The Associated

CLTPR Association Management

The Associated – The go-to podcast for apartment associations! The world of apartment associations is changing—fast. What used to work is starting to crumble, and we’re here to talk about it. Welcome to The Associated, where we take you behind the scenes of association management, legal updates, public policy, event planning, and all things multifamily. Join your hosts, Bryan Holladay and Todd Whitlow, two industry pros with boots-on-the-ground experience at the local, state, and national levels. We’re diving deep into what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change—no sugarcoating, just real talk. Expect bold discussions, expert guests, and insights that will help you navigate this ever-evolving industry. If you’re in the apartment association community and have ever asked yourself, "Why are we still doing it this way?"—this podcast is for you. Let’s rethink association management together. New episodes drop monthly—subscribe now so you don’t miss out! Follow us on social media (links in show notes) and send us your questions, topic ideas, or guest suggestions! Presented by CLTPR Association Management.

  1. 6d ago

    How Great Associations Are Built: Leadership, Service & the Future of Multifamily

    How Great Associations Are Built: Leadership, Service & the Future of Multifamily Strong apartment associations don't happen by accident—they're built through intentional leadership, engaged volunteers, and a commitment to serving both members and communities. What separates a good association from an award-winning one? Is it advocacy? Education? Leadership development? Community impact? The answer is all of the above. On this episode of The Associated Podcast, Bryan and Todd sit down with Sloane Cerbana, Tricia Johnson, and Jason Loughridge of the Washington Multi Family Housing Association (WMFHA), the 2025 NAA Affiliate of the Year, to explore what it takes to build an association that consistently delivers value to its members while strengthening the rental housing industry as a whole. From developing future leaders and expanding statewide education to creating meaningful philanthropic partnerships and navigating housing policy, this conversation offers practical lessons for association professionals and industry leaders alike. In this episode, you'll learn:Why volunteer engagement is the foundation of every successful associationHow WMFHA's Emerging Leaders Program is developing the next generation of industry leadershipWhy associations should focus on creating opportunities—not just eventsHow philanthropy strengthens both communities and the multifamily industry's reputationThe role associations play in advocacy, education, and career developmentWhy mental health and employee wellbeing have become critical issues across multifamilyHow associations can evolve to meet the changing needs of members and the rental housing industry Great associations don't simply provide services—they create leaders, build relationships, advocate for their members, and strengthen entire industries. Whether you're an association executive, volunteer leader, supplier partner, or property management professional, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build an organization that members are proud to support. Guest Bio: Sloane CerbanaSloane Cerbana serves as Vice President of Operations for the Washington Multi Family Housing Association. Since joining the association in 2008, she has helped transform WMFHA into one of the nation's leading apartment associations, overseeing award-winning education, career development, and operational initiatives. A 2022 NAA ACE Educator of the Year, Sloane is also one of a select group of nationally certified Mental Health First Aid instructors dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of multifamily professionals. She is passionate about leadership development, lifelong learning, and helping association members build meaningful careers. Connect with Sloane on LinkedIn HERE. Tricia JohnsonTricia Johnson is the Senior Director of Events & Marketing for the Washington Multi Family Housing Association. Since joining WMFHA in 2012, she has led many of the association's signature events, including the Emerald Awards, EdCon, and the WMFHA Invitational. She also oversees the association's philanthropic initiatives, partnering with nonprofit organizations throughout Washington to create volunteer opportunities and strengthen the connection between the multifamily industry and the communities it serves. Connect with Tricia on LinkedIn HERE. Jason LoughridgeJason Loughridge serves as Director of Career Development for the Washington Multi Family Housing Association. With more than 25 years of multifamily experience spanning onsite operations, training, association leadership, and education, Jason leads WMFHA's professional development initiatives, including the highly successful Emerging Leaders Program. He is a passionate advocate for leadership development, mentorship, and creating inclusive opportunities that help professionals at every stage of their careers succeed. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn HERE. CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com Brownlee Whitlow & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet Brownlee Whitlow & Praet Website: bwpf-law.com

