Driving Performance Through People and Perspective
Interview with Lindsay Schlatter, Regional Manager | Management Professionals, Inc.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you as a Regional Manager overseeing multiple multifamily communities?
Lindsay Schlatter: No two days are the same in multifamily, and that is part of what makes it so enjoyable. My focus is really split between driving performance, supporting our teams, and helping remove any roadblocks they may be facing, whether that is working through vendor challenges or something happening onsite.
I am also keeping a close eye on financials, occupancy trends, and what is happening in the market overall. At the end of the day, my role is to support each property and the teams behind them so they can operate successfully.
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Q: If you were giving advice to someone apartment hunting, what are your top things to look for when choosing the right community?
Lindsay Schlatter: Most people naturally start with price, location, and the unit itself, and those are all important. But beyond that, I always encourage people to really pay attention to the onsite team. Do they seem engaged? Are they interested in getting to know you? That interaction can tell you a lot about what your experience will be like as a resident.
It is also important to look at how the property is maintained, both inside and out. The condition of common areas and overall upkeep is a strong reflection of how the community is managed. Amenities are also great, and there are a lot of amenity rich communities right now, but even the best amenities do not make up for a property that is not well maintained.
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Q: Residents today expect more than just a place to live. What are you seeing them prioritize most right now?
Lindsay Schlatter: Convenience and consistency are two of the biggest things. Residents want a seamless experience, and they want to know they can rely on that experience every day.
That means timely communication, things working the way they should, and a level of responsiveness that matches how quickly people are used to receiving information today. Expectations are evolving, especially with technology, and residents are looking for that same level of ease and efficiency in where they live.
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Q: What has been one of the biggest curveballs or unexpected challenges in multifamily over the past year?
Lindsay Schlatter: One of the biggest challenges has been the amount of new inventory coming online, especially over the past 24 months. In areas like Waukee, we have seen a significant increase in new communities, which naturally brings more competition.
With that, you start to see concessions come back into the market, and renters often look for the best upfront deal. That can sometimes lead to more movement, with residents choosing based on short term incentives rather than long term fit like location or overall experience.
It has created challenges around occupancy and staying competitive, especially since we have not seen this level of new supply in quite some time.
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Q: Looking at the broader multifamily market, what trends do you think will have the biggest impact on how communities operate and compete in the next few years?
Lindsay Schlatter: Technology and operational efficiency will play a huge role. We are seeing more communities implement new systems to streamline processes and improve the resident experience.
At the same time, renter preferences are shifting. Many residents, especially younger renters, want quick, efficient service without always needing in person interaction. Meanwhile, staffing models are evolving, with some teams working from centralized locations or with limited office hours.
Balancing those two things, high expectations for responsiveness and changes in how teams operate, is a challenge, but technology will be key in helping bring those pieces together.
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Q: When you think about a truly successful multifamily community, what are the key elements that make it stand out from the rest?
Lindsay Schlatter: It really comes down to strong, consistent leadership onsite, both in the office and on the maintenance side. When you have a team that communicates well and takes pride in what they do, it shows in every part of the community.
A well-maintained property is also essential. That includes everything from the grounds to vendor partnerships to the onsite team. When everyone is aligned and communicating effectively, it creates a better experience for residents and a stronger overall community.
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Q: What is your favorite part of working in multifamily?
Lindsay Schlatter: It is the people, both our teams and our residents. You learn so much from them, and no two experiences are ever the same.
What I find most rewarding is watching our team members grow. Seeing someone start in a leasing role and develop into a leadership position, whether they stay in multifamily or move into other areas of real estate, is incredibly fulfilling.
At the end of the day, it is about being part of an organization that values its people. When you have that, you build strong teams, and that is what makes this industry so enjoyable to be a part of.