RPM Living’s Analytics Team Recognized as a Tech Influencer by GlobeSt.com for its Innovative Thinking and Proprietary Solutions
RPM Living’s Analytics Team has received recognition for its forward thinking, having been named a 2023 CRE Tech Influencer by GlobeSt.com. Formed in 2020, the team has developed and implemented a data infrastructure that helps to seamlessly move data around the company, greatly improving efficiency across all levels and departments of the organization during its largest years of growth.
The Analytics team has developed tools and processes to help the organization scale and capture data to make informed decisions including a customized marketing BI dashboard that provides proprietary data insights that directly impact property performance, an internal key performance indicator (KPI) program that’s able to predict NOI, a front-end reporting tool to provide better insight into property performance, and an internal billback application that has greatly increased collections of billable services.
By leveraging these tools and technology, the Analytics team has supported and enabled our best-in-class Transitions & Due Diligence team in transitioning in a record number of properties, which directly supported the organization being able to climb from No. 42 to No. 6 on the NMHC Top 50 list in just three years.
CRE Tech Influencers recognizes those in the commercial real estate space that not only have 360-degree knowledge of technology but an in-depth understanding of the problems the technology needs to solve. The CRE Tech Influencer accolade compliments other recent awards RPM has earned including its Marketing team being named Department of the Year in the 2022 PR & Marketing Excellence Awards.
To read more about GlobeSt.’s 2023 Tech Influencer, click here. To learn more about RPM Living, visit RPMLiving.com.
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About RPM Living
RPM Living is a full-service multifamily management company offering an innovative and personalized approach to real estate services including management, investment and development. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, RPM is ranked #6 on the NMHC Top 50 Largest Apartment Manager list, managing more than 150 clients, 10 regional offices and 148,000 units, with an owned portfolio of $3 billion. Founded by Jason Berkowitz in 2002, the firm has grown to over 3,200 associates nationwide spread across over 45+ markets, all of whom share the collective vision to enhance clients’ investments through customized solutions and exceptional resident-centric service. To learn more about RPM, visit RPMLiving.com.
It’s no surprise multifamily, like many industries over the past few years, has experienced unique hiring challenges as the workplace continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Likewise, the demands and desires of residents has kept the industry on its toes. But with constraints comes the opportunity to do things differently, and sometimes even better.
When RPM Living’s Operations team in Dallas was faced with recent hiring challenges, they tapped into their local resources and close partnership with Fort Worth Housing Solutions (FWHS) to find a solve that would not only benefit both organizations but the local Fort Worth community. The result did more than that, setting the wheels in motion to build an impactful program for local students to gain experience in business while immersing them in the local community.
FWHS was established by the City of Fort Worth in 1938 to provide safe, quality housing for low- to moderate-income residents to help them lay the foundation to improve their lives and set them up for success. FWHS works closely with various partners to promote economic independence including RPM Living who manages 15 of its communities throughout the Fort Worth area.
As the effects of the nation’s recent hiring crisis began to take hold in the Fort Worth area, RPM’s Operations team connected with FWHS President Mary-Margaret Lemons to discuss potential solutions. Mary-Margaret, who has a close relationship with the school board suggested RPM meet with the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) to explore potential partnership opportunities with local schools and the possibility of implementing a paid internship program.
RPM Regional Vice President Anita Hord and Vice President Lisa Catlett connected with FWISD’s senior team to learn more about the vocational programs and how the two organizations could partner to create something impactful. Through several conversations and brainstorms, the paid internship was born.
Jonathan Ortiz and Cambridge Court's Community Manager
To promote the internship, RPM leaned on its Marketing and Recruiting teams who eagerly jumped at the opportunity to help by creating collateral to distribute to nearby schools and working up intern-specific job postings. This paired with close collaboration with FWISD, brought the team many bright students.
