Student Housing Insight

wes@studenthousinginsight.com

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

  1. Jun 19

    From AI to Pest Control: The surprising tech transforming Student Housing with Scott Manning - 1036

    🎙️Episode Summary: Recorded live from the OPTECH conference floor, host Wes Deese sits down with Scott Manning, SVP of Operations at Article Student Living, to discuss his key takeaways from this year's conference. With more than 23 years of experience in student housing and nearly a decade at Article Student Living, Scott shares how OPTECH provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate vendors, explore emerging technologies, and support the company's ongoing RFP process. The conversation covers the growing role of AI, virtual tours, and technology integrations across property operations, as well as the importance of maintaining strong vendor partnerships. Scott also discusses an unexpected operational challenge involving pest management and explains how even niche service providers are increasingly leveraging technology to improve efficiency and integration. The episode concludes with reflections on the relationships and industry connections that continue to make OPTECH a meaningful event year after year.   ⏱️Episode Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:20 – Scott Manning's Background 00:00:45 – Initial OPTECH Takeaways 00:01:00 – Vendor Evaluation & RFP Process 00:01:35 – Technologies Under Review 00:01:55 – Looking Beyond Traditional PropTech 00:02:10 – Pest Management Technology & Integration 00:02:40 – Surprises and Industry Reflections 00:03:00 – The Networking Value of OPTECH 00:03:25 – Closing Remarks   🤝Sponsor Spotlight: Allegion’s Campus-to-Community Student Living solution helps bridge the gap between on-campus and off-campus student living by allowing students to use a singular mobile credential experience for seamless property access. The solution 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 the Campus-to-Community Student Living solution here: https://lp.allegion.com/student-housing.html   🔗Sources & References Mentioned: 2026 OPTECH https://rettc.org/events/optech-2026 Student Housing Insight Events Page https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events

    5 min

  2. Jun 12

    The New Marketing Playbook: AI Search, GEO & Social Media Optimization in 2026 - SHI 1035

    🎙️Episode Summary: In this episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wes Deese brings together three marketing experts in a webinar style discussion to tackle what he calls "The New Marketing Playbook" — a forward-looking discussion on how the student housing industry must adapt to AI-driven search, generative engine optimization (GEO), and a rapidly evolving social media landscape. The panel explores how AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are changing the way students and parents research housing, and why the vast majority of apartment brands are currently invisible in these searches. Guests share practical, zero-budget strategies — from building a Reddit presence and leveraging university journalism programs for earned media backlinks, to creating lifestyle-driven social content and establishing ownable content series. The conversation also touches on the emerging concept of "search everywhere optimization," where TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Reddit all function as search engines that operators need to show up on.   ⏱️Time Stamps: 00:00:00 — Welcome & Introduction 00:01:00 — Housekeeping & Webinar Format 00:02:00 — Upcoming Events & Industry Announcements 00:07:00 — Panel Introductions 00:09:00 — Are Students Actually Finding Properties Through AI? (Poll + Discussion) 00:14:00 — Defining SEO vs. GEO vs. AI Search 00:16:00 — AI Visibility Tools & GEO Audits 00:20:00 — Reddit as a Search & GEO Platform 00:28:00 — "Search Everywhere Optimization" & Social Content Strategy 00:34:00 — Content Formats, Longevity & YouTube Shorts 00:38:00 — Who Will Win the AI Search Race? (Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity) 00:40:00 — Earned Media & Backlinks for AI Visibility 00:45:00 — Pinterest & Other Platforms (Audience Q&A) 00:47:00 — Monthly Checklist for Site Managers & AI Content Prompting Tip 00:51:00 — Zero-Budget GEO Strategy Anyone Can Execute Tomorrow 00:53:00 — Predictions: Where Is AI Marketing Headed in the Next 12 Months   🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode: SHI Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events ShopTalk Website: https://www.shoptalk.info/ 10X Digital: https://10xdigitalinc.com/ Holly Rollins’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyrollins/ Student Quarters: https://livesq.com/ Misty William’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistyywilliams/ Reddit Marketing Playbook for Students by Misty Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mistyywilliams_how-reddit-increases-ai-visibility-in-student-ugcPost-7470870736165875712-y7xW/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAADcXRUBXY6zO9_kkgWQjKBgjw7DgmoHrPc Studio + Commerce: https://www.studioandcommerce.com/commerce Ross Laurence’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-laurence/

