The Profitable Property Management Podcast

Welcome to this episode of the Profitable Property Management podcast, where host Jordan Muela welcomes Grant Drzyzga, Founder and CEO of Revela, to discuss how his PropTech software is transforming property management through innovation and strategic growth. Grant shares how he bootstrapped and scaled Revela from a college apartment startup to serving over 200,000 units, all while solving real-world pain points. They explore embedded lending, the future of AI in real estate, and why data ownership is crucial in today’s tech landscape. Whether you're scaling a property management business or building PropTech, this conversation offers key insights into evolving software from a tool to a financial platform.What you will learn:How to successfully bootstrap a property management software company Why embedding lending services into PM software is a win-win for both managers and property ownersThe evolution of AI in property management and how to leverage its benefitsHow to navigate data ownership and privacy concerns in the PropTech ecosystemThe framework for choosing the right venture capital partners when scalingWhy modern PM software revenue models are shifting to embedded financial servicesThe strategic importance of maintaining an open integration ecosystemHow the professionalization of real estate investors is driving new software requirements and capabilitiesGrant Drzyzga is the founder and CEO of Revela, an enterprise property management software company offering embedded lending and insurance solutions. He launched Revela in 2014 from his college apartment and bootstrapped it for over nine years before raising Series A funding from FirstMark Capital and strategic investors. With a background in philosophy and a deep grasp of property management systems, Grant has grown the company to support over 200,000 units across multifamily, single-family, and student housing. Under his leadership, Revela has achieved 120% year-over-year growth, pioneering financial innovations that are reshaping the future of property management technology.Episode Resources:Grant Drzyzga on LinkedInRevela Inc. WebsiteJordan Muela on LinkedInLeadSimple WebsiteProfitable Property Management on Apple PodcastsProfitable Property Management on Spotify

In this episode of the Profitable Property Management podcast, host Jordan Muela welcomes Rodd Schifferdecker, seasoned property management leader and President at Specialized 247 Property Management, about his journey scaling a 1,300-door operation and navigating a successful exit. Rodd shares practical insights on growing profitably, knowing when to sell, and how technology, especially AI tools like RentFinder, is transforming communication and rent estimation. Listeners will learn how to stand out in a crowded market, engage self-managing landlords, and build a sustainable, tech-forward business. A must-listen for operators seeking long-term growth, operational efficiency, and clarity on what comes after the exit.What you will learn:How to scale a property management company from 100 to 1,300 doors The key indicators that signal when it's time to exit your property management businessWhy franchise systems can provide valuable structure and support for PM founders How to leverage technology to improve communication efficiency and costsThe "Pool Management Principle" - why PM fees are disproportionately low compared to other service industriesHow AI and automation are transforming property management operationsWhy self-managing landlords resist professional management strategies The framework for maintaining work-life balance post-exitRodd Schifferdecker is a seasoned property management executive and entrepreneur, known for building and successfully exiting a 1,000+ unit property management company in Phoenix, Arizona. With over 15 years of experience in the property management industry, Rodd has demonstrated expertise in business development, operational excellence, and strategic growth. As a former RPM franchise owner and current President at Specialized 247 Property Management, he has helped shape industry best practices and technological innovations, including the development of RentFinder.ai. Rod's journey from property management entrepreneur to technology innovator offers valuable insights for property managers looking to scale their businesses and leverage technology for improved operational efficiency. Episode Resources:Rodd Schifferdecker on LinkedInSpecialized 247 Property Management WebsiteJordan Muela on LinkedInLead Simple WebsiteProfitable Property Management on Apple PodcastsProfitable Property Management on Spotify

