

Multifamily Collective Podcast
Mike Brewer
My mission is to tease out Human Potential in the Multifamily Space. Multifamily hinges on people, yet we fail to fully unleash their potential. Investing in coaching, training, and leadership unlocks peak performance. Engaged teams provide exceptional service, solve problems creatively, and innovate. A culture of growth attracts/retains top talent seeking purpose and mastery. Embracing development drives occupancy, reduces turnover, and boosts profits. When people thrive, so does business success. Nurture your driven individuals—the path to industry leadership starts there.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2025 • 6min
2,089 - The Most Expensive Hire in Multifamily | It’s Not Who You Think
This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.You might assume the priciest hire in your multifamily organization is the one with the biggest paycheck. But you’d be wrong.In this episode of the Multifam Collective, Mike Brewer challenges the conventional wisdom about hiring. The truth? Your most expensive hire is the one you rush.It’s the one you bring on without vetting, training, or truly understanding. And nowhere is this more impactful than at the site level—where culture is carried, customer experience is delivered, and your brand either thrives or dies.Mike breaks down why logos on resumes don’t equal leadership. Why good character beats big-company training. Why critical thinking, agility, and sound judgment matter more today than ever before—especially in a world where AI is automating the easy stuff.This episode is a wake-up call for multifamily leaders who want to build sustainable culture and resilient teams. Boutique, purpose-driven firms are on the rise. Are you ready?Listen in. Think deeper. Hire smarter.Like what you hear?Please like, comment, and subscribe to keep growing alongside the Multifam Collective.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 21, 2025 • 4min
2,088 - The Two Most Important Words in Multifamily Leadership | PropTech & Human Touch
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Ever notice how the simplest words carry the most weight?In today’s episode of the Multifam Collective, I unpack a quote from Rudyard Kipling: "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." That line hit me—and it got me thinking about the two most powerful words in the world of Multifamily leadership: please and thank you.These aren't just playground pleasantries. They’re foundational tools in shaping culture, creating community, and leading with authenticity.In a world driven by speed, automation, and PropTech innovation, we sometimes forget the human side of the equation. Ironically, the word please is one of the most expensive tokens in Large Language Models like OpenAI's GPT. And yet in real life, it's often the cheapest thing we forget to give.Let this be your reminder: in Multifamily, where relationships are the currency of success, manners matter more than ever.Please watch this.Thank you for being here.Like, comment, and subscribe to keep the conversation going.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 21, 2025 • 4min
2,087 - Is Door-to-Door Trash Service in Multifamily Worth It? Let’s Talk Real Value
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Let’s shoot straight.Just because you can add a door-to-door trash service and collect a bit of rev share... doesn’t mean you should.In this episode, I’m sharing my unfiltered perspective on one of the most debated amenities in Multifamily: valet trash services. No supplier names mentioned — this isn't about calling folks out. It’s about calling attention to what matters.We unpack:Why labor variables make valet trash hard to manageHow inconsistent resident behavior turns into operational chaosThe hidden costs of managing vendor partners as extensions of your teamAnd the biggest truth of all: Perception is reality — especially when prospects see trash before they see the leasing office.If you're in Multifamily leadership or operations, this isn’t just about trash — it’s about standards, service quality, and your brand reputation.Like I always say — just because it’s other income doesn’t mean it’s worth the income.👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments. Like. Subscribe. Let’s elevate the conversation.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 21, 2025 • 5min
2,086 - Top 5 Industry Shifts You Need to Know – August 12, 2025
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.You and I both know this: change never sends a calendar invite.In this week’s episode, we unpack the Top 5 things shaping Multifamily right now — the moves you can't afford to ignore if you're serious about staying relevant in operations, PropTech, and leadership.First up — Wage Growth Outpacing Rent Growth for 31 straight months. Jay Parsons dropped a chart that tells a powerful story. Rent deceleration, meet moderate wage inflation. What does that mean for operators? I’ll tell you.Next — "Choose Your Own Adventure" Roadshows. I had a real-world moment with a supplier partner that sparked something fresh: the future of vendor-operator engagement might just be... options.Third — buckle up. The World Economic Forum says 76% of real estate labor could be automated by 2030. Too far-fetched? I don’t think so. The robots aren’t coming. They’re already here.Fourth — AI Mastery Requires Doing, Not Studying. A year-long course won’t save you if it’s already obsolete halfway through. The answer? Be a practitioner. The only way to understand this revolution is to get your hands dirty.And finally — that viral headline: "AI isn’t coming for your job. It’s coming for your workflows." Truth is, it’s both. If AI’s gunning for your process, it’s gunning for your position. Time to adapt.If you’re in Multifamily — operator, supplier, tech builder, leader — you need this pulse check.Let’s grow together.👉 Like. Subscribe. Stay ahead of the curve.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 14, 2025 • 4min
2,085 - Multifamily Budget Season 2026: The Secret to Getting Your Time Back
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.It’s August.In multifamily, that means one thing—budget season.For some, that means sending out those long property manager questionnaires.For others, it’s feeding data into fancy SaaS tools like REBA Budget—or trusty old Excel.But here’s the truth—budget season isn’t just about the numbers.It’s about time.In this episode, I walk you through a simple but powerful exercise:Identify the top three things that are eating the lion’s share of your time (or your team’s time).Then, bake the solutions into your 2026 budget—whether that’s a digital leasing consultant, automation platform, or any tool that frees your people up to focus on what truly matters: real human connection and higher-value work.When you get that time back, you can reinvest it in areas that create exponential returns for your business.Start now. By the time 2026 rolls around, you’ll be running leaner, smarter, and stronger.If this sparked a new way to think about budget season, hit the like button, subscribe, and share this with your team.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 14, 2025 • 6min
