Student Housing Insight

wes@studenthousinginsight.com

Connecting you with the people who bring student housing to life.

  1. 9 MINS AGO

    What Happened in Student Housing: March & April 2026 Wrap-Up - SHI 1031

    🎙️Episode Summary In this combined March and April News Wrap-Up episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wes Deese and co-host Gretta Dare recap some of the biggest conversations shaping the student housing industry heading into the summer leasing season. Recorded on May 12, the episode covers insights and takeaways from Interface, national pre-leasing trends, operator sentiment around occupancy and renewals, and how different markets are responding to changing leasing timelines. The conversation also explores new student housing development activity, including the continued evolution of cottage-style communities, capital markets activity from major industry players, and broader concerns around affordability, supply, and operational strategy. Wes and Gretta also discuss industry events, networking opportunities, and the growing role of AI and technology across student housing operations.   ⏱️Time Stamps 00:01:22 – Intro: Welcome to the Student Housing Insight podcast and introduction to ShopTalk and Student Housing Insight resources 00:02:36 – Why the March and April episodes were combined and discussion about the Interface conference in Austin 00:04:55 – ShopTalk Link Ups, networking events, and upcoming Raleigh and Scottsdale industry gatherings 00:09:21 – Discussion around Yardi Matrix and RealPage data trends and what operators are seeing in the market 00:10:55 – Renewals, legislative discussions, and concerns around leasing velocity in certain markets 00:11:53 – Operator sentiment and concerns heading into the summer leasing season 00:14:01 – Late leasing markets versus traditional leasing cycles and operational pressure points 00:15:55 – New cottage-style student housing developments and evolving design trends 00:20:00 – Student preferences, pets, and the appeal of lower-density housing formats 00:22:00 – Development pipeline conversations and market-by-market considerations 00:25:10 – Capital markets activity and Landmark’s major sponsor fund announcement 00:26:00 – Discussion around the scale of development pipelines among major student housing firms 00:28:45 – Operations Deep Dive: Managing Onsite Talent & Turn Challenges 00:42:10 – Legislative & Policy Updates Impacting Student Accommodations 00:55:25 – Outro & Upcoming Industry Events Preview   🤝Sponsor Spotlight Allegion’s Resident Key in Wallet technology helps bridge the gap between on-campus and off-campus student living by allowing students to use mobile credentials for seamless property access. The technology is designed to improve the resident experience while also reducing lockouts, improving turnover efficiency, and supporting stronger operational performance for property teams. Learn more about Allegion and Resident Key in Wallet here: https://www.allegion.com   🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode Student Housing Insight Official Website: https://studenthousinginsight.com ShopTalk Monthly student housing webinar and industry updates: https://shoptalk.info Student Housing Business Industry news and reporting referenced during the episode https://studenthousingbusiness.com NMHC Student Housing Conference Conference discussed during the episode: https://www.nmhc.org/meetings/calendar/shc/2026-nmhc-student-housing-conference/ The Hi, How Are You Project Mental health nonprofit referenced in the discussion: https://hihowareyou.org

