All Episodes

🎙️Episode Summary
How much do students actually pay for rent, and why does that number often differ from what operators think they're charging? In this episode of the Student Housing Insight Podcast, host Wesley Deese sits down with Elijah Wang-Chen, a finance student at the University of Texas at Austin and creator of RateMyRentUT, a student-built platform that brings unprecedented transparency to off-campus housing costs. Elijah shares how his own frustrating apartment search inspired him to create a crowdsourced database where students anonymously compare rents, concessions, utilities, parking costs, and overall housing experiences.
The conversation explores what student housing operators can learn from student-generated data, how pricing transparency influences leasing decisions, and why seemingly small issues like elevator reliability can have a major impact on resident satisfaction. Wes and Elijah also discuss the growing role of social media, AI-powered no-code development, and student-led innovation in shaping the future of student housing technology. Whether you're an owner, operator, marketer, or campus housing professional, this episode offers valuable insight into how today's students evaluate value, fairness, and the overall resident experience.
 
⏱️Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction and Today's Student Housing Challenge
00:03:00 Why Students and Operators Define Rent Differently
00:04:02 Meet Elijah Wang-Chen and the Story Behind Rate My Rent UT
00:06:02 Why Student Rent Transparency Matters More Than Ever
00:08:31 Growing Pressure for Pricing Transparency in Student Housing
00:10:03 Viral Street Interviews Reveal How Students Think About Rent
00:12:14 The Personal Housing Frustration That Sparked Rate My Rent
00:14:05 Discovering They Overpaid and Building a Better Solution
00:15:07 Using Viral Social Media to Collect Student Housing Data
00:17:25 How Rate My Rent UT Lets Students Compare Rent
00:20:52 Why Students Feel They Didn't Get a Good Deal
00:22:19 What Student Housing Data Reveals About Rent Trends
00:26:05 The Biggest Complaints Students Have About Their Apartments
00:28:02 Why Transparency Matters More Than Public Reviews
00:30:06 Student-Led Innovation Is Reshaping Housing Technology
00:31:39 Building the Platform with AI-Powered No-Code Tools
00:32:59 Expanding Rate My Rent Beyond the University of Texas
00:34:24 The Future of Student Housing Transparency
00:35:37 Final Takeaways and Closing Remarks
 
🤝Sponsor Spotlight:  Opiniion | AI-Visibility
As AI increasingly influences where prospective residents search for housing, Opiniion helps student housing operators stay visible where it matters most. Their AI Visibility platform shows how communities appear across leading AI platforms and provides a personalized action plan to improve discoverability, reputation, and online presence. In addition, Opiniion offers reputation management tools and Social Pro to simplify portfolio-wide social media management.
Learn more: https://opiniion.com/platform/ai-visi...
 
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode:
SHI Events Page: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com...
ShopTalk.Info: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Rate My Rent UT: https://ratemyrentut.com
Rate My Rent Instagram:   / ratemy.rent  
The Daily Texan Article: https://thedailytexan.com/2026/05/01/...

🎙️Episode Summary
At OPTECH, the student housing industry's premier technology conference, host Wesley Deese and Tyler Holmes of PeakMade Real Estate discussed the practical innovations reshaping property operations. A major focus of their conversation was the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence—specifically the shift toward agentic AI. Rather than simply generating content, these advanced AI tools can now automate complex operational tasks and support centralized leasing teams, ultimately freeing onsite staff to focus entirely on delivering exceptional resident experiences.
Beyond the impressive demonstrations of robotics and emerging tech, Holmes emphasized that the conference's true value lies in peer collaboration and evaluating real-world use cases. He noted that successful technology adoption comes from exchanging actionable insights with fellow operators, rather than just purchasing the newest software. By learning from one another, organizations can implement proven solutions that drive operational efficiency, generate higher-quality leads, boost renewals, and elevate the overall resident experience.
⏱️Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction to the OPTECH interview series and overview of the conference's importance to the student housing industry.
00:00:18 - Sponsor message featuring Allegion's Resident Key in Wallet mobile access solution.
00:01:05 - Wes Deese welcomes Tyler Holmes of PeakMade Real Estate and asks for his overall impressions of OPTECH.
00:01:25 - Tyler explains why OPTECH is valuable for learning directly from fellow operators and understanding practical technology implementation.
00:02:00 - Discussion on moving beyond product demonstrations to real-world use cases and implementation strategies.
00:02:30 - Tyler identifies artificial intelligence as the conference's biggest trend and discusses AI-powered centralization in marketing and leasing.
00:03:05 - Conversation shifts to agentic AI and how automation can eliminate repetitive operational work while improving the resident experience.
00:03:45 - Final reflections on robotics, AI innovation, operational efficiency, lead quality, and resident satisfaction.
00:04:00 - Closing remarks and conclusion of the interview.
 
