Apartmenthacker Podcast

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Are you managing… or are you leading?In this episode of the Multifamily Collective, we explore one of Peter Drucker’s most powerful ideas:"Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things."Here’s the truth—great operators know how to execute.They tick boxes, follow routines, and keep the machine running. That’s management.But great leaders?They challenge the machine.They know when to question the system……and when to rewire it.Mike shares how real leadership is an art.It’s seeing the long arc—past, present, and future—and making decisions that pull your organization forward.Even when the path isn’t clear.Even when the data only gets you 40% of the way.If you’re leading in Multifamily, this episode is your reminder:Sometimes, the checklist isn’t enough.Sometimes, you have to trust your gut.Like this if you’ve ever felt that tension.Subscribe if you're committed to doing

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Ever wonder how vulnerable your multifamily business really is?In this episode of the Multifamily Collective, I share the concept of red teaming—a bold, eye-opening practice born in the cyber world but packed with power for every corner of your organization.I walk through how placing someone inside your team to think like a competitor or bad actor helps uncover weak spots in your systems, your leadership, your marketing—and yes, even your people strategy.This isn't theory. It’s practical, tactical leadership.I first experienced this through Vistage, surrounded by sharp minds from every industry—pest control to bakeries. And trust me, when nine people try to put your business out of business in real time, you learn fast what really matters.Here’s my challenge to you:Form a red team.Pressure test your vulnerabilities.And emerge sharper, smarter, and more secure.Like if you’re ready to think like a dis

In today’s episode of the Multifam Collective, Mike Brewer highlights Gary Gregory’s latest book, Super Fantastic Leadership: Daring to Be Not Normal – The Radical Formula to Become a Super Fantastic Leader. Mike shares why this book stands out among Gregory’s multiple offerings over the last few years.With a relatable, approachable, and actionable voice, Gary Gregory delivers strategies that you can apply almost immediately to your personal and professional life. Mike gives this book a solid 5-star rating and encourages every aspiring or current leader to check it out. A link to purchase the book on Amazon is included in the show notes for your convenience.

This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.You might assume the priciest hire in your multifamily organization is the one with the biggest paycheck. But you’d be wrong.In this episode of the Multifam Collective, Mike Brewer challenges the conventional wisdom about hiring. The truth? Your most expensive hire is the one you rush.It’s the one you bring on without vetting, training, or truly understanding. And nowhere is this more impactful than at the site level—where culture is carried, customer experience is delivered, and your brand either thrives or dies.Mike breaks down why logos on resumes don’t equal leadership. Why good character beats big-company training. Why critical thinking, agility, and sound judgment matter more today than ever before—especially in a world where AI is automating the easy stuff.This episode is a wake-up call for multifamily leaders who want to build sustainable culture and resilient teams

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Ever notice how the simplest words carry the most weight?In today’s episode of the Multifam Collective, I unpack a quote from Rudyard Kipling: "Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." That line hit me—and it got me thinking about the two most powerful words in the world of Multifamily leadership: please and thank you.These aren't just playground pleasantries. They’re foundational tools in shaping culture, creating community, and leading with authenticity.In a world driven by speed, automation, and PropTech innovation, we sometimes forget the human side of the equation. Ironically, the word please is one of the most expensive tokens in Large Language Models like OpenAI's GPT. And yet in real life, it's often the cheapest thing we forget to give.Let this be your reminder: in Multifamily, where relationships are the currency of success, manners matter more than

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Let’s shoot straight.Just because you can add a door-to-door trash service and collect a bit of rev share... doesn’t mean you should.In this episode, I’m sharing my unfiltered perspective on one of the most debated amenities in Multifamily: valet trash services. No supplier names mentioned — this isn't about calling folks out. It’s about calling attention to what matters.We unpack:Why labor variables make valet trash hard to manageHow inconsistent resident behavior turns into operational chaosThe hidden costs of managing vendor partners as extensions of your teamAnd the biggest truth of all: Perception is reality — especially when prospects see trash before they see the leasing office.If you're in Multifamily leadership or operations, this isn’t just about trash — it’s about standards, service quality, and your brand reputation.Like I always say — just because it’s other income doesn’t mean it’s

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.You and I both know this: change never sends a calendar invite.In this week’s episode, we unpack the Top 5 things shaping Multifamily right now — the moves you can't afford to ignore if you're serious about staying relevant in operations, PropTech, and leadership.First up — Wage Growth Outpacing Rent Growth for 31 straight months. Jay Parsons dropped a chart that tells a powerful story. Rent deceleration, meet moderate wage inflation. What does that mean for operators? I’ll tell you.Next — "Choose Your Own Adventure" Roadshows. I had a real-world moment with a supplier partner that sparked something fresh: the future of vendor-operator engagement might just be... options.Third — buckle up. The World Economic Forum says 76% of real estate labor could be automated by 2030. Too far-fetched? I don’t think so. The robots aren’t coming. They’re already here.Fourth — AI Mastery Requires Doing