    56 min

  2. MAY 11

    What Should We Be Talking About in Student Housing? - SHI 1030

    🎙️Episode Summary Live from the Interface Austin, Wes Deese speaks with Jim Sholders, Bryan Shelangoski, and Chris Johnson about the challenges shaping student housing operations today. The conversation covers talent recruitment and retention, rising expectations for leadership roles, and increasing competition for maintenance staff. The panel also examines declining enrollment trends, demographic shifts, and uncertainty around international students, along with the potential impact on student housing demand. Additional topics include industry consolidation, lessons from large acquisitions, and the operational realities of managing large-scale assets, with a strong focus on leadership, emotional intelligence, and effective team-building.   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01:18 – Welcome and history of the live podcast at Interface. 00:03:27 – ShopTalk & ShopTalk Link-Up Discussion 00:08:24 – Live/Recorded Podcast at Interface Austin starts 00:09:53 – Guest introductions: Jim Sholders, Bryan Shelangoski, and Chris Johnson 00:12:54 – The state of recruiting: Roadblocks, retention challenges, and the loss of Res Life feeder systems. 00:18:01 – The evolving (and hardening) role of the Regional Manager 00:20:20 – Higher Ed Pressures: Demographic collapse, ROI of degrees, and declining birth rates.\ 00:23:54 – Data & Relationships: How to get real enrollment numbers from university partners. 00:28:20 – International Enrollment: Tracking the "tailwinds" of the global student movement. 00:29:48 – Consolidation: Predictions for 2026 mergers and advice for navigating platform transitions. 00:36:44 – Maintenance Apprenticeships: A shout-out to Adrian Danila and Multifamily X. 00:39:14 – Mega-Developments: Operational differences when managing 1,000 to 3,000 beds. 00:41:21 – Leadership Skills: The importance of EQ (Emotional Intelligence) over IQ in large-scale operations. 00:45:53 – Reverse Q&A: Centralization, technology, and career recommendations. 00:49:54 – Outro/Closing remarks   💡Sponsor Spotlight: This episode is sponsored by Student Housing Mattress, powered by Jamison Bedding. They provide US-made mattresses, including the durable blue vinyl models known throughout the industry. They offer fast shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states to ensure properties are fully prepared for move-in day Visit their website to learn more: https://studenthousingmattress.com/   🔗 Resources Mentioned: Latitudes Newsletter (Chronicle of Higher Education) Insights on international student trends, enrollment shifts, and higher ed polic https://www.chronicle.com/newsletter/latitudes Multifamily X (Adrian Danila) Maintenance apprenticeship initiative + industry podcast https://multifamilyxconsulting.com Student Housing Insight Events Page Upcoming Events and More https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events

    56 min
  3. SHI.Tough Talks with Courtney Colegrove at Austin, TX 2026 - SHI 1029

    APR 24

    SHI.Tough Talks with Courtney Colegrove at Austin, TX 2026 - SHI 1029

    🎙️ Episode Summary Recorded live at Student Housing Interface Conference 2026 at Austin, Texas this episode features SHI Ambassador Courtney Colegrove leading a series of fast-paced “Tough Talks” with top voices across the student housing industry. Through a mix of rapid-fire “this or that,” one-word reflections, and real-world scenario reactions, owner/operators and vendors share candid insights on the challenges they face daily. From staffing and culture issues to vendor reliability, leasing strategy, and operational chaos during peak seasons, this episode captures unfiltered perspectives from the field.   ⏱️ Timestamps & Segments 00:00:15 – Brian Curley 00:02:08 – Greg King (Centurion Property Group) 00:03:59 – Kadi Mancuso-Rice (Tailwind Group) 00:05:40 – Rachel Rountree (University Partners) 00:07:32 – Sean Devine (CORE Spaces) 00:09:21 – Craig Meddin (Postal Solutions) 00:11:57 – Jacob Kosior (EliseAI) 00:13:50 – JT Bailey (Bailey Technology Group) 00:15:20 – Lisa Dillon (University Furnishings) 00:17:08 – Nick Amore (Iron Ledger) 00:19:29 – Yael Shemer (Tulu)   🔗 Resources & Companies Mentioned: Centurion Property Group https://www.centurionpropertygroup.com/ Tailwind Group https://tailwindgroup.com/ University Partners https://www.universitypartners.com/ Core Spaces https://corespaces.com/ Postal Solutions https://www.postalsolutions.com/ EliseAI https://www.eliseai.com/ Bailey Technology Group https://www.baileytechnologygroup.com/ University Furnishings https://universityfurnishings.com/ Iron Ledger https://www.ironledger.com/ Tulu https://www.tulu.io/

    21 min
  4. From Dorms to Districts. What you universities need from P3 developers - SHI 1028

    MAR 27

    From Dorms to Districts. What you universities need from P3 developers - SHI 1028

    🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, host Wesley Deese sits down with William Davis, Chief Development Officer and Managing Principal at Capstone Development Partners, and Johno Harris, Senior EVP at Lincoln Property Company. Recorded in-person in Atlanta, the conversation explores the recent acquisition of Capstone by Lincoln and what this powerful partnership means for the future of on-campus development. The trio discusses the rapid evolution of public-private partnerships (P3s) in higher education. Moving far beyond simple dormitories, universities are now seeking massive mixed-use spaces, retail, healthcare facilities, and dynamic sports entertainment districts. They also dive into how changes like the #NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rules in college athletics are directly driving the need for premium, specialized student housing to help universities recruit top talent and create vibrant campus experiences.   ⏱️Time Stamps 00:00:25 – Sponsor intro: Teal Systems and infrastructure reliability 00:02:00 – Podcast introduction and platform overview 00:09:04 – Interview Starts 00:10:30 – Guest introductions: William Davis and Johno Harris 00:15:00 - An overview of Lincoln Property Company's 60-year history and full-service approach. 00:25:33 – Shift from single-use housing to mixed-use developments 00:30:45 – Universities becoming destination ecosystems 00:32:14 – Sports and entertainment influence on campus development 00:37:13 – NIL impact on development and funding 00:39:10 – Real-world challenges student-athletes face with housing 00:48:19 – Universities stepping in as capital providers 00:55:12 – Real-world example: crypto mining in student housing 00:56:54 – Outro: Final thoughts   🤝 Sponsor Spotlight Teal Systems This episode is brought to you by Teal Systems, a provider of managed central plant infrastructure designed specifically for #StudentHousing and multifamily developments. Teal delivers reliable hot water, heating, and cooling through a “central plant as a service” model. Their systems are monitored 24/7 using proprietary Beacon technology, allowing issues to be identified and resolved before they impact residents. For operators and developers, this means fewer headaches, lower operational risk, and more predictable performance. 👉 Learn more: https://www.tealsystems.com   🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned Student Housing Insight: https://studenthousinginsight.com ShopTalk: https://shoptalk.info Capstone Development Partners: https://capdevpartners.com/ William Davis’s LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/in/william-davis-883645a Johno Harris’s LinkedIn Page: https://linkedin.com/in/johno-harris-282186255

    1h 2m

  5. MAR 22

    Starting from Experience - Ft. Leah Raad - SHI 1027

    🎙️ Episode Summary In this episode, Wesley Deese sits down with Leah Raad, SVP of Operations, Leasing, and Asset Management at Maslow’s Campus Communities, to unpack what it really takes to build a student housing platform from the ground up. Fresh off the acquisition of Aspire San Marcos, Leah shares how Maslow’s approached launching operations with a clean slate—covering everything from selecting a property management system to defining core operating principles. The conversation dives into the realities of modern leasing, the rapid evolution of marketing technology, and the importance of simplifying systems to empower onsite teams. They also explore the role of AI in student housing, where Leah offers a grounded perspective: automation should enhance efficiency, not replace the human experience that defines resident satisfaction. This episode is a practical look at how experienced operators are rethinking tech, staffing, and strategy in a fast-changing landscape.   ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:02:10 – Intro 00:03:58 – The "Un-retirement" of an Industry Icon 00:10:09 – Leah’s background in student housing and her journey to Maslow’s. 00:12:28 – Details on Maslow's first acquisition: Aspire San Marcos at Texas State University. 00:18:40 – The "One-Stop Shop" Tech Debate 00:23:44 – The Anti-AI Manifesto 00:27:23 – Killing the Spreadsheet 00:30:01 – Outro/Closing   🤝 Sponsor Spotlight This episode is brought to you by Opiniion – Social Pro, a social media and reputation management platform built specifically for property management teams. Social Pro allows operators to create content once and distribute it across multiple platforms, manage engagement through a unified inbox, and track performance with built-in analytics. With integrations like Canva and AI-assisted tools, it helps teams stay consistent, efficient, and on-brand across every property. 👉 Learn more and explore the platform: https://www.opiniion.com/shi   🔗 Resources & References:   Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/ ShopTalk: https://www.shoptalk.info/ Invite for Networking Brunch: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/contact-form SHI Bill Bayless - Profiles in Student Housing: https://youtu.be/EAUqyIUrtok?si=J5G9X1FJX7gAAB_N Maslow’s Campus Communities: https://maslowscommunities.com/ Entrata: https://www.entrata.com/