In this episode of the Profitable Property Management podcast, host Jordan Muela was joined by Justin Clements, co-founder of Pest Share, to discuss how pest control can evolve from a cost burden into a value-adding amenity. Justin shares how PestShare’s resident-driven, data-powered approach is reshaping property operations, reducing maintenance requests, improving tenant satisfaction, and driving NOI. The conversation also dives into the startup’s venture-backed journey, scaling challenges, and the leadership principles behind authentic company culture. Whether you're a property manager or entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable strategies to boost efficiency, retention, and profitability through smart, tech-enabled solutions.What you will learn:How to turn pest control from a cost center into an ancillary revenue stream Why traditional pest control models fail to address the challenges of rental propertiesThe data-driven approach to tracking and preventing pest-related issues aHow to build and scale a venture-backed property management tech company Why authentic leadership and clear expectations are crucial for managing growthHow to leverage resident amenities to reduce turnover and increase property valueThe importance of balancing data metrics with resident experience in property management Justin Clements is a Co-founder and CEO of Pest Share, an innovative pest control platform revolutionizing how property managers handle pest-related issues. With over two decades of experience in the pest control industry, Justin brings deep domain expertise to his role leading the venture-backed company. Before Pest Share, he successfully built and operated multiple pest control branches before merging operations with his current co-founders to develop their resident-focused pest control solution. His unique perspective of combining traditional pest control operations with property management technology makes him a valuable voice for property managers looking to optimize their maintenance operations and boost NOI.Episode Resources:Justin Clements on LinkedInPest Share WebsiteJordan Muela on LinkedInLead Simple WebsiteProfitable Property Management on Apple PodcastsProfitable Property Management on Spotify

In this episode of the Profitable Property Management podcast, host Jordan Muela sits down with Graham Robinson, President of Evernest, to explore how the company scaled from managing 3,000 to 14,000 doors across 30 markets, all while maintaining service quality. Graham shares key strategies around building custom tech tools, balancing institutional and individual clients, and leveraging content marketing for organic growth. He also explains the “Trust-Building Triangle” between property managers, owners, and residents. Whether growing your firm or seeking operational insight, this episode offers an actionable roadmap to sustainable, tech-enabled property management success.What you will learn:How to transition from third-party software solutions to custom property management technology Why focusing on maintenance technician experience led to better retention The framework for balancing institutional clients (25%) with individual property owners How to leverage content marketing to generate organic leads The "Trust-Building Triangle" between property managers, owners, and residents Why creating valuable content consistently, even if imperfect, drives organic growth How to convert self-managing landlords by bundling services Graham Robinson is the President of Evernest, overseeing sales, marketing, HR, and technology operations for one of the fastest-growing property management companies in the United States. With a hospitality and leisure tourism background, followed by strategic roles in healthcare, Graham brings a unique perspective to property management operations. Since joining Evernest three years ago, he has helped scale the company from managing 3-4,000 homes to over 14,000 homes across 30 markets in 19 states. His leadership has been instrumental in developing proprietary technology solutions and streamlining operations while focusing on excellent service delivery.Episode Resources:Graham Robinson on LinkedInEvernest WebsiteJordan Muela on LinkedInLead Simple WebsiteProfitable Property Management on Apple PodcastsProfitable Property Management on Spotify

What if your property management company wasn’t just paying the bills and sustaining your lifestyle, but actually building your wealth? Jordan sits down with Shawn Johnson, a former CEO and Property Manager who scaled from 0 to 1,200 units, stopped trading time for money, and built a real estate portfolio that generated lasting wealth & financial freedom. Now, he’s teaching other property managers how to break free from the cycle of constantly growing to fuel a bigger lifestyle and instead create generational wealth and true freedom.In this episode, you’ll hear:✔️ How Shawn built a real estate portfolio that generates wealth beyond property management✔️ The shift that took him from 60-hour weeks to 1-hour weeks✔️ Lessons from selling his company, navigating mergers, and hiring the right team✔️ What is the Generational Wealth Framework? (time stamp 1:07:25 and 1:14:59)🔥 Exclusive! 💰 Get $1,000 OFF the Generational Wealth Program here: https://www.shawnaustinjohnson.com/ppmQuick Links:📘 Newsletter: https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website: https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement🔵 Shawn Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-austin-johnson/💰 Generational Wealth Framework:  https://www.shawnaustinjohnson.com/ppm

Welcome, Closers! In this episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast, Jordan sits down with Nicholas Cook, President of Sleep Sound Property Management Inc, to discuss property management challenges in a tough regulatory market, rebuilding a cohesive team post-COVID, refining hiring strategies, navigating regulatory hurdles, and scaling into new markets. Nick’s motto? Success is in the people! So what would Nick do differently if he was starting a Property Management company today? Find out in this episode!Quick Links:📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com/🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement🔵 Nicholas Cook, President of Sleep Sound Property Management, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-cook86/

