Brenda Asbury is a noted international speaker, trainer and consultant with 25 years of Property Management expertise. Brenda is the former National Vice President of Education for NHP Management (which was sold by Harvard Endowment Fund to AIMCO) where she was responsible for the education of 3,500 employees; and she received her operational knowledge through the “hands-on” management of 2,000 apartments in seven states. Brenda began her career as an on-site assistant manager; and two years later, the Knoxville Apartment Council presented her the award of “Manager of the Year”. She received her CPM designation after taking all three required courses in eighteen months, was the first woman to receive the coveted “RAM of the Year” award by NAHB; and has been named “Woman of the Year by the American Biographical Institute. Ms. Asbury has developed over 100 courses and presented classes in front of over 50,000 people at apartment associations, conferences and shadow training. Her co-authored book “How To Excel in Leasing Apartments” was the number one best-selling multifamily marketing book, and she has published numerous articles in all the major industry publication. Brenda “walks the talk” with lease up services and motivating sales teams to perform to their capacity. Her strong leasing expertise has brought her great success in raising occupancy in market rate, tax credit, rental retirement and student housing. “Education is to be distinctly aware of the uniqueness of each individual and to provide each person with opportunities appropriate to their abilities and interests. They must leave each session encouraged to develop an “I can, I will” attitude and go beyond what they or other might expect in the day-to-day operations.”
Tammy Chivers Baker, Director of Sales for Grace Hill, Inc., began her career in the multifamily industry over 26 years ago. While working for Lincoln Property Company in Atlanta, Georgia during the early 1980’s, Tammy realized her true love was for the marketing and training side of the business. She chose to pursue her dream by joining a Kentucky based property management company as their Marketing Director; in this role, she supported communities in Kentucky, Southern Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida. In 2002, Tammy again acted on her passions and her love of training led her to join Grace Hill as Director of Sales. At Grace Hill, Tammy is responsible for initiating and supporting the online training programs for over 200 property management companies totaling over a million units nationwide. In her spare time, Tammy is also an accomplished speaker. She has presented for management companies, apartment associations, and industry conferences including Brainstorming and Multi-Housing World Info Expo. Tammy has facilitated at the Brainstorming Sessions more times than she can count and considers this one of her favorite events every year as it allows her to interact with the industry’s go-getters in leasing, marketing, and training. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Tammy proudly boasts her all time greatest achievement is her 14 year old daughter and greatest kid in the world, Taylor Logan.
Debbie Balaker, Director of Marketing and Training for Paragon Properties, has over 8 years of experience in multifamily real estate. Mrs. Balaker is the creator of Paragon’s training program and author/facilitator of twenty courses for more than 200 employees. Her marketing and training team supports Paragon’s portfolio ranging across 4 states and approximately 7,000 units. Both highly creative and competitive, she is an expert at designing innovating programs that enhance employees performance and drive sales. Balaker successfully creates a unique customer experience that promotes brand recognition and loyalty. She has volunteered her time teaching at the local Detroit Metro Apartment Association as a member of the Education Committee. Balaker’s initiative helped establish Paragon Properties as Michigan’s GLAStar Management Company of the Year for 2009, and she was awarded Michigan’s GLAStar Leasing Professional of the Year in 2009.
