In Episode 24 of Unscripted, host Andrew Bowen broadcasts straight from RETCON 2025 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Instead of a traditional booth, LeaseLock transformed its trade show presence into a working podcast studio, capturing six in-depth conversations with thought leaders in the rental housing space.
Tying them all together? Three core themes:
AI Goes Operational – AI has officially moved beyond the buzz. Guests share how it's being implemented—from call centers to maintenance—and what real metrics they're tracking now.
Centralization vs. Specialization – Leaders dig into pod structures, payroll, and the evolving definition of property ops efficiency.
Human-Centric Innovation – From Gen Z’s aversion to phone calls to the emotional weight of collections, this episode reminds us that putting people first is still the future of tech.
As NAA Apartmentalize wraps up, this episode offers a timely perspective for industry professionals navigating the intersection of technology, leadership, and resident experience.
In Episode 23 of Unscripted, LeaseLock’s Andrew Bowen interviews Alex O’Brien, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and CEO of The Cardinal Group, about how the veteran community can address the multifamily industry's talent shortage. This Memorial Day-timed discussion highlights the value veterans bring to rental housing. Alex covers his military transition to leading a top rental housing company, founding Salute Colorado, the military-to-multifamily skill bridge (discipline, leadership, adaptability, operations, mission-driven), and how hiring veterans strengthens workforces. The episode also features a candid conversation on six-figure careers without degrees, reframing interviews for veteran talent, and actionable steps for companies to attract and support veteran professionals, offering insight and action for those in hiring, operations, or interested in industry improvement.
Presented by LeaseLock
Join us as we amplify the stories of those making a difference in multifamily. Unscripted is our commitment to industry-wide thought leadership—created to inspire, inform, and uplift those working to make renting better for everyone. Interested in how your team can make housing more accessible and secure? Talk to our team today to discover how property owners, operators, and managers benefit from LeaseLock.
In Episode 22 of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen sits down with Tina West, Executive Vice President at Sares Regis, to explore a provocative redefinition of the American Dream: flexibility. From housing preferences to employment expectations, Tina shares why modern renters prioritize optionality over ownership—and how that shift is transforming the multifamily housing landscape.
Recorded on-site at one of Sares Regis’ active adult communities in Texas, this conversation dives deep into what today’s residents really want: flexible floorplans, lifestyle-aligned amenities, and a sense of belonging. Tina unpacks the value of personalization, the resurgence of community-focused design, and the essential balance between high-tech and high-touch service models.
Whether you’re rethinking operational models, community engagement, or what it truly means to serve residents and staff, this episode is packed with insights from one of the most respected leaders in the industry.
🎧 Presented by LeaseLock — a leading innovator in lease insurance and deposit-free living. LeaseLock brings thought leadership to the multifamily space by spotlighting operators, owners, and innovators working to make housing more accessible and impactful. Join us in rethinking risk, enhancing resident experience, and helping more people find a place to call home.
In Episode 21 of Unscripted, we go deep into what it really takes to transform a distressed asset into an award-winning community. Host Andrew Bowen travels to Houston to speak with Elizabeth Castro Gray, co-founder of Lamp Post Capital and past president of the Houston Apartment Association, who shares her journey of revitalizing The Reserve at Belfort — a 1955-built multifamily property once plagued by crime and disrepair.
Elizabeth breaks down the multifamily property turnaround process from both an operational and human lens. You'll hear how she:
Raised a crime-ridden asset to 2023 HAA Property of the Year
Navigated COVID-era financial hits and rising interest rates
Leveraged zero deposit solutions to ease move-in costs for working families
Built pride and trust among residents and staff — with boots-on-the-ground leadership
Advocates for smarter screening, property ownership culture, and market transparency
This episode is a must-watch for real estate investors, property managers, and industry professionals looking to understand what true community impact looks like — especially at the Class C, workforce housing level.
đź“Ť Whether you're focused on operational excellence, resident retention, or owning in underserved markets, this story delivers insights you won't find anywhere else.
