Humans of Multifamily

Shiv Gettu sits down with Chase Harrington, who shares his remarkable journey from aspiring dentist to tech executive. As the youngest of four siblings in a middle-class family, Chase's path took an unexpected turn when dental school rejection led him to a plasma company, where he discovered his true calling in business leadership.Through candid conversations about childhood insecurities, bullying, and the drive for excellence, Chase reveals how early experiences shaped his leadership style at Entrata, where he helped grow the company from 20 to over 2,000 employees. His story illustrates how life's biggest setbacks often lead to the most profound opportunities for growth.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visitgetzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.00:00 Early Life & Family Values08:00 Academic Drive & Texas Academy19:30 Dental School Dreams & Rejection28:00 Finding Purpose in Business36:00 The Path to Tech Leadership50:00 Personal Growth & Leadership Lessons

Shiv Gettu sits down with Kevin Kirton, CEO of Buckhead Investment Partners, who shares his journey from being born with a congenital heart defect requiring emergency surgery at just seven weeks old by famed surgeon Denton Cooley to becoming a pioneering real estate developer in Houston.Raised in a hard-working household where his father instilled a strong work ethic and refused to let him sleep in, Kevin developed an early curiosity for building and creating. After studying economics and finance at Washington University in St. Louis, he found his way into real estate, combining his love for problem-solving, mathematics, and following his curiosity.Kevin opens up about his side hustles, including a patent-pending cooking device, an award-winning furniture design made from a single sheet of plywood, and his latest tech ventures. But the conversation's highlight features the fascinating saga of the "Ashby High-rise" (now called The Langley), a development project that resulted in unprecedented legal battles with the City of Houston, a month-long trial where Kevin spent seven hours on the witness stand, and personal attacks that revealed surprising truths about human nature.When asked what he's most proud of, Kevin doesn't hesitate – his wife and three children remain his greatest accomplishment.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Early Years and Emergency Heart Surgery09:00 Father's Influence and Work Ethic15:00 Academic Interests and Math Curiosity23:00 College Experience at Washington University31:00 Side Hustles and Creative Ventures42:00 Podcast Recommendations and Reading Habits51:00 Basketball, Tennis, and Rice University Connection55:00 The Legendary Ashby High-Rise Battle

Shiv Gettu sits down with Bill Nye (not the Science Guy), who shares his journey from growing up on an Ohio farm in a Quaker family to becoming "The Apartment Guy," a renowned educator and speaker in the multifamily industry.Raised in Amish country as one of six children to hardworking parents who placed little emphasis on education, Bill forged his own path by joining the Air Force at age 21. His military experience transformed his perspective on education's importance after excelling at the NCO Leadership Academy. After nine years of service, including time as part of the Presidential Support Squadron for Air Force One, Bill found himself teaching high school in Washington DC before a chance conversation led him to maintenance work in apartment communities.Through disciplined work ethic and exceptional customer service, Bill quickly rose from maintenance supervisor to property manager to management company president in just three and a half years. He shares candid reflections on his family dynamics, his passion for American history, and how his life changed when he met his wife while teaching a certification course in Houston.Today, Bill travels the country as a speaker on leadership and multifamily operations, having authored two books and built a reputation for creating exceptional workplace cultures and resident satisfaction.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.00:00 Farm Upbringing & Family Dynamics09:00 Finding Purpose in the Air Force23:00 Accidental Entry into Multifamily Maintenance35:00 Rapid Rise from Maintenance to Management53:00 Building Award-Winning Company Cultures01:03 Meeting His Wife & Current Speaking Career