Kathy L. Banker, CAS, NALP is an innovative multifamily professional specializing in marketing and sales training for over 25 years. Prior to starting Lease UP! in 2005, her own consulting and training business, she worked for several nationally recognized companies. She created the Lease Up! Pro Learning Series consisting of 13 topics on leasing, marketing and customer service for management, leasing and maintenance professionals which she presents to associations and private companies across the US. She is a faculty member of the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI), is qualified to conduct NAA designation classes and has been recognized for her volunteer work in Education by her local apartment association. “I am passionate about education and try to consistently raise the performance bar to better the quality of service and results for residents, owners and investors.” Her area of expertise is in assessing under-performing communities and creating and implementing a marketing plan and sales team that increases traffic and leases more apartments. She serves the needs of the conventional, affordable and senior housing markets across the country. Lease UP! conducts mystery shops throughout the Midwest. Visit Kathy online at www.LeaseUpNow.net. “In today’s market there are no ‘secrets or tricks’ for increasing occupancy. The keys to success are knowing what to do, doing it well and doing it consistently.” – Kathy Banker
Toni Blake is an international speaker, author and comedienne. Having invested more than 30 years of her life in multifamily housing, she tours over 50 cities each year inspiring thousands of industry professionals. As a published author, Toni’s expertise has been published in over 36 trade magazines across the country. In November 2008, Toni was awarded the Multifamily PRO Industry Legend Award. She was selected by the National Apartment Association as one of the industry’s “Marketing Gurus” and is recognized for her research and innovative concepts in customer service, sales, and marketing. Toni was honored at the very first Multifamily PRO “People’s Choice Awards” winning awards for Educational Excellence, Imagination and Innovation. Utilizing her multi-lingual talents, Toni was a featured speaker at the 2006 ISTA Conference in Kassel Germany, presenting IN GERMAN to an audience of 260 German multifamily professionals. She currently serves as President of TotallyToni.com, and Founder/President of the Multifamily Speakers Alliance. Toni lives in Northern Colorado with her husband. “You will always enjoy this industry-favorite event.” – Toni Blake
Heather Blume has a contagious energy and passion that goes to the heart of the multifamily industry. Her work on site combined with her work as a vendor give Heather a unique perspective that allows her to create success for those around her. Currently, Heather is the Imagination In Charge of Behind the Leasing Desk Consulting Services, a consulting firm out of the Seattle area that specializes in meeting the specific needs of multifamily clients who may be experiencing challenges in different facets of the property management world. She is an accomplished national speaker and trainer, a participant in the weekly twitter #aptchat, and her syndicated blog posts to Multifamily Insiders have made her one of their top 10 read authors. Her work has been seen in industry publications across the country, including UNITS Magazine. Heather is an acting NAA Advanced Instructor designate and member of the 2010 NAA Faculty, as well as a WMFHA, CAM, and NALP instructor. She received her CAM designation this year. Heather’s blog, Behind the Leasing Desk, shares her unique ideas on everything regarding property management with the world. Her Monday morning show, The Multifamily 5×5, is watched by hundreds of property management professionals across the country. From marketing and advertising; to resident retention and talent retention; and even conflict resolution and social media engagement; Heather provides a unique perspective that is valued by her readers and clients. www.btldconsulting.com www.behindtheleasingdesk.com
Ginny Bowden began her career in property management in the early 80’s and has survived the many market conditions through the decades. Ginny started as a Leasing Consultant and over the years grew into the Marketing & Training Director Roles with several National Companies overseeing the Southeast. After, 18 years on the property management side Ginny set forth on a new adventure and joined the vendor side of our business working for a National Publication and Advertising Agency. Four years ago she found her home with the Grace Hill Gang which provides her the opportunity to work with industry professionals across the nation. Ginny lives in Alpharetta, GA (just a little north of Atlanta) with her husband Larry, stepsons Dustin & Scott and 3 precious pups – Sasha, Casey and Missy who remind her each day that “Life is Good”. To learn more about Ginny and Grace Hill, please visit www.gracehill.com.
Leah Brewer has been affectionately dubbed the “Leasing Queen” for the fun ways she has approached apartment occupancy challenges in her 25 industry years, from a leasing consultant, to a consultant for leasing. Her unique and creative training and marketing solutions have won industry awards for her clients for Best Model, Best Marketing Theme, Excellence in Education and Best Brochure. Leah established Full House Marketing® in 1995, supporting the apartment industry with the services that help apartments have their own “Full House” through customized marketing, staffing and training solutions. In 2000, Leah expanded the availability of quality training programs and staffing services by teaming up with Rebecca Rosario, who opened Full House Marketing® offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC. www.FullHouseMarketing.com. To better serve her clients, Leah is always on the look-out for appealing ideas. She finds many engaging concepts used in other industries that can easily and inexpensively be modified for unique and distinctive use within our industry. Her phrase “Be Purple” captures this idea. Additionally, Leah holds her NALP and CAM designations, and is actively involved in her local apartment association as well as serving on the Board of Directors for the PMA of Michigan. She served as a Team Instructor for the National Apartment Association’s Advanced Instructor Training and as a Speaker at the NAA Education Conferences this past June.
