Explore every episode of the podcast Solving for Multifamily

As more multifamily property owners seek to modernize their buildings with Proptech, the abundance of choices and platforms can lead to headaches if not managed properly. The push for centralization and automation has grown as renters and property owners alike seek manageable systems across technologies.

Brivo, a smart building company providing cloud-based access control and video surveillance solutions, has set out to alleviate the headache of disjointed systems—with an emphasis on open API, properties can better enable integrations between systems and ensure interoperability.

Join Lee Miller, vice president of sales for Brivo, as he discusses this and more topics including, the push for mobile credentials and face detection in place of traditional keys, creating more amenities and revenue opportunities, and simplifying and unifying technology.

This episode of Solving For Multifamily focuses on Homebase Quext (Homebase.ai), a company founded by Blake Miller that offers a managed Wi-Fi solution for apartment buildings, providing each unit with a private, secure internet connection that residents can access and pay for through a mobile app. Homebase Quext formed after Blake's experience with a public-private partnership to deploy a large-scale public Wi-Fi and smart city project in Kansas City, where he saw the need for smart devices in apartment buildings.

More key highlights from this episode include how Blake got his start in the Proptech industry and the objectives of Homebase Quext, how Proptech can enable operational efficiencies for onsite management teams, the challenges and considerations around retrofitting existing properties with Proptech and more.

In the multifamily industry, reputation and trust can make or break the success of your property, especially when social media and other public forums allow anyone to share their opinion.

On this episode of Solving For Multifamily, we’re joined by Katie Ritter and Jake Hughes from Widewail, a reputation management company that works with multifamily businesses.

Widewail recently published a "Voice of the Resident" report, which analyzed over 400,000 reviews from the top 150 multifamily management companies to identify the key drivers of positive and negative resident experiences.

Key highlights from the episode include a more in-depth look at findings from the “Voice of the Resident” report, data-driven insights to improve resident experience and retention, the importance of frontline employees in creating a good resident experience and more!

In this episode of Solving For Multifamily, host Paul Marks interviews Tray Johnson, Chief Technology Officer of Quext, a company focused on providing innovative Proptech solutions for the multifamily industry. Tray discusses Quext's origins in response to the frustrations with existing technology solutions in the industry, highlighting their unique smart thermostat, which serves as a “nerve center” for their solutions. This thermostat is designed specifically for multifamily properties, allowing for efficient access control and motion detection, all without requiring Wi-Fi.

More key highlights from this episode include the challenges in deploying technology for retrofitting vs. new construction, how Quext aims to improve operational efficiency and cost savings for multifamily properties, and the future of Proptech, including self-guided tours, visitor management and the role of AI as Proptech grows.

In a world where we use our phones to do just about anything, including pay for purchases, access public transportation and more, why not use them to unlock our front doors? 

Mobile credentials are opening a world of opportunities in multifamily housing, including allowing residents the ability to access different areas in a new and more secure way. Plus, the added convenience is a bonus for renters, staff and property owners alike. 

In this episode of the Solving For Multifamily podcast, host Paul Marks and guest Olivia Renaud explore the advantages and future potential of mobile credentials in multifamily properties, technological advancements and practical benefits of integrating mobile access solutions, the impact of mobile credentials on the multifamily living experience and more! 

In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, Lori Greene joined Paul Marks on the Solving For Multifamily Podcast to discuss multifamily fire safety—primarily the fire door assembly.

Fire doors are a critical component in fire prevention and life safety, but they don’t always get the recognition they deserve. In fact, fire door assemblies, which include the door, frame, and hardware, play a critical role in protecting residents by preventing the spread of fire and smoke. However, to be as effective as possible, they must meet specific fire-resistant ratings and be properly installed, maintained and used to function effectively.

This episode explores important topics including the importance and functionality of fire door assemblies, code compliance, maintenance and education surrounding fire doors, real-life examples and best practices, and more.