In this special episode, the tables are turned as Humans of Multifamily host Shiv Gettu becomes the guest, interviewed by industry veteran Daniel Paulino at the Social Media Summit in Napa.Shiv opens up about his journey as a middle child who often felt like he didn't belong, from growing up between the U.S. and India to facing intense bullying in eighth grade that lasted three months. He shares how these formative experiences sparked his obsession with personal growth and self-improvement, including a pivotal story of timing himself running up 12 flights of stairs every day after school.The conversation explores Shiv's entrepreneurial path, from discovering BiggerPockets podcasts while working at PwC to meeting his co-founder Kendrick through a personal development course and launching their Airbnb business - which quickly pivoted when COVID devastated their cash flow. This crisis led to the founding of Zuma, born from the realization that the long-term rental process was broken compared to Airbnb's seamless experience.Throughout the conversation, Shiv reflects on the sacrifices of startup life, the burden of feeling like achievements are the only measure of self-worth, and why he believes most founders need "delusion" to succeed when logic says otherwise. The episode concludes with insights about his cross-country RV podcast tour and why, despite the hardship of leaving routine behind, he's creating memories he'll cherish decades later.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit ⁠getzuma.com⁠ and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Growing Up as the Middle Child Who Didn't Belong12:00 How Parental Confidence Enabled Self-Belief and High Expectations22:00 Finding Financial Security Through Real Estate34:00 The Airbnb Business That Almost Succeeded47:00 Founding Zuma After COVID Destroyed Their Cashflow59:00 Why Hiring is the Most Important and Challenging Founder Skill01:15:00 Creating a Unique Strategy to Stand Out in Multifamily01:31:00 Conferences and the Challenges of Early-Stage PropTech01:50:00 Behind the Scenes of the RV Tour and Working with Strangers

Shiv Gettu sits down with Rebecca Cook, Director of Multi-Family Management at Friedman Real Estate, who shares her journey from growing up in unincorporated Washington County, Oregon to becoming a multifamily industry leader with nearly 30 years of experience.Born into a financially challenged household where food stamps and free school lunches were part of everyday life, Rebecca credits her stable housing situation as a fundamental influence on her career path and housing philosophy. While working two full-time jobs after high school graduation, a chance encounter with a persistent customer at Subway convinced her to try leasing apartments - a role she initially resisted but quickly excelled in.Through candid conversations about her strengths in pattern recognition, love of mathematics and music, and evolution as a leader who had to "soften the edges" of her direct communication style, Rebecca reveals how her background shaped her people-first approach to property management and her belief that stability in housing allows people to thrive.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.Timestamps:00:00 Growing Up in Unincorporated Washington County06:00 From Subway Sandwich Maker to Reluctant Leasing Agent10:00 Finding Success in an Industry She Initially Resisted17:00 The Evolution of Multifamily Technology Over 30 Years25:00 Why Home Is More Than Just a Shelter - It's Stability34:00 Learning to Balance Direct Communication with Leadership40:00 The Mentors Who Shaped Her Career Trajectory

Shiv Gettu sits down with Kate Good, SVP of Multifamily Development with Hunington Residential, who shares her remarkable journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming an influential multifamily developer, professional speaker, and entrepreneur.Born in Dallas but raised in Ohio in a tight-knit Catholic school environment, Kate's path to industry leadership began unexpectedly when a job loss led her to Trammell Crow, where her natural sales ability and innovative thinking quickly set her apart. Through creative problem-solving—like hiring her own temp to handle paperwork while she focused on leasing—Kate established herself as someone who could break conventional career paths and create her own opportunities.In a pivotal career chapter, Kate worked alongside legendary author Stephen Covey, traveling the country teaching time management and goal-setting principles, which cemented her passion for public speaking and her belief in visualization and goal-setting. Today, she channels her creativity into developing apartment communities with unique amenities like podcast studios that convert to karaoke rooms at night, bowling alleys, and innovative outdoor spaces designed to foster authentic community experiences.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.Timestamps:00:00 From Dallas Roots to Catholic School Upbringing07:00 Early Entrepreneurial Spirit with the Family Bookstore15:00 Discovering Her Dyslexia in Early Adulthood23:00 The Fateful Hotel Firing That Led to Multifamily35:00 Hiring Her Own Temp and Getting Management's Attention45:00 Learning from Stephen Covey on the Speaking Circuit53:00 Transitioning from Training to Professional Speaking58:00 Creating Innovative Apartment Community Experiences

Shiv Gettu sits down with Char McCurdy, President of Summit Property Management, who shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Arkansas to leading a company managing 10,000 units and 180 team members.Born into a family with five siblings spanning a 20-year age gap, Char developed a strong work ethic tending to the family farm while her traveling salesman father was on the road. After her parents' divorce prompted a move to Oklahoma at age 16, she earned a basketball scholarship to college in Memphis, where she accidentally discovered multifamily when a property manager approached her at the pool and offered her a leasing position.Through candid conversations about her competitive nature, surviving cancer for over 20 years, and her leadership philosophy centered around having a "servant's heart," Char reveals how her optimistic outlook and faith have guided her through life's challenges and shaped her approach to business and wellness.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Growing Up on an Arkansas Farm08:00 Falling into Multifamily by the Pool20:00 Surviving Cancer with Optimism32:00 Leadership Style and Company Culture40:00 Finding Balance Through Fitness and Faith

