Or Bokobza, a visionary in the prop-tech space, joined us to discuss the exciting developments at VENN, including their recent collaboration with Bozzuto on the My Bozzuto platform. This all-in-one platform aims to revolutionize the resident experience by automating and simplifying every aspect of living in a community.

Evan and Or delved into the innovative My Bozzuto initiative, which promises to bring "Apple Magic" to multifamily living. My Bozzuto combines operational efficiency with exceptional resident experience, covering everything from apartment sales to automated resident touchpoints, effectively transforming buildings into autonomous entities.

The conversation took a personal turn as Or Bokobza shared his Israeli roots and how Tel Aviv's vibrant tech scene inspires innovation. From bustling streets filled with young innovators to a strong sense of community, Tel Aviv's unique atmosphere fosters groundbreaking ideas and startups. Or recommended reading "Start-Up Nation" for those interested in understanding Israel's innovative culture.

Or painted a vivid picture of Tel Aviv's essence, describing it as a bustling city with a small-town feel, where community and support flourish. He noted the density of the city parallels that of New York, making transportation and parking a challenge, much like many metropolitan areas.

Or discussed the significant impact of mandatory military service on Israeli culture. This experience fosters camaraderie, innovation, and a sense of mutual responsibility, which he believes is integral to Israel's success as a tech hub. The shared experiences in the military create strong bonds that often translate into successful business ventures.

Or shared VENN's journey, from humble beginnings to creating a technology-driven operating system that enhances resident experiences. The company has successfully launched My Bozzuto, marking a significant milestone in their mission to digitize and elevate the multifamily industry.

The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and building an open API ecosystem within the industry. Or emphasized the need for vendor collaboration to create seamless tech solutions, making My Bozzuto an integral part of Bozzuto's digital transformation strategy.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:14 Introducing Or Bokobza and My Bozzuto

01:37 The Magic of My Bozzuto

03:38 Tech Innovation from Israel

05:26 Life in Tel Aviv

07:34 The Multifamily Industry in Israel

08:48 Music and Personal Interests

10:12 Coffee Preferences

11:30 Military Service and Israeli Culture

20:27 The Spirit of Innovation at VENN

22:10 Military Service and Early Career

22:21 Real Estate Ventures and Hospitality

22:33 Building a Community-Focused Brand

22:46 Life in a Small Town

23:46 Transforming a Tel Aviv Neighborhood

25:29 Developing a New Operating System

26:28 Challenges and Achievements

27:42 Launching in Kansas City

28:19 Vision for the Future

29:57 Partnerships and Industry Insights

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:12 Introducing Twynate Boyd

01:43 Twynate's Experience at Apartmentalize

02:18 The Importance of Authenticity

03:08 Community Boss and Its Impact

05:14 Funny Parking Stories

07:32 Music and Motivation

09:04 Caffeinated Beverage of Choice

10:31 Soft Girl Era and Personal Growth

13:06 Journey in Property Management

25:47 Community Support and Care Initiatives

26:38 Personal Journey into Property Management

26:53 Leadership and Merging with Apartment Life

27:29 Balancing Introversion with People-Facing Roles

28:25 Innovative Ideas for Resident Engagement

32:12 Challenges and Adaptations in Property Management

34:44 Trade Show Experiences and Industry Connections

37:27 The Importance of Genuine Care in Management

42:29 Faith and Personal Motivation

48:45 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

In this episode, we sit down with Twynate Boyd, a senior community manager at Hilltop Residential in Atlanta, Georgia. Join us as we dive into her inspiring journey in property management and learn why she embodies the spirit of a true boss.

Twynate Boyd, based in Atlanta, Georgia, with Hilltop Residential, is no ordinary community manager; she has a unique flair for bringing love and care to the property management industry. She has a passion for fostering community-driven initiatives and her dedication to integrating her faith into her professional life.

Twynate shared her transformational experience attending her first Apartmentalize. Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, she described how both the company, Community Boss, and everyone involved made her feel part of a genuine, welcoming community. At the trade show, she expressed how her transition from initially being apprehensive to absolutely enjoying the experience was a testament to how true connection can thrive under the right conditions.

Central to Twynate's management style is her unwavering commitment to building genuine relationships within her community. With Apartment Life teams, she orchestrates regular events, from paint-and-sip evenings to movie nights on the rooftop. These activities foster a sense of belonging, enabling residents to connect and form meaningful ties right where they live.

She recounts memorable experiences where even in challenging situations, the systems and networks she helped cultivate allowed her to provide superhero-level care to her residents, often resolving issues swiftly with a personal touch. Which is why she is the first "AmBOSSador", an enthusiastic user of PARKING BOSS.

