Multifamily Collective Podcast

Think you're helping your team by making their lives easier? You might be doing more harm than good. Let’s explore why. In this episode, we’re tackling a common misconception in leadership: the idea that making life easy for your team members is a virtue. While the intent might come from a good place, constantly stepping in to handle your team’s responsibilities—payroll, POS tasks, or even tough c...

In this episode of the Multifamily Collective, we tackle a question that property management leaders must confront: Are you hiring to address today's challenges, or are you building for the future? The temptation to rush-fill open roles is real. But let’s pause. The infrastructure you have today might address your current portfolio—say 5,000 units—but what happens when you hit 7,000? Or 8,000? Are...

Feeling the pressure to fill an open role quickly? Think twice—a quick hire often leads to a quick fire. In this episode, Mike Brewer dives into one of the most common pitfalls in multifamily leadership: rushing to fill open roles. While the immediate pressure to avoid disruptions can be intense, a hasty decision often leads to bigger problems later. *Why rushing to hire is a costly mistake. *The...

Crises don’t wait for convenience. They strike when you least expect it. Are you and your multifamily team genuinely ready for the when not if? In today’s episode, we unpack the power of crisis preparedness in the multifamily industry. Drawing inspiration from the film Crimson Tide, Mike Brewer explores why waiting for a crisis to unfold is not a strategy—it's a liability. From flooded elevators t...

*Thanksgiving Reflections: Gratitude and Growth in Multifamily and Beyond" As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to reflect on the past year and look ahead with gratitude and hope. Mike Brewer shares heartfelt reflections on gratitude, family, and personal growth in 2024 in this special holiday edition of the Multifamily Collective. From embracing challenges to stepp...

What if training your multifamily team could feel more like a game and less like a grind? Let’s talk about how simulations can revolutionize your approach to asset management. In this episode of The Multifamily Collective, we explore how simulation technology is set to redefine training in multifamily real estate. Imagine taking your organization's decades of curated asset management data and tran...

Did you know solar energy can do more than just cut utility bills? It can assist resident retention, boost NOI, and even ease the strain on the grid! Let's discuss this with Mel Bergsneider from Allume Energy. In this episode of The Multifamily Collective, Mike and Mel discuss the use of solar energy in multifamily housing. Solar energy is impacting the real estate landscape—and it’s more accessib...

In this episode of the Multifamily Collective, Mike explores the meaning and significance of four essential leadership qualities: teaching, training, coaching, and mentoring. Although these terms may appear interchangeable, each serves a distinct purpose ineffective leadership and personal development. **Teaching: The process of imparting knowledge from one individual to another. **Training: The p...

Frontline leaders are the face of your business, directly engaging with your consumer base. Senior leadership's role is to empower these individuals with the tools, training, and confidence needed to excel. Investing in frontline leaders leads to a ripple effect of success for residents, investors, and the entire organization. Growing leaders at work helps them thrive as individuals outside of wor...

In this episode, Mike addresses the essential question: Are you chasing speed or strength in your business and personal life? Drawing inspiration from basketball legends Kobe Bryant and Chris Bosh and investor Warren Buffett, Mike emphasizes the value of perseverance, long-term growth, and creating sustainable success. The Oak Tree Analogy: Strength is built over time with a sturdy foundation, muc...

In this episode, Mike shares a thought-provoking message on the importance of focusing your energy on what truly serves you. Whether it's relationships, work, or habits, giving your best to what’s best for you can lead to growth and success. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on their influences and evict negativity as they prepare for 2025. Evaluate the influences in your life—are they helping...

Today’s episode is fueled by a coffee worth talking about—Boss Blend from Community Boss, courtesy of our friend Evan Happel. Evan, who runs the Boss Talks podcast, knows his way around good conversation and, as it turns out, great coffee. Boss Blend is a medium-roasted coffee sourced from Indonesia, Central, and South America and roasted in the picturesque Pacific Northwest by Dave Stewart of Sno...