Deb Bronson-McGrath is a seasoned professional known for achieving high-caliber results; whether repositioning a $1.6 billion dollar company’s brand with award-winning results, building a corporate university servicing five separate education tracks and yielding an impressive ROI within six months of launch, or helping a team significantly reduce turn-over. After a successful run as a weekly columnist for the LA Times (OC edition), Deb has written a variety of instructional materials including; over fifty business courses focusing on leadership, sales, marketing, training the trainer, and customer service. She has overseen the instructional design process (from a-z) for ninety-plus corporate university sessions. A popular speaker at educational conferences and outsource training, Deb has addressed over 20,000 individuals in the last 15 years. Deb has held positions ranging from Receptionist, Occupancy Troubleshooter, Performance Consultant, Professional Speaker, Vice-President of Operations, and Vice-President of Marketing, Training & Organizational Development –– and it is this culmination of her experiences that led her to become a partner and the CEO of Discover True North. It is in this visionary capacity that she continues to carry out her passion for delivering innovative solutions of the highest caliber that serve and support others. Okay, but who is she? First-born, but child at heart. Competitive at board games, owns a large Muppet collection, and still believes in Bigfoot (you would too if you grew up in rural Michigan). Greatest position ever? Being a Mom. Loves people, the arts and purposeful endeavors that encourage the heart. Contact Deb online via www.DiscoverTrueNorth.com.
Tina Cavaco, CAPS holds the position of Senior Vice President of Operations for Centra Partners, LLC . With over 30 years of personnel, administrative, operational and marketing experience Ms. Cavaco is responsible for Centra’s corporate and asset administration portfolio oversight. Her experience in both marketing and management of over 15,000 multi family units located in five states sets her apart as an industry specialist. During Tina’s career, she has acquired an effective combination of experience in both commercial and multi-family operations/management and is able to skillfully represent Centra Partners with their diverse client portfolio. Ms. Cavaco holds the National Apartment Association designation of Certified Apartment Property Supervisor, has trained in the CPM candidate program, and is an active member and course instructor for the Houston Apartment Association. She serves on various committees, i.e., Chairperson for HAA Go-Getters, member of the Speakers and Community Relations Committee and the Fair Housing Committee. Ms. Cavaco was awarded the prestigious Go-Getter of the Year Award for 1999 and is a member of the Texas Apartment Association Triple Crown Club. Tina is married and Mom to 2 sons, 2 step sons and 1 step daughter. Hobbies include riding her Harley, golf and is an avid reader She is proud to be a Brainstorming 13 year facilitator!
Kim Cory has over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing and education within the multifamily industry. For the last five years Kim has been the Director of Sales/Marketing for MGI Communities based out of Columbus, OH. MGI Communities has encouraged Kim to utilize her passion for creativity, marketing, customer service and public relations in Student Housing. Her dedication and passion is what keeps driving this small company to grow and embrace utilizing new technology and new means for marketing and managing their communities online. Along with her passion for Student Housing, Kim also has a driving passion for nutrition and exercise, and is currently continuing to develop and brand her own business, Kim Cory Fitness. You can find Kim and her work online @ www.universityvillage.com and Kim Cory Fitness … and you’ll soon see why she’s known as the queen of Hyper-Tasking!
Kelly Cox is a dynamic Trainer and Property Manager for Apartment Dynamics. Among the many things that set her apart, Kelly has achieved incredible revenue and occupancy success and has NEVER given a concession in her entire career! She has earned her National Apartment Association Leasing Professional (NALP) and Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), as well as completing the National Apartment Association Instructor Education Institute. In 2008 Kelly was named the National Apartment Association (NAA) 2008 Paragon Certified Apartment Manager of the Year. Bringing energy and expertise to every presentation, she is a dynamic speaker and veteran facilitator for Multifamilypro’s Brainstorming Sessions, trainer for NAAEI and North Carolina Real Estate Commission Continuing Education, and has written for UNITS Magazine.