Proptech is revolutionizing the multifamily industry with significant improvements in operational efficiency, the resident experience and technology to attract and retain residents. Join us as we sit down with Will Coffin, Vice President of Livly Connect, to explore the transformative power of Proptech.

Livly Connect is at the forefront of unifying diverse Proptech solutions into a single, streamlined platform, enhancing both operations and the resident experience. Acting as a trusted technology advisor and integrator, Livly Connect partners with multifamily properties to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Listen to this episode of Solving For Multifamily to learn more about the benefits of implementing Proptech management solutions like Livly Connect, how Proptech benefits owners, operators and residents, selecting and implementing the right Proptech provider and more!

As the multifamily industry changes, so do the wants and needs of residents, building owners and property managers. New technology is always emerging, and Proptech, or property technology, is one we can’t get enough of. 

Allegion’s 2023 Multifamily Living Trends report highlights the growing acceptance and comfort with Proptech among residents, with over 60% of respondents indicating they are at least somewhat comfortable with using Proptech. Additionally, more than half of the respondents stated they would be willing to pay 1-10% more for property technology. 

Listen to this episode of Solving For Multifamily to hear more of Joe Spenchian’s insights into the report, plus emerging technology like mobile access control, amenities that enhance the resident and staff experience, safety and security must-haves for residents and more! 

Access control in the multifamily industry has evolved from traditional keys to more advanced technologies such as fobs and smartphone-based access, though not without challenges. 

Retrofitting older buildings has become essential for updates. While Proptech can attract high-quality residents, it’s not a universal solution. There are several key factors to consider, including budget and provider options. 

Jason Newland, Multifamily Specialist and Electronics Team Lead at Allegion, brings over 15 years of experience in architectural design, engineering coordination, business development and construction project delivery to this episode of the podcast. Jason joins host Paul Marks to discuss the evolving market of access control solutions, key considerations when retrofitting existing multifamily properties, the benefits of electronic access control and Proptech and more. 

Solving For Multifamily is back and better than ever! Meet our new host, Paul Marks, the host and executive producer of Multifamily Matters, a radio show dedicated to all things multifamily. 

In this episode, Paul speaks with Robert Gaulden from Zentra about the evolution of access control technology in the multifamily housing sector. This includes the rapid adoption of technology spurred by the pandemic, the importance of integrating various Proptech solutions to improve operational efficiency and resident experience, the role of unified access control systems and the need for open architecture. 

Listen to this episode of Solving For Multifamily to learn more about industry changes, especially due to the pandemic, Proptech consolidation and improving NOI, useful tips for owners and operators, and more! 

Smart Apartment and Proptech, how has this changed over the last few years?  Where do smart apartments intersect “bring your own device” resident tech? What’s on tap for multifamily in 2024?

On this episode of Solving for Multifamily, Mike Branam, from PointCentral, shares his insights on these questions and how technology is ultimately solving for the issues we are seeing in multifamily.  

Implementing technology into your multifamily building can be confusing.  Where do you start?  How will the implementation go?  What integrations do I need to make this all work?   

On this episode of Solving for Multifamily, Shaun Souers, of ResTech, joins us to talk about how they advise and help their clients navigate these various questions.  Creating and tailoring a technology roadmap to ultimately lead to measurable success. 

The smart home/building market is complex. A smart automation system incorporates several technologies, including hardware, software, and internet connectivity. Ensuring all those things work together can be a point of frustration. That’s where Yonomi comes in. 

Kent Dickson, General Manager of Yonomi, joins this episode of Solving for Multifamily to talk about how their platform makes connecting various devices to software applications fast and easy. This ultimately leads to more flexibility and freedom for your property.

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Multifamily Matters, hosted by Paul Marks, you’re missing out.  Paul’s weekly, one hour show is dedicated to topics and issues that focus on multifamily industry operations.   

During this episode of Solving for Multifamily, Paul joins Robert Gaulden to talk about some of the most impactful topics covered on his show and how he has used his platform to help share ideas, operations, and technologies, especially during the pandemic.  We also learn about the genesis of the show and how Paul got into broadcasting.  Finally, Paul leans in on what he believes is the largest issue facing the industry today.   

