market multifamily rental sector, discusses the importance of amenities and value-added services in attracting renters. He also talks about economic factors impacting rental rates and challenges tenants face in affording rent. Hansen emphasizes the need for property managers to focus on the resident experience and leverage technology to meet younger generation's expectations.

Nov 21, 2023 • 37min
Episode 78: Optimizing PM Teams for Success Ft Pete Neubig
Pete Neubig is the co-founder and CEO of VPM Solutions – the first and only staffing solution platform targeted specifically toward property managers and real estate professionals. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is also an Ironman triathlete.Tune in as Pete shares his experiences and insights with host Bob Preston, discussing the types of tasks suitable for virtual assistants, the benefits of hiring remote talent, and the role of technology in streamlining operations. He also touches on different team structures, the monetization of maintenance, and effective marketing strategies.Topics covered:(03:23) Pete Neubig’s background(06:32) The resistance to office return, but it's happening(11:40) Centralized staffing based on office size(14:02) Use virtual assistants and automation for efficiency and profitability.(19:09) Average VA hourly rates(21:59) Maintenance coordinator training takes 90 days(26:39) Pre-interviews, final interviews, and quick decision-making(29:50) The VPM Academy(34:24) Why remote team members are worth the shotConnect with Pete Neubig: https://vmpsolutions.com/Episode 78 Featured Sponsor: ShowdigsShowdigs is the only all-in-one leasing software with a suite of tools designed to streamline each step of the leasing process. Showdigs’ network of licensed real estate agents is specially trained to handle fieldwork like showings and condition reports so you can focus on scaling your business.Showdigs (https://www.showdigs.com)We're also giving a huge shout-out to all of our fabulous Industry Icon Sponsors for supporting our show and the property management industry:SureVestor (https://surevestor.com/)Blanket (https://blankethomes.com/)VPM Solutions (https://www.vpmsolutions.com)RentScale (https://rentscale.com/)APM Help (https://www.apmhelp.com/)Upkeep Media (https://www.upkeepmedia.com/)Second Nature (https://www.secondnature.com/)zInspector (https://www.zinspector.com/)Showdigs (https://www.showdigs.com)Connect with Bob Prestonhttps://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/This episode is always available for listening, sharing, or download at Property Management Brainstorm. Subscribe to Property Management Brainstorm on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and YouTube.

Nov 7, 2023 • 9min
Episode 77: Hit for the Cycle Ft Bob Preston
Bob Preston is the founder and creator of Property Management Brainstorm. He goes solo in this episode to unpack the question of what makes Property Management Brainstorm different and explains his experience in "Hitting for the Cycle." Topics covered:(02:00) Bob explains why he is communicating his purpose in property management consulting(02:30) Why all the noise and FUD about consulting services?(03:30) Never disparage the competition(04:12) Why do we offer services that no one else can replicate(04:46) Featured Sponsor, Upkeep Media(05:30) "Hitting for the Cycle" in Property Management(06:00) How Bob has hit for the cycle, touching all the bases(07:45) Property Management Brainstorm can help through all the stages of your PM companyEpisode 77 Featured Sponsor: Upkeep MediaUpkeep Media specializes in property management marketing. With custom-tailored marketing plans, their approach is as unique as each company they work with. Upkeep Media effectively grows property management companies using a variety of Internet marketing tools.https://www.upkeepmedia.comWe're also giving a huge shout-out to all of our fabulous Industry Icon Sponsors for supporting our show and the property management industry:SureVestor (https://surevestor.com/)Blanket (https://blankethomes.com/)VPM Solutions (https://www.vpmsolutions.com)RentScale (https://rentscale.com/)APM Help (https://www.apmhelp.com/)Upkeep Media (https://www.upkeepmedia.com/)Second Nature (https://www.secondnature.com/)zInspector (https://www.zinspector.com/)Showdigs (https://www.showdigs.com)Connect with Bob Prestonhttps://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/This episode is always available for listening, sharing, or download at Property Management Brainstorm. Subscribe to Property Management Brainstorm on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and YouTube.