 
🤝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

🎙️Episode Summary
In this episode of the SHI News Wrap up, Host Wes Deese and Co-host Gretta Dare explores the biggest developments shaping the student housing industry, including The Scion Group's acquisition of Student Quarters, continued market consolidation, major public-private partnership (P3) projects, new development activity, and significant investment transactions. Hosts Wes Deese and Gretta Dare examine the strategic implications of these announcements while offering thoughtful commentary on leadership, organizational change, and the future direction of the industry.
The episode also covers important legislative updates surrounding the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, Build-to-Rent policy changes, Entrata's IPO filing, and broader market trends affecting owners, operators, and investors. From technology and public market transparency to housing affordability and operational strategy, this month's news roundup provides valuable context and actionable insights for professionals looking to stay informed on the latest developments in student housing.
 
⏱️Timestamps
00:01:14 Student Housing Insight Introduction
00:03:00 June 2026 News Wrap-Up Begins
00:03:55 Preview of Sly Brandon Interview and Nashville Recording
00:08:07 Major Industry Acquisition Discussion Begins
00:12:40 Interface Panel: Lessons from Student Housing Mergers
00:19:25 The Scion Group Acquires Student Quarters
00:30:25 How Consolidation Creates Operational and Insurance Advantages
00:35:05 Employee Transition and Integration Challenges
00:39:15 Is Scion Preparing for an IPO?
00:43:40 Maslow's Campus Communities Wins University of Washington Tacoma P3
00:45:45 Core Spaces Announces 3,500-Bed University of Illinois Expansion
00:48:45 New Mountain Capital Investment in Asset Living
00:50:40 Housing Legislation and Build-to-Rent Policy Update
00:57:10 Entrata Files for an IPO 01:00:35 What Going Public Could Mean for Entrata Customers
01:10:45 AI Surveillance Cameras Raise Privacy Questions on College Campuses
01:12:11 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
 
🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned in the Episode
ShopTalk: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Scion Group's Acquisition of Student Quarter/Industry Consolidation in Student Housing:: https://therealdeal.com/national/2026/06/11/scion-group-makes-1-5b-student-housing-bet/
Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions on Employees: https://therealdeal.com/national/2026/06/11/scion-group-makes-1-5b-student-housing-bet
Core Spaces' 3,500-Bed Expansion Near the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2026/06/02/maslows-campus-communities-uw-tacoma-housing.html?__cf_chl_f_tk=hcDXtaA5bvwupodjYrHtYVJr8zdJA.WfCLZ.5LW4lVw-1783023755-1.0.1.1-yl6GcZslH41H48fQPqA0uqnw3sr9NbIy4sk.lOHzBEg
New Mountain Capital's Acquisition of Asset Living
https://news.studenthousingdaily.com/p/june-11-2026-the-scion-group-to-acquire-student-quarters
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act:https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=411172
Build-to-Rent(BTR) Legislation and Its Impact on Student Housing: https://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/knowledge-hub/news/senate-passes-21st-century-road-to-housing-act-now-across-the-finish-line
Luxury Student Housing Reshapes College Towns:
https://finance-commerce.com/2026/06/luxury-student-housing-college-town-affordability/
 

🎙️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
 

🎙️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/
 

🎙️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
 

🎙️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/
 

🎙️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

🎙️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 Morehttps://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events

🎙️ 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/

🎙️ 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

🎙️ Episode Summary
In this episode, Wesley Deese sits down with Leah Raad, SVP of Operations, Leasing, and Asset Management at Maslow’s Campus Communities, to unpack what it really takes to build a student housing platform from the ground up. Fresh off the acquisition of Aspire San Marcos, Leah shares how Maslow’s approached launching operations with a clean slate—covering everything from selecting a property management system to defining core operating principles.
The conversation dives into the realities of modern leasing, the rapid evolution of marketing technology, and the importance of simplifying systems to empower onsite teams.
They also explore the role of AI in student housing, where Leah offers a grounded perspective: automation should enhance efficiency, not replace the human experience that defines resident satisfaction. This episode is a practical look at how experienced operators are rethinking tech, staffing, and strategy in a fast-changing landscape.
 
