Podcast
Apartment Jedi with Andrew Bowen
Hosted by Andrew Bowen · EN
A podcast about the wonderful world of Residential Property Management.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
AI in Multifamily: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)
Apr 2800:48:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Apartment Jedi Podcast, Andrew Bowen is joined by Alec Slocum, CEO & Founder of Rentable, Apartment IQ, and Maven AI, for a deep dive into the current state of artificial intelligence in multifamily.The conversation explores how AI is being applied across the industry—from market data collection to revenue management—and where it is delivering meaningful results versus where it remains more promise than reality.Alec shares insights from working directly with operators and owners across the country, offering a practical perspective on how AI is shaping decision-making, workflows, and strategy.GuestAlec Slocum CEO & Founder, Rentable, Apartment IQ & Maven AIDiscussion Highlights The shift toward real-time, web-based market data Limitations of traditional data collection methods The “AI veneer” problem and common misconceptions Where AI is currently most effective in multifamily The importance of data structure and organization Challenges with current AI models, including hallucinations and context limits Revenue management evolution and forecasting accuracy New opportunities in asset management and redevelopment analysis How organizations should approach AI adoption Resources Learn more at https://apartmentjedi.com
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Multifamily's Identity Crisis: Staffing, Technology and the Future of Operations
Apr 1400:53:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Apartment Jedi Podcast, Andrew Bowen is joined by Shelley Robinson, Founder of PMx Partners, for a candid discussion on the evolving challenges of staffing, structure, and strategy in multifamily operations.The conversation explores how the industry is navigating a period of significant change—driven by workforce constraints, shifting expectations, emerging technologies, and increasing operational complexity.Shelley shares insights on where organizations are falling short, where innovation is gaining traction, and what it will take to build more resilient and effective operating models in the years ahead.GuestShelley Robinson Founder, PMx PartnersDiscussion Highlights The current identity crisis within multifamily operations The impact of workforce shortages and accelerated promotions The need for stronger operational and financial alignment Evolving operating models: centralization, hybrid, and beyond AI’s role in reducing manual work and improving efficiency Data challenges and the complexity of modern tech stacks The importance of intentional role design and change management What future-ready organizations are starting to do differently Resources Learn more at https://apartmentjedi.com
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Private Equity in Multifamily Operations: Opporutnity, Pressure and Reality
Apr 700:53:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Apartment Jedi Podcast, Andrew Bowen is joined by Kevin Owens, President of Arqline Residential, for a candid and insightful discussion on the growing role of private equity in multifamily operations.As institutional capital continues to move deeper into the operational side of the business, the dynamics of how properties are managed—and how decisions are made—are evolving rapidly.Kevin shares his perspective on what private equity ownership means for operators, where it can unlock value, and where it introduces new challenges.GuestKevin Owens President, Arqline ResidentialDiscussion Highlights The transition from RKW Residential to Arqline Residential The increasing role of private equity in operating platforms Key differences between investing in technology vs. operations How private equity influences speed, accountability, and outcomes Cultural and leadership implications for teams Where value is created—and where risk emerges How operators can succeed in a PE-backed environment Resources Learn more at https://apartmentjedi.com
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The Evolution of RETCON & The Future of Multifamily Conferences
Mar 3100:36:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Apartment Jedi Podcast, Andrew Bowen is joined by James Shearin, Managing Director of RETCON, for a conversation on the evolution of one of the most impactful innovation platforms in real estate.From its origins to its current role as a hub for collaboration, RETCON represents more than just a conference—it reflects the broader transformation happening across multifamily.Andrew and James explore how innovation is being adopted across the industry, where organizations are still falling short, and how AI and technology are reshaping the way operators think about value creation.GuestJames Shearin Managing Director, RETCONDiscussion Highlights Why RETCON was created and the problem it set out to solve The importance of bringing operators, technologists, and capital together The difference between real innovation and surface-level adoption How AI is influencing multifamily strategy and operations The widening gap between forward-thinking operators and the rest of the market What the future holds for RETCON and the industry Resources RETCON: https://www.retcon.events/ Learn more at https://apartmentjedi.com
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PropTech, AI & Housing Policy: Insights from RETC Tech Summit with Chris Moreno
Mar 2400:43:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Apartment Jedi Podcast, Andrew Bowen sits down with Chris Moreno to discuss insights from the RETC Tech Summit and the broader implications for multifamily housing.The conversation explores how technology, policy, and economics intersect to shape the future of rental housing. Chris shares perspectives on the growing role of AI, the importance of advocacy, and the challenges facing development and affordability.Topics Covered• Overview of RETC and its role in multifamily advocacy • The importance of local housing policy and regulation • Supply and demand as the core driver of affordability • AI adoption and the balance between automation and human interaction • Trust and relationship-driven decision making in multifamily • Labor shortages and construction challenges • The role of technology in improving efficiency and reducing costs • Why consistent policy is critical for long-term developmentKey InsightMultifamily sits at the intersection of two business models: Long-term real estate investment Fast-moving, highly relational operations Understanding that tension is critical to understanding the industry.GuestChris Moreno Director of Real Estate Partnerships SWTCHLinksApartment Jedi https://apartmentjedi.com
