Claim Ownership
Multi-Family Grit
Multi-Family GritSubscribed: 2Played: 5
Subscribe
© 2025 Kerri Davis
Description
A podcast featuring the untold stories and expert insights, the pros and cons, the celebrations and struggles, of the multi-family property management industry. This show's mission is to share the experiences of our industry leaders by taking a deep dive into this dynamic field.
46 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Julie Runyan, Compliance Director at AdWest, and Alex Westad, President of AdWest, for an inspiring conversation about modernizing affordable housing management while preserving heart, legacy, and community. Listen in to hear Julie and Alex:Share their origin stories—from Alex literally growing up in rural development housing and eventually purchasing his family’s company, to Julie discovering affordable housing by chance and building a career rooted in education, compliance, and deep care for residents and site teamsBreak down how AdWest is transforming a legacy company into a forward-thinking organization through clearer leadership structures, Notion-powered knowledge bases, ChatGPT-assisted operational tools, and weekly training programs designed to support and strengthen onsite teamsReflect on balancing family-founded values with modern innovation, investing intentionally in people, reshaping roles to match strengths, and building a culture where team members are encouraged to collaborate, problem-solve, and continually improve the resident experience
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Carl Swafford, Chief Operating Officer at Apartment Dynamics, for a deep and energizing conversation about leadership, resilience, and the human side of property management. Listen in to hear Carl:Share his remarkable 30-year journey from Navy and Marine Corps veteran to groundskeeper, technician, manager, regional, and ultimately COO—and how mastering each role, investing in people, and staying relentlessly curious shaped his path to leading 6,700 units across 52 communitiesBreak down his leadership philosophy of mastering your current role, always learning what’s next, and building teams of “solutionists” who confidently step into challenges with clarity and purposeReflect on spirituality, meditation, and the belief that we are “spirits working with spirits”—and how mindfulness, empathy, energetic awareness, and intentional human connection fuel better interactions, stronger teams, and more purposeful careers in multifamily
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Sydne Garchik, Founder of MRK Partners, for an inspiring conversation about building equitable communities, embracing fearless leadership, and reimagining affordable housing with heart and innovation. Listen in to hear Sydne:Share how she turned an unexpected start in real estate into founding MRK Partners—blending a for-profit mindset with a nonprofit mission to create, preserve, and elevate affordable housing nationwideBreak down the realities of development today, from navigating red tape and NIMBYism to structuring “impossible” deals—and why she believes success comes from tackling one problem at a time with grit, creativity, and purposeReflect on empowering women in real estate, leveraging technology to streamline impact, and how her nonprofit, Bloom, is helping residents build equity through education, financial literacy, and community connection
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Kathleen Raffinello, Founder and President of a boutique third-party management firm based in Nevada, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, reinvention, and leading with heart in the multifamily world. Listen in to hear Katie:Share how she started in real estate at just sixteen, moved to Las Vegas with only $800, and built a 30-year career defined by grit, mentorship, and a deep belief that property management is ultimately about people—not just numbersReflect on her bold leap at fifty to start her own company, the whirlwind two months that followed, and why betting on customization, relationships, and quick decision-making helped her team win Property Management Company of the Year in both Reno and Las VegasDiscuss how she’s grooming the next generation—including her own son as a third-generation operator—and why she believes property management should be taught in schools to inspire purpose, pride, and longevity in the industry
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Diane Yensen, Chief Operating Officer at Lexington Partners, for a powerful conversation about candid leadership, operational turnarounds, and building the future of multifamily with both fundamentals and innovation. Listen in to hear Diane:Share her unconventional journey from a 17-year-old assistant manager to COO of a 3,500-unit portfolio—and how grit, adaptability, and a love for fixing challenges shaped her career as “The Jensenator”Break down her simple yet proven approach to 30-60-90-day turnarounds, the “people, product, price” formula, and why stable teams are the foundation of stable assetsReflect on balancing technology and timeless fundamentals, from multimillion-dollar software conversions to mentoring entry-level hires into leadership, and why property management remains one of the most important jobs in real estate
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Cindy Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the Chester Housing Authority, for an inspiring conversation about community-centered leadership, dispelling myths about affordable housing, and shaping the future of public housing. Listen in to hear Cindy:Share her unconventional start in property management, how her upbringing in Washington, D.C. fueled her passion for HUD programs, and why she believes community connection drives real changeBreak down her first year at Chester Housing Authority, from building organizational capacity and empowering staff to forging partnerships with city leaders, schools, and even the DA’s office to strengthen resident servicesReflect on innovative initiatives like the Ruth Bennett Community Farm, redefining compliance with creativity, and her vision for the future of affordable housing—from homeownership opportunities to workforce housing and beyond