On top of her impressive professional achievements, Twynate embraces personal growth through balance and self-care. She shares her musical tastes, from Atlanta's Lil Jon hype music to softer tunes from artists like Yeba, all curated to fit different facets of her life. Her journey into what she calls "the soft girl era" reflects her transition into a more balanced approach to leadership and life.

Twynate's faith remains a steadfast source of strength and motivation. It acts as a grounding force amid the numerous challenges of community management. Whether she's recharging with gratitude, tackling the complexities of property management, or simply enduring a resident's difficult day, her spirituality helps her maintain perspective and extend compassion to others.

As Twynate reflects on her career, she highlights the impact of working with a supportive company like Hilltop Residential, where individuality is celebrated, and community care is prioritized. She sees no achievable end to where her passions could take her, constantly pushing the industry to new heights.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In a world where career progression often equates to self-worth, understanding and embracing the journey that leads to personal and professional growth becomes paramount. During episode 106 of Boss Talks, our host Evan Happel sat down with multifamily industry expert, author, and speaker Gary Gregory to explore the multifaceted aspects of career development, overcoming setbacks, and the value of pre-deciding who we strive to be. Here are some key insights from our engaging conversation.

Gary Gregory's story is one of synchronicity and the impact of human connections. He began his journey in the multifamily and student housing sectors, eventually finding his way into writing books. The pivotal moment that launched his writing career came from a spontaneous interaction with an admired speaker. This connection, made through LinkedIn, emphasized the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of stepping out of your comfort zone. Gregory's experience demonstrates that sometimes a simple conversation can be the springboard to achieving unimagined dreams.

Gary shared his personal story of being demoted, a career event he describes as both humbling and invaluable. His initial fear and embarrassment turned into gratitude, as he realized that this setback allowed him to realign with his true career path. He credits his supervisor for recognizing that a demotion was the best course of action for his growth. This experience taught him that sometimes the most significant lessons come from difficult situations, and leaders should have courage to hold these tough conversations for the betterment of their team's career trajectory.

One of Gary's core messages is about the significance of defining "who" you want to become rather than just "what" you want to achieve. He encourages individuals to focus on personal principles, core values, and self-awareness. By understanding who you are and who you want to be, you add value to any role you undertake, making your impact larger than the job description itself. It's about being intentional with your growth and ensuring your identity and purpose aren't solely tied to your professional title.

A crucial part of personal and professional development is seeking out feedback—even when it’s unsolicited. Gary advises building a network of mentors and peers who can provide honest, constructive feedback. He stresses the importance of accepting this input with an open mind and acting on it. By being aware and responsive to feedback, you actively contribute to your growth and avoid repeating past mistakes.

In line with striving for continuous improvement, Gary reminds us that taking risks is part of the journey. By stepping out of your comfort zone and trying different things, you not only learn from your own mistakes but also benefit from others' experiences. It's crucial to stay curious and open to new experiences.

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews Angela Flick, founder of Why Not Strategic Concepts, who shares her extensive 20-year experience in the multifamily industry. Angela discusses her career trajectory, transitioning from marketing roles in commercial property management to founding her consultancy dedicated to improving the industry. The discussion covers the challenges and solutions related to managing the PropTech stack in multifamily housing, emphasizing the need for dedicated tech management roles and better organizational structures to support technology implementation and operation. Angela also provides insights into what questions operators should ask their SaaS partners to ensure successful technology integration and ongoing support.

00:00 Introduction to Boss Talks

00:12 Meet Angela Flick

00:17 Angela's Career Journey

00:37 Founding Why Not Consulting

01:58 Small World Connections

03:10 Parking Challenges in Property Management

06:26 Music Preferences

09:28 Favorite Coffee Choices

10:41 Angela's Background in Property Management

18:02 Marketing and Technology in Property Management

26:49 Understanding the Sales Process

26:58 Challenges with Property Management Decisions

28:01 Importance of Educating Property Managers

28:58 Stakeholder Communication and Pain Points

30:19 Overinvestment and Changing Skill Sets

31:09 The Role of Regional Managers in Tech Implementation

33:53 Bridging the Gap Between PropTech and Operators

36:17 Creating Effective Tech Support Structures

41:20 Innovative Approaches to Tech Stack Management

45:13 Final Thoughts and Industry Solutions

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In Episode 104 of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews Jamal Lee, a veteran in the multifamily industry with a passion for music conducting. Jamal shares his extensive background in multifamily marketing and provides unique insights into how his musical talents contribute to his professional life. The conversation also covers key aspects of multifamily operations, the importance of ongoing learning, the impact of cultural understanding in marketing strategies, and the parallels between conducting music and leading a marketing team. Additionally, Jamal discusses his early training, his career transitions, and the personal journey that shaped his dual passions for music and multifamily marketing.