    How Great Associations Are Built: Leadership, Service & the Future of Multifamily
  2. Jun 23

    Why Education and Mental Health Matter More Than Ever in Multifamily | Featuring Victoria Cowart

    Title: Why Education and Mental Health Matter More Than Ever in Multifamily Education isn’t optional, it’s essential. As the multifamily industry continues to evolve, property management professionals are navigating increasing operational demands, resident expectations, workforce challenges, and mental health concerns. Success today requires more than technical knowledge—it requires engaged leaders, ongoing education, and organizations willing to invest in the well-being of their teams. On this episode of The Associated Podcast, Bryan and Todd sit down with Victoria Cowart, Vice President of Education at PetScreening, for a conversation about leadership, association engagement, professional development, mental health, and creating pathways to opportunity within the multifamily industry. With more than 35 years of industry experience, Victoria shares her journey from leasing professional to association leader, educator, and industry advocate. She discusses her role in helping establish the Charleston Apartment Association, her leadership experience with the South Carolina Apartment Association and National Apartment Association, and why education remains one of the most powerful tools for career growth and industry advancement. The conversation also highlights Entryway, an organization helping individuals facing barriers to employment build meaningful careers in the rental housing industry. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Victoria helped launch the Charleston Apartment Association • Why advocacy and association involvement remain critical to the future of the industry • The difference between attendance and true engagement in volunteer organizations • How education creates confidence, consistency, and career growth • Emerging trends in apartment association programming and events • Why mental health has become a growing focus across multifamily organizations • How leaders can create healthier, more resilient workplace cultures • The value of Mental Health First Aid training for industry professionals • How organizations like Entryway are creating opportunities and strengthening the industry's workforce From founding local associations to educating thousands of industry professionals across the country, Victoria offers a unique perspective on what it takes to build stronger organizations, stronger teams, and stronger leaders. Her insights serve as a reminder that investing in people—through education, engagement, wellness initiatives, and career opportunities—remains one of the most important investments any company or association can make. Guest Bio: Victoria Cowart is the Vice President of Education at PetScreening and a nationally recognized educator, speaker, and multifamily industry leader. She brings more than 35 years of experience in property management, association leadership, fair housing compliance, and professional development. Victoria helped establish the Charleston Apartment Association and later served as President of the South Carolina Apartment Association. She has also served as a Regional Vice President for the National Apartment Association and chaired multiple NAA committees, including the Legislative Committee. Throughout her career, Victoria has been passionate about advocacy, education, and helping industry professionals build successful careers. She is a Certified Property Manager (CPM), NAAEI faculty member, and certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. In her current role, she leads educational initiatives for PetScreening while speaking at conferences and events across the country on topics including fair housing, assistance animals, leadership, and mental wellness. Known for her engaging presentation style and commitment to helping others succeed, Victoria continues to be one of the most respected voices in the rental housing industry. Connect with Victoria Cowart on LinkedIn HERE. CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet

    Why Education and Mental Health Matter More Than Ever in Multifamily | Featuring Victoria Cowart
  3. May 26

    Why Advocacy Is No Longer Optional in Rental Housing | Featuring Bob Pinnegar, NAA President & CEO