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.It’s August.In multifamily, that means one thing—budget season.For some, that means sending out those long property manager questionnaires.For others, it’s feeding data into fancy SaaS tools like REBA Budget—or trusty old Excel.But here’s the truth—budget season isn’t just about the numbers.It’s about time.In this episode, I walk you through a simple but powerful exercise:Identify the top three things that are eating the lion’s share of your time (or your team’s time).Then, bake the solutions into your 2026 budget—whether that’s a digital leasing consultant, automation platform, or any tool that frees your people up to focus on what truly matters: real human connection and higher-value work.When you get that time back, you can reinvest it in areas that create exponential returns for your business.Start now. By the time 2026 rolls around, you’ll be running leaner, smarter, and stronger.If this sparked a

In today’s Five Things You Need to Know in Multifamily, we’re talking books, market shifts, and bold moves.I just finished (almost) Barry Diller’s Who Knew? — an incredible ride from humble beginnings to industry legend. If you’re in leadership, entrepreneurship, or just love a well-told story, this is worth your time.Next, a stat that caught my attention: short-term vacation rentals saw a 12% YoY spike in May while U.S. hotels grew just 2%. This “shadow market” is pulling on hotel performance — and similar competitive pressures are brewing in multifamily.Then, a BizNow headline hit me hard: Commercial real estate investors are done waiting for a rate cut. The ice is thawing. Deals are happening. If you can pencil them, even imperfectly, now might be the time to get in the game and show the market you’re serious.We also talk about immersive media in multifamily marketing. Virtual unit tours, drone shots, neighborhood views — all designed to spark emotion. Because we buy with our hearts, then justify with our

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Budget season is here.If you’re in the multifamily world, you know the drill—spreadsheets, forecasts, and those big budget meetings.But here’s the thing—most teams focus on dollars before concentrating on time.In this episode, I share one principle that has transformed how I approach budget season in every organization I’ve been part of. It starts with asking one question:What are the three things eating the lion’s share of your time?Once you know, you can target them with technology, process improvements, or wise investment.Consider this in leadership, operational excellence, and building a long-term sustainable business.Whether you’re a regional manager, corporate leader, or property-level operator, this approach can free up your time, amplify your impact, and give your team room to breathe.Watch now and rethink how you approach budget season.If this episode helped you, hit the like button, subscribe,

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Here are five stories and insights shaping the multifamily industry right now.1. Leadership Mindset:From Vistage—"Be thankful for problems. If they were less difficult, someone else with less ability would have your job." A reminder to embrace challenges as character-builders.2. 401(k) Expansion:President Trump signs an executive order directing agencies to allow private equity, real estate, and crypto investments inside 401(k) plans. If it survives regulatory hurdles, this could release a wave of capital into multifamily and commercial real estate.3. Distressed Assets:Fall Apartment Group in Dallas sends a major portfolio to special servicing—potentially signaling opportunities for discounted acquisitions.4. Major Portfolio Sale:Elm Communities sells 19 properties to Cortland and exits property management. Combined with other recent deals, this could mean the market’s “iceberg” is starting to

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.We’re watching the start of a major shift in PropTech.RealPage’s acquisition of Rexera signals a wave of mergers and acquisitions that could reshape the multifamily technology landscape. Over the past 3–4 years, PropTech startups have exploded—offering solutions to problems we didn’t even know we had. Now, the market is maturing. Consolidation is coming fast.In this episode, I share why this move validates the AI leasing space, how it compares to AppFolio’s early Dynasty acquisition, and why owning your data might be the real competitive advantage. I’ll also touch on the “arms race” in AI among major property management systems, and how operators can stitch together their own best-of-breed tech stacks—no walled gardens required.If you’re in multifamily leadership or curious about where PropTech is headed, this conversation will give you a front-row seat to the trends shaping 2025 and beyond.Like this vi

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Home prices are falling.John Burns Real Estate Consulting reports that new home construction is outpacing job creation. That shift is driving builders to slash prices and sweeten incentives to move inventory — especially in the Southeast, Southwest, West Coast, and select middle markets.Here’s where it gets interesting for multifamily operators.If these incentives collide with a possible rate cut, we could see first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and even investors re-enter the market in force. That could mean apartment residents giving notice in the fall to buy homes before the holidays.I share why this trend matters, how it could signal a wave of change in multifamily occupancy, and what hyper-local data might tell us before the national numbers catch up.If you’re in the multifamily space, this is a development you don’t want to ignore.Like, subscribe, and join the conversation.For more engaging content

This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.Have you ever stood at the edge of the ocean—or atop a mountain—and just felt awe?Then why don’t we feel that same awe when we look at our own lives?In this episode, Mike Brewer invites us to pause. To reflect. And to marvel—not at nature’s majesty, but at the unrealized potential in our daily routines. We waste time. We sleepwalk through life. But we don’t have to.Here’s what this message will stir in you:The quiet danger of living unintentionallyHow awe isn’t just for landscapes—it belongs in your habitsWhy routines aren’t bad—but aimlessness isWhat it means to be a beneficial presence in the worldThis episode isn’t about property management. It’s about soul management.