Krishna Cox is responsible for the marketing and advertising efforts for 13,000+ units, as well as for the training of more than 400 on-site associates throughout ConAm’s Northern, Central, and Southern, California portfolios. She works directly with the Regional Vice President, regional office staff, and community associates in various aspects of marketing as well as associate performance and development. Krishna began her career in property management as a leasing consultant for Trammell Crow Residential Services in 1997. Prior to joining ConAm in July 2006, she was a property manager for Realty Center Management, Inc. Throughout her career she has assisted with new business proposals, property lease-ups and renovations, and has worked with both conventional and affordable housing projects, giving her a wide range of knowledge in the industry.
Terri L. Euchner has been in the multihousing industry in Arizona since 1983 in positions including Portfolio Director for a diverse group of communities, in new development, Director of Marketing & Education and Vice President of Operations as well as business owner. She also worked for a national publication specializing in the marketing and advertising for the apartment industry. Terri attended the Universal Academy for Music in Princeton, New Jersey, where she studied music and visited Europe on vocal tour where she discovered her ability to capture and stimulate an audience. Turning the “arts” into “business arts”, she began her career in property management with the same enthusiasm and passion she had on stage. Terri has addressed groups and conventions nationwide. She’s a current member of the Arizona Multihousing Association where she serves on the Board of Directors, has served on many Phoenix chapter committees, and held positions as chairperson. She is a Trainer for the National Apartment Leasing Professional Program, and was honored by the Arizona Multihousing Association as Property Supervisor of the Year for 1999. Most recently, Ms. Euchner joined the Institute of Real Estate Management and won a scholarship for the CPM program. She presently holds an Arizona Real Estate License and LIHTC Certification.
Rick Ellis, CPM, AMO has been involved in the management and operation of apartments and other residential rental real estate since 1980, handling a portfolio as large as 6,000 units in four major markets. In addition to his management experience, he is also recognized as an industry expert in apartment marketing, property positioning, and evaluation of rental markets and sub-markets throughout the country. A strong public speaker, Rick makes hundreds of presentations each year on topics from basic apartment leasing and resident retention to the “Economics of Apartments.” His ongoing consulting contracts include national and regional management companies and several Dallas-based REITs with nationwide portfolios. Rick received a Bachelor of Science in 1977 and Masters of Art in 1979 from Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas; and is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Texas as well as an Eagle Scout.
Kristi Fickert began her career in Property Management after attending Ohio University, where she majored in Public Administration. With over 14 years of industry experience (including 4 years in the Hotel/Hospitality market), she has held various positions, including Leasing Consultant, Leasing Manager and Corporate Recruiter. For the past 10 years, Kristi has been the Senior Sales & Marketing Director for Village Green and is responsible for the leasing, marketing, training, recruitment and lease up efforts of more than 28 properties in nine different states across the U.S. She is experienced with both suburban and urban assets, including new construction and renovation projects, along with due diligence assignments and acquisitions. Kristi is an instructor for the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Dayton and Columbus, Ohio Apartment Associations and has been a panelist and speaker for a variety of local and national marketing events. Her passionate, creative and high-energy approach to sales and marketing continue to make Village Green an innovative leader in the Multi-Family industry.
Dawn Ford’s personal credo is” I am not the boss, I’m just bossy.” Her need to over-achieve started early, graduating from Ferris State University with three degrees, she began following her passion in the apartment industry. With 30 years of experience in property management operations, honing her marketing skills by handling lease-ups in five different states simultaneously, Dawn has one of those right brain left brains where she is a free and creative thinker while never losing site of the complexities of the implementation and effects on the site operations. Dawn’s self-described strength is selling and inspiring change and her out of the box thinking supports her outstanding track record of business successes as evidenced by her previously owning a successful management firm and the unique business philosophies on which Smart Apartment Solutions was founded. Others describe Smart Girl Dawn as light hearted, hard headed and heavy handed, but she says she is more of a Smart aleck. Dawn believes people set their own worth and some say she values herself highly. Dawn holds the CPM and Housing Credit Certified Professional designations and has received awards such as Property Manager of the Year, has served as President of the IREM Chapter #53 for two different terms, leading the chapter to the Chapter of the Year award given by the Institute of Real Estate Management. Dawn is mother of Megan, a chip off of the old Diva, who is also in the industry as a Director of Marketing and Leasing. Dawn is a tap dancer and teases that she is almost a professional, is a beginner at playing her baby grand piano, and she stamps her own greeting cards.
