Beyond the Work: Tales in Multifamily Maintenance

Chris Caramanica
  • 5.0 (3)
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  • Updated Weekly

It is not a "How to" podcast; it is a "How Did..." podcast. We are going to explore the "How Did..." tales in multifamily maintenance: How did we do it? How did we learn from it? How did we grow? How did we decide to not do it again?

  1. May 28

    56 - The 'Why' Behind Maintenance Practices

    In this episode, host Chris https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caramanica-3b287666/, and industry expert and Chadwell Supply University Director, Nichole Curl https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-curl-7b154638/, share insights on the importance of evolving maintenance training, understanding the why behind the training, and navigating the rapid changes in HVAC technology and regulation. If you're committed to future-proofing your properties and empowering your maintenance teams, this discussion offers critical perspectives. In this episode:- Nichole’s background from anatomy and physiology to multifamily maintenance leadership- The persistent gaps in maintenance training, especially in fair housing and technical skills- The outdated perception of training being solely hands-on and why a blended approach is essential- How industry shifts in HVAC refrigerants and regulations impact maintenance and costs- The importance of understanding the why behind maintenance tasks to improve safety, efficiency, and resident satisfaction- The impact of COVID on HVAC industry transitions and the story of refrigerant development- Strategies for investing in maintenance staff, reducing turnover, and aligning skills with future technology trends- The role of attitude, communication, and the "why" in resident retention and satisfaction- Predictions for the next five years: the future of multifamily maintenance in a fast-evolving industryTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Nicole Curl and Her Journey 02:08 From Anatomy to Multifamily Maintenance 03:58 Bridging the Gap: Understanding Maintenance and Operations 07:28 The State of Maintenance in the Industry 12:05 Transitioning Refrigerants: The HVAC Challenge 21:30 Recognition and Passion in Training 23:09 The Importance of Understanding 'Why' in Training 26:25 The Debate on Hands-On Training vs. Conceptual Learning 28:13 The Importance of Structured Training 31:00 Evolving Skillsets in Maintenance 33:31 The Cost of Training vs. Operational Efficiency 37:12 First Impressions and Resident Retention 39:57 The Impact of Utility Costs on Resident Choices 43:59 Investing in People for Long-Term Success 47:01 The Future of the Industry: Embracing Change This episode is brought to you by Chadwell Supply https://www.linkedin.com/company/chadwellsupply/Chadwell Supply is the largest privately-owned maintenance and renovations supply company in the United States, exclusively serving the multifamily housing industry from local warehouses across the country. Our success is a direct result of a passion for providing unforgettable service. Chadwell Supply is a knowledgeable, solution-oriented partner our customers know they can trust.To learn more about Chadwell Supply University: https://www.chadwellsupply.com/?utm_source=jennifer_carter&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=multifamily_media_network🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!

    52 min

  2. Mar 15

    055 - Revolutionizing Affordable Housing Standards

    In this episode, Cliff Kornegay https://www.linkedin.com/in/nspirecliffkornegayquadel/ , a key architect of the NSPIRE standards and former HUD expert, shares insights into the development, application, and future of property inspection standards in affordable housing. Cliff discusses the evolution from UPCS to NSPIRE, the importance of focusing on units, and how data and AI are transforming property management.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cliff Kornegay and His Background04:07 The Journey to NSPIRE Standards07:06 Cliff's Unique Experiences in Inspections09:50 Transitioning from HUD to Private Sector12:49 Understanding the NSPIRE Standards15:57 Focus on Unit Inspections18:48 Application of Standards Beyond Affordable Housing22:00 Reflections on NSPIRE and Future Improvements25:48 Understanding the New HQS Standards28:11 Impact of Common Area Inspections30:51 The Importance of Fire Safety Standards32:45 The Significance of Understanding 'Why' Behind Standards37:40 Future Revisions and Clarifications in Standards43:36 Current Trends in Affordable Housing Management🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!#PropertyInsights #InspectionTips #BeyondTheWork #Multifamily #AffordableHousing #NSPIREStandards #PropertyManagement#HousingInspections #RealEstate #HUD

