Multi-Family Grit

In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Danielle Little, Executive Vice President of Affordable Housing Compliance at Apartment Management Consultants (AMC), for a thoughtful conversation about leadership in affordable housing, building systems that scale, and why organization must come before innovation. Listen in to hear Danielle:Share how she unexpectedly pivoted from a path toward pharmacy school into affordable housing—and how an entry-level role at a rural West Virginia senior property and a crash course in a REAC inspection sparked a career built on curiosity, resilience, and a passion for helping families secure stable housingBreak down her philosophy of “organization before innovation,” explaining why taking inventory of processes, tools, and team capabilities is critical before implementing new technology or large-scale operational changesReflect on leading a national compliance team during a period of growth in affordable housing, translating complex regulations into actionable guidance for operations teams, and why in compliance it’s not about who moves first—it’s about who gets it right

In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Luke Leins, SVP of Business Development at ResProp Management, for a forward-thinking conversation about reimagining multifamily operations through data, innovation, and people-first leadership. Listen in to hear Luke:Share how he unexpectedly found his way into multifamily after starting in financial services and senior living acquisitions—and how joining ResProp gave him the opportunity to help build a third-party management platform from the ground up, driven by curiosity and a commitment to challenging industry normsBreak down ResProp’s push toward data-driven operations, including the rollout of a Power BI platform, open API integrations, and Amazon-inspired decision frameworks that replace gut instinct with structured problem-solving, upstream indicators, and directed workflowsReflect on the industry’s talent deficit, the burnout facing regional leaders, and why initiatives like management training programs, profit sharing for site teams, and even bold ideas like tokenized rent-to-own models could be the next yield catalysts in a rapidly evolving multifamily landscape

In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with David Lynd, CEO of The Lynd Company, for a candid, no-nonsense conversation about operational discipline, leadership through adversity, and the hard truths shaping the future of multifamily. Listen in to hear David:Share how growing up working on apartment sites—from digging sewer lines to running properties—shaped his relentless, data-driven approach to operations and why property management became the most challenging and rewarding work of his careerBreak down why operating expenses have surged more than 40% since 2019, why rents haven’t kept pace, and how technology, amenities, and herd mentality have quietly eroded value instead of creating itReflect on leadership, culture, and accountability—from building teams that thrive under pressure to redefining work environments that prioritize performance, trust, and long-term sustainability in one of the toughest market cycles multifamily has ever faced

In this episode, Kerri Davis sits down with Jack (John) Sipes, longtime multifamily leader, former President of Dominium, and West Point graduate, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, service, and scaling people-first organizations. Listen in to hear Jack:Share how his journey from the U.S. Army and West Point to multifamily property management shaped his leadership philosophy of learn, earn, and serve, and why so many professionals “fall into” the industry and stayBreak down what it really takes to scale from 13,000 to 45,000 units, including the power of promoting from within, investing in leadership training, and building systems that support both growth and cultureReflect on the future of multifamily management—what AI and centralization get right and wrong, why human connection still matters, and why developing first-line leaders may be the industry’s most urgent challenge

In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Marc Pollack, Managing Director at FirstService Residential, for a candid conversation about grit, leadership, and the human realities of multifamily operations. Listen in to hear Marc:Share how growing up as a lifelong apartment resident in Queens led him intentionally into property management—and how early career risks, asking for more responsibility, and learning “through fire” shaped his leadership styleBreak down what it means to bridge capital and community, translating income statements into lived experiences while balancing owner expectations, operational realities, and resident needs across affordable, workforce, and luxury housingReflect on the grind of multifamily, the emotional toll on on-site teams, and why empathy, culture champions, accountability, and scalable—not perfect—processes are essential to building resilient teams and livable communities

In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Zachary Guerin, Vice President of Residential Property Management at Seldin Company, for a grounded conversation about leadership, innovation, and the realities of running teams in a rapidly changing industry. Listen in to hear Zach:Share how this industry is sitting on untapped potential, why many people are too tired or burnt out to challenge how things have been done, and how he focuses on finding people who will challenge what people have been doing every day for the last several hundred years of property managementBreak down how AI cleaned up all of our ledgers, how his teams rose to the KPI and AI challenge with a challenge accepted mindset, and how he pushes operations to meet KPIs or risk being outperformed by automationReflect on treating managers and operators like they are running micro economies, why he wants his company to bet on courage instead of comfort, and how he creates space for teams to become indispensable while navigating burnout, staffing challenges, and multigenerational leadership

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