Mary Gwyn, CPM is the Chief Innovator for Apartment Dynamics and is passionate about apartment marketing and training, specializing in occupancy and income improvement. She has successfully taught many clients to increase revenue by training away concessions, and continually develops and implements successful marketing strategies, leasing, leadership and sales training, and practical yield management techniques. A Certified Property Manager (CPM) with over 20 years in the multifamily industry, Mary is often called on to consult directly with owners of under-performing assets. Her insights, experience and “digging in” to the problems enable her to determine strategic solutions and develop action plans that improve performance results! Mary speaks all over the country for owner operators, apartment associations, and industry conferences such as Multi-Housing World, Brainstorming and NAA. Her firm, Apartment Dynamics, manages apartments, with a reputation for revenue growth! Log on to the Apartment Dynamics website to read some of Mary’s insightful articles published in national publications such as UNITS Magazine, or just to learn more about her company’s consulting, training and property management services. If you need a dynamic speaker or leading trainer, excellent property management services, or a Strategic Marketing Plan sure to produce results, contact Mary via www.AptDynamics.com!
Linda Hansen, ARM, HCCP, is Director of Property Marketing for The Yarco Company headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. The Yarco Company is a full service management and development company and presently manages 11,000 units in ten states. Linda brings over 30 years experience including national marketing skills as well as regional property management responsibilities. In addition to her skills in training and motivating, Linda has gained valuable experience in condo conversion, new construction, and the management of senior housing, LIHTC Section 42, and conventional apartment communities. Linda has won numerous awards with the Apartment Association of Kansas City including being honored with the Grand Achievement Award twice. She was also named Management Executive of the year and is on the faculty of NAA. Joining her love for leasing and marketing is social media. To further those talents, Linda recently completed training as a Social Media Strategist. This is Linda’s 8th year at Brainstorming and her 4th year as a facilitator.
Tracey Hopkins started her career at seventeen as a leasing consultant and in those days was known as the “one to close the deal”. Three months later she was promoted to manager and preceded to manage properties throughout Texas. She was again promoted, at the age of 21, to multi-site supervisor. One year later she decided marketing was her calling. Tracey joined Walden Residential Properties, Inc., as Walden grew into the 3rd largest REIT, so did Tracey’s responsibilities as she was named Vice President of Marketing. In December of 1997, Tracey joined Archon Residential as Vice President over National Marketing, which managed more than 6 billion in assets globally for Goldman Sachs. In October of 2000, Tracey opened her own company, Jumpstart Marketing. She presents nationally for companies, associations and conventions including Multifamilypro’s Brainstorming Sessions, NAA, Multi-Housing World, TAA and the NAHB Pillars of the Industry Awards Conference. She is a past Chair of the Pillars of the Industry Awards, the industry’s leading award program. In addition to marketing, leasing and customer service presentations, she is consults nationally for companies in need of improving property performance. Contact Tracey online via www.JumpStartOnline.net.
Joe Kaye is Director of Sales and Marketing for Direct Energy, part of the Centrica group of companies, one of the largest multi-state providers of retail energy services in North America, with more than 5 million residential and commercial customer relationships. He is responsible for all aspects of the Sales and Marketing programs within Direct Energy’s North American footprint, overseeing both the commercial and residential customers. Prior to joining Direct Energy, he was National Sales and Marketing Trainer for Move.com, where his responsibilities included overseeing a national sales force as well as training and development for both the sales force and its clients. Joe has extensive experience in the multi-family market where he started his career in onsite management and has worked in all facets in property management, before moving into the supplier arena for the multi-family industry.
Amy Kosnikowski is a proven leader in sales, leasing, management and marketing real estate assets bringing over 19 years of passion and industry experience. As a nationally recognized expert for her talents and achievements, Amy has served at the executive level with national REIT’s in addition to privately held real estate investment companies. Based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, Amy serves as the principal of Quintessential focused on improving bottom line solutions. Amy’s expertise is frequently highlighted at national conferences, expert panel events and educational seminars. She currently serves as a board member of the National Multifamily Speaker Alliance. Amy gladly shares her extensive experience with associations and organizations across the country as a national speaker, industry educator, marketing strategist and sales coach. Contact Amy online via www.theQstandard.com.