    Advocacy in the rental housing industry has changed dramatically and according to Bob Pinnegar, the spotlight on housing policy is only getting brighter. Recorded live during Advocate in Washington, D.C., this episode of The Associated features an in-depth conversation with the President and CEO of the National Apartment Association about the evolution of the industry, the future of apartment associations, and why engagement at every level matters more than ever. Bob shares how NAA transformed its organizational structure, modernized its communications and technology strategy, and scaled industry influence through advocacy, research, and member engagement. The conversation also explores the growing complexity of federal housing policy, the importance of local association involvement, and how the industry must adapt to support the next generation of professionals. From Apartmentalize growth to the Housing Solutions Coalition, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how industry leadership is navigating one of the most scrutinized and rapidly evolving sectors in the country. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How the National Apartment Association restructured and modernized its operationsWhy communications, technology, and research became central to NAA’s strategic planHow Apartmentalize evolved into one of the industry’s premier conferencesWhy advocacy has become essential for rental housing professionalsThe challenges facing volunteer-led trade organizationsHow associations must evolve to engage younger professionals and future leadersWhy supplier engagement and networking remain critical growth driversHow the Housing Solutions Coalition is influencing national housing conversationsThe long-term impact of COVID-era housing policy on the industry Guest BioBob Pinnegar serves as President and CEO of the National Apartment Association, bringing more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, public policy, and campaign strategy. Since joining NAA in 2011, Bob has helped lead a major organizational transformation focused on strengthening communications, technology, research, advocacy, and member engagement. In 2017, he oversaw a strategic reorganization of the association’s headquarters staff and the development of a long-term strategic plan designed to better serve the evolving needs of the rental housing industry. Throughout the episode, Bob emphasizes the importance of industry involvement, advocacy participation, and building professional networks that strengthen both careers and communities. Connect with Bob on LinkedIn: Robert Pinnegar LinkedInLearn more about the National Apartment Association: National Apartment Association CONNECT WITH US!Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219/ Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529/ CLTPR Management on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management/ Brownlee Whitlow & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet/ CLTPR Website:https://www.cltprmanagement.com/ Brownlee Whitlow & Praet Website: https://bwpf-law.com/

    Why Advocacy Is No Longer Optional in Rental Housing | Featuring Bob Pinnegar, NAA President & CEO
  4. Apr 28

    Dream Bigger, Do Less, Grow Faster with The Science of BUDs – Marvelless Mark Kamp, CEO, Turn It Up Culture

    What if the breakthrough your business needs starts with dreaming bigger… and doing less? On this episode of The Associated Podcast, Bryan and Todd sit down with bestselling author, keynote headliner, and CEO of Turn It Up Culture, Marvelless Mark Kamp, for a conversation packed with energy, strategy, and rockstar-level perspective. Known for turning meetings into rock concerts, Mark breaks down the science behind BUDs (Big Unreasonable Dreams), goals so bold they haven’t been invented yet… and may have your inner circle calling you crazy. In this episode, you’ll learn: The 3-part science behind a true BUDHow thinking 3 years ahead can reshape today’s decisionsWhy 80% of your “noise” may be blocking growthHow to identify the bottleneck holding back your businessWhy failure can act as your GPS to 10X resultsHow energy becomes contagious and why excitement drives performance From “Einstein Time” to finding whether you may be the bottleneck, this episode is loaded with practical ideas leaders can use immediately. And a preview: Marvelless Mark Kamp will close out the AANC Connected Conference as the final keynote speaker. Stay and you’ll walk away with at least three strategies that could change the trajectory of your business, leadership, or sales. Turn it up. Dream bigger. Find the bottleneck. Rock the results. Guest Bio: “Marvelless” Mark Kamp is a best-selling author, award-winning entrepreneur, and dynamic keynote speaker known for turning meetings into rock concert-style experiences. As CEO of Turn It Up Culture and a Las Vegas headliner, Mark blends music, motivation, and business mastery to help teams achieve peak performance. His high-energy keynotes are rooted in the belief that success should be bold, collaborative, and celebrated. One client described him as “Tony Robbins fronting a rock band”—packed with music metaphors, audience interaction, actionable takeaways, and lots of hype. In his book Opportunity Rocks, he shares backstage secrets from rock stars and applies them to leadership, teamwork, and innovation. Mark’s message has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, HBO Max, and TEDx. If you’re ready to energize your event and rock your results, Marvelless Mark is your ultimate headliner. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn HERE. CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet

    Dream Bigger, Do Less, Grow Faster with The Science of BUDs – Marvelless Mark Kamp, CEO, Turn It Up Culture
  5. Mar 17

    Talk to Me Like a Kindergartner, Translating Multifamily Advocacy - Jon Lowder, Executive Director, Apartment Association of North Carolina (AANC)