2,084 - 5 Things You Need to Know in Multifamily This Week | Aug 12, 2025
In today’s Five Things You Need to Know in Multifamily, we’re talking books, market shifts, and bold moves.I just finished (almost) Barry Diller’s Who Knew? — an incredible ride from humble beginnings to industry legend. If you’re in leadership, entrepreneurship, or just love a well-told story, this is worth your time.Next, a stat that caught my attention: short-term vacation rentals saw a 12% YoY spike in May while U.S. hotels grew just 2%. This “shadow market” is pulling on hotel performance — and similar competitive pressures are brewing in multifamily.Then, a BizNow headline hit me hard: Commercial real estate investors are done waiting for a rate cut. The ice is thawing. Deals are happening. If you can pencil them, even imperfectly, now might be the time to get in the game and show the market you’re serious.We also talk about immersive media in multifamily marketing. Virtual unit tours, drone shots, neighborhood views — all designed to spark emotion. Because we buy with our hearts, then justify with our heads.Finally, the AI arms race is accelerating. Companies like OpenAI are making moves to integrate deeply into business ecosystems — property management included. Sooner than you think, AI could be your competitive edge… or your competitor’s.If you want to stay sharp in multifamily, proptech, and leadership — hit Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 14, 2025 • 4min
2,083 - Multifamily Budget Season: The One Principle That Changes Everything
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Budget season is here.If you’re in the multifamily world, you know the drill—spreadsheets, forecasts, and those big budget meetings.But here’s the thing—most teams focus on dollars before concentrating on time.In this episode, I share one principle that has transformed how I approach budget season in every organization I’ve been part of. It starts with asking one question:What are the three things eating the lion’s share of your time?Once you know, you can target them with technology, process improvements, or wise investment.Consider this in leadership, operational excellence, and building a long-term sustainable business.Whether you’re a regional manager, corporate leader, or property-level operator, this approach can free up your time, amplify your impact, and give your team room to breathe.Watch now and rethink how you approach budget season.If this episode helped you, hit the like button, subscribe, and share it with your team.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 14, 2025 • 5min
2,082 - 5 Things You Need to Know in Multifamily This Week | August 11, 2025
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Here are five stories and insights shaping the multifamily industry right now.1. Leadership Mindset:From Vistage—"Be thankful for problems. If they were less difficult, someone else with less ability would have your job." A reminder to embrace challenges as character-builders.2. 401(k) Expansion:President Trump signs an executive order directing agencies to allow private equity, real estate, and crypto investments inside 401(k) plans. If it survives regulatory hurdles, this could release a wave of capital into multifamily and commercial real estate.3. Distressed Assets:Fall Apartment Group in Dallas sends a major portfolio to special servicing—potentially signaling opportunities for discounted acquisitions.4. Major Portfolio Sale:Elm Communities sells 19 properties to Cortland and exits property management. Combined with other recent deals, this could mean the market’s “iceberg” is starting to melt.5. Wisdom Worth Sharing:“The reason most people never change is because they’re too attached to who they’ve always been. Change requires death… Reinvention starts with release.”If you want to stay ahead of multifamily trends, hit that like button and subscribe for more leadership and market insights.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 11, 2025 • 8min
2,081 - RealPage Acquires Rexera: The PropTech M&A Wave Is Here | Multifamily Leadership Insights
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.We’re watching the start of a major shift in PropTech.RealPage’s acquisition of Rexera signals a wave of mergers and acquisitions that could reshape the multifamily technology landscape. Over the past 3–4 years, PropTech startups have exploded—offering solutions to problems we didn’t even know we had. Now, the market is maturing. Consolidation is coming fast.In this episode, I share why this move validates the AI leasing space, how it compares to AppFolio’s early Dynasty acquisition, and why owning your data might be the real competitive advantage. I’ll also touch on the “arms race” in AI among major property management systems, and how operators can stitch together their own best-of-breed tech stacks—no walled gardens required.If you’re in multifamily leadership or curious about where PropTech is headed, this conversation will give you a front-row seat to the trends shaping 2025 and beyond.Like this video? Hit that thumbs-up and subscribe so you don’t miss future insights.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!

Aug 11, 2025 • 4min
2,080 - Home Prices Drop — What It Means for Multifamily, PropTech, and Leadership
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Home prices are falling.John Burns Real Estate Consulting reports that new home construction is outpacing job creation. That shift is driving builders to slash prices and sweeten incentives to move inventory — especially in the Southeast, Southwest, West Coast, and select middle markets.Here’s where it gets interesting for multifamily operators.If these incentives collide with a possible rate cut, we could see first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and even investors re-enter the market in force. That could mean apartment residents giving notice in the fall to buy homes before the holidays.I share why this trend matters, how it could signal a wave of change in multifamily occupancy, and what hyper-local data might tell us before the national numbers catch up.If you’re in the multifamily space, this is a development you don’t want to ignore.Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.For more engaging content, explore our offerings at the[https://www.multifamilycollective.com](https://www.multifamilycollective.com/) and the [https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com](https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/)Join us to stay informed and inspired in the multifamily industry!