    58 min

  3. Jun 8

    How to Find and Retain BETTER Residents - SHI 1034

    🎙️Episode Summary: In this episode Host Wes Deese leads a panel of three student housing experts discussing strategies for attracting, managing, and retaining student residents — especially first-time renters. The conversation centers on the 19–21-year-old demographic, described as "adults in training with selective competence," and what that means for property management. Topics include proactive communication, move-in day best practices, international student retention, early renewal ordinances, resetting standards after management takeovers, and pitching amenity investments to ownership groups. The episode blends real-world examples with actionable tactics from operators across portfolio sizes.   ⏱️Time Stamps: 00:00:00 — Introduction & Welcome 00:05:00 — Upcoming Events & Industry Calendar 00:05:50 — Sponsor Spotlight: With Me (Print With Me & Sip With Me) 00:10:50 — Setting the Stage: Who Actually Lives in Student Housing? 00:18:10 — Communication Touch points & Reducing Resident Anxiety 00:28:00 — Staff Training & Internal Communication Standards 00:28:50 — Early Renewal Ordinances — Navigating the Legal Landscape 00:33:15 — Attracting & Retaining International Students 00:40:40 — Move-In Day as the Foundation of the Resident Relationship 00:47:45 — Resetting Standards After a Management Takeover 00:53:25 — Amenity Strategy — Aligning Owner Vision with Resident Needs 00:57:20 — Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks   🤝Sponsor Spotlight: This episode is proudly sponsored by With Me, the leading provider of fully managed, tech-enabled printing and coffee amenity solutions for multifamily and student housing communities. With Me operates two products: Print With Me, which provides residents and staff with reliable, always-stocked printers, and Sip With Me, a bean-to-cup coffee solution sourced from craft roasters that delivers a high-quality café-style experience right in your community’s common areas. Learn more and get in touch at https://go.withme.com/student-housing   🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode: SHI Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events ShopTalk: https://www.shoptalk.info Abby Jarvela's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-jarvela-605682a/ Zach Bishop's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-bishop-a7194b1b Sydney Everett's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-p-everett

    58 min

  4. Jun 8

    What Happened in Student Housing: May 2026 Wrap-Up - SHI 1033

    🎙️Episode Summary In this May 2026 wrap-up episode, host Wesley Deese and co-host Gretta Dare cover the most significant news stories, market data, and policy developments shaping the student housing industry.The episode opens with a major $910 million portfolio acquisition by Scion Group and Ares from Harrison Street, followed by a deep dive into declining international student enrollment and its downstream effects on the US student housing market. Then Wes & Gretta analyze the current pre-leasing season, which is tracking at historic lows not seen since 2015, and explore the rising tide of student-led rent transparency initiatives like Rate My Rent UT at the University of Texas. The conversation also covers Core Spaces' landmark $1.64 billion capital raise, NAHB data on student housing construction investment, emerging ESA policy changes from HUD, and the outlook for new development leasing professionals. The episode closes with a look ahead to the Apartmentalize conference in New Orleans and upcoming industry webinars.   ⏱️Time Stamps 00:02:00 – Intro: Welcome, About the Platform & Shop Talk Overview 00:05:00 – Shop Talk Preview: BTR & Cottage Housing Legislation Warning 00:08:00 – Shop Talk: Mental Wellness Month / Hi How Are You Foundation 00:09:00 – NEWS: Scion Group & Ares Acquire Harrison Street's $910M Student Housing Portfolio 00:15:00 – Host Commentary on Scion Deal & International Student Reliance 00:16:00 – NEWS: International Student Enrollment Falls 20% Amid Visa Restrictions 00:21:00 – NEWS: Student Housing Emerges as Top Real Estate Investment in China (CBRE) 00:24:00 – NEWS: HUD Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Policy Shift – NYT Internal Memo 00:28:00 – NEWS: Core Spaces Capital Raise & Investor Confidence 00:31:00 – Pre-Leasing Data: Year-Over-Year Gap & Five-Year Trend Analysis 00:41:00 – NEWS: Student-Led Housing Advocacy at UT Austin / West Campus 00:47:00 – Operator Warning: Pre-Leasing Pressure Tactics & Legislative Backlash Risk 00:53:00 – Construction Spending: Private Fixed Investment in Student Housing Q1 2026 00:59:00 – Apartmentalize (NAA) Conference Discussion & Closing / Sponsor Outro   🤝Sponsor Spotlight: Allegion’s Campus-to-Community Student Living solution helps bridge the gap between on-campus and off-campus student living by allowing students to use a singular mobile credential experience for seamless property access. The solution 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 the Campus-to-Community Student Living solution here: https://lp.allegion.com/student-housing.html   🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode Student Housing Insight – https://www.studenthousinginsight.com ShopTalk Monthly Webinar – https://www.shoptalk.info Student Housing Insight Events Page – https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events NMHC – National Multifamily Housing Council – https://www.nmhc.org Walker & Dunlop – https://www.walkerdunlop.com Hi, How Are You Foundation – https://hihowareyou.org Pet Screening – https://www.petscreening.com Scion Group & Ares Management Team Up to Buy $910M in Student Housing: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-20/ares-partnership-buys-910-million-us-student-housing-portfolio Core Spaces Closes $1.64 Billion Flagship Student Housing Fund: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260513581634/en/Core-Spaces-Closes-$1.64-Billion-Flagship-Fund-Underscoring-Strong-Investor-Confidence-in-Student-Housing Fall 2026 Preleasing Rebounds After Slow Start, Hits 68.2% in April: https://www.realpage.com/analytics/april-2026-student-housing-update/ International Student Enrollment Plummets 20% Amid Visa Restrictions - https://nomadlawyer.org/international-student-enrolment-falls-visa-restrictions-may-2026 Student-led initiatives highlight housing concerns in West Campus - https://thedailytexan.com/2026/05/01/student-led-initiatives-highlight-housing-concerns-in-west-campus/

    1h 7m

  5. May 27

    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

    1h 5m

  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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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