Shiv Gettu sits down with Holly Johnson, VP of Marketing, who shares her journey from growing up on a 700-person farm town in the Texas panhandle to becoming a respected leader in multifamily marketing.Born and raised in a blue-collar farming community, Holly developed a strong work ethic helping with livestock, picking cotton weeds, and even earning a hardship driver's license at age 13. After excelling academically and transferring schools to pursue basketball, she chose to attend Texas Tech for marketing instead of accepting athletic scholarships, setting the foundation for her career path.Through candid conversations about her career challenges, including being laid off twice, and personal struggles like her divorce after a 26-year relationship that began when she was just 14, Holly reveals how her natural optimism, faith, and commitment to being present have guided her through life's toughest moments.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit [getzuma.com](http://getzuma.com/) and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Growing Up on a Texas Farm with 700 Neighbors08:00 Developing a Strong Work Ethic Through Farm Life24:00 Finding Her Career Path in Multifamily During College38:00 Career Setbacks and Finding Purpose Through Adversity50:00 The Future of Technology and Human Connection in Multifamily

Shiv Gettu sits down with Joana Nosewicz, Marketing and Training leader at Presidium, who shares her journey from being born on a German army base to becoming a respected multifamily professional.Growing up as a military child across multiple states, Joana developed an adaptability and outgoing nature that would serve her well throughout her career. Her strict military father and social worker mother shaped her into a structured yet empathetic leader who values both precision and kindness. After working since age 15 and paying her own way through college, she found her true calling in multifamily marketing after a brief detour in medical coding.Through candid conversations about her challenging childhood, her approach to leadership, and her philosophy on balancing work with personal wellness, Joana reveals how she transformed early life challenges into professional strengths and why she values every project—big or small—with equal importance.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Military Childhood & Cross-Country Upbringing08:00 Finding Independence Through Early Work Experience24:00 Developing a "Kind Leadership" Philosophy31:00 Transitioning into Multifamily Marketing43:00 The Future of AI in Resident Experience

Shiv Gettu sits down with Danielle Koontz, Senior Managing Director of Business Development at RangeWater Real Estate, who shares her journey from a small town of 750 people in Illinois to becoming a multifamily industry leader. After graduating during the 2009 financial crisis, Danielle found her way into multifamily through a temporary leasing position that turned into a fulfilling career path.Through candid conversations about balancing career ambition with family life, her approach to "juggling glass and rubber balls," and her unique perspective on work-life integration as a mother of two young children, Danielle reveals how her small-town values and faith-centered outlook have shaped her leadership style and definition of success.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.**Timestamps:**00:00 Small Town Roots to Multifamily Career05:00 Finding Her Way Into Real Estate During the GFC12:00 The Power of Saying "Yes" to Opportunity17:00 Balancing Motherhood with a Demanding Career30:00 Faith, Family, and Work as Pillars of Fulfillment42:00 Leading with Trust and Empowering Others

Shiv Gettu sits down with Ann-Marie Bomba, CEO at Strategic Properties, who shares her extraordinary journey from being on her own at age 14 to building a property management company that grew to 17,000 units before being acquired.Born in South Texas, Ann-Marie's early life took a dramatic turn when she left a difficult home environment at 14, navigating situational homelessness and supporting herself completely by age 15. After earning her GED, she accidentally fell into multifamily at 17 when a property manager offered her a weekend leasing job while she was apartment hunting. By 19, she had already become a property manager, setting the foundation for a remarkable career trajectory.Through candid conversations about blending a family with seven children while starting a company, her approach to developing leadership in others, and her thoughts on AI's impact on property management, Ann-Marie reveals how her early struggles shaped her servant leadership style and her definition of success as the positive impact she leaves on others.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 From South Texas Roots to Early Independence05:00 Falling into Multifamily at 17 Years Old12:00 Rising Through the Ranks from Leasing to Leadership30:00 Founding a Property Management Company from Scratch42:00 The Future of AI and Centralization in Multifamily