Since ChatGPT’s debut in late 2022, AI has rapidly shifted from reactive to predictive. What started as a simple question-answer tool now adapts to individual needs and preferences, learning context and intent with every interaction. Imagine this: You file a notice to vacate your apartment. Your AI agent, already familiar with your lifestyle, begins coordinating with other AI systems to recommend...

-“From building startups to redefining real estate with data, Marc Rutzen is proving there’s a better way to approach multifamily and property tech. Are you ready to see what’s possible?” In this episode, Mike Brewer sits down with Marc Rutzen, co-founder of HelloData.ai, to explore the groundbreaking intersection of real estate technology and data automation. From bootstrapping startups to levera...

"Everyone loves the idea of change—until it means changing themselves." Ready to tackle resistance to change and lead your team to success? Mike breaks it down in this game-changing episode. Using a simple analogy of two lines—one for "People Who Want Change" and another for "People Who Like Change"—Mike explores why most people avoid change when it demands personal growth. This episode is a must-...

In this episode of The Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer shares unique insight about capturing attention in a world full of noise. Inspired by a meeting where low volume forced participants to listen more intently, Mike explores how removing distractions and reducing volume—both literally and metaphorically—can sharpen focus and drive deeper engagement. From company practices like Benson Media's...

In this episode of The Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer talks about the future of training in the multifamily industry. Drawing inspiration from game-changing technologies like Lisa, the first automated leasing assistant, Mike explores how AI-driven workflows revolutionize onboarding, ongoing training, and support. No more lengthy Zoom calls, outdated SOPs, or manual integrations—training is no...

In this episode of The Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer explores a common problem: you attend an inspiring conference and leave with game-changing ideas, but something needs to be implemented. Why does this happen? The need for a process to turn those ideas into actionable strategies. Mike shares how to build a post-conference system that ensures every idea is captured, vetted, and implemented...

In this episode of The Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer shares a powerful message: Don’t compete with people who are obsessed—become that person. Inspired by conversations with industry pros like Paul Rhodes and Chris Caramanica, Mike reflects on mastering your craft and building an unstoppable work ethic. Like the legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, true champions are relentless, putting i...

In this episode of Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer explores an emerging trend revolutionizing the real estate investment world: tokenized real estate. Using recent examples like the Trade Estate Group’s Ascend Aventura community in Miami, Mike explains how tokenization allows anyone—from seasoned investors to beginners—to own small high-value assets. Thanks to blockchain platforms like Solana,...

In this episode of Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer dives into a thought-provoking post by Brendan Wallace, CEO of Fifth Wall, on how Starbucks lost its way in the customer experience (CX) space. As a longtime Starbucks fan, Mike shares firsthand observations on how the coffee giant's customer experience fell short—from dirty stores to impersonal service—and how similar issues are showing up in...

In this thought-provoking episode, Mike Brewer reflects on the true impact of constant travel for work and its effect on family, relationships, and personal well-being. Today on Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer dives into a topic often glamorized but rarely questioned: the relentless travel schedules that so many in the multifamily industry take on. Inspired by a story from LinkedIn and a perso...

In this heartfelt episode, Mike Brewer shares a personal story of courage and compassion as his wife, Stephanie, volunteers in hurricane-stricken North Carolina. Hear how service can be the ultimate form of gratitude. In today’s Multifamily Collective episode, Mike Brewer opens up about his wife, Stephanie, and her selfless work in North Carolina, providing hurricane relief to those devastated by...

Ever thought, "I needed to hear this today"? In this episode of Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer reflects on the value of listening to differing perspectives, even those that challenge our beliefs. Inspired by the phrase, “I needed to hear this today,” Mike discusses how opening ourselves to alternate viewpoints can improve our understanding of the world and strengthen our relationships. We gro...

Feeling overwhelmed by endless notifications and competing priorities? Discover how Peter Drucker's timeless principles can help you focus on what really matters. In this episode of Multifamily Collective, Mike Brewer dives into the art of picking priorities in today’s noisy, distraction-filled world. From Peter Drucker’s timeless wisdom, Mike shares four powerful tips to help leaders and managers...