We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Konrad Koczwara a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Konrad, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of the real estate industry, particularly within property management and operations, we’re witnessing a paradigm shift towards strategic, technology-driven management. Firstly, a prominent trend is the pervasive adoption of proptech solutions, as landlords and operators zealously seek avenues to enhance operational efficiency and, consequently, mitigate costs. This is not merely about adopting technology but leveraging it to streamline processes, enhance tenant experiences, and optimize asset performance.

Secondly, the industry is gravitating towards a centralized approach in both technology and operations. Landlords and operators are meticulously auditing their tech stacks and operational practices to eliminate redundancy and enhance coherence. The objective is clear: to establish a unified, one-stop solution that not only simplifies the resident experience but also ensures that the operational workflow is seamless, data-driven, and agile. This approach not only streamlines processes but also ensures that decision-making is informed, strategic, and yields optimal outcomes for both tenants and operators.

Lastly, there’s a burgeoning focus on identifying and capitalizing on alternative revenue streams beyond traditional rent collections. Landlords and operators are exploring innovative opportunities to augment their income by offering value-added services and amenities that not only enhance the resident experience but also create a diversified revenue ecosystem. This could encompass anything from partnerships with local businesses to offering premium, on-demand services that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of the residents.

At Elevated Living, we’re not just spectators of these trends; we’re active participants, innovators, and thought leaders, driving change and shaping the future of our industry. Our strategies and solutions are meticulously crafted to not only align with these trends but also to pioneer new pathways that redefine the standards of property management and resident experience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Embarking on my journey into PropTech nearly a decade ago, my initial venture inadvertently plunged into the multifamily vertical, unveiling a panorama of opportunities and challenges within the sector. The glaring issue was the burgeoning number of point solutions, which not only fragmented the resident experience but also convoluted operational workflows for property managers. Residents, myself included, were navigating through a labyrinth of 5-10 disparate apps or portals to manage various aspects of their living experience, from maintenance requests to amenity reservations.

This palpable gap in the market sowed the seeds for Elevated Living. Our mission was clear: to amalgamate the fragmented resident and property management experience into a singular, seamless, and intuitive platform. Today, Elevated Living stands as a white-labeled, all-encompassing resident app that integrates a myriad of functionalities, including maintenance requests, amenity reservations, rent payments, and hotel-style concierge services, such as housekeeping, personal training, TV mounting, pet grooming, and car wash, to name a few. Furthermore, we’ve integrated access control, package lockers, and smart devices, ensuring residents have a unified, singular platform to manage every facet of their living experience.

Our trajectory from operating in 4 cities in 2020 to over 200 cities in 2023 is a testament to our commitment, innovation, and the tangible impact we’ve imparted on both residents and property managers. Elevated Living is not merely a technological solution; it’s a resident-centric ecosystem designed to enhance every touchpoint of the resident journey while simultaneously streamlining operational workflows for property managers.

Our ethos is deeply rooted in prioritizing the resident experience, recognizing that the resident is, indeed, our customer’s customer. By curating an unparalleled resident experience, we inherently drive value for our primary customers – the landlords. The immediate ROI materializes through heightened resident engagement, fostering a community that is not only satisfied but deeply connected and engaged. This invariably culminates in enhanced resident retention, saving landlords hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, and fortifying the community within the property.

What sets Elevated Living apart is our unwavering commitment to innovation, our resident-first approach, and our ability to deliver tangible, quantifiable value to landlords and property managers. We’re not just a technology provider; we’re partners in enhancing the living experience, driving operational efficiency, and ultimately, elevating the very essence of community living.

As we continue to evolve and expand, our focus remains steadfast: to innovate, to enhance, and to elevate the living experience for residents and to deliver unparalleled value, efficiency, and strategic advantage to landlords and property managers across the globe.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One of my most cherished marketing tales springs not from a meticulously crafted campaign, but from the organic, genuine impact our platform, Elevated Living, had on a resident – who, unbeknownst to us, was also a pivotal decision-maker in the property management industry.

The story unfolds with an unexpected email from a Managing Director of a substantial property management company in California. Her words were not just kind; they were imbued with genuine appreciation and enthusiasm for the Elevated Living app, which she had been utilizing as a resident in one of the properties where our platform was deployed. Her experiences, from the professionalism of our on-site service providers to the vibrant community events orchestrated by our EVENTS by Elevated Living team, had not only enhanced her living experience but had also struck a chord on a professional level.

Her firsthand experience as a resident and avid user of our app seamlessly transitioned into a professional dialogue, evolving from emails to a Zoom call, and eventually, materializing into a substantial partnership, with the Elevated Living platform being rolled out across 15 of her assets in California.

This serendipitous story is more than a sales win; it’s a testament to the tangible, authentic impact Elevated Living has on residents. It underscores the pivotal truth that every resident can be an ambassador, a critic, or in our fortunate case, a gateway to new opportunities. It was a monumental affirmation of our product, our team, and the genuine, palpable impact we strive to deliver in every interaction, every service, and every event we curate.

To me, this story symbolizes the essence of what we stand for at Elevated Living: creating experiences that resonate, that go beyond mere transactions, and genuinely enhance the lives of residents, fostering communities that are connected, engaged, and truly elevated.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale, especially in the dynamic and often high-pressure environment of PropTech, is both an art and a science. My advice, cultivated from years of navigating through various entrepreneurial ventures, pivots around several key principles.

Firstly, ‘Hire Slow, Fire Fast.’ The adage is not merely about being meticulous in hiring but ensuring that every team member not only aligns with the technical requisites but also resonates with the cultural and ethical ethos of your organization. Hiring slow ensures that you bring on board individuals who will not only contribute to the projects but will also enhance the team dynamics and overall organizational culture. Conversely, recognizing when a team member is not a fit, both for their sake and the team’s, and taking swift action, is equally crucial.

Secondly, ‘Foster a Culture of Appreciation and Recognition.’ High morale is often a direct derivative of feeling valued and appreciated. Implementing a robust recognition program, celebrating wins, acknowledging efforts, and ensuring that appreciation is consistent and genuine can significantly uplift team spirit.

Next, ‘Encourage Autonomy and Empower Decision-Making.’ Teams thrive in environments where they are trusted and empowered. Providing your team with the autonomy to make decisions, take ownership of projects, and navigate through challenges not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also instills confidence and boosts morale.

Moreover, ‘Invest in Professional and Personal Growth.’ Your team’s development should be multifaceted. Investing in their professional skills, providing avenues for personal development, and ensuring that their growth trajectory is aligned with the organization’s goals is pivotal. This not only enhances their capabilities but also demonstrates a genuine investment in their overall wellbeing and career.

Additionally, ‘Prioritize Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance.’ A burnt-out team is invariably a disengaged one. Ensuring that your team has a healthy work-life balance, access to mental and physical wellness resources, and an environment that prioritizes their wellbeing is fundamental in maintaining high morale.

Lastly, ‘Communicate Transparently and Authentically.’ Transparent communication, especially in times of challenges or changes, ensures that the team feels respected, involved, and valued. Authenticity in communication fosters trust and ensures that the team is unified, especially when navigating through challenges.

In essence, managing a team and maintaining high morale is about creating an environment that is supportive, appreciative, and conducive to growth, both for the individuals and the organization. It’s about recognizing that your team is your most valuable asset and ensuring that they are nurtured, valued, and empowered at every step of the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elevatedliving.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/elevatedliving
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevatedliving

Image Credits
Blueprint Conference – Las Vegas NV