Breaking news! 🚨 Jordan sits down with Ray Hespen, CEO & Co-Founder of Property Meld, to discuss their recent acquisition of Mezo, an AI-powered intake and triage software. What does this mean for the industry and Meld customers? How does this impact resident satisfaction, vendor efficiency, and Net Operating Income? Ray shares his vision for the future of maintenance and how property management operations data is driving this transformation. Tune in to see what's next.Quick Links:📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website [https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com](https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com/)🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement🔵 Guest social link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayhespen📊 Property Management Trends Report: https://www.leadsimple.com/pm-trends-report

Welcome, Closers! In this episode, Jordan sits down with Kevin Ortner, CEO of Renters Warehouse, to dive into the incredible journey of scaling to +20,000 doors, launching +30 franchises, and leading transformative mergers and acquisitions. Kevin shares how bold risks with innovative tech, smart pricing strategies, and a focus on the NOI metric drove success. He also discusses challenges in high-density markets, the importance of customer-centric verticalization, and the role of institutional investment. Plus, learn about their recent merger with a Tokyo-based PropTech firm, paving the way for even more real estate innovation. This episode is a masterclass in navigating different stages of entrepreneurship—don't miss it!Renters Warehouse was also a title sponsor of the Property Management Trends Report. See the link below.Quick Links:📘 Newsletter: https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website: https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement🔵 Kevin Ortner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmortner/📊 Property Management Trends Report: https://www.leadsimple.com/pm-trends-report

Welcome, Closers! Jordan is back with another episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast. Join him and Marco Nelson, Co-founder and CEO of RentCheck, as they they explore topics, including how resident-led inspections are reshaping the industry, the AI tech that could 10x your ROI, strategies for creating entrepreneurial value, tips for new founders on scaling and venture capital, and Marco’s personal approach to entrepreneurial success!Quick Links:📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement🔵 Marco Nelson on Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-nelson-67470530/

Welcome Closers! Jordan’s back with another episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast. Join him & Bob Hansen, VP of Sales at VeriFast as they dive into a variety of topics, including **Bob’s transition from operations to sales, dealing with ‘false pains’ in the sales process, and the differences between selling to single-family vs. multi-family properties. Plus, Bob shares his top tips for becoming a top-tier salesperson, how to motivate your sales team, and the story behind closing his toughest deal yet!**“What is the noise you're hearing about me?” - Bob’s advice for a new salespeople. Ask leaders about your personal brand. Tune in to find out more!Quick Links:Bob Hansen, VP Sales at VeriFast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansenbob/📘 Newsletter: https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website: https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers! Jordan’s back with another episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast. Join him & Dave Borden, CEO of RentVine, as they discuss the evolution of Rentvine, the process of raising capital, how data sharing is disrupting incumbents, the successful mindset of an entrepreneur, and the state of the property management software ecosystem.“Its not three years ago, but if you have a great business you are going to get a good valuation” - Dave Borden on the state of the capital markets.Quick Links:🎟️ LeadSimple University tickets: https://www.leadsimple.com/lsu📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website [https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com](https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com/)🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagementGuest: Dave Borden, CEO of RentVine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-borden-a760093