    49 min

  3. Feb 26

    054 - Dirty Maintenance Nation: A New Era in Training

    In this episode, Chris Caramanica interviews Lex Vance lex.vance79@gmail.com , the creator of Dirty Maintenance Nation, who shares his journey from a broke musician to a maintenance technician and content creator. Lex discusses the inception of his YouTube channel and Facebook group, which aim to provide training and support for maintenance professionals. He highlights the importance of community, the challenges faced by technicians, and the need for better training and tools in the industry. Lex also shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to improve as a maintenance technician and the significance of investing in one's skills.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lex Vance and His Journey03:05 The Birth of Dirty Maintenance Nation07:11 The Impact of Maintenance Training Videos11:08 Engaging with the Audience: Responses and Feedback15:05 Challenges and Misconceptions in Maintenance19:17 Content Creation: The Process Behind the Videos23:06 The Karate Kid and Maintenance Training26:02 Representation of Maintenance Professionals in Media28:02 Essential Tools for Maintenance Technicians31:58 The Current Generation of Maintenance Technicians37:11 Investing in Maintenance Training and Pay40:00 Advice for Aspiring Maintenance Professionals43:16 BTW OUTRO.mp4🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!#CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    44 min

  4. Jan 15

    053 - Problem Solving in Multifamily Maintenance with James Duffy

    In this conversation, James Duffy of Towne Properties https://www.linkedin.com/company/towne-properties/posts/?feedView=all emphasizes the importance of troubleshooting and understanding failure points in technical work. He advocates for a methodical approach to problem-solving, encouraging individuals to analyze issues deeply rather than simply replacing parts. This approach not only enhances technical skills but also increases one's value in the field. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Multifamily Maintenance02:37 James Duffy's Journey in Maintenance05:56 The Pride of Problem Solving09:32 Team Dynamics and Maintenance Strategies14:43 Recruitment and Training in a Challenging Market21:01 The Human Element in Maintenance21:51 Handling Emergencies with Calm25:25 The Role of Maintenance Professionals as First Responders28:57 Recognition and Awards in the Industry32:27 Life Beyond Work: Family and Hobbies34:37 Advice for Future Maintenance Professionals 🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts! #CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    41 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    52 - From Grounds to Greatness: Corey Gregory's Journey

    In this episode, Chris Caramanica interviews Corey Gregory, linkedin.com/in/corey-gregory-39a094395 a maintenance supervisor with over 20 years of experience in the multifamily industry. Corey shares his journey from starting as a grounds technician to becoming a supervisor, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, employee benefits, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for professional growth. He discusses the challenges faced in property management, the significance of mentoring the next generation, and balancing work with family life. Corey also shares his aspirations for the future of the maintenance industry, focusing on the need for skilled tradespeople and the impact of technology.00:00 Introduction to Corey Gregory and His Journey06:15 The Importance of Employee Benefits in Maintenance11:23 Embracing LinkedIn for Professional Growth13:35 Mentoring the Next Generation of Maintenance Professionals18:09 Learning the Trade: Corey’s Path to Maintenance24:43 Handling Challenges in Property Management27:59 Balancing Work and Family Life30:14 Future Aspirations in the Maintenance Industry🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!#CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    36 min