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:02:10 – Intro
00:03:58 – The "Un-retirement" of an Industry Icon
00:10:09 – Leah’s background in student housing and her journey to Maslow’s.
00:12:28 – Details on Maslow's first acquisition: Aspire San Marcos at Texas State University. 00:18:40 – The "One-Stop Shop" Tech Debate
00:23:44 – The Anti-AI Manifesto
00:27:23 – Killing the Spreadsheet
00:30:01 – Outro/Closing
 
🤝 Sponsor Spotlight
This episode is brought to you by Opiniion – Social Pro, a social media and reputation management platform built specifically for property management teams. Social Pro allows operators to create content once and distribute it across multiple platforms, manage engagement through a unified inbox, and track performance with built-in analytics. With integrations like Canva and AI-assisted tools, it helps teams stay consistent, efficient, and on-brand across every property.
👉 Learn more and explore the platform:
https://www.opiniion.com/shi
 
🔗 Resources & References:
 
Student Housing Insight:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
ShopTalk:
https://www.shoptalk.info/
Invite for Networking Brunch:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/contact-form
SHI Bill Bayless - Profiles in Student Housing:
https://youtu.be/EAUqyIUrtok?si=J5G9X1FJX7gAAB_N
Maslow’s Campus Communities:
https://maslowscommunities.com/
Entrata:
https://www.entrata.com/

🎙️ Episode Summary:
Wes Deese and Gretta Dare wrap up all the off-campus student housing news for February 2026. They cover upcoming industry conferences and major shifts in property management, including LV Collective formally bringing their operations in-house. The hosts break down the latest pre-leasing data from Yardi Matrix, comparing it against other data sources and discussing the current dip in rent growth.
The episode also dives into critical legislative updates, highlighting the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act that recently passed the House , and features an in-depth debate on a controversial new lease renewal ordinance in College Park, Maryland.
 
⏱️ Episode Timestamps:
00:02:09 - Welcome & Intro: An overview of the Student Housing Insight platform and the monthly Shop Talk webinar
00:02:45 - Upcoming Conferences: Previewing Interface Student Housing, Bisnow spring events, and Bonard's Canadian Student Housing Summit
00:05:35 - Industry News: The rise of "white label" management services and LV Collective launching an in-house property management platform
00:12:57 - Data & Pre-leasing: Analyzing Yardi Matrix's report showing 2026-2027 pre-leasing at 52.3% and a discussion on rent growth metrics
00:19:19 - Financial Markets: Good news from the Student Housing Business magazine about financial institutions opening money back up to the student sector
00:21:35 - Legislative Updates: Breaking down the Housing for the 21st Century Act (passed 390-9 in the House) and its implications for development
00:26:17 - Local Ordinance Debate: Deep dive into College Park, Maryland's new ordinance requiring landlords to wait 180 days before offering lease renewals
00:43:45 - Outro & Networking: Announcing the "Shop Talk Link Up" networking brunch happening at the Interface conference
 
💡Sponsor Spotlight:
Move-in day is stressful enough, but our partners at studenthousingmattress.com (powered by Jamison Bedding) make sure missing mattresses are never part of the problem. They offer US-made mattresses that ship quickly anywhere in the lower 48 states, featuring the durable blue vinyl models the industry knows and trusts. Stay ready for move-in and visit:
https://studenthousingmattress.com/
 
📎Sources & Links Mentioned
Student Housing Insight:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
Student Housing Business:
http://studenthousingbusiness.com
Yardi Matrix Student Housing Marketing Report February 2026: https://www.yardimatrix.com/blog/student-housing-market-report/
Housing Legislation — A Rare Bipartisan Moment
https://bipartisanpolicy.org/explainer/whats-in-the-housing-for-the-21st-century-act/
College ParkNews
https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/prince-georges-county/college-park-restricts-early-lease-renewal-offers-giving-renters-more-time-and-limiting-landlords/
 

🎙️Episode Summary:
In this spring conference preview episode of the Student Housing Insight podcast, host Wesley Deese gives a comprehensive rundown of upcoming industry events. Wes discusses the value of attending these events for networking and education, whether you are a site-level manager, a C-suite executive, or a supplier partner.
The episode features a special interview with Rich Kelley, who shares exciting details about the highly anticipated Interface Student Housing Conference in Austin, Texas. Additionally, Martin Varga joins the show to discuss the Canadian Student Housing Summit in Toronto, hosted by Bonard. Wesley also highlights upcoming regional Bisnow events and reminds listeners to utilize the SHI events page to grab exclusive registration discounts.
 