    Advocacy in the multifamily industry isn’t optional, it’s essential. But lawmakers don’t work in the multifamily world, which means someone has to translate how policy decisions actually impact housing and operations. In this episode of The Associated, Bryan and Todd sit down with Jon Lowder, Executive Director of the Apartment Association of North Carolina, to break down what advocacy really means for owners, operators, suppliers, and association members. With leadership experience spanning the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA) and Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC), Jon explains how associations help translate complicated regulations from building codes to environmental standards into real-world impacts legislators can understand. In this episode, we unpack: • Why advocacy directly impacts housing supply and development costs • How associations serve as translators between lawmakers and the industry • Why frontline property teams often deliver the most impactful advocacy stories • What surprises people most when they attend Lobby Day • The role associations play in connecting local, state, and national advocacy efforts Jon also shares a preview of the Rental Housing Developers Day launching at the AANC CONNECTed Conference, designed to bring more development voices into the association conversation. Jon offers a practical, eye-opening perspective on why advocacy is critical to the future of housing. Guest Bio: Jon Lowder has been the Executive Director of the Apartment Association of North Carolina since 2023. Before that he was the President of TREBIC (Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition) in Greensboro, NC for two years, and before that he was Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association for 12 years. Earlier in his career Jon had a consulting business that provided communication and tradeshow management services for nonprofits. He lives in Winston-Salem, NC and when not working he enjoys family time with his wife, three adult children and one grandchild. He's also an avid tennis player and likes to travel when the opportunity arises, as long as not too many people are involved. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn HERE. CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet

    Talk to Me Like a Kindergartner, Translating Multifamily Advocacy - Jon Lowder, Executive Director, Apartment Association of North Carolina (AANC)
  6. Mar 3

    Making Your Voice Heard in Multifamily – Betsy Cunningham, VP of Strategic Engagement, BG Staffing

    Legislative advocacy can feel intimidating, but according to Betsy Cunningham, it’s not rocket science. With more than 16 years in multifamily and a deep passion for association engagement, Betsy shares why advocacy is far simpler (and more personal) than people think. You don’t need to know everything about everything. You just need to know one or two things about one or two things and be willing to tell your story. In this episode, we unpack: Why advocacy isn’t scary and why lawmakers actually want to hear from youHow associations make engagement easier than you thinkThe power of mentorship: having a mentor, mentoring someone else, and running the race alongside your peersWhy people shouldn’t confuse purpose with careerHow local, state, and national involvement build on one another Betsy reminds us that advocacy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. And when you show up as yourself, that’s when real influence begins. Guest Bio: Betsy Cunningham has 16+ years’ experience as a multifamily professional. Prior to becoming the Vice President of Strategic Engagement for BG Staffing, Betsy served as a Director of Sales in the Charlotte area, a Regional Sales Manager for multiple markets nationwide with BG and Managing Director of Strategic Accounts. Betsy is passionate about the multifamily industry, loves participating in apartment industry associations, and she works to advocate for the industry and recruit new talent to Multifamily daily. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn HERE. CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 The Associated Podcast: https://bwpf-law.com/podcasts/ Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet Website: https://bwpf-law.com CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com

    Making Your Voice Heard in Multifamily – Betsy Cunningham, VP of Strategic Engagement, BG Staffing
  7. Feb 19

    Reflections on Year One of The Associated

    What happens when you look at the multifamily industry, not through operations, suppliers, development, or investment, but through the prism of the associations that support it? You get The Associated. In this special Year One recap episode, executive producer, Julie Zhang, interviews Bryan Holladay and Todd Whitlow about the origin story of the podcast and the surprising realizations that emerged from their first seven episodes. This conversation dives into: Why they felt compelled to create a platform specifically focused on association leaders and membersThe shared themes that kept appearing across conversationsThe reality that associations aren’t often seen as hubs of innovation and how that must shiftThe responsibility to modernize alongside technology instead of letting members fall behindThe isolation board members sometimes feel outside of conferences and their own boards One defining moment? When a respected industry leader admitted that appearing on The Associated was his very first podcast opportunity, despite years of experience and impact. That realization underscored the gap this show was built to fill. Associations are made up of volunteers who deeply care about the industry. They advocate. They mentor. They lead. But they also need new platforms to share ideas, challenge norms, and move forward together. This episode celebrates what’s been built and lays the foundation for what’s next. Year Two is coming, and it’s bigger and focused on supporting all members of apartment associations. Thank you for listening, for sharing, and for helping this community grow. Send us your guest and topic ideas as we want to build this with you. *** CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet Website: https://bwpf-law.com

