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Connecting you with the people who bring student housing to life.
Episodes
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
In this episode, host Wesley Dease previews the upcoming Interface Student Housing Conference, the largest global event for the student housing industry. Wesley is joined by Rich Kelly from Student Housing Business to discuss the conference’s history, its growth, and what attendees can expect this year in Austin, Texas, from April 9-11. They explore key sessions, networking opportunities, and emerging industry trends. If you work in student housing, this episode provides a must-hear preview of the industry's biggest event.
Timestamps & Topics
00:00:00 – Introduction to the Episode and the Importance of Student Housing.
00:01:00 – Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies – Providing high-performance internet for student housing.
00:02:00 – Overview of Student Housing Insight and industry resources.
00:03:00 – What is the Interface Student Housing Conference? Event dates and significance.
00:04:00 – Background on Student Housing Business, France Media, and how the conference started.
00:06:00 – Key highlights from past LeaseCon TurnCon conference and student panel discussions.
00:08:00 – Why Interface Student Housing continues to grow and attract global attention.
00:09:00 – The evolution of the student housing industry and increasing institutional investment
00:14:00 – Breakdown of the Interface Student Housing Conference Schedule: Opening Day (April 9th): Data session, Women in Development panel, International Student Housing panel, Roundtables, and Welcome Reception Day Two (April 10th): Power Panel, Exhibit Hall, Key Sessions, and the Innovator Awards Day Three (April 11th): Final sessions and closing remarks
00:18:00 – Why attendees should stay for the entire conference, including Friday sessions
00:19:00 – Hotel and lodging options near the JW Marriott Austin
00:21:00 – Opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors at the event
00:22:00 – Closing thoughts and call-to-action for attendees
Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Campus Technologies. Whether you're developing a new student housing community or upgrading an existing one, reliable high-speed internet is essential. Campus Technologies specializes in internet infrastructure and managed IT services tailored for student housing, ensuring seamless connectivity and support.
📌 Download their latest white paper or visit www.CampusTechnologies.com to learn more.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Student Housing Insight Website: www.StudentHousingInsight.com
ShopTalk Monthly Webinar Registration: www.ShopTalk.info
Interface Student Housing Conference Info & Registration: https://web.cvent.com/event/8c037ef7-d0ab-40b4-88f2-7076a4a3d9f3/websitePage:9ee6647b-278e-45b3-95bc-fdca253e1bba
Student Housing Business Magazine: StudentHousingBusiness.com
France Media Publications & Events: FranceMediaInc.com
Hotel Booking for Conference: Check event website for official hotel partners
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
In this episode, Wesley Deese and co-host Alexis Krissay dive into the world of social media marketing for student housing. They discuss the importance of creating engaging, two-way conversations online rather than just posting content for the sake of it. The episode covers strategies for making social media content relevant to students, the role of leasing agents as social media ambassadors, and best practices for leveraging automation tools to maintain instant communication with prospects and residents.
Alexis shares her insights from working with student housing properties across the country, highlighting common mistakes properties make with their digital presence and how to avoid them. Whether you're looking to improve your property's social media strategy or explore innovative ways to enhance engagement, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you stay ahead.