    35 min

  6. MAR 5

    What Happened in Student Housing: February 2026 Wrap-Up - SHI 1026

    🎙️ Episode Summary: Wes Deese and Gretta Dare wrap up all the off-campus student housing news for February 2026. They cover upcoming industry conferences and major shifts in property management, including LV Collective formally bringing their operations in-house. The hosts break down the latest pre-leasing data from Yardi Matrix, comparing it against other data sources and discussing the current dip in rent growth. The episode also dives into critical legislative updates, highlighting the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act that recently passed the House , and features an in-depth debate on a controversial new lease renewal ordinance in College Park, Maryland.   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:02:09 - Welcome & Intro: An overview of the Student Housing Insight platform and the monthly Shop Talk webinar 00:02:45 - Upcoming Conferences: Previewing Interface Student Housing, Bisnow spring events, and Bonard's Canadian Student Housing Summit 00:05:35 - Industry News: The rise of "white label" management services and LV Collective launching an in-house property management platform 00:12:57 - Data & Pre-leasing: Analyzing Yardi Matrix's report showing 2026-2027 pre-leasing at 52.3% and a discussion on rent growth metrics 00:19:19 - Financial Markets: Good news from the Student Housing Business magazine about financial institutions opening money back up to the student sector 00:21:35 - Legislative Updates: Breaking down the Housing for the 21st Century Act (passed 390-9 in the House) and its implications for development 00:26:17 - Local Ordinance Debate: Deep dive into College Park, Maryland's new ordinance requiring landlords to wait 180 days before offering lease renewals 00:43:45 - Outro & Networking: Announcing the "Shop Talk Link Up" networking brunch happening at the Interface conference   💡Sponsor Spotlight: Move-in day is stressful enough, but our partners at studenthousingmattress.com (powered by Jamison Bedding) make sure missing mattresses are never part of the problem. They offer US-made mattresses that ship quickly anywhere in the lower 48 states, featuring the durable blue vinyl models the industry knows and trusts. Stay ready for move-in and visit: https://studenthousingmattress.com/   📎Sources & Links Mentioned Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events Student Housing Business: http://studenthousingbusiness.com Yardi Matrix Student Housing Marketing Report February 2026: https://www.yardimatrix.com/blog/student-housing-market-report/ Housing Legislation — A Rare Bipartisan Moment https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/whats-in-the-housing-for-the-21st-century-act/ College ParkNews https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/prince-georges-county/college-park-restricts-early-lease-renewal-offers-giving-renters-more-time-and-limiting-landlords/

    46 min

  7. MAR 2

    2026 Spring Conference Preview - SHI1025

    🎙️Episode Summary: In this spring conference preview episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wesley Deese gives a comprehensive rundown of upcoming industry events. Wes discusses the value of attending these events for networking and education, whether you are a site-level manager, a C-suite executive, or a supplier partner. The episode features a special interview with Rich Kelley, who shares exciting details about the highly anticipated Interface Student Housing Conference in Austin, Texas. Additionally, Martin Varga joins the show to discuss the Canadian Student Housing Summit in Toronto, hosted by Bonard. Wesley also highlights upcoming regional Bisnow events and reminds listeners to utilize the SHI events page to grab exclusive registration discounts.   ⏱️Episode Timestamps: 00:01:08 - Welcome and Overview of Student Housing Insight and ShopTalk. 00:02:38 - The Tradition of the Spring Conference Preview Episode. 00:08:58 - Preview of Upcoming Bisnow Student Housing Conferences. 00:14:14 - Interview with Rich Kelley Begins. 00:15:13 - Recap of the Recent LeaseCon and TurnCon. 00:17:57 - Interface Austin Details including Dates, Tech, and Agenda. 00:32:28 - Interview with Martin Varga Begins. 00:35:58 - Details on the Toronto Summit happening May 28th. 00:43:43 - Episode Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts.   💡Sponsor Spotlight: This episode is sponsored by Student Housing Mattress, powered by Jamison Bedding.They provide US-made mattresses, including the durable blue vinyl models known throughout the industry. They offer fast shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states to ensure properties are fully prepared for move-in day. Visit their website to learn more: https://www.studenthousingmattress.com   📎Sources & Websites Mentioned: Student Housing Insight Industry Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events ShopTalk Webinars: https://www.shoptalk.info

