From Leasing Agent to $2 Billion: A President’s Journey Rooted in Alignment and Grit
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Kelley Brine, President of Rose Valley Management, for a dynamic conversation about culture-driven leadership, embracing change, and leading with authenticity. Listen in to hear Kelley:
- Share how she unexpectedly fell into real estate 25 years ago—and how her journey from a leasing agent in New York to President of a $2 billion portfolio was shaped by grit, empathy, and a passion for purposeful leadership
- Reflect on her first year at Rose Valley, including navigating a “tornado on fire,” building culture from the literal ground up, and aligning teams around a shared vision of operational excellence and human-first values
- Break down her approach to work-life presence over balance, championing women in leadership, and why she believes survival, simplicity, and strong support systems are the secret weapons of sustainable success
.png?width=1186&name=Mitzi%20Hoag%20Thumbnail%20(1).png)
Sleepovers in Cars to Beds of Their Own: A Compliance Leader’s Reminder of the Mission
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Mitzi Hoag, Vice President of Compliance at Gateway Management Company, for a powerful conversation about redefining affordable housing compliance through innovation, collaboration, and compassion. Listen in to hear Mitzi:
- Share how a chance encounter in a grocery store led to a 24-year career in affordable housing—and how her early experiences on site shaped her passion for training, process improvement, and resident-first solutions
- Break down Gateway’s cutting-edge compliance strategy, including a first-of-its-kind AI file review tool that’s eliminating inconsistencies and helping site teams accelerate move-ins with clarity and trust
- Reflect on the role of centralized leasing, digital applications, and income averaging in meeting the urgent needs of today's workforce—and why every compliance file represents more than paperwork: it’s a family waiting for a home
.png?width=1186&name=Cristy%20Abud%20Thumbnail%20(1).png)
Fixers in Flight: Supporting 20,000 Units with a Traveling Team
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Cristy Abud, Director of Training and Compliance at Priderock Capital Management, for an insightful conversation about scaling support teams, training with heart, and balancing people with process. Listen in to hear Cristy:
- Share how she went from a temporary leasing agent to leading a nationwide training and compliance team—and how saying “yes” shaped her career and earned her a custom-made role on the corporate team
- Break down her team’s role as the “fixers,” including how she uses data, grounded goals, and deep relationships with operations to create targeted support for struggling sites
- Reflect on the challenges of 100% travel roles, how she safeguards team mental health, and why prioritizing empathy, structure, and growth keeps her team (and portfolio) thriving
.png?width=1186&name=Ryan%20Calhoun%20Thumbnail%20(1).png)
When Policy Hits Home: The Unexpected Impact of Local Legislation on Site Operations
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Ryan Calhoun, Regional Director of Operations at Landmark Properties, for a compelling conversation about legislative advocacy, student housing operations, and personalized leadership. Listen in to hear Ryan:
- Share how he fell into student housing and built a thriving career focused on fast-paced operations, strategic innovation, and regional leadership across diverse markets—including navigating the demands of high-turn student assets
- Explain how a local ordinance in Ann Arbor sparked his passion for legislation, and why he believes operators must have a seat at the table to shape policies that impact affordability, development, and fair housing
- Break down his “catered coaching” approach to leadership—tailoring mentorship to individual learning styles—and how combining radical candor, extreme ownership, and empathy is creating more connected and effective teams across Landmark’s portfolio
Snoop Dogg and the Llama Farm: Balancing Real Estate, Family, and Humor
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Chasity Sadowy, Vice President of Property Management at Birge and Held, for a powerful conversation about operational strategy, affordable housing, and bold centralization. Listen in to hear Chasity:
- Share how she rose from receptionist to VP overseeing 20,000 units—and why she believes being the voice for site teams is the key to sustainable leadership
- Explain why property management should start with development, and how her team is shaping prototypes and product decisions to better meet market and QAP needs
- Break down Birge and Held’s ambitious centralization rollout—including tech-enabled support roles, fully offloading administrative tasks, and redefining success through standardization and strategic hiring
The Power of Saying ‘Why’: Humility and Curiosity in Customer-Driven Design
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Donald Davidoff, Co-Founder and CEO of Real Estate Business Analytics (REBA), for a thoughtful conversation about platform thinking, pricing innovation, and building technology that puts operators first. Listen in to hear Donald:
- Share how his path from revenue management in hotels and gaming led to pioneering multifamily pricing systems—and why he believes success starts with persistent problem-solving
- Explain why REBA was built from the ground up as a connected analytics platform, and how intentional design and humility helped shape a product that works with operators, not just for them
- Break down the misconceptions around algorithmic pricing and antitrust concerns, and why using clean, first-party data is both a legal safeguard and a smarter business strategy
.png?width=1186&name=Marc%20Hershberg%20Thumbnail%20(1).png)
The Grit to Let Go: Fast Fires, Tough Lessons, and Team Loyalty
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Marc Hershberg, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Topaz Capital Group, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurial grit, investment discipline, and innovating in multifamily real estate. Listen in to hear Marc:
- Share how his path from corporate finance to real estate investing was driven by a desire to build tangible, generational wealth—and how Topaz Capital was born in the honeymoon suite after his wedding
