Episodes

  • 014 - Waffle House Business Lessons | 8 Stories
    Sep 14 2024

    Waffle House Leadership Take-Out: What Multifamily Can Learn They say there are two types of people – those who love Waffle House and those who are wrong. (j/k!) Whether or not you are a Waffle House enthusiast, have you considered its many tips for leadership and business success? In this episode of Eight Stories, we dig into surprising lessons from one of America’s iconic brands—and trust me, there is a lot multifamily leaders can take away from it! Sharon and Jennifer explore the life and leadership strategies of Waffle House, discovering how this beloved 24-hour chain became more than just a place for late-night eats. Smart real estate decisions, operational speed, and fostering a strong employee culture help drive profitability through simple but effective models. This episode connects the dots between Waffle House’s success and what concepts apply to multifamily. Through its operational efficiency, customer service, and employee empowerment, Waffle House has cracked the code — and like a delicious cup of Waffle House coffee, there’s plenty for multifamily to consume (and refills are free!) If you’re passionate about multifamily, leadership, and innovative business models, hit that like button and subscribe for more insights every week! Drop your favorite Waffle House meal in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!

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    28 mins
  • 013 - The Best Advice I've Ever Received - 8 Stories | Sharon Cauthen & Jennifer Carter
    Aug 31 2024

    Discover the Best Advice in Multifamily! | Thoughtful Insights and Leadership Gems Ever feel like you're one great bit of counsel away from transforming your career? Welcome to 8 Stories, where we discuss the best advice we've ever received, all aimed at helping you level up! In today's episode of 8 Stories, your hosts Sharon Cauthen and Jennifer Carter bring you priceless insights straight from people invested in personal growth. We're talking about the kind of advice that sticks with you, shapes your path, and ignites new possibilities. From the power of trying something new, like launching a podcast, to the serenity that comes with acceptance and being your own biggest advocate—this episode is packed with wisdom from industry leaders and everyday heroes. What You'll Learn Today: Never Too Late to Start: It's always time to begin something new - it's the secret sauce to growth. Find Your Peace: How accepting what you can't change leads to true inner calm. Be Your Best Advocate: Discover the importance of standing up for yourself in any setting. Embrace Discomfort: Understanding that the magic happens outside your comfort zone. Focus on What Matters: The art of keeping the main thing the main thing in your professional and personal life. Align Your Values: Why choosing an organization that matches your core beliefs is a game-changer. How a healthy dose of curiosity can fuel your success. Join us as we share these nuggets of wisdom and more. Let's keep this conversation going and continue to learn from each other! Hit that subscribe button and ring the bell so you never miss an episode! If you found this advice helpful, give us a thumbs up and share it with your friends. And hey, what's the best advice you've ever received? Let us know in the comments below! Want more multifamily-centered content? Check out @MultifamilyMediaNetwork and discover podcasts led by industry legends - on every topic related to multifamily. Listen, engage, and level up your game!

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    19 mins
  • 012 - Olympics - 8 Stories from the Stands
    Aug 17 2024

    I've got an exciting Olympics-themed episode of Eight Stories for you today!


    From the experts at MultiFamilyMediaNetwork.com, this podcast episode features special guest Jen Casey, who brings frontline Olympics experience.


    Sharon Cauthen, Jennifer Carter, and Jen discuss how lessons from the Olympics can be applied to the multifamily industry.


    You'll gain critical insights into teamwork, coaching, and resilience that will help you excel in your multifamily career.


    Like this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more multifamily content!


    Join us next week for eight more stories from the multifamily space.


    Visit MultiFamilyMediaNetwork.com for more! Like, Comment & Subscribe
















































































    Olympics, Multifamily Success, Teamwork, Coaching, Resilience, Jen Casey, Olympic Lessons, Property Management


    #Multifamily #Olympics #Teamwork #Coaching #Resilience #Leadership

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    49 mins
  • 011 Leadership Insights: From Blueprint Conferences to Customer Experience | 8 Stories
    Aug 10 2024

    Hey, multifamily leaders and PropTech enthusiasts! Welcome back to another episode of 8 Stories, your go-to podcast for everything happening in the multifamily world. I'm Sharon Cauthen, here with my co-host Jennifer Carter, and today, we've got a packed agenda that's sure to resonate with everyone in the industry. We're covering everything from exciting event announcements to deep dives into customer experience and maintenance management. So, buckle up! **Blueprint Conference 2024 – The Future of Real Estate Awaits! We start with exciting news about the upcoming Blueprint Conference, happening September 17-19 in Las Vegas. This is *the* event where all facets of commercial real estate, including multifamily, converge under one roof. Whether in construction, management, or investment, this is the place to be. Plus, we’ve got an exclusive giveaway for our listeners – a ticket worth $1,895! Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the action. Head over to MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com to enter. **Optimized Marketing Strategies – Aligning Goals and Telling Your Story** Next, we dive into an insightful discussion from the Optimized podcast, where Janice Ross and marketing expert Lauren Dewey discuss the importance of goal alignment and storytelling in marketing. It’s not just about hitting numbers—it’s about ensuring everyone’s on the same page, from property managers to owners, and weaving a narrative that resonates with your audience. **Setting Boundaries – The Importance of Work-Life Balance in Multifamily Leadership We then tackle a topic close to many hearts: the importance of setting boundaries in the workplace. A viral image of a bride doing budgets on her wedding day sparked a heated discussion. It’s a reminder that, as leaders, we must protect our teams’ personal time. Overworking shouldn’t be the norm, and it's crucial to champion a culture that respects work-life balance. **Transparency in Pricing – A Shift in Multifamily Operations Transparency is key, especially when it comes to pricing. We discuss how more multifamily operators embrace open pricing models on their websites, making it easier for potential residents to make informed decisions. It’s about trust, authenticity, and meeting consumer expectations in today’s digital age. **The Power of Maintenance – Closing the Gap Between Managers and Residents Finally, we explore the often-overlooked world of maintenance. A recent report revealed a significant gap between what property managers consider important to residents and what matters. Spoiler: Maintenance is way more crucial than many realize. Addressing this can make or break resident satisfaction, so it's time to listen to what our residents say. Join the Conversation! We’re all about community here and want to hear from you! What resonated with you today? Have a funny or insightful multifamily story? Drop it in the comments. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network. Let’s keep the conversation going! Multifamily, PropTech, Leadership, Blueprint Conference, Customer Experience, Goal Alignment, Storytelling, Maintenance Management, Work-Life Balance, Transparency in Pricing **Hashtags:** #MultifamilyLeadership #PropTech #CustomerExperience #BlueprintConference #MaintenanceMatters #WorkLifeBalance #PropertyManagement

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    29 mins
  • 010 - 8 Stories
    Aug 3 2024

    8 Innovative Multifamily Living Trends You Need to Know | 8 Stories Podcast Discover the latest multifamily living trends inspired by the hospitality industry, from contactless check-ins to personalized experiences. Join Sharon Cauthen and Jennifer Carter as they delve into these exciting innovations. Welcome to 8 Stories, brought to you by the Multifamily Media Network. I'm Sharon Cauthen, alongside my co-host Jennifer Carter. In today's episode, we explore groundbreaking trends that are transforming multifamily living, inspired by the hospitality sector. Whether it's contactless check-ins, personalized resident experiences, or community-driven coffee culture, we're diving into how these innovations can elevate the living experience in multifamily communities. 00:03: Introduction and episode overview 00:38: Contactless Check-Ins: Adopting hospitality trends in multifamily 02:52: Lobby Grab-and-Go: Convenience and community interaction 05:49: Personalization: Using data to enhance resident experiences 10:35: Coffee Culture: Creating community through coffee 15:34: The Rise of Influencers: Leveraging social media for marketing 19:04: Back to School: Resetting and realigning for the new season 22:11: Hug Your Puppy: The importance of not being a people pleaser 24:00: New Podcast Hosts: Welcome Ed Nishai and Chris Carmonica to the network For more insightful episodes and resources, visit MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more tips on optimizing your multifamily living experience. Leave a comment below with your favorite trend or any new ideas you plan to implement. Visit MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com for more podcasts, thought pieces, and sponsorship opportunities.