    45 min

  8. FEB 12

    What Happened in Student Housing: January 2026 Wrap-Up - SHI 1024

    🎙️Episode Summary In this month’s wrap-up, host Wes Deese and co-host Gretta Dare welcome 2026 with a breakdown of the major shifts in the student housing industry rankings. Special guest Jason Fort, EVP at Asset Living, joins the show to discuss Asset Living’s historic rise to the number one spot on the Student Housing Business Top 25 Managers list, overtaking American Campus Communities. Jason shares insights into their organic growth, the increasing trend of multifamily-to-student conversions, and the importance of operational flexibility in today's market. The team also dives into significant development news, including Core Spaces' massive 2,352-bed "ōLiv Columbia" project and a unique hotel-to-student housing conversion Columbia, SC and a rare new dev/conversion in Manhattan by BDB Construction. Finally, Wes and Gretta analyze the latest Fall enrollment data, highlighting a surge in community college attendance and sparking a candid conversation about degree requirements for industry professionals.   ⏱️Timestamps 00:00:00 – Sponsor Message: Introduction to Social Pro from Opiniion. 00:02:08 – Intro & Weather Reports: Wes and Gretta catch up on the winter storms hitting North Carolina and College Station. 00:05:00 – Top 25 Managers Rankings: Analysis of the new industry rankings and Asset Living taking the #1 spot. 00:06:40 – Guest Interview: Jason Fort of Asset Living joins to discuss their growth strategy and the shift from multifamily to student housing operations. 00:16:27 – Third-Party Management & Shared Services: A look at the Top Third-Party Managers list, Cardinal Group crossing the 100k bed threshold, and the rise of "white label" management services. 00:20:00 – Industry Consolidation: Discussion on recent mergers, including Yugo and Campus Advantage. 00:23:00 – Top 25 Owners List: Reviewing the top owners, including American Campus Communities, Scion, and the rapid growth of Core Spaces. 00:31:30 – Development News (CORE Spaces): Breakdown of the massive ōLiv Columbia project and the operational challenges of managing mega-developments. 00:43:00 – Manhattan Conversion Project: BDB Construction’s conversion of a Financial District hotel into the world’s tallest student accommodation. 00:52:00 – Enrollment Data Analysis: Insights from the National Student Clearinghouse and Chronicle of Higher Education regarding Fall 2025/2026 enrollment trends. 01:00:00 – The Degree Debate: Gretta and Wes discuss the necessity of college degrees for various roles within the student housing industry.   💡Sponsor Social Pro by Opiniion This episode is sponsored by Social Pro from Opiniion, the number one social media management platform designed specifically for property management. Social Pro allows you to create beautiful, optimized content in seconds and publish it across every major social network with just one click. From AI-powered content creation to a unified inbox for all comments and DMs, Social Pro elevates your brand and simplifies resident engagement. Click here to learn more: https://opiniion.com/shi/   📎Sources & Links: Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/ ShopTalk Webinars: https://www.shoptalk.info/ Student Housing Business: https://studenthousingbusiness.com/ National Student Clearinghouse: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/2026/01/15/fall-enrollment-increased-1-international-students-declined CORE Spaces: https://studenthousingbusiness.com/core-spaces-to-break-ground-on-2350-bed-mixed-use-development-near-university-of-south-carolina/ BDB Construction: https://studenthousingbusiness.com/bdb-construction-completes-phase-i-of-student-housing-conversion-project-in-manhattans-financial-district/

    1h 10m
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About

Connecting you with the people who bring student housing to life.

Information

  • Creator
    wes@studenthousinginsight.com
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Student Housing Insight

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