Shiv Gettu sits down with Ed Wolff, President of Aerwave, who shares his journey from humble New York beginnings to becoming a multifamily technology leader in Dallas.The son of a NYC detective and secretary, Ed developed an early entrepreneurial spirit—starting a fish pond company at 14 and working 70-hour weeks by 16. After earning his MBA from Georgia Tech and becoming the first in his family with a master's degree, he leveraged his HR background to enter multifamily, where he discovered the perfect blend of his passions for people and real estate.Through candid conversations about transitioning from operator to supplier, the importance of servant leadership, and his "top ten ways to work with Ed" approach to management, he reveals how authenticity and compassion have guided his career decisions and leadership philosophy.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 From NYC Detective's Son to Dallas Business Leader08:00 Values, Leadership & Authentic Management20:00 Finding Balance as a "Zero to Sixty" Person31:00 Transitioning from HR to Multifamily Technology44:00 Building Partnerships Instead of Vendor Relationships

Shiv Gettu sits down with Amy Barricelli, SVP at RR Living, who shares her journey from selling apartment guides in the late 90s to becoming a respected multifamily leader who refuses to view work as separate from her identity.Growing up in South Jersey with divorced teacher parents, Amy developed independence early, even taking out loans at age 13 to attend the private high school of her choice. After studying English and continuing to graduate school at Oxford, she found her way into apartment marketing through a commission-based sales position that unexpectedly launched her multifamily career.Through candid conversations about her marriage via eHarmony, her six special-needs rescue dogs, and her philosophy on creating "a life you don't need a vacation from," Amy reveals how mentorship from Melanie French transformed her approach to leadership from demanding results to providing grace and bringing team members along on the journey.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 South Jersey Upbringing & Early Independence10:00 Finding Her Path in Sales & Customer Connection24:00 Creating Work-Life Integration Rather Than Balance38:00 Learning to Lead with Grace & Understanding50:00 Defining Success Beyond Titles & Money

Shiv Gettu sits down with Amanda Cox, COO of Bellaire Multifamily Management, who shares her journey from an only child with a wholesome country upbringing to multifamily leader handling distressed properties.Growing up outside Houston with strict parents and an entrepreneur grandfather who inspired her, Amanda developed a natural drive to lead. After starting as a college leasing agent in 2008 to pay her rent, she discovered a passion for helping people find homes and built her career from there.Through candid conversations about the challenges of transitioning from property manager to regional manager, the importance of staying connected to on-site operations, and her decision to start her own company with a former client, Amanda reveals how her leadership style focuses on empowerment and open communication.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Wholesome Childhood & Early Influences08:00 Self-Reflection & Personal Growth24:00 Falling Into Multifamily During College34:00 Leadership Philosophy & Being "In the Weeds"40:00 Building Bellaire Multifamily Management & Future Growth

Shiv Gettu sits down with Ian Mattingly, President of Luma Residential, who shares his journey from growing up "under leasing desks" to transforming his father's real estate legacy.Raised in Dallas with the family business as an unwelcome "sibling" competing for his father's attention, Ian initially resisted the property management world. His path took unexpected turns—from theater studies at Northwestern to building websites, selling cars, and brokerage—before returning to multifamily with fresh perspective.Through candid conversations about his idyllic yet financially variable childhood, his leadership philosophy of vision balanced with openness to better ideas, and his excitement about AI and robotics transforming the industry, Ian reveals how his analytical mindset helps him balance the needs of residents, employees, and investors.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 Growing Up with the Family Business as a "Sibling"04:00 Childhood in Dallas & Family Background17:00 From Theater Major to Car Sales to Multifamily27:00 Returning to the Family Business34:00 Leadership Philosophy & Balancing Stakeholders43:00 The Future of Property Management & AI Innovation

Shiv Gettu sits down with Dom Beveridge, a renowned multifamily proptech expert and publisher of the influential "20 for 20" industry research paper. Born and raised in the UK, Dom's journey into multifamily began through his expertise in revenue management, working first in hotels before transitioning to multifamily about 14 years ago. Through candid conversations about industry trends, technology adoption, and operational challenges, Dom shares his unique perspective on how the shift toward third-party management has fundamentally changed multifamily operations and technology implementation. He discusses the ongoing tension between platform consolidation and best-of-breed solutions, the rising concern around fraud detection, and why he believes most companies have lost track of their actual customer journey.As the creator of the annual "20 for 20" research paper, which synthesizes insights from deep interviews with 20 industry executives, Dom offers invaluable insights on what's driving technology decisions in multifamily, why centralization is often misunderstood, and how AI is best viewed as an enabler of automation rather than a solution category itself.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.**Timestamps:**00:00 From UK Roots to Multifamily Tech Expert10:00 How Third-Party Management Shapes the Industry17:00 Tech Proliferation and Fragmented Customer Journeys25:00 Balancing Best-of-Breed vs. Consolidated Solutions35:00 The Rise of Fraud Detection Technology42:00 Why Centralization Isn't What People Think50:00 AI as Enabler of Automation Rather Than Solution58:00 The Future of Platform Players Like Yardi and RealPage