Sandi LaManna began her diverse career in multifamily housing in 1986, as a part-time weekend consultant while attending college. It was quickly apparent that her “love to lease” would change the plans and direction of her life. Within six months Sandi was promoted to Assistant Manager and a year later was managing her first community of 192 units. Currently working at Washington University in St. Louis, Sandi is successfully managing over 1200 units in three distinct and diverse neighborhoods for off-campus housing and is in charge of the marketing and leasing efforts for the off-campus housing departments. Sandi is an award-winning, accomplished professional specializing in training and motivation. She earned the Accredited Residential Manager certification from IREM in 1998 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for IREM in St. Louis. Sandi has made the commitment to teach others the true spirit of customer service by sharing her innovative ideas and enthusiasm with leasing teams and property managers across the bi-state area.
Jackie Ramstedt, CAPS, CAM, CAS is a nationally renowned Motivational Keynote Speaker, National Trainer, Consultant, and Performance Coach who has more than 27 years experience in the multi-housing industry. She has spoken to thousands of industry professionals on a national level for the National Apartment Association, the Multi Housing World Conference, Multifamily Pro Annual Brainstorming Events, the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), Grace Hill, Inc. Educational Chat Forums, National Affordable Housing conferences, and numerous state and local Associations and management companies throughout the United States and Canada. Jackie is also a member of the prestigious Apartment All Stars Team national tours specializing in customer service, resident retention, leasing and management solutions. Jackie earned her CAM and CAPS designations back to back and her CAS (Certified Apartment Supplier) designation in 2001. Jackie was awarded the 2008 Faculty Member of the Year from her local Austin Apartment Association, where she has served on the Board of Directors and Education Committee Chair. Jackie is an accredited instructor teaching all designation courses as well as core and MCE courses for the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Jackie’s is an accomplished author and her articles have been featured in some of the industry’s foremost leading publications. Her impressive clientele listing includes many of the national management and investment corporations in the United States. Her energetic and enthusiastic speaking style makes her seminars exciting with “real world solutions for real world challenges” empowering others to reach their full professional and personal potential through “balance” in their lives. Nothing is more contagious than enthusiasm! www.JackieRamstedt.com
Sharon Ruttenbur fell in love with the multifamily industry over 20 years ago leasing apartments while getting for her Real Estate license. She joined Lyon Communities in 1991 and is currently the Director of Sales & Training specializing in researching, developing and implementing creative high-tech solutions to keep Lyon on the cutting-edge of the industry. Sharon is an active member of the American Society for Training & Development and enjoys developing new associates in multifamily as well as teaching courses for the South Coast Apartment Association’s California Certified Resident Manager program and speaking at various industry events. Many years ago Sharon discovered the Multifamily Pro Brainstorming sessions and embraced the concept of networking, sharing ideas in a high-energy, fun atmosphere. The Brainstorming sessions have also provided her with the latest industry tools, trends and technologies keeping her on top of the industry. Currently residing in Orange County California, her geographic areas of expertise are in the California, Colorado, Florida and Georgia markets. Sharon has two children, Jake 14 and Taylor 10, and loves the great outdoors; wake boarding, skiing, golfing, biking and camping. www.LyonCommunities.com.
Jonathan Saar is the Director of Marketing and Educational Solutions for The Training Factor. He has over 15 years of marketing and customer service experience. In December 2009 he was hired by The Training Factor and has been using Social Media and internet marketing tools extensively to brand the company he works for and to educate those in the industry on the benefits that come from using Social Media properly. He has experience with blogging, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and other social media tools, and has been providing one-on-one education for The Training Factor client base. He is a live trainer not only in Social Media but in other topics as well. His commitment is to the industry and to make each multifamily day a better one. Contact Jonathan via wwwTheTrainingFactor.com.