- Explain why he underwrites markets before deals, and how that approach has helped Topaz navigate risk and identify long-term growth opportunities
- Reveal how his team is staying ahead of the curve by pivoting to newer assets, investing in proptech, and partnering with local developers to creatively structure deals in Florida’s evolving multifamily market
Clean Before You Redecorate: A COO’s Process-Driven Path in Multifamily Management
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Steve Boyack, Chief Operating Officer of JVM Realty, for a thoughtful conversation about strategic transformation, team empowerment, and building a resident-first mindset in multifamily. Listen in to hear Steve:
- Share how a summer job in high school led to a wide-ranging career across nearly every role in property management—from maintenance tech to COO
- Reveal why he believes “clean before you redecorate” is the secret to successful innovation, and how process mapping unlocks lasting operational change
- Explain how rethinking maintenance roles, focusing on specialization over centralization, and seeing the resident as the true client are reshaping JVM’s future-facing strategies
When Growth Meets Grief: A Personal and Professional Balancing Act
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Patti Higgins, Director of Property Management at Park Town Living, for a candid conversation about servant leadership, company culture, and leading through personal transformation. Listen in to hear Patti:
- Share how a friendly leasing office tour sparked her entry into the multifamily world—and led to a powerhouse career overseeing thousands of units across the country
- Reveal her people-first philosophy and why she believes the corporate office works for the on-site teams—not the other way around
- Open up about launching Park Town Living during a time of immense personal loss, and how vulnerability, resilience, and community helped her lead with authenticity through adversity
The True Cost of Technology: Has Multifamily Lost Its Human Touch?
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Ben Nollola, Vice President of Operations at Gables Residential, for a deep dive into leadership evolution, operational excellence, and the future of multifamily management. Listen in to hear Ben:
- Share his inspiring story of how a life-altering decision at 18 led him from a music scholarship to a nearly three-decade career in property management
- Explain why the rapid adoption of technology has increased business sophistication but weakened on-site teams’ fundamental operational knowledge
- Discuss how Gables is preserving a "Rolls Royce" experience through mentorship, subject matter expertise, and a human-first approach in an increasingly automated industry
From Dishwashing on Mother’s Day to Screening Millions: A Journey in Grit and Growth
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Nate Thompson, Director of Screening at Morgan Properties, for a deep dive into the evolution of resident screening, fraud prevention, and data-driven decision-making in multifamily operations. Listen in to hear Nate:
- Share his surprising journey from the restaurant and cheese-importing world to becoming "The Screening Guy" in multifamily
- Break down the myths behind industry standards like the income-to-rent ratio, and reveal what the data really says about renter reliability
- Explain the layered fraud prevention strategies he's testing—from identity verification to CPN detection—and how these innovations are shaping the future of property management
From Immigrant Struggles to Property Management Success: Navigating Challenges with Determination
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Issa Mider-Martinez, Vice President of Operations at Mountain States Property Management, for a deep dive into leadership, customer service, and the challenges of managing in the property management industry. Listen in to hear Issa:
- Share her inspiring, novel worthy story, from overcoming early challenges as an immigrant to becoming a high level leader in operations,
- Explain how she's kept her company performing at 4% higher occupancy than the competition in a highly competitive market
- How a seemingly small communication error can create massive hard and soft cost losses
Empathy Over Process: A New Approach to Leadership
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Barry Slaymaker, President and CFO of ATC Development, for an insightful conversation about leadership, empathy, and the multifamily industry. Barry shares a powerful story about bending the rules to help a woman in need of housing, illustrating the profound impact empathy can have in decision-making. What begins as a routine housing application process turns into a life-changing moment, highlighting the true value of what the multifamily industry provides.
The Future of Accounting:Challenges, Technology, and Talent Gaps
In this engaging episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Jason Miller, Business Consulting Director at Dean Dorton, to discuss the evolving accounting industry and i ts challenges. Jason breaks down how technology and automation are reshaping roles, shifting workforce structures, and widening the talent gap. He highlights the need for leadership development, on-the-job training, and innovative strategies to attract and retain professionals.
Lessons in Leadership, Resilience, and Personal Growth
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with Latrice Leake, Learning & Development Specialist at Mission Rock Residential, LLC to explore her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and impact in both professional and personal spaces. Latrice shares profound insights on energy alignment, personal growth, and the power of storytelling, emphasizing how our experiences shape the way we show up in the world.
From Mysterious Sounds to Unbelievable Surprises
In this episode, Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress sits down with Kristen Diamond, Vice President of Multifamily Management at Hayman Company, for a behind-the-scenes look at a truly bizarre and eye-opening property management experience. Kristen recounts dealing with mysterious noises that leave residents frustrated and the unbelievable truth uncovered during maintenance. What begins as a puzzling issue soon leads to an astonishing discovery.