Welcome Closers! Jordan’s back with another episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast. Join him & Jeremy Pound, CEO of RentScale + publisher of Strategic PM, as they dive into a variety of topics, including: setting & aiming at specific goals to grow your business, leadership & coaching, two exciting events happening in Austin, TX the first week of December - LeadSimple University and RentScale Sales Mastery Live, and more.“The faster you want to grow, the faster you want to pulse.” - Jeremy Pound on what’s required to increase the velocity of your company’s growth. Tune in to learn more about the “how”.Quick Links: LeadSimple University tickets: https://www.leadsimple.com/lsu RentScale Sales Mastery tickets: https://salesmastery.live/ Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers! In this engaging episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast. Jordan interviews Tiffany Rosenbaum, Co-Founder of Rosenbaum Realty Group. Dive into Tiffany's inspiring journey through the property management industry, from the inception of her company in the heart of Phoenix Metroplex to managing an impressive portfolio of 500 doors. Tiffany shares her passion for real estate, the critical role of property management, and the strategic expansion into short-term rentals. Explore the challenges, triumphs, and the significant impact of building a global team and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowerment.[00:00:26] - Introduction of Tiffany Rosenbaum[00:00:46] - Rosenbaum Realty Group's current business scope[00:01:37] - What drives Tiffany’s passion for property management[00:02:00] - The story of starting in real estate with no money[00:04:05] - The first major client and business growth[00:05:17] - Leadership lessons and the importance of hiring the right team[00:06:55] - Embracing a global workforce for greater efficiency[00:09:06] - Building a unified team culture remotely[00:11:12] - Critical role of process management in operations[00:14:13] - The significance of people operations in company growth[00:19:24] - Auditing processes and compliance for continual improvement[00:21:23] - Financial health and cash flow optimization strategies[00:23:19] - Evolution of quality of life through business growth[00:27:12] - Personal reflections on resilience and agency[00:32:09] - The value of relationships and personal growth in business📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website [https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com](https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com/)🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers!In this episode, Jordan interviews Sarah Hatch, the Founder and Owner of Hatch Property Management and Sales. Sarah shares her journey into property management, from construction & hands-on work to owning & operating her own business. She discusses her experience in commercial property management and her transition to residential property management after having her first child. Sarah also talks about the unique challenges of managing properties for military and state department clients in the Washington D.C. area.Key Moments[00:00:46] Sarah's background and how she got into property management[00:07:59] Why Sarah chose to manage residential properties despite her commercial background[00:10:37] Sarah's business size: 200 doors and 15 employees[00:17:18] Sarah's goals for 2024, including creating a video library for maintenance troubleshooting[00:22:31] An example of effective troubleshooting that saved an owner money[00:31:28] How Sarah prioritizes resident experience and builds a sense of community[00:40:57] An example of Sarah's team supporting one another during a difficult time[00:45:06] Sarah's approach to dealing with difficult tenants and evictionsIf you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more insightful conversations about property management, be sure to subscribe to the Profitable Property Management Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. You won't want to miss our upcoming episodes featuring industry experts and successful entrepreneurs sharing their knowledge and experiences.🔗 https://www.hatchpropertymanagement.com https://www.facebook.com/sarah.pamula

