Maintenance Mindset

Which is a higher priority for your community? an Inspection, or a Work order. It's possible that by prioritizing the incorrect one, we are incentivizing the wrong thing. Here's some thoughts and ideas for a path forward. In this conversation, Paul Rhodes discusses the challenges faced by maintenance technicians in managing multiple mobile apps and the debate between the importance of insp...

A Maintenance Mindset looks for inspiration from what can sometimes be unconventional sources. This time, Paul reviews lessons gleaned from watching "The Repair Shop". A show from BBC which is now a channel on Youtube. If we look for ideas and solutions in unconventional places, we just might come away with different ways of approaching repairs. 🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNet...

In this conversation, Paul Rhodes speaks with Matt Baird, the CTO of AppFolio, about the integration of technology in property management, the importance of user experience, and the role of AI in maintenance. They discuss the future of property management with RealmX, focusing on proactive maintenance and the human element in technology. Matt emphasizes the need for grit and hard work in overcomin...

Paul throws up the "crisis" flag on the increasing number of vacant positions found on Multifamily Maintenance teams. Data points such as 41% of construction workers retiring in 5 yeas and "for every 5 skilled tradespersons retiring, 2 take their place" are concerning to the point of crisis when we look at demand projections based upon population growth. In this episode, Paul o...

In this episode of the Maintenance Mindset Minute, Paul Rhodes emphasizes the importance of effective time management for maintenance teams in apartment communities. He outlines a structured approach to preparing for the upcoming week by dedicating the last 30 minutes of each workday to gather necessary information and organize tasks. This method not only enhances productivity but also ensures tha...

Paul Rhodes expands the time management concept discussed in the 1/3/2026 episode of Maintenance Mindset. The idea is to set aside time the last 30 minutes of each day to plan for the next.

Paul Rhodes expands the time management concept discussed in the 1/3/2026 episode of Maintenance Mindset. The idea is to set aside time the last 30 minutes of each day to plan for the next.

Paul Rhodes expands the time management concept discussed in the 1/3/2026 episode of Maintenance Mindset. The idea is to set aside time the last 30 minutes of each day to plan for the next.

Paul Rhodes expands the time management concept discussed in the 1/3/2026 episode of Maintenance Mindset. The idea is to set aside time the last 30 minutes of each day to plan for the next.

Paul Rhodes expands the time management concept discussed in the 1/3/2026 episode of Maintenance Mindset. The idea is to set aside time the last 30 minutes of each day to plan for the next.

Paul Rhodes expands the time management concept discussed in the 1/3/2026 episode of Maintenance Mindset.

If you were asked on Sunday afternoon what your feelings are for tomorrow, what would your answer be? Paul takes this question and turns into a repeatable strategy for each day of the week. In this conversation, Paul Rhodes emphasizes the significance of proactive planning to enhance productivity and reduce feelings of dread associated with tasks. He advocates for taking action today to save time...

In this episode, Paul demonstrates the importance of looking back strategically by identifying lessons, providing meaning to what they indicate and even point to how that can be a springboard to the new year. 00:00 Reflecting on the Past Year 06:10 Embracing Technology for Reflection 10:55 Celebrating Achievements and New Experiences 14:59 Understanding the Maintenance Mindset 19:13 Personal Growt...

Summarizing how Curiosity can lead to mastering any role in multifamily, Paul provides further examples with a couple of stories and revisits one of the quotes from the first episode in this series. He discusses the concept of mastering maintenance through repetition, leading to a state of 'boring' predictability, which is essential for effective property management. Rhodes encourages list...

In this conversation, Paul Rhodes discusses the latest findings from Gallup's 2025 survey on employee engagement, highlighting the ongoing decline in engagement levels since 2020 and the implications of trends like quiet quitting. He emphasizes the need for curiosity and innovative thinking to address future challenges in the workplace. Expanding on the curiosity idea from the previous episode...

Being curious is a great way to provide Maintenance as well as play other roles. Two quotes bookend that premise and provides two frames with which the concept may be viewed. In this conversation, Paul Rhodes discusses the importance of embracing awe and wonder in our daily lives and work, particularly in community management. He emphasizes the need for curiosity and adaptability beyond traditiona...

In this conversation, Paul Rhodes discusses the concept of efficiency in maintenance operations, emphasizing the balance between the quantity of work and the energy expended. He explores practical strategies for optimizing on-site maintenance, including effective parts management, setting clear expectations for service requests, and innovative approaches to enhance repair speed. Rhodes also highli...

In this conversation, Paul Rhodes discusses the concept of efficiency in property management, particularly focusing on how to improve operations and reduce vacancy days. He emphasizes the need for clear definitions and actionable strategies to achieve efficiency, exploring various innovative ideas to enhance apartment readiness and overall management effectiveness. - Efficiency is a vague term tha...

In this conversation, Paul Rhodes shares an unexpected encounter with a young salesman who attempted to provide a siding proposal for his home. The interaction highlights the tension between personal service and the increasing reliance on technology in customer interactions. Rhodes reflects on the implications of technology in the multifamily industry, questioning whether it enhances or hinders th...

Budgeting season isn’t just about crunching numbers—it’s about shaping the future of your property and your team. In the apartment industry, budgeting is often treated as a behind-the-scenes task, but Paul Rhodes reminds us that it’s much more than that. It’s an opportunity to build stronger communication, set realistic expectations, and plan for long-term success. In this episode, Paul dives into...

Summer may be fading, but your swimming pool’s impact on resident satisfaction isn’t. Even as usage slows after Labor Day, the pool remains one of the most visible amenities in your community—and its condition speaks volumes about your property’s care and value. Closing it out properly now not only protects your investment through the winter but also ensures a smooth, stress-free opening come spri...

As the temperatures begin to dip, it’s tempting to think the hardest work of summer is behind us. But for property maintenance teams, the end of summer marks a critical opportunity: wrapping up HVAC operations in a way that sets the stage for smoother performance next year. Ignoring this step can lead to costly surprises when the heat returns—or when regulatory changes around refrigerants catch yo...

When residents think about their apartment community, it’s not always the leasing office or the model unit that comes to mind—it’s the everyday spaces they interact with. From trash and recycling areas to community amenities, these touchpoints quietly shape the resident experience. In this episode, host Paul Rhodes dives into why paying attention to these daily-use spaces can make or break communi...

Join Paul Rhodes in this Maintenance Mindset episode as he shares practical tips for perfecting wall repairs. Discover the secrets to achieving a smooth finish with minimal effort. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned pro, Paul's insights will transform your approach to home maintenance. Preparations are more important to painting than applying the paint, and Paul shares a couple...

Join Paul Rhodes in this insightful episode of the "Maintenance Mindset Minute" as he delves into the often-overlooked art of preparation. Discover why the secret to a successful painting project lies not in the brush strokes, but in the groundwork laid before the first drop of paint hits the wall. Paul shares his personal journey of transforming his studio, offering practical tips and a...