Episode Timestamps
📌 [00:00:00] – Introduction: Establishing mini brand personalities in student housing marketing
📌 [00:01:00] – Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies – Providing high-speed internet & managed IT services
📌 [00:02:00] – Welcome & Overview of Student Housing Insight and Shop Talk Webinars
📌 [00:04:00] – Meet Co-Host Alexis Krissay & Introduction to Serendipity Consulting
📌 [00:05:00] – The Current Landscape of Social Media in Student Housing
📌 [00:06:00] – Common Social Media Mistakes: One-sided content, lack of engagement
📌 [00:07:00] – Creating a Two-Way Engagement Strategy on Social Media
📌 [00:10:00] – How Leasing Agents Can Become Social Media Ambassadors
📌 [00:11:00] – Building Trust with Transparency & Open Communication
📌 [00:14:00] – Handling Negative Comments & Encouraging Student Interaction
📌 [00:16:00] – Importance of Instant Communication on Social Platforms
📌 [00:17:00] – Leveraging Automation Tools: ManyChat & AI Chatbots
📌 [00:19:00] – Equipment & Tools for Quality Content Creation
📌 [00:22:00] – Marketing for New Developments: Selling the Lifestyle
📌 [00:23:00] – Encouraging User-Generated Content & Resident Ambassadors
📌 [00:27:00] – Tips for Small Properties Without a Large Leasing Staff
📌 [00:28:00] – Social Media Ambassador Programs: Best Practices
📌 [00:30:00] – Episode Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts
Sponsor Spotlight: Campus Technologies
This episode is sponsored by Campus Technologies, a leader in delivering high-speed internet and managed IT services tailored for student housing communities. With nearly 25 years of experience, Campus Technologies ensures top-tier connectivity and seamless tech support for both students and property managers.
🔥 Get their latest white paper on best practices for upgrading your property's internet infrastructure!
📌 Visit: campustechnologies.com
Resources & Links Mentioned
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🎥 ManyChat (Automation for DMs & Instant Responses): manychat.com
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📱 Shop Talk Webinar Series: shoptalk.info
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🎥 Student Housing Insight YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@studenthousinginsight8916
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
In this episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wesley Deese sits down with Andrew Marshall and Rob Collins of Campus Technologies, Inc. to discuss the critical role of internet infrastructure in student housing. As expectations for fast, reliable Wi-Fi continue to rise, student housing operators must navigate the challenges of upgrading aging networks, optimizing connectivity, and future-proofing their properties. Andrew and Rob share insights from their decades of experience, tracing the evolution of student housing internet services—from the early struggles with traditional telcos to today’s sophisticated enterprise-grade Wi-Fi solutions.
They discuss:
- The history of Campus Technologies, Inc. and its impact on the student housing industry.
- Why network infrastructure matters for student retention and operational success.
- Key considerations for new developments vs. acquisitions—including how long-term vs. short-term holds impact tech investments.
- The biggest mistakes operators make when it comes to internet service.
- The future of student housing connectivity—from managed Wi-Fi to IoT and smart building integrations.
Whether you’re a property owner, operator, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you stay ahead in the ever-changing world of student housing technology.
📌 Resources & Links:
- Learn more about Campus Technologies, Inc.: https://www.campustechnologies.com
- Download their latest white paper on network infrastructure lifespan: https://www.campustechnologies.com/_files/ugd/b3a15c_99ae55a5e2b443209859091ea4150925.pdf
- Register for ShopTalk, the industry’s monthly student housing webinar at www.shoptalk.info
- For more info about Student Housing Insight: www.StudentHousingInsight.com
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
In this insightful episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, host Wesley Deese and guest Alexis Krisay, founder of Serendipit Consulting, tackle a critical topic: how leasing teams can better engage with prospects. Drawing from experiences that student residents described at the recent LeaseCon+TurnCon event, Wesley and Alexis discuss why strong interpersonal connections are crucial to creating memorable leasing experiences and how the industry can overcome challenges in training staff for relationship-driven sales. Hear real feedback from a student panel about their leasing experiences—some surprising, others disappointing—and gain actionable tips for transforming leasing agents into dynamic, customer-focused professionals. Alexis also shares her expertise on role-playing exercises, using DISC assessments, and fostering rapport to improve sales performance and resident satisfaction.
Sponsor Spotlight: This episode is proudly sponsored by The Guarantors. Their Rent Coverage product not only ensures quick recovery of lost rent but also simplifies the leasing process by eliminating the need for parental guarantors. Find out how The Guarantors can help you reduce risk and increase lease conversions. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3WmNsqa
Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Learn more about the Student Housing Insight platform: www.studenthousinginsight.com
Register for Shop Talk webinars: www.shoptalk.info
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
In this episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, host Wesley dives into a critical topic for student housing professionals as the winter months approach: preparing properties for freezing temperatures and mitigating the risks associated with winter weather.