Imagine if leasing an apartment was the same as the decision to purchase a mattress. We’re not there yet, but virtual apartment tour platforms like Peek are bringing us closer to that reality. Offering a fully immersive 3D virtual touring experience is a win-win for property managers and potential residents.  

During this episode of Solving for Multifamily, Austin Lo from Peek shares that residents who virtually tour apartments are three times more likely to become renters. He also explains how using predictive data for virtual tour interactions can help property managers use their staff more efficiently, offer personalized experiences and centralize leasing. Listen to the Smarter virtual touring for your property episode for more. 

Apartment owners sometimes use 40 different stand-alone systems to run their properties. Yes, 40 systems that aren’t connecting in meaningful ways. That’s data that isn’t being utilized efficiently to improve apartment performance and maximize net operating income (NOI).  

Elizabeth Braman from Revolution RE, formally Joyhub Inc., joins Robert Gaulden to explain how her company is closing the gaps in apartment data. Listen to the A better way to manage the complexity of data today. 

Everyone loves convenience. And if something can be done on-the-go from the palm of our hand (aka via our smart phones) it’s a big win. Pay rent, unlock the door, chat with the community, grant access to the dog walker —all of this can be done in a single apartment app today. But the resident experience is only part of the story.  

Will Coffin from Livly joined Robert Gaulden on the Solving for Multifamily podcast to discuss how a fully integrated app can improve NOI through streamlined operations, connected apartment communities, keyless entry and more. Get the full story in this episode, The One App Experience.  

In this episode of Solving for Multifamily, Robert and Todd Burner from Kastle discuss ways apartment properties can use staff more efficiently—while enhancing security.  

Kastle, a managed services provider (MSP), debunks the idea that access control must be a “run-it-yourself" model by taking on as much of the process as the property management team wants to hand over. At a time when property managers are being stretched thin, this allows them to focus on activities that will improve the resident experience—and ultimately NOI.  

Remote video surveillance is another way Kastle helps improve on-site efficiencies. Listen to Benefits of Managed Services and Remote Video Guarding with Kastle Systems to hear how remote guarding is more effective than traditional security camera surveillance. 

The CEO and co-founder of Griot, Sean Miller, joined the Solving for Multifamily podcast to talk about a solution that can make multifamily maintenance requests more efficient.

Miller has witnessed field technicians that serve the multifamily market become overworked and overwhelmed. So much is changing as devices get smarter and buildings become more connected. Adding to challenges, multifamily maintenance teams are often understaffed, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s growing increasingly important to be able to use staff in the most efficient way possible, getting them in and out as quickly as possible.

Learn more about how Griot is being used to make multifamily maintenance more efficient—a win-win for properties and the residents. Listen to the podcast episode, Technology to improve maintenance knowledge and efficiency.

Smart apartments come in different shapes and sizes, but the goal is an enhanced living experience through internet-connected products. Traditionally, this required a costly and confusing infrastructure, especially in retrofit properties. Homebase’s apartment solution simplifies all of this.  

Blake Miller, founder of Homebase, joined Robert Gaulden on the Solving for Multifamily podcast to discuss how a hubless approach to smart apartments can improve net operating income (NOI), apartment Wi-Fi and the company’s views on the future of multifamily living.  

Welcome to the "Solving for Multifamily Podcast," where residential meets commercial. Join host Paul Marks as he explores the top challenges faced by the multifamily industry, featuring insights from leading companies and thought leaders. Discover strategies for maximizing net operating income, improving renter acquisition, and staying ahead of emerging living trends and proptech solutions.

With over two decades of experience as a supplier partner and the creator of the acclaimed "Multifamily Matters" radio show, Paul brings unparalleled expertise and a Who’s Who of industry leaders to each episode. Stay informed and gain valuable insights with the "Solving for Multifamily Podcast."