This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.New studio. New city. Same mission.In this episode, Mike Brewer shares a personal story of moving—and uses it as a launchpad to unpack one of the most powerful tools we all have: choice.Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, this message goes beyond multifamily operations and straight to the heart of leadership, character, and how we navigate adversity.Here’s what you’ll walk away with:Why the space between stimulus and response is where your power livesHow free will and responsibility intersect in both personal and professional contextsWhy every outcome is shaped by how you choose to respondA timely reminder for multifamily leaders: circumstances don't define you—your response does

This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.Looking for a silver bullet to boost NOI?It’s not PropTech.It’s not bonuses.It’s not commissions.In this episode, Mike Brewer shares the real secret behind lasting operational success: habits, disciplines, and routines. That’s it. Boring? Maybe. Effective? Without a doubt.Here’s what you’ll take away:Why the most profitable properties are boring on purposeHow lazy leadership kills value with short-term bribesWhat it means to codify and measure habitsWhy “throwing money at problems” undermines your team and your NOIHow to reward performance the right way—through thoughtful, intentional systemsIf you’re in this business to create value—not chaos—this one’s for you.

This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.Looking for a silver bullet to boost NOI?It’s not PropTech.It’s not bonuses.It’s not commissions.In this episode, Mike Brewer shares the real secret behind lasting operational success: habits, disciplines, and routines. That’s it. Boring? Maybe. Effective? Without a doubt.Here’s what you’ll take away:Why the most profitable properties are boring on purposeHow lazy leadership kills value with short-term bribesWhat it means to codify and measure habitsWhy “throwing money at problems” undermines your team and your NOIHow to reward performance the right way—through thoughtful, intentional systemsIf you’re in this business to create value—not chaos—this one’s for you.

This episode is brought to you by [https://www.ElevateOS.com](https://www.elevateos.com/) —the only all-in-one community operating system.If you’re serious about the future of leasing, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss.Mike Brewer sits down with Jacob Carter, founder and CEO of NurtureBoss—a PropTech innovator shaking up the way we think about lead engagement and resident retention in multifamily.With deep roots in software engineering and a sharp eye for scalable solutions, Jacob brings technical chops and visionary thinking to the forefront. Together, we explore:The role of AI in multifamily today and tomorrowHow automation is improving the leasing experience—for teams and residentsJacob’s founder journey and leadership insightsWhat’s next in PropTech and where smart money is goingThis is more than a buzzword breakdown. It’s a peek behind the curtain of one of the fastest-evolving corners of our industry.

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.The Multifamily landscape is moving fast—and today’s headlines prove it.In this August 4 edition, Mike Brewer breaks down the top five industry shifts you need to understand right now. Whether you’re operating on the ground or sitting in the C-suite, these trends are reshaping the way we lease, build, and invest.Here’s what’s making waves:Micro Units Surge – Seattle and Denver see 15% higher yields on small footprints. Could this be the return of density economics?Blockchain-Based Leasing – RealPage says 20% cost cuts are here for the taking. Smart operators are already diving in.Labor Costs Spike – CBRE highlights a 7% jump that’s slowing construction and squeezing supply. Less build means tighter rent dynamics.Phoenix’s C-Class Comeback – Yardi Matrix notes a 25% surge in C-class pricing. Price discovery is back—and favoring sellers.Miami’s Luxury Market Wobbles – NMHC warns of spiking vacancies (15%+

This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Here’s a question we don’t ask often enough:What do you want from life?Not cars. Not bags. Not titles.We’re talking about character.In today’s heartfelt episode, Mike Brewer challenges professionals—especially those in the multifamily space—to pause and reflect on what truly matters. This isn’t about hustle culture or your next acquisition. It’s about the internal compass guiding your leadership, relationships, and purpose.We explore:Why intentional reflection trumps reactionHow integrity and resourcefulness shape your professional identityThe danger of letting the world define your valuesWhy deciding what you want changes everythingThe quiet power of focused thought and intentionIf you’re in property management, investment, or any corner of the business world, this message is for you. Because the buildings we manage matter—but the people we become matter more.