Beyond the Work: Tales in Multifamily Maintenance

In this episode, host Chris https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caramanica-3b287666/ , and industry expert and Chadwell Supply University Director, Nichole Curl https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-curl-7b154638/ , share insights on the importance of evolving maintenance training, understanding the why behind the training, and navigating the rapid changes in HVAC technology and regulation. If you&#39...

In this episode, Cliff Kornegay https://www.linkedin.com/in/nspirecliffkornegayquadel/ , a key architect of the NSPIRE standards and former HUD expert, shares insights into the development, application, and future of property inspection standards in affordable housing. Cliff discusses the evolution from UPCS to NSPIRE, the importance of focusing on units, and how data and AI are transforming prope...

In this episode, Chris Caramanica interviews Lex Vance lex.vance79@gmail.com , the creator of Dirty Maintenance Nation, who shares his journey from a broke musician to a maintenance technician and content creator. Lex discusses the inception of his YouTube channel and Facebook group, which aim to provide training and support for maintenance professionals. He highlights the importance of community,...

In this conversation, James Duffy of Towne Properties https://www.linkedin.com/company/towne-properties/posts/?feedView=all emphasizes the importance of troubleshooting and understanding failure points in technical work. He advocates for a methodical approach to problem-solving, encouraging individuals to analyze issues deeply rather than simply replacing parts. This approach not only enhances tec...

In this episode, Chris Caramanica interviews Corey Gregory, linkedin.com/in/corey-gregory-39a094395 a maintenance supervisor with over 20 years of experience in the multifamily industry. Corey shares his journey from starting as a grounds technician to becoming a supervisor, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, employee benefits, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for professional growth....

In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica interviews Wendell Mollenido, the Vice President of Marketing and Technology at The REMM Group. They discuss Wendell's journey into the multifamily maintenance industry, the challenges of adapting to new laws in California, and the importance of technology in streamlining maintenance processes. The conversation highlights the role of PropTec...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica interviews Khalil Muhammad, a project manager at Elevate Commercial, who shares his journey into the multifamily maintenance industry. Khalil discusses his early experiences in trades, his transition into real estate investment, and the importance of education and advocacy in the maintenance profession. He emphasizes the need for community...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica and Dani Black discuss the multifamily maintenance industry, focusing on the challenges of communication between suppliers and operators. They explore the importance of building relationships, understanding the roles of deciders and gatekeepers, and the need for suppliers to conduct thorough research to effectively engage with potential clients....

In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica interviews Kelsi Cory, CEO of Core Executive Recruiting, discussing the evolving landscape of maintenance roles in real estate, the importance of trades, and the universal qualities needed for career advancement. They explore the significance of networking, the role of introverts in leadership, and the concept of controlling one's narrative...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica interviews Jason Simpson, a general contractor and owner of 180 Maintenance Solutions. Jason shares his journey from the oil industry to the multifamily maintenance sector, discussing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of financial responsibility, and his commitment to training and mentoring others in the industr...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica interviews David Holland, a multifamily expert who transitioned from property management to the supplier side with Belfort Property Restoration. They discuss the importance of relationships in the industry, the challenges of cold calling, and how to leverage supplier partnerships effectively. David shares insights on disaster planning, real-life...

What does it take to turn challenges into opportunities and passion into purpose? In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Cee Brown, a maintenance supervisor whose story is as inspiring as it is powerful. From playing college basketball to becoming the second-ever NAA HD Supply Maintenance Legend winner, Cee has embraced every stage of his journey with grit, positi...

What does it take to grow from a receptionist to a vice president in the multifamily industry? In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Marci French https://www.linkedin.com/in/marci-french/ , a veteran with more than three decades of experience, to unpack her inspiring career journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From her early days in the industry t...

What does it take to lead maintenance operations in a constantly evolving industry? In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Steve Donoghue, https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-donoghue-910a8666/ Director of Maintenance at Makor Management, https://makorcapital.com/to explore the layers of leadership, regulation, and innovation shaping the future of multifamily housin...

What happens when an engineer sees an opportunity beyond the blueprint? In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica sits down with Ray Hespen, https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayhespen/ co-founder and CEO of Property Meld. Ray shares his unconventional path from mining engineering to multifamily maintenance, and how a fresh perspective helped reshape the way we think about property operations...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica sits down with Tami Fossum https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamifossum/ , Vice President of Operations at RPM Living, for a meaningful conversation about what’s really needed to equip today’s multifamily maintenance teams. With over three decades in the industry, Tami offers a clear-eyed perspective on the differences between conventional and afforda...

What truly drives career growth in the multifamily maintenance industry? In this insightful episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica sits down with Berry Craven to unpack the lessons from Berry’s career—from his early days in maintenance to becoming a passionate advocate for training, teamwork, and giving back. Berry shares how the right attitude, paired with initiative, has shaped his profess...

What does it take to shift perspectives in an industry where maintenance is often overlooked and career paths are unclear? In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica speaks with Tammy Longo https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-longo-8b31b67/ , whose career journey from property manager to supplier has given her a unique view of the property management industry. Tammy opens up about the impo...

How can professionals thrive in an industry that thrives on connections—even if networking doesn’t come naturally? In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica sits down with Tara Samuels to unpack her inspiring journey in the multifamily industry. Tara shares how mentorship shaped her career and why building genuine connections—especially for introverts—is more attainable than it seems. T...

What happens when you blend leadership, authenticity, and heart in property management? In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica sits down with industry leader Kim Hurd, whose career journey is as inspiring as it is relatable. From her early days as a leasing consultant to spearheading initiatives that foster real connection, Kim brings a refreshing take on leadership rooted in experie...

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica reunites with Katie Ritter and Jake Hughes from Widewail to explore the latest insights from the 2025 Voice of the Resident report. Drawing from over a million resident reviews, they uncover the critical factors influencing resident satisfaction and retention in the multifamily housing industry. The discussion delves into the piv...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica sits down with Jesse Best, Regional Maintenance Supervisor at J&G Companies and a standout figure in the multifamily maintenance industry. Jesse's journey from a maintenance technician to being honored as the Indiana Apartment Association’s 2024 Maintenance Technician of the Year and a 2025 "20 on the Rise" recipient by th...

In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica welcomes Kenny Choat https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-choat-5645b1a2/ , Director of Maintenance at Thompson Thrift https://www.thompsonthrift.com/ , to share his compelling journey from military service to a leadership role in multifamily maintenance. Kenny's story is a testament to how discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to m...

What does it really take to build a lasting career in property management—and keep great people along the way? In this episode, Mark Sharp https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sharp-camt-18b468182/ and Chris Caramanica unpack their biggest takeaways from RPM Careers Week and the Advocate Conference. From career mapping and employment retention to mental health and affordable housing advocacy, they cov...

How does advocacy shape the future of the multifamily housing industry? In this episode, Chris Caramanica and Mark Sharp take us inside their experience at the NAA's Advocate Conference in Washington, DC. They discuss why advocacy matters, how networking strengthens the industry, and what independent rental owners need to know about legislation that affects their business. Beyond the conferenc...