00:00 Welcome to Boss Talks

00:12 Introducing Jamal Lee

00:51 Evan Happel's Introduction

01:19 Jamal Lee Joins the Conversation

01:24 Discussing the Weather and Gratitude

01:56 Jamal's Multifamily Journey

02:19 Studio Updates and Personal Life

03:32 Audience Interaction and Questions

04:26 Parking Stories and Technology

05:55 Music and Motivation

07:08 Living in Bryans Road, Maryland

08:04 Caffeinated Beverage Preferences

11:03 Teaching and Transition to Multifamily

12:20 Internship Experience at Southern Management

19:56 Career Progression in Multifamily

20:43 Marketing Insights and Best Practices

21:58 Parallels Between Conducting Music and Marketing

23:12 Harmonizing in Music and Marketing

24:01 The Role of Timing and Pace

24:32 Communication and Leadership

26:11 Adaptability and Problem Solving

26:54 The Complexity of Live Performances

31:00 Balancing Passion and Profession

35:40 The Importance of Travel and Cultural Immersion

42:14 Lifelong Learning and Innovation

47:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel welcomes Annemarie Hobson, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience in the multifamily industry. Annemarie shares insights on leadership, customer care, and career transitions, highlighting her journey from leasing consultant to regional manager. The conversation touches on the importance of empathy, effective team management, and the evolving job market. Annemarie offers practical advice for job seekers, emphasizing the value of professional resumes and networking. This episode provides a valuable perspective on thriving in the multifamily sector and the significance of caring for both employees and residents.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:32 Meet Anne Marie Hobson

02:44 Music Preferences and Family Life

05:07 Parking Insights

06:56 Caffeinated Beverage of Choice

08:46 Anne Marie's Career Journey

11:21 Challenges in Leasing

16:00 Job Search Experience

16:58 Resume Tips and Networking

22:10 Staying Positive During Job Search

22:44 Building Confidence After Layoffs

23:57 Finding Solace in Helping Others

24:52 Navigating the Job Market

26:23 The Debate on Open for Work Banners

27:14 Caring for the Customer

29:27 The Importance of Vendor Relationships

31:21 Adapting to a Changing Workforce

35:38 The Role of Leadership

42:28 Empathy in Leadership

46:18 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel sits down with Bobbi Steward, CEO of Revyse, to discuss the challenges and insights of running a startup in the PropTech space. Bobbi shares her journey from working in multifamily marketing to founding Revyse amidst the myriad of tech solutions available in the industry. The conversation delves into the complexities of vendor management, the importance of community support in startup success, and pivotal moments that led to the creation of Revyse. Bobbi also talks about the balance between family life and startup demands, highlighting the relentless yet rewarding nature of her work. The episode offers a peek into the evolving roles within the multifamily sector, namely the integration of marketing and tech oversight, and the value of data analytics. Bobbi’s candid discussion provides valuable lessons for anyone interested in PropTech, startups, and the multifamily industry.

00:00 Introduction to Boss Talks

01:40 Meet Bobbi Steward, CEO of Revyse

02:46 Balancing Startup Life and Family

06:31 The Multifamily Industry Experience

10:38 The Role of Technology in Multifamily

15:22 The Birth of Revyse

18:32 Challenges in Vendor Management

25:56 The Perfect Timing for Change

26:54 Building a Supportive Community

29:50 Unexpected Growth and Opportunities

31:30 Empowering Operators with Data

34:20 The Role of Marketing in Tech Decisions

38:37 The Importance of Pilots in Tech Implementation

46:12 Centralizing Tech Decisions

50:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Opportunities

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.

In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel welcomes Toni Blake, a multifamily industry veteran with nearly five decades of experience. The conversation covers Toni’s history in the multifamily industry, her innovative approaches to leasing and training, and the launch of her new free resource platform, Totally Toni. Toni shares memorable anecdotes, including her unique tour bus journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for socially responsible activities, and her resilience following personal and professional challenges. The episode also delves into her artistic endeavors and the significance of butterflies in her life as symbols of positive transformation. Key initiatives such as personalized leasing techniques, the Kindness Challenge, and community service ideas are highlighted, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration for boosting engagement and spreading positivity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:37 Toni Blake's Exciting Announcement

02:33 Getting Hyped: Music and Energy

04:14 Funny and Memorable Parking Stories

06:01 Caffeinated Conversations

07:43 Toni's Daughter at the Olympics

10:29 Journey into Multifamily Industry

14:39 Freestyle Leasing Philosophy

21:12 Incorporating Comedy into Training

26:01 Innovative Maintenance Ideas

28:43 Innovative Maintenance Strategies

30:01 Creative Sticker Faces for Maintenance

32:13 The Cost and Hassle of Moving

34:07 The Untold Story of the Bus Tour

43:02 Totally Toni's Creative Vault

46:31 Spreading Kindness and Community Service

53:27 The Butterfly Moment and Personal Transformation

56:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.