Multifamily Streamlined with Leslie Mathis

Navigating the Real Estate Landscape - Ken Szymanski, NAA Lifetime Achiever

February 28, 2024
Navigating the Real Estate Landscape - Ken Szymanski, NAA Lifetime Achiever
Multifamily Streamlined with Leslie Mathis
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Multifamily Streamlined with Leslie Mathis
Navigating the Real Estate Landscape - Ken Szymanski, NAA Lifetime Achiever
Feb 28, 2024

Get ready for an inspiring episode featuring a leader who dedicated over three decades to shaping the landscape of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association and the Apartment Association of North Carolina. Hear about his remarkable journey from City Planning Degrees at the University of Albany-SUNY and Western Kentucky University to leading two prominent apartment associations simultaneously. Gain valuable insights into the importance of transparency, equity, and ethical leadership in the real estate industry. Tune in as we explore the future of affordable housing, the impact of new development, and the pursuit of economic fairness for all.

Ken Szymanski, spent more than 30 years leading the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association as their Executive Director, and also spent the majority of his career as the Executive Director of the Apartment Association of North Carolina. He fully retired in December 2018.

Ken received the NAA Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the industry. While this is not all encompassing, his accomplishments include legislative successes, fair housing instructor, and actively involved in the affordable housing conversation. Also a member of the AANC Hall of Fame. Holds City Planning Degrees from the University of Albany-SUNY and Western Kentucky University.

In addition to taking on the dual role of leading GCAA and AANC simultaneously, Ken also held multiple leadership positions at the National Apartment Association over the years, including chairing the Association Executive Council. He was also named Association Executive of the year on two separate occasions.

Interesting note: His main volunteer duty since retiring 5 years ago has been conducting NPR Radio Public Affairs interviews for station WSGE out of Gaston College. 91.7 FM.

Here from Ken about:

  • His 1st job in the industry.
  • The importance of our industry's reputation and being transparent.
  • How he led the GCAA grow from 28K units to 170K units.
  • Trend in household formation: 29% of all households are only 1 person who are less inclined to be homeowners.
  • How the $1K rent per month is becoming a dinosaur.
  • People are stretched more than ever before with rent growth climbing faster than the growth of wages.
  • Everyone from the White House down says we need more supply, but who will be doing the development?
  • Thoughts on if the shortage on housing will grow past what they have predicted.
  • How he keeps up with the industry after retiring for 5 years now.

Subscribe to and review the Multifamily Streamlined Podcast here.

Burning questions? A hot topic? Guest you'd like to hear? Email us at podcast@streamlinemultifamily.com.

Streamline Multifamily Group is your specialized consulting partner for multifamily operations, training, and more! Driven by our passion for comprehensive marketing and storytelling, we connect with prospective residents seeking a vibrant lifestyle, not just four walls. With a proven track record, we excel at creating captivating brands and messaging that make a lasting impact. We offer consultative support in project management, construction, development, renovations, auditing, and also organize industry events. Streamline embodies a creative and valuable approach to multifamily asset management and operations, disrupting the industry with our streamlined solutions. Ready to elevate your property's performance? Connect with Streamline Multifamily Group at www.StreamlineMultifamilyGroup.com !

Show Notes

Get ready for an inspiring episode featuring a leader who dedicated over three decades to shaping the landscape of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association and the Apartment Association of North Carolina. Hear about his remarkable journey from City Planning Degrees at the University of Albany-SUNY and Western Kentucky University to leading two prominent apartment associations simultaneously. Gain valuable insights into the importance of transparency, equity, and ethical leadership in the real estate industry. Tune in as we explore the future of affordable housing, the impact of new development, and the pursuit of economic fairness for all.

Ken Szymanski, spent more than 30 years leading the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association as their Executive Director, and also spent the majority of his career as the Executive Director of the Apartment Association of North Carolina. He fully retired in December 2018.

Ken received the NAA Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in the industry. While this is not all encompassing, his accomplishments include legislative successes, fair housing instructor, and actively involved in the affordable housing conversation. Also a member of the AANC Hall of Fame. Holds City Planning Degrees from the University of Albany-SUNY and Western Kentucky University.

In addition to taking on the dual role of leading GCAA and AANC simultaneously, Ken also held multiple leadership positions at the National Apartment Association over the years, including chairing the Association Executive Council. He was also named Association Executive of the year on two separate occasions.

Interesting note: His main volunteer duty since retiring 5 years ago has been conducting NPR Radio Public Affairs interviews for station WSGE out of Gaston College. 91.7 FM.

Here from Ken about:

  • His 1st job in the industry.
  • The importance of our industry's reputation and being transparent.
  • How he led the GCAA grow from 28K units to 170K units.
  • Trend in household formation: 29% of all households are only 1 person who are less inclined to be homeowners.
  • How the $1K rent per month is becoming a dinosaur.
  • People are stretched more than ever before with rent growth climbing faster than the growth of wages.
  • Everyone from the White House down says we need more supply, but who will be doing the development?
  • Thoughts on if the shortage on housing will grow past what they have predicted.
  • How he keeps up with the industry after retiring for 5 years now.

Subscribe to and review the Multifamily Streamlined Podcast here.

Burning questions? A hot topic? Guest you'd like to hear? Email us at podcast@streamlinemultifamily.com.

Streamline Multifamily Group is your specialized consulting partner for multifamily operations, training, and more! Driven by our passion for comprehensive marketing and storytelling, we connect with prospective residents seeking a vibrant lifestyle, not just four walls. With a proven track record, we excel at creating captivating brands and messaging that make a lasting impact. We offer consultative support in project management, construction, development, renovations, auditing, and also organize industry events. Streamline embodies a creative and valuable approach to multifamily asset management and operations, disrupting the industry with our streamlined solutions. Ready to elevate your property's performance? Connect with Streamline Multifamily Group at www.StreamlineMultifamilyGroup.com !