Welcome Closers! In the 200th episode, Jordan and special guest Daniel Craig, Chief Strategy Officer at ProfitCoach, dive into the evolution of the property management industry & discuss their journey together from inception of ProfitCoach to today.They run it back to 2017, sharing the challenges of data standardization in property management and the development of the national benchmarking study, known as the NARPM Accounting Standards today, as well as “Season 2” of ProfitCoach. The episode gets into the concepts of profit and operational performance, the significance of data-driven process design, and value creation in property management.Insight generation and best practices in property managementReflections on the evolution of their working relationship since 2017Impact of ProfitCoach on the industry and individual growthDiscussions on industry benchmarks and profitability trendsLinks Referenced:ProfitCoach Pricing Survey http://pmprofitcoach.com/pricingreporthttps://www.pmprofitcoach.com/profitcoach-national-pricing-survey/📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile 🌐 Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com 🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers! This episode dives into the strategic advantages that deep local ties and expertise can provide in the property management business. Hear how Mike Mefferd, CEO of Bridgestream Property Management, and his team leverage relationships to better serve owners during difficult times like COVID. Explore their purposeful approach focused on enhancing lives and raising industry standards.00:00:27 - Company Mission and Values00:01:40 - Growth and Current Size00:02:14 - Acquisition Strategies00:06:03 - Future Plans and Management Platforms00:11:08 - Expansion Challenges00:19:04 - Building Local Relationships00:32:43 - Staff Management and Culture00:37:33 - Financial Strategies📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile 🌐 Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com 🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers!In this insightful episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast, host Jordan Muela sits down with property management entrepreneur Gwenn Aspen, CEO Of Anequim, to discuss her journey from creating a property management company to pioneering remote professional services.Gwenn shares her experiences, the challenges she faced transitioning from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and her innovative approach to leveraging virtual assistants for property management needs.[00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome and introduction of Gwenn Aspen, her background in property management, and the inception of Anequim.[00:05:22] Gwenn's Journey: Transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship.[00:10:45] Building Anequim: Challenges and milestones in creating a remote labor solution for property management.[00:15:30] Leveraging Virtual Assistants: How Anequim utilizes virtual assistants from Mexico to revolutionize property management tasks.[00:20:55] Personal Growth: Gwenn shares her personal growth journey and managing emotions in leadership.[00:25:40] Industry Impact: The impact of Anequim on the property management industry and future trends.[00:30:15] Advice for Entrepreneurs: Gwenn's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the property management sector.[00:35:00] Q&A with Listeners: Live Q&A session with listeners asking Gwenn about her experiences and strategies.[00:40:25] Conclusion: Closing remarks and how to connect with Gwenn Aspen for further insights.📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile 🌐 Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com 🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers!In this insightful episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast, Jordan interviews Taylor Haas, the current Director of Operations at leading property management company Colorado Realty & Property Management. Taylor shares her journey from starting as a receptionist to climbing the ranks to a top leadership position, overcoming challenges, and driving innovation and growth within the company.00:00:06 Introduction of Taylor Haas00:00:25 Taylor's transition from receptionist to Director of Operations00:01:33 Overcoming nepotism and earning her role00:03:18 The secret behind the company's success00:05:06 Daily responsibilities and innovation in operations00:06:15 Communication and empathy as core policies00:09:03 Handling staff feedback and improving processes00:11:04 Performance reviews and maintaining high standards00:13:01 Addressing noncompliance and nonperformance00:15:34 Market dynamics and adjusting business strategies00:19:34 Future aspirations for the business and personal growthIf you found value in today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Stay updated with the latest in property management and banking insights. For more resources and episodes, visit our Facebook Group. Share your thoughts and join the community!🔗 https://www.coloradorpm.comLinkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-haas-3720b5138

Welcome Closers!Join us in this insightful episode of the Profitable Property Management Podcast as host Jordan Muela speaks with Allison DiSarro from Enterprise Bank & Trust. Dive deep into the significance of building connections in banking, how Allison's unique approach to property management banking sets her apart, and the impact of empathy on client relationships in business.00:00:00 - Introduction to Allison DiSarro and the theme of relational banking.00:01:03 - The uncommon nature of personal relationships in banking.00:10:14 - Evolution of banking services for property management.00:15:17 - The critical role of compliance and trust account management.00:24:21 - Navigating the challenges and opportunities of the PPP loans.00:34:32 - The importance of specializing and knowing your niche.00:43:10 - Final thoughts and advice for the younger selfIf you found value in today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Stay updated with the latest in property management and banking insights. For more resources and episodes, visit our Facebook Group. Share your thoughts and join the community!📘 Newsletter https://muela.ck.page/profile🌐 Website https://www.profitablepropertymanagement.com🔵 https://www.facebook.com/PPMpodcast📺 https://www.youtube.com/@profitablepropertymanagement

Welcome Closers!In this insightful episode, host Jordan Muela talks with Mike Lautensack, the brains behind Del Val Realty and Property Management. Mike shares his journey from the early days of his business to its current success, discussing challenges, strategies, and insights into the property management industry.[00:00:00] Intro[00:00:43] Mike's Business Evolution and Growth[00:02:00] Best and Worst Parts of Property Management[00:03:05] Mike's Start in the Business and Early Challenges[00:06:03] Business Expansion and Strategic Decisions[00:10:22] Mike's Approach to Marketing and Growth[00:15:59] Importance of Customer Testimonials[00:19:14] Website Strategy and Conversion Tactics[00:26:21] Content Strategy and Organic Traffic[00:30:29] Advice to Younger Self and Business Outlook[00:32:51] Mentorship and Influences in Business📘 Book https://www.landlordsecretsbook.com🌐 Website https://www.delvalproperty.com🔗 Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellautensack🔵 https://www.facebook.com/delvalproperty/📷 https://www.instagram.com/delvalproperty/Don't forget to subscribe to the "Profitable Property Management Podcast" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more episodes like this. Stay updated with the latest in property management and gain valuable insights from industry experts. Subscribe now for additional content and insights!