“Interviewing intern student applicants from FWISD was so enlightening, learning their thoughts on college majors and career goals,” says Anita Hord, Regional Vice President at RPM Living. “In nearly every case, I was able to tie what they saw themselves doing in the future, to the apartment business, and explain to them what a variety of opportunities we offer.”
Throughout the process, one clear candidate stood out: Jonathan Ortiz. The local Forth Worth native’s eagerness and desire to learn how a business works landed him the internship at FWHS’ Cambridge Court, an affordable 330-unit community managed by RPM near the Western Hills North sub-division. A high school senior at World Language Institute in Fort Worth, Jonathan is bilingual and aspires to study business or marketing in college. He works 15 hours per week at Cambridge Court, spending Saturdays immersed in learning the leasing process.
“It has been such a pleasure having Jonathan at Cambridge Court, and the residents have really enjoyed getting to know him” says Charlie Kinnard, Regional Manager. “He is a bright individual who brings a fresh take to the leasing process.”
Jonathan Ortiz
We caught up with Jonathan to learn more about his experience at Cambridge Court and what he’s enjoying the most.
RPM Living: What’s your favorite part about the leasing process? Jonathan Ortiz: My favorite part about the leasing process would have to be when the applicant is approved, and knowing you were able to help someone.
RPM: What motivates you? JO: What motivates me is the hard work and effort of my co-workers.
RPM: What is your favorite thing about living in Ft. Worth? JO: My favorite thing about living in Fort Worth is the different activities there are to enjoy.
RPM: What are a few things you’ve learned so far during your time at Cambridge Court? JO: A couple things I’ve learned during my time at Cambridge Court is that patience is key. Being able to communicate is also important because it helps others understand clearly.
“The opportunity to work with FWISD by opening up an internship for an overachieving and deserving student like Jonathan is in lock step with our shared missions,” says Mary-Margaret Lemons, President of FWHS. “We’re committed to improving lives in our community and having Jonathan work with RPM at Cambridge Court is a win for all parties. His success will open the door for future students to learn, flourish and make a positive impact here in Fort Worth.”
While the multifamily and recruiting landscape continues to change, creating genuine relationships with the local community as well as the next generation, will continue to be a key starting point to creating impactful moments and profound connections. RPM is pleased to do just that by attending a FWISD-hosted job fair in April which will offer vocational programs in areas including construction, electrical, and business management, among others.
For more information on RPM Living, visit rpmliving.com.
For more information on Fort Worth Housing Solutions, visit fwhs.org.
For more information on Fort Worth Independent School District, visit fwisd.org.
RPM Living Investments Continues Houston Growth, Acquires Ashton on West Dallas
RPM Living announces the acquisition of Ashton on West Dallas in Houston’s Montrose submarket, in the heart of the city’s urban core. The acquisition marks RPM’s 17th acquisition in the greater Houston area and the wrap-style community is the second Houston asset to be added to the RPM Multi-Family Fund I portfolio.
Located within walking distance to Houston’s expansive Buffalo Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, Ashton on West Dallas is in a highly convenient location with immediate access to the city’s central business district and multiple city parks. Surrounded by Houston’s most vibrant entertainment districts and attractions, the community is near a variety of neighborhood bars and retail that make up the Montrose, Midtown, and Washington Ave. neighborhoods.
Built in 2013, Ashton on West Dallas features 246 units with 10-foot ceilings throughout, elevator-serviced corridors, and a stand-alone 24-hour fitness studio. Modern one- and two-bedroom residences have floor-to-ceiling windows, wood floors, and stone counters.
“Ashton on West Dallas provides us great opportunity with the potential for outsized rental growth given the area’s limited construction pipeline and Class A absorption projected to remain strong in light of the increased cost of home-ownership and Houston’s consistent population growth,” says Hank Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of RPM Living Investments.
The acquisition was financed by Amerant Bank. For more information on RPM Investments, visit RPMLivingInvestments.com.
