*Content Warning: non-graphic mention of gun violence
James Stewart https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-stewart-55b35462/ shares his journey from multifamily operations to leading EV charging initiatives, highlighting innovative strategies for retrofitting properties, leveraging grants, and marketing EV amenities to residents. Discover how future-proofing infrastructure and understanding resident needs can drive revenue and enhance property value.
In this episode:
- James Stewart's career journey from maintenance to EV leadership
- Life-changing incident that led to a career path transition
- Strategies for retrofitting existing properties with EV chargers
- Leveraging grants and rebates to reduce infrastructure costs
- Marketing EV amenities to attract and retain residents
- Future-proofing electrical infrastructure for scalability
- The importance of resident experience in EV adoption
- Revenue models for EV charging in multifamily communities
- Challenges and lessons learned from EV deployment
Chapters
00:00 James Stewart's Journey: From Porter to VP
05:18 Content Warning: non-graphic mention of gun violence
08:13 Transitioning to EV Charging: A New Challenge
11:13 Learning the EV Landscape: From Bronco to Tesla
12:08 The Realities of EV Charging: A Personal Experience
15:16 The Business Case for EV Charging
18:17 Marketing EV Charging: A Necessity for Properties
24:12 Future-Proofing and Expanding EV Infrastructure
This episode is brought to you by PlugOp.
When it's time to build, PlugOp delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.
If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, PlugOp is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.
To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=utility-room-sponsorship
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Logan Carter https://www.linkedin.com/in/logancarter/, Co-Founder of Ivy Energy, joins Mary Nitschke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-nitschke/ on The Utility Room to share insights into the complexities of deploying solar in multifamily settings, the role of regulation, and future industry trends.
Whether you're a property owner, developer, or sustainability enthusiast, discover actionable insights to navigate and thrive in the evolving solar landscape.
Key Topics:
Logan's background and personal motivation driven by nature and teamwork, symbolized by his spirit animal, the wolf
The core challenges of solar adoption in multifamily housing, especially the split incentive issue
How on-site renewable deployment and VNEM (Virtual Net Energy Metering) operate, including market and utility considerations
The impact of regulation—both as a carrot and a stick—on solar adoption and industry growth
Debunking common solar misconceptions, such as impacts on vegetation and bird safety
The future of solar: from rising utility rates and microgrids to energy storage and policy fights in California
The importance of incentives, like the ITC (Investment Tax Credit), and the growing role of battery storage
Emerging trends: stabilizing costs with energy storage, time-of-use rates, and virtual power plants
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Logan Carter and Ivy Energy
04:50 Challenges in Solar for Multifamily Housing
06:33 Understanding VNEM and Its Role in Solar
09:13 The Impact of Regulation on Solar Adoption
12:22 Debunking Myths Surrounding Solar Energy
15:24 Future Trends in Solar Energy
18:18 The Role of Microgrids and Virtual Power Plants
21:16 Conclusion and How to Connect with Logan
This episode is brought to you by Energy CX.
Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve back tested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
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Mary Nitschke hosts Evan Caron https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanc1/ and Philip Krim https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-krim/ to explore the transformative landscape of energy, utilities, and the future of the electron economy. They discuss innovations in energy infrastructure, the role of real estate in energy transition, and the visionary projects shaping a sustainable future.
In this episode:
- Energy transition and infrastructure
- Role of real estate in energy innovation
- Montauk's venture studio and investment strategy
- Challenges in energy supply chain and permitting
- Vision for multi-generational energy platforms
Chapters
00:00 Superhero Origins: A Journey into Energy09:09 The Electron Economy: Transforming Energy14:43 Real Estate's Resistance to Change20:00 Innovating Through the Venture Studio22:11 Legacy and Impact: Building a Sustainable FutureThis episode is brought to you by Public Grid https://www.linkedin.com/company/publicgrid/.
Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.
We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.
The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.
Learn more: https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom
🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!