In episode 101 of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel interviews Toni Blake, a multifamily industry veteran with nearly 50 years of experience and founder of Totally Toni. They discuss Toni's extensive career, from her start as a leasing agent to building her own business in the 1980s during a multifamily housing boom. Toni shares insights into her innovative approach to leasing and customer service, emphasizing personalized and unique methods over traditional sales scripts. The conversation covers various humorous and memorable stories from Toni's career, including her unique strategies like the 'meet maintenance' program and birthday celebrations for residents. Additionally, they delve into Toni's personal interests, such as her passion for painting and her commitment to spreading kindness through the 'Kindness Challenge.' Toni also recounts her RV bus tour initiated during COVID-19, which allowed her to continue her work while traveling. The episode ends with Toni's inspiring journey towards improving her health, marked by her participation in triathlons.
In this episode of Boss Talks, host Evan Happel welcomes Toni Blake, a multifamily industry veteran with nearly five decades of experience. The conversation covers Toni’s history in the multifamily industry, her innovative approaches to leasing and training, and the launch of her new free resource platform, Totally Toni. Toni shares memorable anecdotes, including her unique tour bus journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, her passion for socially responsible activities, and her resilience following personal and professional challenges. The episode also delves into her artistic endeavors and the significance of butterflies in her life as symbols of positive transformation. Key initiatives such as personalized leasing techniques, the Kindness Challenge, and community service ideas are highlighted, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration for boosting engagement and spreading positivity.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:37 Toni Blake's Exciting Announcement
02:33 Getting Hyped: Music and Energy
04:14 Funny and Memorable Parking Stories
06:01 Caffeinated Conversations
07:43 Toni's Daughter at the Olympics
10:29 Journey into Multifamily Industry
14:39 Freestyle Leasing Philosophy
21:12 Incorporating Comedy into Training
26:01 Innovative Maintenance Ideas
28:43 Innovative Maintenance Strategies
30:01 Creative Sticker Faces for Maintenance
32:13 The Cost and Hassle of Moving
34:07 The Untold Story of the Bus Tour
43:02 Totally Toni's Creative Vault
46:31 Spreading Kindness and Community Service
53:27 The Butterfly Moment and Personal Transformation
56:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts