Property Management Brainstorm - podcast cover

Property Management Brainstorm

Welcome to Property Management Brainstorm, the ultimate podcast for property managers, PropTech ventures, and real estate investors! Join industry expert Bob Preston as he brings you the latest trends, best practices, and invaluable guidance in the world of property management. Whether you're just starting or thriving in the business, Property Management Brainstorm is your go-to destination for all things property management. 

Bob is a nationally known figure in the USA property management industry with over 25 years of experience in building and growing property management companies while advising more than 28 property management locations and 12,000+ doors. He has been awarded three prestigious designations by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM): the RMP® (Residential Management Professional), MPM® (Master Property Manager), and the CRMC (Certified Residential Management Company). He served as President and board of directors of the California State Chapter (CALNARPM) for 2020-2023 and on the NARPM National Board of Directors as the Southwest Regional Vice President (2022). 

Episodes

Episode 84: Crush it During the Leasing Season Ft Barak Shamir

Host Bob Preston engages in a dynamic discussion with Barak Shamir of Showdigs, shedding light on the challenges property managers face during the leasing season. This conversation not only helps property managers prepare for the busy season but also offers a solution by showcasing how Showdigs can empower them to optimize their operations. Barak elaborates on the various aspects of leasing efficiency and how Showdigs can be a game-changer in streamlining their leasing process. Takeaways The lea...

Mar 27, 202444 min

Episode 83: Property Management Failures Ft Tiffany Rosenbaum

In this episode, renowned property management expert Tiffany Rosenbaum and seasoned host Bob Preston delve into property management failures and entrepreneurs' struggles. Drawing from their extensive experience, they underscore the importance of learning from failures and mistakes encountered in the journey of growing businesses. Takeaways Failures are part of the entrepreneurial journey. Self-doubt is common among entrepreneurs. Effective processes are crucial for success. Micromanagement ...

Mar 21, 202430 min

Episode 82: Preparing Your Property Management Co for Acquisition Ft Dylan McGrath

In this episode, host Bob Preston and guest Dylan McGrath discuss how to prepare a property management company for acquisition, what is involved in the process, and various valuation models. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to sell your business and what steps would be involved, this episode is a must-listen! Takeaways: Costs to engage a business broker Models for valuing a property management business Structuring of a property management business sale Due diligence and informatio...

Feb 06, 202457 min

Episode 81: Crush Your Biz Dev For Max Door Growth Ft Jeremy Pound

On this episode, host Bob Preston and guest Jeremy Pound discuss various aspects of business development and new client acquisition in the property management industry. The conversation also delves into the building blocks for creating a successful business development program and the characteristics of a good business development manager. Takeaways: Understanding the local market and competition Finding the right business development manager Motivating business development managers CRM Software...

Jan 18, 202459 min

Episode 80: Five Ways to Kickoff 2024 Ft Bob Preston

In this episode, Bob Preston shares his top five ways to kickoff 2024 for property management businesses. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, organizational checkups, accountability and goals, kickoff meetings, and budget trimming. These steps are crucial for setting the direction, aligning the team, and optimizing resources for a successful year ahead. Takeaways Create a strategic plan with a forecast and budget for the new year. Conduct an organizational checkup to assess the c...

Dec 28, 202313 min

Episode 79: Opportunities in Mid-market Multifamily Ft Bob Hansen

Bob Hansen, Principal at Second Nature, joins host Bob Preston to discuss the mid-market multifamily rental sector and its challenges and opportunities. He highlights the importance of attracting renters through amenities and value-added services. Bob also discusses the impact of economic factors on rental rates and the challenges tenants face in affording rent. He emphasizes the need for property managers to focus on the resident experience and leverage technology to meet the younger generation...

Dec 07, 202337 min

Episode 78: Optimizing PM Teams for Success Ft Pete Neubig

Pete Neubig is the co-founder and CEO of VPM Solutions – the first and only staffing solution platform targeted specifically toward property managers and real estate professionals. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is also an Ironman triathlete. Tune in as Pete shares his experiences and insights with host Bob Preston, discussing the types of tasks suitable for virtual assistants, the benefits of hiring remote talent, and the role of technology in streamlining operations. He al...

Nov 21, 202337 min

Episode 77: Hit for the Cycle Ft Bob Preston

Bob Preston is the founder and creator of Property Management Brainstorm. He goes solo in this episode to unpack the question of what makes Property Management Brainstorm different and explains his experience in "Hitting for the Cycle." Topics covered: (02:00) Bob explains why he is communicating his purpose in property management consulting (02:30) Why all the noise and FUD about consulting services? (03:30) Never disparage the competition (04:12) Why do we offer services that no one ...