What’s more valuable: the brand of a property or the brand of the company behind it?
In this episode of Unscripted, host Andrew Bowen sits down with Tony Sousa, CEO and Founder of Sousa Consulting, to dig into the evolution of brand strategy in multifamily—from personal to company to asset—and why reputation is really what moves the needle.
Recorded live in Las Vegas ahead of RETCON, this conversation dives into:
Whether you're leading operations, building a marketing strategy, or navigating visibility in the digital space, this episode is a crash course in thinking more critically (and creatively) about brand in today’s multifamily landscape.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock helps rental housing providers drive performance and eliminate bad debt with a fully integrated lease insurance platform. By replacing security deposits with lease insurance, operators remove friction from leasing, reduce bad debt, and unlock operational efficiencies. Learn more at https://www.leaselock.com
Created and Presented by LeaseLock, Inc.
Host: Andrew Bowen, LeaseLock
Executive Producer: Jonas Dominique, LeaseLock
Graphics and Artwork by Tricia Principe
Producer / Editor: Jaime Livas
What can the fitness industry teach multifamily operators about team leadership, resident service, and mindset?
In this episode of Unscripted: A LeaseLock Podcast, host Andrew Bowen is joined by Katherine Maestas, Community Manager at Kairoi Residential and founder of the soon-to-launch Chasing Grit Podcast.
Katherine shares how her background in gym operations and personal training shaped her approach to leadership in multifamily. From performance coaching and people-centric management to tactical leasing tips and tour experience upgrades, this episode is packed with fresh, practical insights for operators ready to ditch the transactional and lead with intention.
Listen in as Katherine and Andrew cover:
Why multifamily needs better coaching, not more managing
The power of personalized leasing experiences
Lessons from fitness sales and retention applied to resident success
Why centralization must evolve with new leadership development models
How grit and mindset shape career growth—and why she’s launching a podcast about it
Whether you're leading a leasing team or climbing your own leadership path, this one will leave you rethinking how you train, tour, and lead.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock helps rental housing providers drive performance and eliminate bad debt with a fully integrated lease insurance platform. By replacing security deposits with lease insurance, operators remove friction from leasing, reduce bad debt, and unlock operational efficiencies. Learn more at www.leaselock.com
The demand for smart home technology in multifamily housing is louder than ever—so why aren’t operators prioritizing it?
In this episode of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen, SVP at LeaseLock, sits down with Dave Marcinkowski, Partner at Quext & Madera Residential, to discuss the gap between renter demand and owner adoption when it comes to smart apartment technology.
Residents consistently rank smart home features—like keyless entry, smart thermostats, and leak detection—as some of the most desired and valued amenities. Yet, in LeaseLock’s latest Multifamily Executive Survey, smart tech ranked among the lowest priorities for operators in 2025.
So, what’s causing the disconnect?
Dave brings his unique dual perspective—as both a multifamily owner and a smart tech provider—to uncover the real barriers to adoption, the ROI of smart apartment solutions, and how AI-driven automation is about to revolutionize the resident experience.
Key Takeaways:
Why smart home adoption has lagged—and why that’s about to change.
The hidden operational savings of smart tech—from leak detection to energy efficiency.
How managed Wi-Fi and centralized operations are shaping the future of property management.
The role of AI in automating apartment living—from predictive maintenance to personalized resident experiences.
What operators can do NOW to stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the next wave of smart home evolution.
Watch now to discover how smart technology is transforming the future of multifamily living.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock eliminates security deposits and replaces them with lease insurance—providing a better move-in experience for renters and better financial performance for operators. With LeaseLock, properties see higher lease conversions, reduced bad debt, and improved risk management.
Learn more: www.leaselock.com
In this special feature of Unscripted, recorded live at RETCON 2025 in Las Vegas, we sit down with Sina Shekou, CEO and founder of Aptly — a key partner in LeaseLock’s Comprehensive Risk Protection Alliance.