Project Highlights
Owner: RPM Living
Multifamily Manager: RPM Living
Developer/Builder: Alliance Residential
Location: Houston, TX
Opened: 2013
Number of units: 246
Unit mix: 1 and 2 bedrooms
About RPM Living
RPM Living is a full-service multifamily management company offering an innovative and personalized approach to real estate services including management, investment and development. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, RPM is ranked #7 on the NMHC Top 50 Largest Apartment Manager list, managing more than 100 clients, nine regional offices and 112,000 units, with an owned portfolio of $3 billion. Founded by Jason Berkowitz in 2002, the firm has grown to over 2,500 associates nationwide spread across over 35 markets, all of whom share the collective vision to enhance clients’ investments through customized solutions and exceptional resident-centric service. To learn more about RPM, visit RPMLiving.com.
RPM Living’s Marketing Team Named Department of the Year for Superior Performance and Talent
As the first multifamily management company to be recognized in the Public Relations and Marketing Excellence Awards, RPM Living’s Marketing team has been awarded 2022 Department of the Year. The annual PR and marketing industry awards identify leading agencies and corporate departments who delivered quantifiable business results for their respective clients.
RPM’s Marketing team is structured like an in-house agency, but has the added benefit of industry knowledge, giving it an advantage over other management companies and agencies. Comprised of agency-trained internal and external experts, the team’s unique approach and expertise allows them to develop strong brands that elevate and enhance the 450+ communities RPM manages and set them up to be successful right out the gate.
With a large role in securing new business opportunities, RPM’s Marketing team has directly supported the explosive growth of RPM Living, becoming the fastest growing multifamily company two years in a row, helping the organization grow from the 42nd to the 7th Largest Multifamily Manager on the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) Top 50 Apartment Manager List, the authoritative industry leader.
In the past year alone, the department has launched multiple programs and processes that directly impact performance, including a customized marketing BI dashboard to provide proprietary data that guides strategic business decisions, a complete CRM platform for RPM’s entire portfolio of properties that streamlines the leasing and retention process, and complete branding and digital services which brought previously outsourced services in-house for a more strategic solution at a lower cost.
The team is led by Chief Marketing Officer Alexis Vance and Senior Vice President of Marketing Lindsay Jacobs who have been able to attract high-caliber candidates in one of the most competitive job markets to build out an industry-leading marketing team. Over the past two years, the team has grown from a handful of associates to nearly 40 team members and experienced 15+ internal promotions.
“Our innovative, results-oriented team is strategically creative and creatively strategic,” says Alexis Vance. “Years of experience, truckloads of talent, and a lot of fun has allowed us to support the organization during a time of immense growth and really do things differently in the multifamily industry.”
RPM Living is a full-service multifamily management company offering an innovative and personalized approach to real estate services including management, investment and development. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, RPM is ranked #7 on the NMHC Top 50 Largest Apartment Manager list, managing more than 100 clients, nine regional offices and 112,000 units, with an owned portfolio of $3 billion. Founded by Jason Berkowitz in 2002, the firm has grown to over 2,500 associates nationwide spread across over 35 markets, all of whom share the collective vision to enhance clients’ investments through customized solutions and exceptional resident-centric service. To learn more about RPM, visit RPMLiving.com.
About Business Intelligence Group The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives who have experience and knowledge. The organization's proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers.
RPM Living Ranks No. 4 on Multi-Housing News’ List of Top Multifamily Property Managers of 2022
RPM Living continues to gain national recognition, being named No. 4 on Multihousing News’ (MHN) list of Top Multifamily Property Managers of 2022, an annual ranking of industry leaders.
Instead of being based solely off unit count, MHN’s list of Top Multifamily Property Managers, which utilizes self-reported data, uses a weighted formula based on a variety of factors including property operations (both owned and managed), presence across property sectors, and total units under management. The result is a balanced representation between firm growth, market share and property diversity.