Nov 07, 20239 min

Episode 76: Building an Online Presence Ft Stephen Fox

Stephen Fox is the co-founder and Vice President of Operations at Upkeep Media, the company that helps property management companies grow by implementing effective marketing strategies. He joins the show to unpack the importance of having a strong online presence in the competitive property management industry. From the initial interaction with potential clients to attracting property owners, Stephen and host Bob Preston will discuss valuable insights and strategies for building an effective onl...

Oct 11, 202343 min

Episode 75: My Property Management Journey Ft Travis Bohling

A handful of entrepreneurs in the property management industry have helped bootstrap and grow a property management company, sold the company, remained in a senior capacity with the acquisition company, and ultimately moved on to start yet another property management venture. One of those individuals is Travis Bohling of Phoenix, Arizona. He is the co-founder of the property management company Home Ladder. Tune in as host Bob Preston and Travis delve into the importance of saying no and choosing...

Oct 05, 202340 min

Episode 74: Reducing Property Churn Ft Lior Abramovich

Churn rate – or also known as attrition rate – is something we all try to avoid but it is a big problem for most property managers. Our guest today unpacks what he is doing to address this challenge. Lior Abramovich is Co-Founder and CEO at Blanket, a company helping property managers keep their doors open by building thriving relationships with their clients. Tune in as he and host Bob Preston unpack the many definitions of churn, understanding each client, why we need to invest more in relatio...

Sep 26, 20231 hr 1 minEp. 74

Episode 73: Building High-Performing Teams Ft Gwen Aspen

A high-performing team is more than just a group of talented individuals. It's a cohesive unit that collaborates, focuses on continual improvement, and works toward common objectives to achieve outstanding results. Building high-performing teams has never been more imperative in today's dynamic property management industry. Yet, it has also never been more challenging. On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, host Bob Preston is joined by Gwenn Aspen, co-founder and president...

Sep 20, 202346 min

Episode 72: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ft. AJ Shepard

Property Management Brainstorm host Bob Preston has met many property managers in the industry. Bob and AJ Shepard of Uptown Properties have known each other for the last few years, mainly from their involvement in the NARPM organization. AJ is also a real estate investor, active in real estate syndication, and owns a beer brewery. Bob and AJ discuss the buzzword Artificial Intelligence, AI for short, and how it can be utilized in property management companies to streamline operations and increa...

Aug 29, 202335 min

Episode 71: Property Management Systemization Ft. Paul Kankowski

If you've spent some years in the property management industry, you have become aware of the value of operational systems. A well-run business must systematize. Webster defines systemization as "arranging according to a definite plan or scheme." Everything property managers must keep streamlined: business development, owner onboarding, move-ins/outs, rent collection, evictions, etc. In this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob's guest is Paul Kankowski, a systems ex...

Aug 24, 202333 min

Episode 70: Lessons Learned in Property Management Ft. Amy Hanson

During his time in the property management industry, Bob Preston has met many property managers all over the USA. One of the most exciting stories he has heard is that of Amy Hanson, who has purchased a property management company, sold it, and started another in a different city. There are many lessons to learn from Amy, including how NARPM has helped shape her journey! In this podcast, Bob speaks with Amy Hanson about how she started in property management, the importance of the NARPM organiza...

Aug 16, 202331 min

Episode 69: Relaunch and New Positioning!

Hello brainstormers, it's an exciting day for Property Management Brainstorm! If you've been tuning into the podcast recently, I've alluded to a new direction and sense of purpose for Property Management Brainstorm. Well, the time is finally here! Moving forward, Property Management Brainstorm will be a property management consulting company AND a podcast dedicated to the property management industry. We will focus our consulting services on property managers and business owners l...

Aug 14, 20235 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Pest Control Ft. Tom Clements

We have plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm soon with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. Pest control is an absolute necessity when managing a portfolio of rental properties. Especially in Summer, bugs and pests will find a way to enter homes and show themselves to tenants. Bob Preston discusses a new appr...

Jul 14, 202331 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Property Maintenance Ft. Ray Hespen

We have plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm soon with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. A property manager's handling of rental property maintenance is vital to every management company in our industry. Bob Preston has a lively discussion and suggests that "maintenance shouldn't be so hard&...