We unpack how AI and automation are transforming multifamily operations — and what leaders can do now to stay ahead. From measurable opex savings to rethinking collections with empathetic voice agents, this short conversation is full of actionable insight and future-state perspective.
🎧 Don’t miss:
About LeaseLock
LeaseLock powers a modern lease experience by removing deposits and delivering zero-deposit protection for apartment communities. Our AI-driven lease insurance platform replaces security deposits with lease coverage that eliminates bad debt, simplifies move-ins, and guarantees property performance. Learn more at https://leaselock.com
How do we change the growing narrative that rental housing is broken?
In this episode, Jay Parsons and Andrew Bowen take a deep dive into the growing misperceptions around renting, the impact of institutional investment, and the policy risks that could reshape the industry.
The conversation kicks off with a bold question: Why is rental housing being villainized? Jay breaks down how the public and policymakers often mischaracterize multifamily operators, creating an environment where renters themselves become unintended victims of the debate.
From there, the discussion shifts to institutional investment—a hot-button issue with major implications for affordability. Jay challenges the idea that Wall Street is taking over Main Street, explaining who actually benefits from large-scale ownership and why professional property management plays a key role in keeping the industry stable.
Then, they tackle policy vs. supply risks—and why one is far more dangerous than the other. While supply ebbs and flows with market cycles, a single city council vote can permanently disrupt investment, slow development, and create long-term affordability issues.
Finally, the episode explores what’s next for the rental market. With a slowdown in deliveries expected in the next two years, will we see relief from rent stagnation, or will demand continue to outpace supply?
This is a must-listen for investors, owners, and operators looking to understand the forces shaping multifamily in 2025 and beyond.
🎧 Tune in for a data-driven conversation that challenges industry myths and highlights what’s next for multifamily investors, owners, and operators.
What if we’re looking at real estate all wrong? In this thought-provoking episode of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen, SVP of LeaseLock, sits down with Grady Newman, Founder & CEO of Resi, to explore how multifamily housing can be more than just an investment—it can be a catalyst for social change.
Grady challenges industry norms, asking:
Are we treating multifamily housing as an asset or as a home?
How can technology and design improve sustainability, education, and community-building?
What role does real estate play in tackling major societal issues like affordability, loneliness, and wellness?
This conversation unpacks the hidden potential of multifamily housing, revealing opportunities to enhance resident experiences, rethink traditional leasing models, and use data in transformative ways.
Whether you're a property owner, investor, or operator, this episode delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else.
Presented by LeaseLock
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more atLeaseLock.com.
The multifamily market is evolving, and 2025 presents bothchallenges and opportunities for investors, owners, and operators.Greg Willett, Chief Economist at LeaseLock, joinsAndrew Bowen, SVP at LeaseLock, to break down the latest market fundamentals, rent growth predictions, and the increasing challenges indata transparency that could impact investment strategies.
Key topics include:
Market Trends & 2025 Rent Growth Expectations – Is a market rebound coming, or will economic headwinds continue? Hear what’s drivingregional market differences and whysupply & demand shifts are reshaping strategy.
Investment Risks & Capital Markets – Withinstitutional investors hesitant, where are the biggest opportunities? Discover what’s drivingdecision-making hesitation and howFOMO could shape deals in 2025.
Data Transparency & Risk Management – Withthird-party market data facing scrutiny, how will investors and operators adjust? Learn howchanging data access and definitions impact underwriting.
Multifamily Supply Pipeline & Forecasting Challenges – A slowdown innew deliveries could shift the market landscape by 2026. Find out whycurrent investment positioning matters now more than ever.
Fromrent expectations tocapital markets hesitation, this episode deliversactionable insights that help youstay ahead of the curve in multifamily real estate.
🎧Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or LeaseLock.com/Unscripted.
Presented by LeaseLock
Unscripted is presented byLeaseLock, the leading lease insurance provider transforming the rental housing industry.Host Andrew Bowen, SVP of LeaseLock, sits down with top experts and industry leaders to explore the biggest trends impacting multifamily housing.