Shiv Gettu sits down with Crystal Moya, Vice President of Operations at Luma Residential, who shares her extraordinary journey from homelessness to multifamily leadership. Born to Mexican immigrant parents, Crystal experienced profound instability in her early years - living in a car between ages 8-11, moving constantly across multiple states, and briefly joining a gang as a way to find belonging. Through raw, emotional storytelling, she reveals the pivotal moments that changed her trajectory: a church outreach program that gave her hope, a 13-year-old's decision to board a Greyhound bus alone to attend a specialized high school, and a property management job she initially viewed as temporary while pursuing medical school dreams. Crystal's philosophy of "no matter what, you have to make it happen" guided her from homeless child to college graduate to industry executive, all while supporting her family and breaking generational cycles. Her powerful reflections on resilience, self-motivation, and compassion born from adversity offer insights for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.00:00 From Homelessness to Hope10:00 The Black Trash Bag Journey17:00 Finding Church & Changing Course25:00 First Steps into Property Management38:00 Breaking the Educational Cycle

Shiv Gettu sits down with Tony Sousa, newly independent multifamily consultant (https://tony-sousa.com/), who shares his journey from a nine-year-old Elvis impersonator to a respected industry leader launching his own consulting business.Born to a Portuguese father and Italian mother in the Bay Area, Tony grew up in a blue-collar household that instilled a strong work ethic and family values. After overcoming academic challenges and working his way from community college to USC, he discovered his path in multifamily, where he found purpose in bringing both his strategic thinking and creative talents to the industry.Through candid conversations about parenthood, his son's Down syndrome diagnosis, and his philosophy on LinkedIn strategy, Tony reveals how authenticity and building relationships have been his guiding principles in both business and life.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn00:00 From Childhood Elvis Shows to Finding His Voice08:00 Blue-Collar Roots & Learning to Stand Out24:00 Working Hard vs. Being the Smartest in the Room40:00 Building an Authentic Personal Brand on LinkedIn59:00 Life Lessons from Becoming a Father of Four

Shiv Gettu sits down with Sheri Killingsworth, AVP of Marketing at Avenue 5, who shares her journey from small-town Texas to multifamily marketing leader.Growing up in a town so small her high school graduating class had just eleven people, Sheri developed values of hard work and making people proud that continue to drive her today.Through candid conversations about her 23-year tenure at Lincoln Property Company, leading their major rebrand to Willowbridge, and ultimately finding her new home at Avenue 5, Sheri reveals why she prioritizes cultural fit over title advancement.Her reflections on work relationships - "not a family, it's a team" - and the importance of advocating for yourself offer valuable insights for industry professionals at any career stage.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle.Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.00:00 Small-Town Upbringing & Early Life09:00 Finding Path to Multifamily Marketing16:00 Building a 23-Year Career at Lincoln25:00 Team Culture vs Family Culture36:00 From Lincoln to Avenue 5 Journey

Shiv Gettu sits down with Margette Hepfner, Chief Operating Officer of Willowbridge (formerly Lincoln Property Company), who shares her remarkable journey through the multifamily industry. Growing up in Dallas after her family relocated from Denver, Margette developed an early passion for cities and real estate through her father's commercial appraisal career. Through candid conversations about her relentless work ethic - having three jobs simultaneously while in college - and her unexpected entry into apartment marketing, Margette reveals how perception, intuition, and a competitive spirit drove her success. She also discusses leading Willowbridge through its recent rebranding after 58 years as Lincoln, balancing a relationship with her husband (a prominent industry figure), and the importance of storytelling in leadership. Her journey illustrates the power of closing every opportunity, trusting your gut, and staying true to your core values.Humans of Multifamily is presented by Zuma, the AI assistant for your full-resident lifecycle. Visit getzuma.com and follow Shiv on LinkedIn.00:00 Early Life & Macrame to Real Estate08:00 Perception, Intuition & Decision-Making18:00 Competitive Drive & First Industry Role28:00 Building a Career & Finding Partnership42:00 Leadership Through Lincoln's Transformation