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Jayson Yoss, President and Managing Broker of GoldenWest Management, for an eye-opening conversation about boutique multifamily, disciplined leadership, and thriving amid regulatory chaos. Listen in to hear Jayson:Share his journey from Marine Corps infantry officer with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan to building a property management firm overseeing nearly 1,000 units across three states—and how discipline, accountability, and problem-solving shaped his leadership philosophyBreak down why boutique multifamily (8–40 units) is an overlooked but high-potential segment, and how his team uses triage strategies, clear communication, and process-driven management to stabilize struggling properties and earn client trustReflect on the realities of today’s shifting landlord–tenant laws, the importance of compliance over conflict, and how balancing fatherhood with triplets keeps him grounded in what truly matters
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Stacy Ekholm, Vice President of Operations at Schafer Richardson, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, scaling organizations, and embracing humility in the multifamily and construction industries. Listen in to hear Stacy:Share her journey from starting as an 18-year-old leasing agent to leading operations across property management, HR, IT, marketing, and construction—and how her passion for housing and design shaped her career pathBreak down Schafer Richardson’s rollout of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), including building culture through core values, creating accountability, and turning skeptics into champions of changeReflect on being “the stupidest person in the room on purpose,” lessons from the best-worst boss, and why trust, curiosity, and authenticity are the cornerstones of great leadership
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Lindsay Duffy, Vice President of Operations at Asset Living, for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and people-first innovation in multifamily. Listen in to hear Lindsay:Share her remarkable journey from growing up on site with property manager parents, to navigating loss, and ultimately channeling those experiences into a career leading operations for one of the largest third-party managers in the countryReflect on why she thrives in chaos—drawing from her time as a volunteer firefighter, embracing rapid change, and mentoring teams with both accountability and heartBreak down her passion for leveraging technology without losing the human element, championing culture across five states, and inspiring the next generation of multifamily leaders through mentorship and impact
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Alison Turner, Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at RangeWater Real Estate, for a vibrant conversation about redefining recruitment, nurturing internal growth, and building long-term talent pipelines. Listen in to hear Alison:Break down her approach to combating industry-wide hiring challenges—including ghosting—by building trust, leveraging video interviews, and streamlining automation to create candidate-centric hiring experiencesShare how RangeWater uses custom-built assessments and personality benchmarks to support better hiring decisions, accelerate training, and drive long-term success through data-informed developmentReflect on the power of RangeWater’s internship and green leasing programs, how “boomerangers” and “serial appliers” fit into their hiring ecosystem, and why investing early in talent fosters stronger futures for both individuals and the industry
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Tiffany Tillotson, Director of Special Projects and Collaborations at New Hope Housing, for a powerful conversation about creativity, community, and commitment in the world of affordable housing. Listen in to hear Tiffany:Share how her journey from student housing to nonprofit leadership is shaped by lived experience, relentless energy, and a fierce belief in the power of resident-first solutionsBreak down transformative programs like Jazz Under the Stars and the Someone Studio, where a haircut becomes a catalyst for confidence, connection, and hopeReflect on the complexities of juggling law school, motherhood, and two jobs—and how staying grounded in purpose helps her navigate shifting leadership and keep showing up with heart
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Gladys Stephenson, Senior Director of Compliance and Asset Management at Devon Management, for a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and rising through the ranks in multifamily. Listen in to hear Gladys:Share how she went from a teenage mom working in maintenance to leading compliance and asset strategy at a growing firm—and how her foster care background fuels her passion for mentorship, growth, and affordable housingReflect on Devon’s bold rebrand, the launch of its third-party management arm, and why she believes success is built on structure, heart, and showing up for your team—especially the often-overlooked maintenance staffBreak down the power of internal innovation, including how Devon’s custom-built CRM is streamlining operations, supporting compliance, and laying the foundation for national expansion
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Alex LaFlam, National Account Executive at WithMe, for a fast-paced and heartfelt conversation about smart spending, scalable partnerships, and staying rooted in real on-site experience. Listen in to hear Alex:Share her 15+ year journey from an eager leasing agent in Sacramento to leading national strategy at a cutting-edge proptech company—and how she found love (and her husband!) along the way in the halls of multifamilyReflect on the challenges and grit of running high-demand lease-ups in San Francisco, how the pandemic reshaped her leadership, and why operators need tech that actually works for site teamsBreak down how WithMe is helping owners future-proof amenities, control costs through smart software, and deliver reliable resident experiences—with ROI that’s measured in trust, efficiency, and NOI impact