For more episodes, visitLeaseLock.com/Unscripted and follow us onLinkedIn for updates.
Ahead of the NMHC Annual Meeting and before the launch of Unscripted Season 2, we’re bringing you an exclusive conversation designed to jumpstart your year with data-driven insights and predictions.
Host Andrew Bowen, SVP at LeaseLock, is joined by Jeremy Thomason, Managing Principal at Convolo Capital, to discuss the results of a groundbreaking survey of multifamily executives and asset management leaders.
In this special feature, Andrew and Jeremy unpack actionable data from top multifamily leaders, revealing what the industry is thinking, prioritizing, and planning for 2025.
View the full report using this link: https://connect.leaselock.com/2025-outlook
Topics covered in this episode include:
If you’re looking for a clear understanding of where the multifamily industry is headed and want to align your strategies with actionable insights from top executives, this is the perfect episode to kick off your year.
Presented By LeaseLock!
LeaseLock is redefining the future of rental housing with deposit replacement and rent payment insurance solutions that reduce bad debt, streamline operations, and create a better experience for both residents and operators. By leveraging data and cutting-edge technology, LeaseLock empowers multifamily providers to unlock value and deliver innovative solutions that transform the way communities lease and live.
Discover how LeaseLock is reshaping the rental experience at www.leaselock.com.
Join us for the final episode of Season 1 of Unscripted, where we reflect on the incredible journey of our first season. Host Andrew Bowen, SVP at LeaseLock, revisits pivotal moments from our conversations with thought leaders, including Kevin Donnelly of RETTC, Jennifer Staciokas of Western Wealth Communities, Brandy Daniel of BH Management, and many more.
In this season recap, we explore the ideas and discussions that defined Season 1:
How advocacy is transforming housing and tech, with Kevin Donnelly.
Strategies for fostering company culture and leadership with Trina Williams of Willow Bridge.
The importance of resident experience and operational excellence with Whitney Kidd of The Price Companies.
Game-changing innovations, from artificial intelligence to deposit alternatives, and their impact on multifamily housing.
Discover the passion, creativity, and forward-thinking that make the multifamily industry so extraordinary. Whether you’re a housing provider, tech innovator, or industry advocate, this recap celebrates the ideas that matter most.
In Episode 11 of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen, SVP of LeaseLock, connects with Kevin Donnelly, Executive Director and Chief Advocacy Officer at the Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center (RETTC). Fresh off RETTC’s launch at OpTech, Kevin discusses the organization’s mission to leverage technology as a force for good in real estate, improving housing affordability and resident outcomes.
They explore RETTC’s focus on three pillars: peer-to-peer engagement, year-round convening, and advocacy, emphasizing why tech is pivotal in addressing the industry's biggest challenges. Kevin shares insights on building bridges between policymakers and the multifamily industry, highlighting the urgent need for industry-wide collaboration to tackle regulatory complexities and drive innovation.
“The time for people to sit on the back bench has passed. We need active advocates on the field at every level of government.” - Kevin Donnelly
Tune in to hear how RETTC is transforming real estate technology and learn actionable steps to get involved in advocacy for the future of housing.
In Episode 10 of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen, SVP of LeaseLock, sits down with Trina Williams, Vice President of Operations and Performance at Willow Bridge Property Company. With a 24-year career at Willow Bridge (formerly Lincoln Property Company), Trina shares her journey from assistant manager to VP and the unique culture that kept her with the same organization for over two decades.
They discuss the challenges and strategies behind the rebranding of Lincoln to Willow Bridge, the importance of fostering a supportive company culture, and how technology can enhance—not replace—human connections in multifamily operations. Whether you’re curious about rebranding, career longevity, or the intersection of culture and technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more at LeaseLock.com.
In Episode 9 of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen, SVP of LeaseLock, sits down with Brandy Daniel, Chief Data Officer at BH Management, for an insightful conversation on the balance between IQ and EQ in multifamily leadership. They explore how the industry overindexes on one or the other, the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, and how to measure its impact in an organization.