The recognition adds to RPM’s growing list of accolades including most notably, being ranked the seventh largest multifamily manager on the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) Top 50 list earlier this year after experiencing its largest year of growth. In 2021, the firm added more than 47,000 units to its portfolio. Currently, RPM manages a diverse portfolio of 112,000 units across 35 markets and employs over 2,500 associates nationwide.
In addition to national growth, RPM has received recognition for its outstanding culture and leadership, having been named a Best Place to Work for 2022 by GlobeSt. The list highlights organizations that achieve outstanding performance, stay on top of workforce trends, strive to accommodate staff, and offer transparent communication methods and thoughtful employee engagement programming.
The accolade compliments other recent awards including RPM’s Chief Executive Officer Jason Berkowitz and its Transition & Due Diligence Team both being named 2021 Multifamily Influencers by GlobeSt. in 2021 and RPM’s Chief Marketing Officer Alexis Vance and Division President Cynthia Miller both being named 2022 Women of Influence by GlobeSt.
Photo: Revel, an RPM-managed community in Minneapolis, Minnesota
RPM Living Boosts Student Housing Focus with the Addition of Theresa Sopata as Vice President of Client Services
RPM Living, the seventh largest apartment manager, has announced the hiring of Theresa Sopata as Vice President of Client Services over the firm’s student vertical. The move builds on RPM’s strategy to continue growing its student vertical, further diversifying its portfolio of assets.
Theresa brings over 15 years’ experience in property management and business development in student housing, multifamily, commercial and new development. She has previously served in various client service roles within the student and multifamily industries, and is skilled at driving portfolio growth, cultivating new client relationships and nurturing existing relationships while assisting clients with underwriting, asset renovation strategies, consulting on lease-ups, and tracking changing market conditions and new management technologies.
In her role, Theresa will be responsible for the identification and oversight of all new student business opportunities, working closely with Heather Sizemore, Senior Vice President of Operations over student, and the student operations leadership team, which has over 60 years’ combined student experience in nearly 30 states and 80 markets nationwide.
“Theresa brings a high level of expertise and knowledge to RPM where she will be critical to the continued development and growth of our student vertical,” says Kevin Owens, Division President. “She has already made a significant impact to growing the student portfolio in the short time she’s been with RPM.”
Theresa holds a bachelor’s degree in individual and family studies from Miami University and is a member of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) Emerging Leaders Committee, a program designed to cultivate future leaders in the apartment industry.
RPM Living is a full-service multifamily management company offering an innovative and personalized approach to real estate services including management, investment and development. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, RPM is ranked #7 on the NMHC Top 50 Largest Apartment Manager list, managing more than 100 clients, nine regional offices and 112,000 units, with an owned portfolio of $3 billion. Founded by Jason Berkowitz in 2002, the firm has grown to over 2,500 associates nationwide spread across over 35 markets, all of whom share the collective vision to enhance clients’ investments through customized solutions and exceptional resident-centric service. To learn more about RPM, visit RPMLiving.com.
RPM Living Investments Grows Houston Portfolio With San Paloma Acquisition in Energy Corridor
RPM Living Investments (“RPM”) has announced the acquisition of San Paloma in the heart of Houston’s Energy Corridor, the city’s third-largest employment center. The 372-unit garden property was purchased from Blackstone/Livcor through a joint venture with DRA Advisors (“DRA”). The transaction is the second joint venture between DRA and RPM in Texas and is RPM’s 16th acquisition in greater Houston.
San Paloma presents an incredible opportunity with the community’s superb Energy Corridor location, forecasted to maintain its position as one of Houston’s strongest submarkets. The community is surrounded by 22MM square feet of office space, high-end infrastructure, and benefits from its location in the path of Houston’s western-leaning growth and a limited multifamily construction pipeline.
Built by Sueba in 2006, one of Houston’s highest quality builders, San Paloma features an unmatched amenity set, and unique floorplans with an average unit size of over 1,050 square feet that include arched doorways, vaulted ceilings, and built-ins throughout.