From Setbacks to Comebacks
In this engaging conversation, host Kerri Davis, CEO and Founder of Fortress, sits down with David Keinert, Executive Vice President of Operations at Aeon, to discuss resilience, adaptability, and growth in both personal and professional life. They explore navigating career transitions, embracing innovation, and overcoming challenges with the right mindset. David shares personal stories and valuable insights on staying authentic, handling uncertainty, and thriving in a fast-changing world. Whether you’re seeking motivation, leadership advice, or practical strategies, this episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions and actionable takeaways!
People Come Before Product
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, sits down with Katherine Maestas, Community Manager at Kairoi Residential. Katherine shares her passion for property management and emphasizes the importance of connecting with prospects—highlighting how relationships play a crucial role in leasing success. With her core belief that people come before product, Katherine’s perspective offers a refreshing take on what it means to build community in the industry.
Memorable Moments
In this special episode of Multi-Family Grit, Kerri and William reflect on their favorite moments from recent interviews with standout leaders in the property management industry. Tune in as they revisit top highlights and elaborate on thoughtful insights from conversations with Hunter Nelson, Partner at Elmington; Meg Tibbs, Vice President of Operations at Dominium; and David Strange, Senior Managing Director - Commercial Real Estate Finance at Walker & Dunlop.
Financing Challenges and Housing Affordability
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, sits down with David Strange, Senior Managing Director of Commercial Real Estate Finance at Walker & Dunlop, to discuss the current challenges in financing deals in today's market, along with other important topics such as home and rental price increases, and the growing group of individuals who earn too much for affordable properties but too little for market-rate properties.
The Data Behind Successful Teams
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, sits down with Meg Tibbs, Vice President of Operations at Dominium, to dive into the data that drives successful teams. Meg shares her experiences and insights on the importance of hiring and retaining the right people, discussing how leveraging data can help shape strong, high-performing teams in the multi-family industry. This conversation uncovers how the right people and data-driven decisions create lasting success in property management.
Affordable Housing: Election Impact and Solar Savings
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, sits down with Hunter Nelson, Partner at Elmington. Together, they discuss the critical role affordable housing plays in a city's infrastructure, why the demand will always outpace supply, and how elections can significantly impact affordable housing policies and initiatives.
Memorable Moments with Multifamily Experts
In this special episode of Multi-Family Grit, Kerri and William reflect on their favorite moments from recent interviews with standout leaders in the property management industry. Tune in as they revisit top highlights and elaborate on thoughtful insights from conversations with Tracey Crowe, active past Chair of the Greater Nashville Apartment Association; Jonathan Wogan, Founder and CEO of Wogan Group; and Tabitha Isbill, President of Evergreen Real Estate.
Enhancing Teams and Service
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, Kerri Davis, Founder and CEO of Fortress OS, chats with Tabitha Isbill, President of Evergreen Real Estate. They dive into why it's so important for leaders to spend time on-site with their teams. They talk about how being present helps quickly solve problems, boost customer service, and build stronger connections with the on-site teams.
Presenting Solutions to Owners
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, Founder and CEO of Fortress OS, welcomes Jonathan Wogan, Founder and CEO of Wogan Group. Together, they discuss how third-party management groups need to work seamlessly with owners. They highlight the importance of offering solutions, not just pointing out problems, and the value of embracing new approaches.
Recharging For Success
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, is joined by Tracey Crowe, a seasoned property management professional and active past Chair of the Greater Nashville Apartment Association. Together, they explore the significance of happiness in both personal and professional life. Tracey shares insights on the importance of nurturing your spirit and making time to recharge for success.
Memorable Moments with Multifamily Experts
In this special episode of Multi-Family Grit, Kerri and William reflect on their favorite moments from recent interviews with standout leaders in the property management industry. Tune in as they revisit top highlights and elaborate on thoughtful insights from conversations with Stephanie Lehman, Executive Vice President of Asset Management at Elmington; DeAnna Moore, President at Elmington Property Management; and Jenny McClain, Chief Marketing Officer at Giarratana.
Beacon of the Brand
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, talks with Jenny McClain, Chief Marketing Officer at Giarratana, about the importance of being a beacon of the brand in property management. They discuss how product excellence and going above and beyond for residents is crucial, emphasizing it's more than just renting an apartment. It's about creating an incomparable experience.
The People Experience
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, interviews DeAnna Moore, President at Elmington Property Management. They explore the people experience in property management, emphasizing customer experience and service excellence for clients, residents, and team members. DeAnna shares her insights on creating a positive environment and delivering outstanding service in the property management industry.
The Struggle to Staff
In this episode of Multi-Family Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, sits down with Stephanie Lehman, Executive Vice President of Asset Management at Elmington. They delve into the struggles of staffing in property management, discussing the difficulties of hiring good people, training, promotion, and the ongoing challenges in the industry.
Multifamily Grit Introduction
In this inaugural episode of Multifamily Grit, host Kerri Davis, founder and CEO of Fortress OS, is joined by her colleague of over 8 years, William Durham. They discuss the inspiration behind the podcast and the journey of its creation. William interviews Kerri about her vision, challenges, and goals for the series.