Brandy also shares her bold predictions for the future of multifamily tech, including the transformative potential of augmented reality for leasing, maintenance, and renovations. From engagement surveys to fostering psychological safety in teams, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders looking to innovate and inspire.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more at LeaseLock.com.
In the eighth episode of Unscripted, Andrew Bowen, host and Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at LeaseLock, tackles a provocative question: Are security deposits dead? Reflecting on a recent conversation with a multifamily executive, Andrew examines the evolution of security deposits, the challenges they pose for both operators and residents, and why they may no longer be the best solution in modern rental housing.
From the growing risks of bad debt and operational burdens to the barriers deposits create for prospective renters, Andrew makes the case for a new approach to eliminate deposits. He breaks down how this model provides better protection for owners, simplifies operations for teams, and removes financial obstacles for renters—creating a win-win solution for all parties. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the future of risk management in multifamily.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more at LeaseLock.com.
In Episode 7 of Unscripted, host Andrew Bowen connects with Whitney Kidd, Senior VP of Innovation and Technology at The Preiss Company, live from OPTECH 2024. Whitney shares the inspiring story behind The W Collective, a movement focused on empowering women across multifamily and student housing. Together, they discuss the group’s initiatives, like advocating for family leave and increasing visibility for women leaders, and Whitney’s passion for fostering inclusion in the industry.
Whitney also dives into the transformative potential of AI for middle-market operators, offering a vision of how technology can bridge data gaps and provide critical insights, previously accessible only to larger operators. Packed with forward-thinking ideas, this episode provides a unique look at how innovation and inclusion are shaping the future of multifamily.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more at LeaseLock.com.
Show Notes
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/whitneykiddtechnology/
E-Mail: whitney.kidd@tpco.com
W. Collective Private Linkedin Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12650630/
In this special episode of Unscripted, recorded live at OPTECH 2024 in National Harbor, MD, host Andrew Bowen from LeaseLock dives into a deep discussion with fellow podcast hosts and industry leaders Mike Wolber (Chief Sales Officer, Apartment List), Devin Wirt (Co-founder & CEO, Connexus Living), and Dom Beveridge (Principal, 20 for 20). The conversation revolves around mastering LinkedIn as a tool for business growth and overcoming the challenges of ego in consuming thought leadership. The guests share practical advice on content creation, balancing value with engagement, and refining social media strategies to make the most of LinkedIn's potential. This episode is packed with actionable tips, from embracing progress over perfection to strategically handling connection requests.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more at LeaseLock.com.
Learn more about Mike Wolber:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewolber/
Learn more about Devin Wirt:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-wirt-203aa3a/
https://theadvisoryexperts.com/
Learn more about Dom Beveridge:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dombeveridge/
In this episode of Unscripted, host Andrew Bowen welcomes Chris Lema, CEO of Motivation AI, for a thought-provoking conversation on the evolving landscape of multifamily operations. With over a decade of friendship, Andrew and Chris dive deep into the importance of virtualizing on-site teams, rethinking personnel and position fit, and leading teams based on individual motivation profiles—a unique specialty of Motivation AI. Recorded during CaboPress, Chris’s personal mastermind conference in Cabo San Lucas, this casual yet impactful discussion offers fresh insights into how motivation-driven leadership can reshape multifamily operations. Whether you're navigating team management or interested in new operational models, this episode is packed with actionable advice from one of the brightest minds in business.
About LeaseLock:
LeaseLock is the leading insurtech platform for multifamily housing, eliminating the need for security deposits and providing superior protection for both renters and property owners. With LeaseLock, renters experience a simpler move-in process, while operators achieve better protection, increased occupancy, and reduced administrative overhead. By transforming the rental housing model, LeaseLock is making renting better for everyone.
Learn more at LeaseLock.com.
Show Notes:
Follow @ChisLema on Twitter
Website: https://motivationcode.com/
Personal Website: https://chrislema.com