Valerie M. Sargent has a passion for teaching others and making a difference. She began her career in the multifamily industry over 20 years ago as a leasing consultant, guiding her career toward training and marketing. Today she is a dynamic presenter and consultant working with clients to unlock the dynamic power within their associates. Valerie is an invaluable resource to help tackle nearly any business issue a company may encounter, and she specializes in leasing, sales, customer service and leadership. Her engaging and humorous presentation style creates a learning environment that is exciting, inspirational and memorable. By providing cohesive, educational and motivating experiences, Valerie takes pride in helping companies create effective and productive teams who love their jobs. Areas of expertise include: Training, Marketing, Consulting, On-Boarding, Coaching, Team Building, Corporate Retreats and Leadership Conferences. Valerie is a Charter Member of National Multifamily Speakers Alliance. She resides in Newport Beach, CA, and currently volunteers for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that advocates for abused or neglected children. Find her at www.ypooleandassoc.com.
Amy Siebert is The Director of Training & Marketing for Nolan Real Estate Services, which currently includes a portfolio of 11,000 units. She has been in the Multifamily industry for 20 years. Amy began as a Leasing Agent and has held various roles throughout her career from Multi Site Manager to Area Recruiter for up to 13,000 units. Amy married her high school sweetheart, and they are now blessed with 4 year old twins. Amy’s energy and passion for people is what sets her apart and allows her serve our industry and her family extremely well.
Lori Snider is a professional speaker, author and marketing strategist, She is a frequent and requested national conference presenter and she is regularly sought for her keen insight regarding marketing trends. Her enthusiasm, sales skills and imaginative problem solving abilities are contagious, and her creative capabilities can take a company from average to exceptional through strategic, focused initiatives. Lori’s workshops and keynotes are packed with real life experiences that thousands have related to, and her sense of humor makes sessions fun and interesting. Her diverse experience provides a platform that is realistic and resonates with her audiences. Lori co-founded Creativity For Rent, a boutique marketing and design firm, and has executed marketing strategies for a myriad of products throughout the country. Lori resides in the Denver area with her husband Tom and their sons, 16-year-old Jack, 9-year-old Sam and two Australian Shepherds. Please call 303.517.2006 to reserve a speaking engagement, or email lori@lorisnider.com to discuss your marketing needs. Lori’s blog, www.rentplicity.com, is widely followed and features commentary on marketing, trends, sales and service. Visit her online at www.lorisnider.com.
Pamela Sullens is committed to the Multifamily industry for more than 30 years. She began her career in the Midwest and worked for national companies prior to starting her own company. Building awesome teams and innovative ideas are her specialty. Ms. Sullens has experience in apartments, condos, and retail management. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in education, University of Phoenix with a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation awarded by IREM and her company holds the distinction of Accredited Management Organization (AMO) awarded by IREM. She is active in related organizations as the National Apartment Association, Arizona Multifamily Association, Scottsdale Board of Realtors, Institute of Real Estate Management and is currently serving as Treasurer/Secretary for the Phoenix Chapter 47 Executive Council of IREM. She is the Designated Broker for Sullens & Euchner, Inspired Management Services located in Scottsdale, AZ.
Mary Thayer started working during the summer in an apartment rental office in 1977, when her father and some partners bought a 231 unit apartment community in Western Mass. She continued working there during summers and vacations while in college. By the time she graduated in 1981, her father and his partners had purchased several more properties and she started working full time, creating a management company. Mary now owns the management company, managing just for her family’s properties in Western Mass. She continues to learn more about this great industry each day. Mary will be celebrating her 29th wedding anniversary this year, and she has two sons, both in college. Mary loves to garden and do crafts, and enjoys living in an 18th century home. She is on several boards and committees, both volunteer and professional. She was awarded the 2010 Volunteer award by her town, for co-chairing its 35th anniversary celebration in 2009.
Michelle Thom is a Regional Supervisor with Sullens & Euchner and joined the multifamily housing industry upon graduation from Arizona State University in 2001. She received her Bachelor’s of Marketing degree from the Barrett Honors College. She began her career in property management implementing new marketing programs for Camden Property Trust. She has since worked all over the valley in conventional apartment housing, section 42 housing and condo investment rentals. Ms. Thom is a member of the Arizona Multihousing Association, a CPM Candidate with the Institute of Real Estate Management, and holds an Arizona Real Estate License. Contact her via www.sullensandeuchner.com.