Joined by experts Lance Lemoine from Lemoine Disaster Services and Jonathan Epstein from Salamander Reservoir, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to both proactive and reactive strategies for winter preparedness. Key topics include: Preventative Maintenance: Best practices for winterizing properties, inspecting fire sprinkler systems, and maintaining HVAC systems to prevent costly disasters. Innovative Solutions: Jonathan introduces the Salamander Reservoir, a groundbreaking IoT-based tool for preventing pipe freeze failures and ensuring fire sprinkler systems remain operational. Reactive Strategies: Lance shares insights on handling winter disasters efficiently, the importance of master service agreements, and how restoration companies can advocate for property managers during insurance claims. Industry Checklists: Wesley reviews a detailed winter maintenance checklist covering life safety, mechanical systems, roofing, and plumbing to help you stay ahead of winter challenges. The episode is packed with actionable advice and personal anecdotes, including real-world examples of property damage caused by extreme weather and how proactive measures can save time, money, and tenant disruptions. Whether you’re a property manager, owner-operator, or vendor in the student housing industry, this episode is your go-to resource for navigating winter challenges with confidence.
This episode is sponsored by TheGuarantors. To find out more about how they can help your property approve more prospect and help eliminate bad debt, visit their website at: https://bit.ly/3WmNsqa
Links Mentioned: Student Housing Insight: www.StudentHousingInsight.com ShopTalk: www.ShopTalk.info Salamander Reservoir: www.GetSalamander.com Lemoine Disaster Services: https://1lemoine.com/
Connect with our guests on LinkedIn for more insights or email them: Lance Lemoine: Disaster Recovery Specialist - Lance.Lemoine@1lemoine.com
Jonathan Epstein: Co-Founder, Salamander Reservoir - je@jtjtech.com
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
In this episode, we dive into the student housing crisis in California, exploring the challenges faced by developers and students alike. Wesley speaks with Riaz Taplin, founder of Riaz Capital, about his innovative solutions to address affordability while leveraging art and thoughtful design. From regulatory hurdles to creative development strategies, this episode offers insights for anyone interested in student housing or California's real estate landscape.
💡 What You'll Learn:
The current state of California’s student housing crisis.
How regulatory frameworks like the California Density Bonus and SB 330 aid in development.
Insights into Riaz Capital’s projects, including affordable student housing developments in Berkeley and beyond.
The role of art and design in enhancing student living spaces.
Practical advice for developers looking to navigate California’s complex real estate market.
📌 Referenced Links:
Learn more about Student Housing Insight: studenthousinginsight.com
Subscribe to Shop Talk webinars: shoptalk.info
Explore Riaz Capital’s work: riazcapital.com
📅 Upcoming Events:
Shop Talk Webinar: December 19th – Register now!
LeaseCon/TurnCon Panel Discussion: Hosted by Wesley Dees on December 10th.
💬 Join the Conversation:
Have thoughts on this episode or the student housing crisis? Share them in the SHI Community Forum: studenthousinginsight.com/community
📢 Follow Us:
Stay updated on the latest trends in student housing by subscribing and following SHI across platforms.
🔔 Subscribe & Engage:
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment on this episode. Let us know what you think and what topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes!
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
In this episode, we’re diving into a crucial and timely conversation about the current political landscape and what it means for the student housing industry. With a new administration on the horizon and the balance of power in Congress shifting, the regulatory and legislative landscape is poised for change.
Joining us is Dave Borzos from NMHC, who provides a deep dive into the potential impacts on student housing—from capital markets and agency appointments to deregulation, immigration, and federal policies. We’ll also explore critical issues like the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the fate of bulk internet agreements, and how tax and economic policies might influence the industry in the months to come.
If you’re a student housing professional navigating today’s uncertainties, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay informed and prepared. So grab your notebook, and let’s jump in!
