Episode Summary:

In this inaugural episode of Work Order Nation, co-hosts Sherrod Hunter and Fred Tomlin Jr. dive headfirst into the real, unfiltered world of apartment property management. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience working alongside property managers nationwide, the leaders of Accelerated Waste Solutions share why this podcast exists and finally tell the stories from the trenches that rarely get airtime.

The conversation explores the daily unpredictability of property management, where a simple maintenance request can quickly escalate into flooding, system failures, or safety emergencies. Sherrod and Fred blend humor with hard-earned insight, creating a space that reflects both the chaos and camaraderie that define life on-site.

Using research from the National Apartment Association, the hosts break down three of the biggest challenges facing property managers today: rising operating expenses, labor and supply shortages, and increasing fraud and bad debt driven by sophisticated, AI-generated scams. Rather than surface-level fixes, they highlight real-world strategies properties are using to stay ahead—from prioritizing resident retention to building internal talent pipelines and adopting multi-layer verification technology.

The episode also introduces two core segments: The PM Playbook, focused on practical solutions to modern operational hurdles, and Work Order Wows, where outrageous real-life work orders become valuable lessons in documentation, safety, and prevention. The launch episode sets the tone for a show built to educate, connect, and amplify the voices of the professionals who keep apartment communities running.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why rising operating expenses are the top operational challenge for property managers
2. How resident retention can significantly reduce hidden turnover costs
3. Why labor shortages require mentorship, training, and internal growth, not just higher pay
4. The growing threat of AI-driven application fraud and how properties can fight back
5. How multi-layer verification creates a digital firewall around leasing operations
6. Why documentation details can prevent costly vendor and safety failures
7. The importance of proactive safety checks during every service call
8. How humor and storytelling can deliver serious operational lessons
9. Why property management requires both reactive agility and proactive planning

Golden Nugget:

“You’re only ever as good as your last work order, but the small details you document today prevent the big disasters tomorrow.”

Connect with Work Order Nation:

1. linkedin.com/in/fredtomlinjr
2. JunkShotApp.com

In this episode of Work Order Nation, co-hosts Sherrod Hunter and Fred Tomlin Jr. sit down with Britteny Robrahn, Property Manager at Live Great Properties, to discuss leadership, leasing, and what it truly takes to build resident-first rental communities in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Britteny shares her unconventional journey from healthcare leadership into property management and explains how servant leadership, hands-on operations, and data-driven decisions have helped Live Great Properties maintain high occupancy and strong renewal rates even in challenging markets.

The conversation explores balancing investor ROI with resident experience, using market data to guide rent decisions, and leveraging tools like AI and CRM platforms to improve efficiency without sacrificing human connection. Britteny also offers practical career advice for leasing professionals looking to grow into leadership roles.

1. Why servant leadership drives leasing success and retention
2. How to balance investor ROI with resident-centered management
3. Where data and AI support smarter property decisions
4. Why relationships still matter most in property management

“You can train skills, but leadership starts with heart and intention.”

1. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/britteny-robrahn-b87288291
2. Website: https://livegreatgr.com

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Work Order Nation is the podcast for property managers who care, sharing real stories, leadership lessons, and on-the-ground insights from the industry.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Work Order Nation, co-hosts Sherrod Hunter and Fred Tomlin Jr. sit down with Taylor Brakefield, Owner & CEO of Pros Pm, alongside Kasie Ostrom, to break down what it truly takes to scale a property management company from the ground up.

Taylor shares her journey from managing just 11 doors to leading a fast-growing portfolio across Texas. She opens up about taking the leap to start her own firm, building systems from scratch, and creating a culture centered on communication, accountability, and service. Her story is one of resilience, calculated risk-taking, and leadership rooted in clarity and confidence.

Kasie brings boots-on-the-ground insight into maintenance operations, discussing how strong vendor relationships, structured processes, and proactive troubleshooting protect owners’ investments while improving the resident experience. Together, they explore how better documentation, streamlined workflows, and team alignment directly impact retention and long-term portfolio performance.

The conversation also highlights the importance of answering the phone, building clear SOPs, empowering team members, and leveraging technology to improve efficiency without losing the human touch. From growth strategy to maintenance metrics, this episode delivers a practical blueprint for property managers ready to scale sustainably.

Key Takeaways:

• Why communication is still the most powerful growth strategy in property management
• How strong SOPs and delegation fuel scalable operations
• The role of maintenance systems in protecting owner ROI
• Why proactive troubleshooting reduces long-term costs
• How leadership alignment strengthens team culture and retention

Golden Nugget:

“Don’t be afraid to take the leap and build systems that allow your people to thrive.”

Connect with Taylor Brakefield and Kasie Ostrom:

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/taylor-brakefield-966b12215
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kasie-ostrom-854412242
• Website:https://www.prospm.com/

Listen Now & Subscribe:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Work Order Nation is the podcast for property managers who care, sharing real stories, leadership lessons, and on-the-ground insights from the industry.

In this episode of Work Order Nation, co-hosts Sherrod Hunter and Fred Tomlin Jr. welcome Craig Watson, the driving force behind Devonshire Real Estate and Asset Management. With nearly 20 years of experience in residential and commercial property management, Craig shares how his service-driven approach and people-first leadership philosophy have shaped thriving communities across Texas.

Craig dives into his career origins, from starting as a leasing agent in rougher properties to managing entire multi-family and commercial portfolios. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on leadership, empathy, and operational knowledge, particularly in B and C-class communities where practical functionality and resident safety matter most. He also highlights the role of culture at Devonshire, explaining how long-tenured staff and internal promotions foster loyalty, trust, and growth.

The conversation turns to technology and innovation in property management. Craig shares how leveraging social media platforms like TikTok, through creative leasing staff initiatives, is driving real results—high engagement, tour bookings, and lease conversions—without expensive traditional advertising.

Craig also shares unforgettable “work order wow” moments—from discovering a maintenance staffer trapped during a violent incident, to a lighthearted haunted apartment work order—showcasing the unpredictable challenges and rewarding experiences of property management.

Listeners gain practical insight into building high-performing teams, embracing modern technology while preserving human touch, and leading with both accountability and heart.

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership in property management is about empathy, operational know-how, and consistent presence.
2. B and C-class communities are the backbone of residential property management.
3. Building loyalty through promoting from within strengthens culture and performance.
4. Social media can be a powerful leasing tool when creative staff are empowered.
5. Unpredictable work orders test your adaptability and reinforce the value of strong systems.
6. Treating people well—even during difficult decisions—yields long-term trust and success.

1. “Never be afraid to ask a question. Be truthful in your responses. If you don’t understand, raise your hand and learn it.”

1. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/craig-watson-42aaba377
2. Company: https://www.devonshire.biz/

Listen Now & Subscribe:

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Work Order Nation is the podcast for property managers who care, sharing real stories, leadership lessons, and on-the-ground insights from the industry.