Welcome to Episode 97 of Boss Talks! Our special guest today is Kendall Barnard, a dynamic general manager in the Philadelphia area working with Korman Residential. Kendall shares her inspiring journey of entering the multifamily industry by accident, starting as a weekend leasing agent and evolving into a leadership role. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with residents, understanding their needs, and building communities from within. We discuss effective techniques for property management, the significance of supportive companies, and the role of industry certifications and mentorship in shaping successful careers. Kendall also shares humorous stories from the field, including a memorable encounter with the parking lot. A key takeaway is the need to market the multifamily industry better and recruit new talents through engaging outreach and professional development opportunities. This episode provides a blend of practical insights, inspiring stories, and valuable advice for anyone in the multifamily industry.
01:22 Meeting Kendall Barnard
03:03 Kendall's Background and Work in Philly
03:40 Joining Corman Residential
06:41 Industry Connections and Networking
08:55 Building Community
11:42 Parking Stories
17:04 Caffeinated Beverage of Choice
17:29 Kendall's Journey in Multifamily
18:09 Early Career Experiences
24:03 Exploring Career Paths in Real Estate
24:16 Understanding Property Management
24:44 Career Growth and Opportunities
25:17 Challenges and Solutions in the Industry
25:36 The Importance of Networking
26:13 Certifications and Professional Development
28:00 Engaging the Younger Generation
28:36 The Role of Suppliers in Multifamily
29:32 Inspiration from Industry Leaders
45:00 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
Welcome back to another episode of Boss Talks, and wow, do we have a treat for you today! Episode 97 features the incredible Kendall Barnard, who hails from Pennsylvania but has made her mark in the bustling city of Philadelphia. We recently crossed paths at Apartmentalize in Philly and it was a great experience. From the Melanin and Multifamily Allies Mixer to our Boss Brunch, it was amazing to interact with Kendall in her home turf.
Kendall, currently a General Manager with Korman Residential, has a fascinating journey in the property management world. She isn't just managing properties; she's building vibrant communities and enhancing lives. She shared some touching insights about her role and the influence it has on both her personal and professional life. Kendall puts a strong emphasis on being a positive force within her community. Whether it’s belting out a cheerful "Good Morning!" from the mezzanine level or ensuring new trainees receive proper guidance, Kendall's dedication is truly heartwarming.
The episode also covered some fun and challenging industry stories. Kendall recounted a memorable parking incident involving a "barnacle" — a large device affixed to car windshields to prevent unauthorized parking. Let’s just say, it was a mix of neighborhood theatrics and a touch of tension. Despite the drama, with tempers cooling down and apologies exchanged, the parking offender became a respectful resident.
Another engaging segment delved into Kendall's career trajectory. Believe it or not, her entrance into property management wasn't part of the plan. Initially set on a nursing career, Kendall stumbled into this field while trying to rent an apartment. From a part-time leasing agent dealing with not-so-glamorous properties to advancing into higher roles, her message was clear: the multifamily industry holds more potential than many realize. Kendall underscored the importance of mentorship and the many certifications available that help professionals grow and thrive in this sector.
Kendall also highlighted the essential role of suppliers in property management. Companies like InterSolutions and Restore Core are crucial to the smooth operation of residential communities. Her point? Building strong relationships with suppliers can make or break property management operations. It's always enlightening to hear how the synergy between suppliers and property managers leads to the success of the community overall.
To wrap things up, Kendall shared her passion for bringing more visibility to the property management industry. She suggested using social media platforms like TikTok to connect with the younger generation and even floated the idea of a TV show to demystify the field. Her energy and innovative thinking are infectious, leaving us inspired to view property management not just as a job, but as a community-building, life-enhancing career path.
All this and so much more on this insightful episode of Boss Talks. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on past episodes on your favorite podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. And as always, if you've got a story or insight to share, don’t hesitate to get in touch – you could be our next featured guest!