00:00 - Teaser
00:14 - Sponsor - TheGuarantors
01:49 - Intro
07:40 - Conversation with Dave Borsos
30:43 - Outro
This episode is sponsored by TheGuarantors. To find out more about how they can help your property approve more prospect and help eliminate bad debt, visit their website at: https://bit.ly/3WmNsqa
Have comments or suggestions? Email us at Contact@StudentHousingInsight.com
Make sure you are registered to receive invites for ShopTalk, the monthly webinar covering all things regarding student housing operations. Register at www.ShopTalk.info
Join the SHI Community and check out our upcoming events by going to www.StudentHousingInsight.com
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
In this episode, host Wesley Deese welcomes special co-host Alex Rippy, VP of Leasing and Systems at GMH Communities, to discuss to discuss how the kick-off of the '25 Pre-leasing season is going for the U.S. student housing industry. They also review October's ShopTalk panel on pre-leasing and what the early data is showing. Topics include market insights on leasing velocity, and rent growth expectations. Rippy shares strategies for optimizing rate achievement in diverse markets, and the impact of fluctuating student enrollment, particularly for commuter-heavy regions. They also discuss the recent FAFSA complications and recent reports around a large decrease in this year's freshman cohort. The episode wraps with a look at the LeaseCon+TurnCon conference and a preview of the ShopTalk Executive Summit.
0:00:00 - Preview
0:00:23 - Ad Spot (TheGuarantors)
0:02:05 - Intro
0:11:37 - Alex's student housing journey
0:25:42 - Rental rates are still on the rise
0:30:26 - October 17th ShopTalk panel on pre-leasing
1:04:59 - Outro
1:05:58 - LeaseCon+TurnCon preview
1:11:38 - ShopTalk Executive Summit preview
This episode is sponsored by TheGuarantors. To find out more about how they can help your property approve more prospect and help eliminate bad debt, visit their website at: https://bit.ly/3WmNsqa
Have comments or suggestions? Email us at Contact@StudentHousingInsight.com
Make sure you are registered to receive invites for ShopTalk, the monthly webinar covering all things regarding student housing operations. Register at www.ShopTalk.info
Join the SHI Community and check out our upcoming events by going to www.StudentHousingInsight.com
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
In this special "Behind the Biz" episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wesley Deese chats with Danny Soule from Zego to explore how the company is bringing innovation to utility management in student housing. From their origins in payment processing to their recent work with American Campus Communities (ACC), Zego has developed a robust platform that helps operators reduce utility costs and improve efficiency. Learn how Zego’s utility management services streamline the move-in/move-out process, enhance ESG reporting, and ensure no money is left on the table. Plus, discover why their competitive pricing could boost your NOI without sacrificing service. Wesley and Danny also discuss key industry challenges and the surprising mistakes student housing operators often make with utility management. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable takeaways!
Referenced Links:
- Zego: www.Zego.com/SHI
- White Paper - The Ultimate Guide to Turn Season Utility Management
- ShopTalk: www.ShopTalk.info
- SHI Website: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
- Upcoming SHI Events: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
- Email us: contact@StudentHousingInsight.com
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
Sunday Sep 15, 2024
In this episode, Wes sits down with Whitney Kidd of Iris Technologies, and SHI Ambassador, Mike Kivitz from The Preiss Co., to have a frank discussion on what's ahead for the student housing industry as it relates to prop-tech. We cover everything from property management systems and smart locks to AI.
This episode is sponsored by TheGuarantors. To find out more about how they can help your property approve more prospect and help eliminate bad debt, visit their website at: https://bit.ly/3WmNsqa
Have comments or suggestions? Email us at Contact@StudentHousingInsight.com
Make sure you are registered to receive invites for ShopTalk, the monthly webinar covering all things regarding student housing operations. Register at www.ShopTalk.info
Join the SHI Community by going to www.StudentHousingInsight.com