  6. 12/04/2025

    51 - The Evolution of Property Management

    In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica interviews Wendell Mollenido, the Vice President of Marketing and Technology at The REMM Group. They discuss Wendell's journey into the multifamily maintenance industry, the challenges of adapting to new laws in California, and the importance of technology in streamlining maintenance processes. The conversation highlights the role of PropTech in enhancing efficiency, the significance of gamification in maintenance management, and the necessity of change management in the industry. Wendell emphasizes the importance of data in future-proofing property management and the need for effective communication with stakeholders regarding technological changes.00:00 Introduction to Multifamily Maintenance and Guest Background03:55 Challenges in Property Management05:50 Understanding Resident Satisfaction06:42 California Laws Impacting Property Management07:12 Adapting to New Compliance Requirements10:30 The Role of Technology in Maintenance13:09 Streamlining Processes with PropTech15:42 Data Capture and Its Importance17:44 Gamification in Maintenance18:55 Balancing Speed and Quality in Work Orders21:14 Adoption Challenges of New Technology24:11 Tech as a Tool in Maintenance26:07 Overcoming Tech Hesitance27:34 Feedback and Change Management31:39 Adapting to Constant Change33:21 Communicating Change to Owners34:49 The Importance of New Tools38:09 Leveraging Data for Decision Making41:38 Predictive Maintenance and AI43:03 Future Proofing the Industry🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!#CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    48 min

  7. 10/10/2025

    50 - The Importance of Education in Maintenance

    In this episode of Beyond the Work, host Chris Caramanica interviews Khalil Muhammad, a project manager at Elevate Commercial, who shares his journey into the multifamily maintenance industry. Khalil discusses his early experiences in trades, his transition into real estate investment, and the importance of education and advocacy in the maintenance profession. He emphasizes the need for community involvement and the impact of affordable housing initiatives. - Khalil started working in trades at a young age. - He initially wanted to pursue international business. - Education is crucial for career advancement in maintenance. - Khalil emphasizes the importance of community advocacy. - He believes in the value of affordable housing. - Khalil's journey includes various roles in maintenance and real estate. - He has a passion for making a difference in his community. - Khalil encourages others to pursue trades for job security. - He highlights the significance of certifications in the industry. - Khalil's story reflects the diverse paths within the maintenance profession. 00:00 Introduction to Khalil Muhammad 02:51 Khalil's Journey into Multifamily Maintenance 11:32 Transitioning to Real Estate and Investments 19:01 The Importance of Education in Maintenance 33:24 Advocacy and Community Involvement 🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at ⁠www.multifamilymedianetwork.com⁠ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts! #CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    40 min

  8. 10/02/2025

    49 - Navigating the Complexities of Supplier Partnerships

    In this episode of Beyond the Work, Chris Caramanica and Dani Black discuss the multifamily maintenance industry, focusing on the challenges of communication between suppliers and operators. They explore the importance of building relationships, understanding the roles of deciders and gatekeepers, and the need for suppliers to conduct thorough research to effectively engage with potential clients. The conversation emphasizes the significance of trust, honesty, and the evolving landscape of communication in the industry. In this conversation, Chris Caramanica and Dani Black discuss the nuances of effective communication in sales and marketing, the importance of swag, the balance between persistence and harassment, and the need for transparency in partnerships. They emphasize the significance of understanding client needs and the necessity for maintenance professionals to develop sales skills. The discussion also highlights the importance of creating productive conversations and AppWork's commitment to a client-centric approach.00:00 - Introduction to Multifamily Maintenance and Industry Insights03:04 - The Challenges of Communication in the Industry06:07 - Understanding the Role of Deciders and Gatekeepers08:56 - Building Trust and Relationships in the Industry11:58 - Navigating Supplier and Operator Dynamics14:54 - Identifying Ideal Customers and Market Fit17:52 - Effective Strategies for Supplier Engagement19:46 - The Art of Effective Communication21:08 - The Value of Swag in Marketing22:49 - Persistence vs. Harassment in Sales25:36 - Building Better Partnerships26:54 - The Importance of Transparency29:16 - Understanding Client Needs31:28 - Sales Skills for Maintenance Professionals34:33 - Creating Productive Conversations36:20 - AppWork's Client-Centric Approach🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at ⁠www.multifamilymedianetwork.com⁠ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!#CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

It is not a "How to" podcast; it is a "How Did..." podcast. We are going to explore the "How Did..." tales in multifamily maintenance: How did we do it? How did we learn from it? How did we grow? How did we decide to not do it again?

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