May 19, 202331 min

PMB Classic Rewind: PM Systems and Process Ft. Jordan Muela

We have plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm soon with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. Several words may be used for our discussion today: process, systems, workflow, and action items might all be used in this context. Property managers have a long list of job activities that must be completed regularly ...

Mar 24, 202330 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Service Level Agreements Ft. Ethan Lieber

We have big plans coming soon to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose. Keep an eye out for that update in the form of a new podcast post. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) can be used effectively within property management companies to maintain the standard of customer satisfaction for tenants, property owners, and service providers. Bob Presto...

Jan 20, 202328 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Building a Solid PM Company Ft. Kellie Tollifson

We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. Bob Preston and Kellie Tollifson...

Nov 18, 202235 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Resident Benefits Package Ft. Andrew Smallwood

We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. One of the newest trends in the property management industry is the Resident Benefits Package. Our guest on this episode is Andrew Smallwood of Second Nature, the leading provider of RBP program implementation. Bob and Andrew discuss why air filters are essential fo...

Oct 21, 202229 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Tenant Turnover Process Ft. James Barrett

We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. The tenant turnover process can be a huge hassle when managing a rental portfolio. From listing and promoting the property to screening tenants, then signing the lease, it can sometimes take a village to manage the process at scale effectively. Bob Preston discusses...

Sep 16, 202239 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Broker Trust Account, Ft. Allison Disarro

We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. This episode is the OG, one of my very first, and you can tell as I was still perfecting my audio quality (ha-ha). But the content is still pertinent today, regarding Broker Trust account compliance, featuring Allison Disarro, at the time with Seacoast Commerce Bank...

Aug 19, 202230 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Best Practices for Mold Damage Ft. Jason Widmer

We have big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, coming in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. In this episode, Bob Preston addresses that four-letter word, MOLD, with his guest Jason Widmer. Best practices in the property management industry are critical for maintenance, and the most rapid response is required when there is water damage. Bob and Jason...

Jul 22, 202245 min

PMB Classic Rewind: Tackling Homelessness Ft. Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego

We have some big plans to relaunch Property Management Brainstorm, with a renewed definition and a sense of purpose, coming in August of 2023. In the meantime, we are producing some reruns of the best podcast episodes, called PMB Classic Rewind. In this episode, Bob Preston tackles the homelessness issue with Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego. A crisis is emerging in which many US citizens cannot afford housing and live in substandard conditions. As active participants in the property management i...

Jun 17, 202244 min

Episode 68: Achieving Efficiencies in Property Management

Can you imagine turning units without having to leave the office? In today’s episode, we find out how property management software can do just that. Joining Bob today is Kobi Bensimon, Founder of Showdigs – the only property management software with on-demand showing agents. It has completely disrupted the residential property management industry by providing a network of actively licensed real estate agents who are trained to handle showings, alongside an easy-to-use scheduling system for prosp...

May 05, 202253 minEp. 68

Episode 67: Is California in a Housing Crisis?

Is California in a housing crisis? This is a rhetorical question because the answer is an astounding YES! In California, an estimated 150,000 citizens have become homeless or live in shelters, while over 7 million Californians have been impacted by gentrification and are living in poverty. The median home price in California has eclipsed $800,000. Meanwhile, California remains one of the most difficult places in America to build affordable housing. At the CALNARPM Conference in Napa Valley, Apri...

Apr 28, 202256 min

Episode 66: Hiring Virtual Staff Members, Featuring Pete Neubig of VPM Solutions

In a property management company, recruiting and maintaining staff members who fit within the company culture is one of the biggest business challenges. Most of us in the post pandemic world are running hybrid if not fully remote work routines so there is no reason to be tied by geographic boundaries. On this episode of Property Management Brainstorm, Bob speaks with Pete Neubig, CEO at VPM Solutions, about finding and retaining talent in your property management company. VPM Solutions is an onl...

Mar 06, 202240 min

Five Minute Friday #66: Excite! This Year's CALNARPM Conference in Napa Valley, CA

On this episode of Five Minute Friday, Bob brings his excitement about the upcoming CALNARPM Conference, April 20th - 22nd, in Napa Valley, CA! This is a must attend property management conference, especially if you are a property manager or landlord practicing within the State of California. No kidding, it is the best state chapter conference every year and registration is only $295. Hurry and get registered now before it sells out! There will be an amazing slate of speakers, best networking yo...

Mar 04, 20225 min