“San Paloma is an excellent property that provides tremendous opportunity in one of Houston’s premier locations. We are excited to add such a great asset to our portfolio and to capitalize on its maximum potential,” says Hank Farrell, Chief Executive Officer of RPM Living Investments.
"San Paloma is the perfect addition to grow our successful partnership with RPM. It is a high-quality asset in an A+ location with strong demand in a supply-constrained submarket, and we are excited to execute our business plan alongside the RPM team,” says Brett Gottlieb, Managing Director of DRA Advisors.
The acquisition was financed by Amerant Bank. For more information on RPM Living Investments, visit rpmlivinginvestments.com.
Project Highlights
Owner: RPM Living Investments Manager: RPM Living Developer/Builder: Sueba Location: Houston, TX Opened: 2006 Number of units: 372 Unit mix: One-, Two-Bedrooms
RPM Living Acquires Brentwood Downs in Atlanta’s Fast-Growing Suburban Housing County
RPM Living Investments announces the acquisition of Brentwood Downs, a 408-unit garden-style community in Lilburn, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta experiencing high demand amongst apartment dwellers. The acquisition marks the sixth asset purchased by the RPM Multifamily Fund I that launched last year.
Situated northeast of Atlanta’s central business district, Brentwood Downs has experienced immense organic rental growth with rates increasing more than 18% over the last year. Located at 500 Pleasant Hill Rd NW, the community boasts spacious units at an average of 1,070 square feet, an attractive feature for those escaping the city and seeking more space.
Brentwood Downs’ rent rate increase is reflective of Atlanta’s overall demand for suburban housing. Gwinnett County, where Brentwood Downs is located, seems to be experiencing it the most with an over 8% YOY growth in employment. The demand is due to rising rents inside the Atlanta loop, which is partly caused by a surge in population growth and supply shortage. This coupled with the rise in remote work has further increased demand for rental housing in the suburbs, where residents are able to choose space over office proximity.
“The suburbs of Atlanta continue to see growth as residents leave the city center for more space. The strategic acquisition of Brentwood Down builds on our plans to further expand our national presence in growing markets,” says Josh Kahn, Chief Operating Officer, RPM Living Investments.
RPM sourced Brentwood Downs through a direct, off-market relationship with the seller who has owned the community since 2007. The acquisition was financed by First Horizon Banks and adds to RPM’s growing footprint in Atlanta and the Southeast region. To learn more about RPM Living Investments, visit rpmlivinginvestments.com.
Project Highlights
Owner: RPM Living Investments Manager: RPM Living Developer/Builder: Lane Company Location: Lilburn, GA Opened:1997 Number of units: 408 Unit mix: One-, Two-, and Three-Bedrooms
Honored for Remarkable Leadership, Cynthia Miller and Alexis Vance of RPM Living Recognized as 2022 Women of Influence by GlobeSt.
RPM Living’s Division President Cynthia Miller, and Chief Marketing Officer Alexis Vance have both been recognized among the top female commercial real estate professionals as Women of Influence by GlobeSt. for the significant impact they’ve made on the industry. Both women have been instrumental in leading effective change that has directly impacted the explosive growth and evolution of RPM Living, the No. 7 largest apartment manager on NMHC’s Top 50 list.
As Division President, Cynthia Miller directly oversees operations of RPM Living’s West portfolio of 77,000 units and supervises the Operations team and Analytics and Compliance departments. She has played a key role in several companywide platform rollouts that elevate reporting, people, and workflow to be the best in the business. Additionally, Cynthia has significantly grown the West portfolio. Most notably, in the past year, the Dallas-Fort Worth portfolio grew by 22,100 units and the Houston portfolio by 8,100 units, and her total portfolio’s average occupancy in 2021 was above the industry average.