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Inside the 2026 20for20 Report: AI, Proptech & the future of Multifamily
Mar 1001:06:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Apartment Jedi Podcast, Andrew Bowen sits down with Dom Beveridge, founder of the influential 20for20 report, to explore the key insights emerging from this year's research.The 20for20 project gathers insights from twenty senior multifamily executives responsible for operations or technology. These structured interviews provide one of the clearest snapshots of how operators are evaluating and deploying technology across their portfolios.Andrew and Dom discuss how artificial intelligence has moved from experimentation to strategic investment and where multifamily leaders are seeing real operational impact from technology.Topics Covered• The methodology behind the 20for20 report • Key technology trends emerging from the research • The rapid rise of AI in multifamily operations • Why operators are becoming skeptical of superficial AI claims • Maintenance operations as a major opportunity for innovation • Where technology is delivering measurable efficiency gainsGuestDom Beveridge Founder, 20for20Links20for20 Report https://20for20.comApartment Jedi https://apartmentjedi.com
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EV Charging in Multifamily: Infrastructure, Incentives & Retention Strategy
Mar 300:43:47Tap to summarizeEV Charging in Multifamily: Infrastructure, Incentives & Retention StrategyGuest: Jeremy Cohen, Director of Real Estate Partnerships, SWTCHEV charging is no longer a “nice-to-have” in multifamily housing — it’s rapidly becoming core infrastructure.In Episode 23, Andrew Bowen sits down with Jeremy Cohen of SWTCH Energy to unpack what EV adoption really means for owners, operators, and asset managers.This conversation moves beyond surface-level amenity talk and into operational strategy, load management, monetization, incentives, and long-term retention impact.In this episode, we discuss:Why EV charging should be treated as infrastructure — not just an amenityHow load management technology prevents costly transformer upgradesThe difference between Level 2 and Level 3 charging (and why fast chargers don’t belong at most communities)Smart pricing strategies (and why flat-rate billing can backfire)CapEx vs OpEx models for deploymentHow EV charging may influence renewal retentionThe retrofit challenge for older multifamily stockWhy operators should leverage incentives while they still existKey Takeaway:If EV charging isn’t part of your long-term asset plan, you’re already behind.
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Q4-25 REIT Earnings Call Recap
Feb 2400:38:25Tap to summarizeEpisode 22: Q4 2025 REIT Earnings Recap — Groundhog Day… Until It Wasn’t Guest: Greg Willett, Chief Economist, LeaseLock Format: Quarterly LinkedIn LiveIn this episode:🔁 The Groundhog Day ThemesSupply pressures easing in 2026Back-half rent growth expectations (counter-seasonal strength)Renewals driving blended rent growthExpense moderation — especially insuranceRenter financial health stabilizingBad debt largely back to pre-COVID norms🔄 The Shift: Camden’s California Exit92% of advocacy spend concentrated in California~$2M annual advocacy costs$1.5–$2B capital redeployment60% reinvestment into Sunbelt40% potentially toward stock buybacksAnalysts pressing on regulatory cost underwriting💰 Capital Allocation ShiftStock buybacks increasingly favored over new developmentREITs more cautious on 2026 startsNAV discounts influencing strategyDevelopment pipeline still active — but less aggressive🌎 Market BreakdownBay Area / San FranciscoNo new supplyReturn-to-office momentum finally visibleRent growth leading nationallyStill recovering from deep COVID-era lossesLos AngelesCore LA under pressureSouthern California still investable — but more complexInstitutional capital reassessing regulatory exposureAtlanta & DallasGreen shoots emergingClass A leading recovery in DallasAtlanta showing renewed momentumDenverSupply + stalled job growth20-year outperformance history — but currently laggingDemand underperforming expectationsBostonPolicy risk emergingAnalysts probing regulatory exposureWashington D.C.Surprisingly muted discussionLittle analyst follow-up despite activity📈 2026 Outlook (Greg’s View)Not a breakout yearNot a recession yearA transition yearMoving toward normalizationPositioned for stronger 2027–2028 performance
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Episode 21: The Truth about Institutional Investors in Rental Housing
Feb 1700:10:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode:Institutional ownership of rental housing: separating fact from rhetoricWhy affordability — not ownership structure — is the real issueHow multifamily development requires large-scale institutional capitalThe role of pensions, sovereign funds, insurance companies, and endowmentsUnderstanding PREA and NCREIFWhy fiduciary responsibility shapes long-term real estate investingThe intersection of retirement security and rental housing💡 Core Idea: The question shouldn’t be “Are institutional investors bad?” It should be: What outcomes does institutional capital produce?📎 Resources:OECD Retirement Asset ReportPREA (Pension Real Estate Association)NCREIF (National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries)Preqin ResearchJohn Burns Research🌐 Learn more at: https://apartmentjedi.com
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Bridging the Gap - Multifamily and Consumer Reporting
Feb 300:44:28Tap to summarizeEpisode 20: Bridging the Gap – Multifamily & the Future of Tenant ScreeningGuest: Eric J. Ellman, President, National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA)Contact: eellman@ncrainc.orgIn this episode:- The role of NCRA and why housing providers should care- What’s changing in tenant screening laws—and why- How Seattle’s “Fair Chance Housing Ordinance” sparked a legal response- Overview of the GRE Downtowner v. Seattle case- Balancing second chances with safety and operational clarity- Why operators, vendors, and advocates need to talk more—not less- How local awareness and engagement is critical as policy evolves�� Mentioned in the episode:News article on Seattle lawsuit: �� Contact Eric: eellman@ncrainc.org�� Learn more at Apartment Jedi
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