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Kevin Owens, President of Property Management at RKW Residential, for a compelling conversation about confident leadership, intentional tech adoption, and creating a Ritz Carlton-level resident experience. Listen in to hear Kevin:Share how his unconventional path—from a psychiatric hospital program director to senior housing and then multifamily—shaped his calm urgency, people-first mindset, and relentless drive to grow and lead with perspectiveReflect on his decision to join RKW after a transformative year in consulting, and how the company’s alignment of tech and heart, powered by Alfred, convinced him it was the right next chapterBreak down his belief in starting innovation at the user level, building tech that elevates—not replaces—people, and why true differentiation in multifamily means balancing high-touch care with high-tech tools
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Kelley Brine, President of Rose Valley Management, for a dynamic conversation about culture-driven leadership, embracing change, and leading with authenticity. Listen in to hear Kelley:Share how she unexpectedly fell into real estate 25 years ago—and how her journey from a leasing agent in New York to President of a $2 billion portfolio was shaped by grit, empathy, and a passion for purposeful leadershipReflect on her first year at Rose Valley, including navigating a “tornado on fire,” building culture from the literal ground up, and aligning teams around a shared vision of operational excellence and human-first valuesBreak down her approach to work-life presence over balance, championing women in leadership, and why she believes survival, simplicity, and strong support systems are the secret weapons of sustainable success
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Mitzi Hoag, Vice President of Compliance at Gateway Management Company, for a powerful conversation about redefining affordable housing compliance through innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Listen in to hear Mitzi:Share how a chance encounter in a grocery store led to a 24-year career in affordable housing—and how her early experiences on site shaped her passion for training, process improvement, and resident-first solutionsBreak down Gateway’s cutting-edge compliance strategy, including a first-of-its-kind AI file review tool that’s eliminating inconsistencies and helping site teams accelerate move-ins with clarity and trustReflect on the role of centralized leasing, digital applications, and income averaging in meeting the urgent needs of today's workforce—and why every compliance file represents more than paperwork: it’s a family waiting for a home
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Cristy Abud, Director of Training and Compliance at Priderock Capital Management, for an insightful conversation about scaling support teams, training with heart, and balancing people with process. Listen in to hear Cristy:Share how she went from a temporary leasing agent to leading a nationwide training and compliance team—and how saying “yes” shaped her career and earned her a custom-made role on the corporate teamBreak down her team’s role as the “fixers,” including how she uses data, grounded goals, and deep relationships with operations to create targeted support for struggling sitesReflect on the challenges of 100% travel roles, how she safeguards team mental health, and why prioritizing empathy, structure, and growth keeps her team (and portfolio) thriving
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Ryan Calhoun, Regional Director of Operations at Landmark Properties, for a compelling conversation about legislative advocacy, student housing operations, and personalized leadership. Listen in to hear Ryan:Share how he fell into student housing and built a thriving career focused on fast-paced operations, strategic innovation, and regional leadership across diverse markets—including navigating the demands of high-turn student assetsExplain how a local ordinance in Ann Arbor sparked his passion for legislation, and why he believes operators must have a seat at the table to shape policies that impact affordability, development, and fair housingBreak down his “catered coaching” approach to leadership—tailoring mentorship to individual learning styles—and how combining radical candor, extreme ownership, and empathy is creating more connected and effective teams across Landmark’s portfolio
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Chasity Sadowy, Vice President of Property Management at Birge and Held, for a powerful conversation about operational strategy, affordable housing, and bold centralization. Listen in to hear Chasity:Share how she rose from receptionist to VP overseeing 20,000 units—and why she believes being the voice for site teams is the key to sustainable leadershipExplain why property management should start with development, and how her team is shaping prototypes and product decisions to better meet market and QAP needsBreak down Birge and Held’s ambitious centralization rollout—including tech-enabled support roles, fully offloading administrative tasks, and redefining success through standardization and strategic hiring
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Donald Davidoff, Co-Founder and CEO of Real Estate Business Analytics (REBA), for a thoughtful conversation about platform thinking, pricing innovation, and building technology that puts operators first. Listen in to hear Donald:Share how his path from revenue management in hotels and gaming led to pioneering multifamily pricing systems—and why he believes success starts with persistent problem-solvingExplain why REBA was built from the ground up as a connected analytics platform, and how intentional design and humility helped shape a product that works with operators, not just for themBreak down the misconceptions around algorithmic pricing and antitrust concerns, and why using clean, first-party data is both a legal safeguard and a smarter business strategy
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States