As Chief Marketing Officer, Alexis Vance plays an integral role in positioning the company as a differentiator with an overall focus on brand equity and has led the company, from a marketing standpoint, through its two biggest years of growth. She has led her team through the launch of multiple key programs and processes, like an industry-leading business intelligence platform, a complete CRM platform, and in-house branding and digital services, all which directly impact performance as well as the resident and client experience.
Cynthia and Alexis’ strong leadership can best be seen in those they lead. Their ability to pivot and be agile has paid off with retention, and their strong support and investment in people is evidenced in their team’s growth and success. In the past year, Cynthia has had the opportunity to promote 17 individuals on her team at the Regional Vice President, Vice President, and Senior Vice President level alone. Likewise, Alexis’ leadership has allowed her to attract high-caliber candidates, even in one of the most competitive job markets, and build out an industry-leading marketing team, growing it from three members to 30 in just two years.
GlobeSt.’s Women of Influence awards recognize female commercial real estate professionals for their remarkable achievements who have personally impacted the market and significantly driven the industry to new heights via their outstanding successes. To view the full list of 2022 winners, click here.
To learn more about RPM Living, visit RPMLiving.com.
RPM Living Earns National Recognition as the 7th Largest Multifamily Manager on NMHC’s 2022 Top 50 list
Amidst national record growth, RPM Living is now theseventh largest manager in the nation, landing at No. 7on the Top 50 List of Apartment Managers by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), up fourspots from No. 11 last year. This marks the third consecutive year the Austin firm has been included in the industry’s chief ranking of the nation’s largest managers and the first year they’ve ranked in the top 10.
The ranking is an impressive feat considering RPM debuted on the annual list just two years ago in 2020 at No. 42 and was able to climb 35 spots among the industry’s ever-evolving landscape due to the global pandemic and a highly competitive job market. The quick ascent can be attributed to the firm’s exponential growth over the past few years. In 2021, RPM experienced its largest year of growth, adding more than 47,000 units to its portfolio. Currently, RPM manages a diverse portfolio of 112,000 units across 35 markets and employs over2,400 associates nationwide.
“It’s an honor to be named the No. 7company in the country and the achievement is an attestation to our team’s constant dedication and hard work,” said Jason Berkowitz, CEO and founder of RPM. “I am proud of our team's commitment to best practices, innovative solutions and resident-centric service which continues to be our focus and what propels us forward, allowing us to evolve and maintain our upwards trajectory.”
Contributing to the recent growth is RPM’s investment and development arm which successfully closed the RPM Multifamily Fund I, its first LP real estate fund which received commitments totaling more than $100 million. In 2021, the firm acquired roughly 3,600 multifamily units totaling a gross value of over $800 million. RPM Investments now owns a portfolio with a market value of roughly $4 billion, primarily consisting of properties in the rapidly growing South and Southeast.
Further accelerating RPM’s growth are its recent partnerships with industry powerhouses Ron Bonneau as Partner and Managing Director of Acquisitions, and Chase Hill as Partner and Managing Director of Development. The two bring extensive industry experience that will directly benefit the firm’s efforts to grow its platform nationally and further expand on development throughout the South and Southwest.
In addition to national growth, RPM has received recognition for its outstanding culture and leadership, having been named a Best Place to Work for 2022 by GlobeSt. The list highlights organizations that achieve outstanding performance, stay on top of workforce trends, strive to accommodate staff, and offer transparent communication methods and thoughtful employee engagement programming. The accolade compliments other recent awards including RPM’s Chief Executive Officer Jason Berkowitz and its Transition & Due Diligence Team both being named Multifamily Influencers by GlobeSt. in 2021.
The NMHC Top 50 is the industry’s chief ranking of the nation’s 50 largest apartment developers, 50 largest apartment owners, 50 largest apartment managers, 25 largest builders and 10 largest syndicators.
For more information about RPM and its national portfolio, visit RPMLiving.com.