⏱️Episode Timestamps:
00:01:08 - Welcome and Overview of Student Housing Insight and ShopTalk.
00:02:38 - The Tradition of the Spring Conference Preview Episode.
00:08:58 - Preview of Upcoming Bisnow Student Housing Conferences.
00:14:14 - Interview with Rich Kelley Begins.
00:15:13 - Recap of the Recent LeaseCon and TurnCon.
00:17:57 - Interface Austin Details including Dates, Tech, and Agenda.
00:32:28 - Interview with Martin Varga Begins.
00:35:58 - Details on the Toronto Summit happening May 28th.
00:43:43 - Episode Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts.
 
💡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://www.studenthousingmattress.com
 
📎Sources & Websites Mentioned:
Student Housing Insight Industry Events Page:
https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/events
ShopTalk Webinars:
https://www.shoptalk.info
 

🎙️Episode Summary
In this month’s wrap-up, host Wes Deese and co-host Gretta Dare welcome 2026 with a breakdown of the major shifts in the student housing industry rankings. Special guest Jason Fort, EVP at Asset Living, joins the show to discuss Asset Living’s historic rise to the number one spot on the Student Housing Business Top 25 Managers list, overtaking American Campus Communities. Jason shares insights into their organic growth, the increasing trend of multifamily-to-student conversions, and the importance of operational flexibility in today's market.
The team also dives into significant development news, including Core Spaces' massive 2,352-bed "ōLiv Columbia" project and a unique hotel-to-student housing conversion Columbia, SC and a rare new dev/conversion in Manhattan by BDB Construction. Finally, Wes and Gretta analyze the latest Fall enrollment data, highlighting a surge in community college attendance and sparking a candid conversation about degree requirements for industry professionals.
 
⏱️Timestamps
00:00:00 – Sponsor Message: Introduction to Social Pro from Opiniion.
00:02:08 – Intro & Weather Reports: Wes and Gretta catch up on the winter storms hitting North Carolina and College Station.
00:05:00 – Top 25 Managers Rankings: Analysis of the new industry rankings and Asset Living taking the #1 spot.
00:06:40 – Guest Interview: Jason Fort of Asset Living joins to discuss their growth strategy and the shift from multifamily to student housing operations.
00:16:27 – Third-Party Management & Shared Services: A look at the Top Third-Party Managers list, Cardinal Group crossing the 100k bed threshold, and the rise of "white label" management services.
00:20:00 – Industry Consolidation: Discussion on recent mergers, including Yugo and Campus Advantage.
00:23:00 – Top 25 Owners List: Reviewing the top owners, including American Campus Communities, Scion, and the rapid growth of Core Spaces.
00:31:30 – Development News (CORE Spaces): Breakdown of the massive ōLiv Columbia project and the operational challenges of managing mega-developments.
00:43:00 – Manhattan Conversion Project: BDB Construction’s conversion of a Financial District hotel into the world’s tallest student accommodation.
00:52:00 – Enrollment Data Analysis: Insights from the National Student Clearinghouse and Chronicle of Higher Education regarding Fall 2025/2026 enrollment trends.
01:00:00 – The Degree Debate: Gretta and Wes discuss the necessity of college degrees for various roles within the student housing industry.
 
💡Sponsor Social Pro by Opiniion This episode is sponsored by Social Pro from Opiniion, the number one social media management platform designed specifically for property management. Social Pro allows you to create beautiful, optimized content in seconds and publish it across every major social network with just one click. From AI-powered content creation to a unified inbox for all comments and DMs, Social Pro elevates your brand and simplifies resident engagement.
Click here to learn more: https://opiniion.com/shi/
 
📎Sources & Links:
Student Housing Insight: https://www.studenthousinginsight.com/
ShopTalk Webinars: https://www.shoptalk.info/
Student Housing Business: https://studenthousingbusiness.com/
National Student Clearinghouse:
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/2026/01/15/fall-enrollment-increased-1-international-students-declined
CORE Spaces: https://studenthousingbusiness.com/core-spaces-to-break-ground-on-2350-bed-mixed-use-development-near-university-of-south-carolina/
BDB Construction:
https://studenthousingbusiness.com/bdb-construction-completes-phase-i-of-student-housing-conversion-project-in-manhattans-financial-district/