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Joshua Patrick is the regional maintenance director for CWS Apartment Homes.

His career in multifamily maintenance began unexpectedly after a downturn in the welding industry led him to apply for a maintenance technician position.

Starting from a porter role, Joshua quickly advanced, gaining expertise in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and more.

He is known for his proactive approach and dedication to continuous learning, which includes earning an EPA certification and studying technical manuals.

Joshua has managed teams, overseen multiple properties, and implemented preventive maintenance strategies, significantly improving operations.

Now managing 20 properties in Austin, Joshua balances operational duties with capital projects and compliance tasks. He emphasizes confidence, risk-taking, and continuous improvement.

Joshua aspires to be remembered as a supportive leader who shares his knowledge and empowers others in the multifamily maintenance industry.

Juan Carlos Lara Islas serves as the Senior Director of National Multifamily Facilities at Southern Land Company.

With more than 15 years of experience in engineering and maintenance operations, his career spans new developments, construction, and operating assets.

His core competencies include problem-solving, team building, and morale enhancement.

He is passionate about delivering high-quality facilities services that enhance the living experience of residents and the value of properties.

He collaborates with cross-functional teams, contractors, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure alignment of goals, standards, and best practices.

Leveraging his background in electrical and electronics engineering, he implements innovative solutions and technologies that optimize efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

Jedd offers an extensive knowledge, skill set and unique approach to the commercial and multifamily real estate industry. For over 25 years he has specialized in providing excellent customer/client relations and team building. He believes that knowledge, communication, and a positive outlook are the keys to success.

As Director of Maintenance/Electrical Administrator/Safety Director, Jedd improves Allied's operations through maintenance and safety trainings, best overall practices and support for site personnel.

Jedd is an Electrical Administrator and has maintained his 07B Electrical License since 2002. He holds certifications in OSHA 511 Safety and Health Standards, is an OSHA 501 General Industry Trainer, and is a Certified Pool/Spa Operator with training in First Aid and CPR.

Jedd is an EPA Certified Type 1/Type 2 Technician for HVACR as well as a Community Emergency Response Team Member with FEMA.

Jedd has been awarded "Maintenance Supervisor of the Year" from For Rent Magazine in 2005 and 2008, was recognized as a finalist in 2015 and 2016, and "Regional Maintenance Director of the Year" from WMFHA in 2022.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Joshua Patrick, the Regional Maintenance Director at CWS Apartment Homes.

Joshua recounts his extensive journey in the multifamily industry, beginning as a maintenance technician and eventually supervising multiple properties.

His story is filled with invaluable insights and lessons for those in property management.

Joshua takes us back to his early days in a welding shop, the unexpected start of his multifamily career, and the numerous challenges he encountered across different properties.

He emphasizes the significance of adaptability, on-the-job learning, and the worth of practical experience.

Joshua also highlights pivotal moments where he managed properties alone, the difficulties of maintaining older buildings, and the growth of his maintenance expertise over the years.

Shane Nemmers, Vice President of Construction and Facilities at Venterra Realty. The portfolio is about 25,000 units in TX, FL, GA, OK, KY, TN, and NC. He is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in the Multi-Family arena. In his role, Shane is responsible for Capital Expenditures, Maintenance, Procurement, and Design Services. 

Shane brings a high level of expertise to value-add construction, renovation, facilities, operations, and asset preservation. His tactical leadership style and commitment to excellence align with his responsibilities to enhance Venterra’s strategic efforts in advancing sustainability, growth, and efficiencies. He takes a solution-oriented approach to problem solving. 

Shane has a track record of success with Garden Style, Mid-Rise, and High-Rise communities for market rate, affordable, and mixed-use assets. His experience includes senior leadership roles with Waterton Residential, Greystar, Buckingham Co, and Prime Residential. 

Shane attended the College of DuPage for Business Management and EPA Universal Cert/HVAC+R.

Doug Geiken has spent the last 30 plus years in the maintenance industry. He spent 26 years working in commercial maintenance specializing in Johnson Control and Trane’s BAS computerized HVAC control systems. In 2017 Doug moved to Lloyd Companies Residential Property Management as a team lead in the maintenance department. Currently Doug is the Regional Maintenance Manager and oversees 10,000 units at 122 properties across South Dakota and Iowa. 

Doug has been instrumental in changing the maintenance system from a manger supervised group of techs to a Maintenance managed team that gives maintenance techs a career path to climb. He has also spearheaded the creation of an in-house training center with a full line of HVAC, appliances, electrical and plumbing training items. Lloyd Companies now has the ability to bring in people with no experience and train them in-house. 

Doug is a graduate of Northwest Iowa Technical College where he specialized in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. Doug is an active member in the South Dakota Multi-Housing Association serving on the maintenance mania & education committee and sits on the Solid Waste Planning Board for the city of Sioux Falls SD. 

Doug spoke on a panel about Hiring and Training Maintenance Techs at the 2023 NAA Conference in Atlanta Georgia.