Denise Widmeier has over six years of experience in Multifamily Housing. As Pennrose Management Company’s Director of Training, Denise develops educational programs for both new hires and established Pennrose associates. These programs include self-paced e-learning opportunities, recognition programs, leadership development curricula, and culture driving initiatives. Throughout her career, Denise has been motivating others to achieve greatness through creative and exciting incentive programs, self-development challenges, and well-designed educational opportunities. Denise’s down-to-earth approach yields immediate buy-in from training attendees. A recent training survey indicated, “Working with Denise was exciting. Her ability to take concept, vision, and mere ideas, and turn them into a digestible reality that could transfer knowledge is exemplary. As a trainer, facilitator, and developer of ideas, she excels.” The engagement and passion is drawn from a desire to assist others in excelling and maximizing their performance. Specializing in Leasing and Customer Service, Denise offers a relatable experience that draws participants to catch her contagious positivity, and answer her call to reach higher.
Pattie Woods is Vice President of Training and Development for Fogelman Management Group. She has been with Fogelman for 10 years, and served as Regional Vice President for the Mid-south Region prior to becoming VP of Training. Pattie is responsible for training and development for a portfolio that includes over 18,000 units located 14 States. Her extensive knowledge of property management prepared her for her current responsibility of implementing and monitoring training programs designed for all site level employees. Pattie also monitors Fogelman’s Associate Shopping programs, Leasing Mentor programs, Resident Satisfaction program, and the Online Learning Center, in which all site employees participate. Pattie has been in the property management business since 1982 when she began her career as a site manager and has been responsible for the supervision of multiple site portfolios since 1990. She benefits from a variety of experience including new construction lease-up, historic renovation, major rehab, subsidized living, and tax credit administration. Pattie has been active in a number of local, state, and national apartment associations and served as President for the Tennessee Apartment Association. She was also founding President of The Apartment Association of Greater Memphis, and is currently on the Membership committee with NAA. She holds CAM and CAPS designations and is presently pursuing her CPM designation through the Institute of Real Estate Management. Pattie completed her Advanced Instructor Training through NAA and is on the NAAEI Faculty.
Tiffany Yelverton is the President of Creative Apartment Marketing, a consulting firm specializing in: Sales and Marketing Evaluations, Competitive Market Studies, Marketing Plans, Front-line Training and enthusiastic Seminars based on tried and true strategies stemming from real multifamily life experience. Serving the apartment industry for over 20 years, Tiffany enjoys, and readily embraces new challenges with enthusiasm. A marketing and sales strategist, her expertise complements current client cultures by providing solutions to refine existing workflow processes resulting in immediate and tangible results. Tiffany is a highly sought-after consultant and a dynamic speaker who has trained thousands of multi-family professionals across the country. Her expertise in assessing a property’s potential has increased the net operating income for numerous properties with her key ingredients of facilitating and training the on-site and supervisor teams with customized ‘how to’ steps in achieving profitable goals. She has participated in development, lease up and repositioning for: mixed use projects, new construction developments, high-rise to garden style properties including conventional, student housing, senior housing, and tax credit property types. Recognized as a professional speaker, Tiffany has helped train and cultivates the next generation of multifamily professionals, is a featured speaker for the National Apartment Association ‘NAA’ Affiliates, the Institute of Real Estate Management ‘IREM’ Chapters, private owner / company events, as well as cross training for the vendor side of the apartment industry. Tiffany holds the National Apartment Association’s CAM and CAPS designations, enjoys writing articles for many multifamily and real estate publications, is on the board of directors for the National Multifamily Speakers Alliance, a frequent presenter for Gracehill.com online chats, and a speaker/facilitator at Multifamily Pro’s Brainstorming sessions. Personal message from Tiffany: “I’ve grown up in the multifamily industry and give due credit to the dynamic educational programs targeted for multifamily professionals. I believe that education is a continual process that one should take advantage of at any age and at any rung in his or her career ladder. My greatest joy is when I captivate, stimulate, and motivate beginners and seasoned professionals through training, shared learning experiences, and strategic planning. I believe that everything we do in life is a choice and, for me, my choice has always been to be happy in everything that I do!”