Oct 11, 2023 • 43min
Episode 76: Building an Online Presence Ft Stephen Fox
Stephen Fox is the co-founder and Vice President of Operations at Upkeep Media, the company that helps property management companies grow by implementing effective marketing strategies. He joins the show to unpack the importance of having a strong online presence in the competitive property management industry.From the initial interaction with potential clients to attracting property owners, Stephen and host Bob Preston will discuss valuable insights and strategies for building an effective online presence. Topics covered:(03:23) Stephen Fox’s background(04:46) Why the property management industry is Stephen’s focus(08:55) How critical is an online presence in our industry?(13:19) The lemonade stand principle(15:36) Having a marketing mix(21:45) Developing websites and leveraging SEO(23:36) Featured Sponsor, VPM Solutions(24:32) Upkeep Media’s growth marketing sessions with new clients(27:49) Identifying goals for your website(33:08) What has produced the best results for Upkeep Media’s clients?(36:30) How to capture leads through your website(41:00) Stephen’s closing thoughtsConnect with Stephen Fox: https://www.upkeepmedia.com/Episode 76 Featured Sponsor: VPM SolutionsFind your perfect Real Estate or Property Management Virtual Assistant.Stop looking for remote talent the old way. Choose from 1,000s of candidates from over 100 countries specific to the housing industry. Source, Train, Onboard and Pay all in one place all for Free. VPM Solutions is the only online platform built specifically for the property management industry.VPMSolutions.comWe're also giving a huge shout-out to all of our fabulous Industry Icon Sponsors for supporting our show:SureVestorBlanketVPM SolutionsRentScaleAPM HelpUpkeep MediaSecond NaturezInspectorConnect with Bob Prestonhttps://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/This episode is always available for listening, sharing, or download at Property Management Brainstorm. Subscribe to Property Management Brainstorm on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and YouTube.

Oct 5, 2023 • 40min
Episode 75: My Property Management Journey Ft Travis Bohling
A handful of entrepreneurs in the property management industry have helped bootstrap and grow a property management company, sold the company, remained in a senior capacity with the acquisition company, and ultimately moved on to start yet another property management venture. One of those individuals is Travis Bohling of Phoenix, Arizona.He is the co-founder of the property management company Home Ladder. Tune in as host Bob Preston and Travis delve into the importance of saying no and choosing a specific direction to the challenges of working in a large company where decision-making is hindered.Topics covered:(02:45) Travis Bohling’s background and his new venture, Home Ladder(03:29) When Travis first decided to get into property management(04:57) His work with RentVest(07:23) The early stages of Travis’ property management company(11:33) Expanding to other markets(14:25) SureVestor Midroll Commercial (60-seconds) (15:35) The decision to sell RentVest(19:09) The acquisition process and working for Mynd(23:28) The integration process of merging with a property management company(28:33) About Home Ladder and its plans(29:28) What is an ‘investor agent’?(37:03) Closing thoughtsConnect with Travis Bohlinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-bohlingEpisode 75 Sponsor: SureVestorInsurance. Innovation. Inspiration.At SureVestor, we’re Property Managers, too. That puts us in a unique position to offer innovative insurance solutions you’ve never seen before. Our Protection Plus bundle covers you and your owners when the unexpected happens. For instance, malicious damage, loss of rent and eviction fees, lawsuits, and certain accidental tenant damage.https://surevestor.com/We're also giving a huge shout-out to all of our fabulous Industry Icon Sponsors for supporting our show:SureVestorBlanketVPM SolutionsRentScaleAPM HelpUpkeep MediaSecond NaturezInspectorConnect with Bob Prestonhttps://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/This episode is always available for listening, sharing, or download at Property Management Brainstorm. Subscribe to Property Management Brainstorm on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and YouTube.