    Reflections on Year One of The Associated
  8. Jan 20

    Building an Association People Want to Be A Part Of - Patrick McCloud, CEO, VAMA

    In his first-ever podcast appearance, Patrick McCloud joins The Associated to reflect on 25 years of leadership at the Virginia Apartment Management Association (VAMA) and the people-first philosophy that’s shaped it all. From the unique formation of VAMA through the merging of local affiliates, to Patrick’s personable approach with members, this conversation is packed with insight on what it really takes to build an association people want to be a part of. Patrick shares: Why personal connection drives engagement.Why fun plus business is a winning formula.Why great leadership often means letting others think it was their idea. Add in career development, member experience, and a surprise karaoke story involving bongos, and you’ve got a great episode. Guest Bio: Patrick McCloud is native of Virginia. He spent most of his life growing up in the Richmond area. Upon completion of high school he enrolled in and attended Bridgewater College in Harrisonburg, VA where in 1993 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. After that he did what many college grads with political aspirations do, he went to Washington. Patrick spent the spring and summer of 1994 interning with the Clinton administration in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. Upon completing his term there Patrick was hired by The State Affairs Company, a public relations, government affairs firm based in Arlington, VA. During his 6 years with the firm, Patrick spent a considerable amount of his time uncovering the political involvement and contribution structure of the American Trial Lawyer Industry. Patrick’s work helped focus national attention on the call for Tort Reform in such publications as the Wall Street Journal. In 2000 Patrick took over the leadership helm of the association as its Chief Executive Officer. In his role Patrick oversees all administrative and legislative coordination for the Virginia Apartment Management Association. Since his arrival in 2000 Patrick has been a strong supporter of enhanced career development opportunities and professionalism within the multi-family housing industry. His legislative coordination and messaging has lead to passage of numerous pro-industry pieces of legislation. He is considered by many an expert in multi-family public relations and legislative interpretation. Patrick has served as a Board of Directors of the National Apartment Association (NAA) and the NAA Education Institute (NAAEI). He is past chair of NAA’s Association Executive’s Council, a member of the NAA Budget and Finance committee, former chair of the NAAEI Program Administration Committee and a NAAEI Faculty member. Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn HERE. CONNECT WITH US! Hit subscribe and get ready for a fresh take on the apartment association world! Bryan Holladay on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219 Todd Whitlow on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529 CLTPR Management on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/cltpr-management CLTPR Management Website: www.cltprmanagement.com The Associated Podcast: www.cltprmanagement.com/pod Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brownleewhitlowpraet Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet Website: https://bwpf-law.com

    Building an Association People Want to Be A Part Of - Patrick McCloud, CEO, VAMA

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Associated – The go-to podcast for apartment associations! The world of apartment associations is changing—fast. What used to work is starting to crumble, and we’re here to talk about it. Welcome to The Associated, where we take you behind the scenes of association management, legal updates, public policy, event planning, and all things multifamily. Join your hosts, Bryan Holladay and Todd Whitlow, two industry pros with boots-on-the-ground experience at the local, state, and national levels. We’re diving deep into what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change—no sugarcoating, just real talk. Expect bold discussions, expert guests, and insights that will help you navigate this ever-evolving industry. If you’re in the apartment association community and have ever asked yourself, "Why are we still doing it this way?"—this podcast is for you. Let’s rethink association management together. New episodes drop monthly—subscribe now so you don’t miss out! Follow us on social media (links in show notes) and send us your questions, topic ideas, or guest suggestions! Presented by CLTPR Association Management.