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    32 mins
  • 010 - 8 Stories
    Jul 29 2024

    Navigating the Multifamily Journey: From Messy Middles to Memorable Lessons | Eight Stories Podcast Join hosts Sharon Cauthen and Jennifer Carter for an exciting episode of Eight Stories! From home improvement challenges to powerful business strategies, this episode covers a wide range of topics that will resonate with anyone in the multifamily industry. Welcome to another insightful episode of Eight Stories, brought to you by the Multifamily Media Network. Hosted by Sharon Cauthen and Jennifer Carter, this podcast dives deep into the multifamily space, sharing stories and lessons that inspire and educate. In this episode, we start with the messy middle of DIY projects, explore powerful sales strategies, discuss impactful business philosophies, and end with profound truths about perspectives. Whether you’re a multifamily professional or just love compelling stories, this episode has something for everyone. 00:00 - Introduction and sponsor shoutout 01:00 - The Messy Middle: Overcoming DIY project challenges 03:12 - Sales as a Transaction of Enthusiasm: Insights from Ryan Serhant 06:11 - Strategy vs. Execution: Lessons from Peter Drucker 07:35 - The Empty Chair: Jeff Bezos' meeting strategy 10:19 - Balancing Work and Family: Lessons from Bruce Arians 12:51 - The Two Pizza Rule: Keeping meetings efficient 14:43 - Meet the Team Pages: Humanizing your team 18:52 - The Truth: Different perspectives from Dr. Paul Kalanithi 21:58 - Conclusion and farewell If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more stories and insights from the multifamily industry. Leave a comment below with your thoughts on the messy middle or any of the strategies discussed. Visit MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com for more episodes and resources.

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    23 mins
  • 009 - 8 Stories
    Jul 15 2024

    Engaging the Multifamily Space: Thoughtful Move-In Gifts, Resident Experience, and Culture

    From the experts at MultiFamilyMediaNetwork, this episode of 8 Stories covers thoughtful move-in gifts, the importance of hydration, and fostering positive culture in the multifamily industry.


    You'll learn innovative ideas to enhance resident experience and strategies for building strong relationships within your team.


    Be sure to LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more multifamily content!


    In this episode, Sharon and Jennifer discuss various topics:


    * The impact of thoughtful move-in gifts.


    * Ensuring hydration and care for your team during hot weather.


    * The debate on the necessity of model apartments in the age of virtual tours.


    * The importance of maintaining positive and supportive online communities.


    * Leveraging relationships as the currency in multifamily management.


    * The role of culture in creating a cohesive work environment.


    * The benefits of concise communication, like the nine-word email strategy.


    Visit MultiFamilyMediaNetwork for more! Like, Comment & Subscribe


















































    multifamily industry, move-in gifts, resident experience, property management, positive culture


    #MultifamilyLiving #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement #MoveInGifts #IndustryTips

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    36 mins
  • 007 - 8 Stories - NAA Recap
    Jul 1 2024

    Sharon Cauthen and Jennifer Carter discuss their experience at the National Department of Associations Apartmentalize conference in Philadelphia.


    They talk about the venue, the trade show, and the networking opportunities.


    They also highlight the Podcast Palooza event and the importance of in-person connections.


    The conversation then shifts to the focus on health and wellness at the conference, including yoga sessions and massages.


    They also discuss sessions on courageous voices and neurodiversity.


    The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is also explored, emphasizing the need for a balance between AI and emotional intelligence.


    The hosts share their experiences at the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as the fishbowl session format at the conference.


    They conclude by discussing how to choose which conferences to attend and the value of networking and learning from others in the industry.


    Takeaways:


    * Apartmentalize is the largest multifamily conference of the year, offering networking opportunities, a trade show, and educational sessions.


    * The conference featured sessions on health and wellness, including yoga and massages, as well as discussions on courageous voices and neurodiversity.


    * Artificial intelligence (AI) was a prominent topic, highlighting the need for a balance between AI and emotional intelligence.


    * The hosts enjoyed exploring the Franklin Institute and the Philadelphia Museum of Art during the conference.


    * Choosing which conferences to attend depends on individual goals and interests, and networking and learning from others in the industry is valuable.


    Sound Bites:


    * "What did you think about the venue and the location? So much love."


    * "So overall, I thought it was great."


    * "It was nice just to take that beat for 20 minutes and be kind of quiet, still inside of myself while stretching and listening to her voice."


    Chapters:


    00:00 Introduction and Overview of Apartmentalize Conference

    05:07 Highlights from Podcast Palooza Event

    08:26 Exploring Health and Wellness at the Conference

    09:08 Courageous Voices and Neurodiversity Sessions

    13:22 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Industry

    26:45 The Fishbowl Session Format

    29:44 Choosing the Right Conferences and the Value of Networking




















    Apartmentalize, conference, networking, health and wellness, yoga, massages, courageous voices, neurodiversity, artificial intelligence, emotional intelligence, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, fishbowl session, choosing conferences, networking

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    35 mins