Culture, Peter Drucker &:The Foundation of Multifamily Success Is your organization's culture thriving, or is it quietly eroding? In today’s episode of 8 Stories, Sharon Cauthen unpacks why culture isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the lifeblood of leadership and strategy. Sharon tackles an oft-repeated phrase you’ve likely heard before: “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” But did Peter Drucker actually say it? Sharon breaks down the truth behind this popular saying and dives deep into the essential role culture plays in organizational success. From transitions in ownership to shifting priorities, we explore how culture can propel a multifamily team to greatness — or block it from reaching its goals. You’ll learn: The interplay between culture and strategy. Why culture is more than slogans or social media posts. How intentional leadership fosters a thriving team. Sharon leaves us with one crucial insight: A healthy culture doesn’t happen by chance — it’s cultivated, nurtured, and lived. If this resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—hit the like button, share this with your team, and subscribe for more actionable insights on leadership, multifamily management, and PropTech! Subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork or check out 8 Stories on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Visit www.multifamilymedianetwork.com for all things multifamily including a huge menu of podcasts hosted by multifamily’s finest. Sign up for the newsletter and never miss a thing!

The Space Between: Lessons in Resilience, Choice, and Growth What does it mean to find power in the space between? Sharon Cauthen weaves together stories of her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, and her own journey through grief to reveal profound lessons about choice, growth, and freedom. In this heartfelt episode of 8 Stories, Sharon takes us on an emotional journey that spans decades and continents. From her grandfather Sam Callahan's heroic feats in the Alaskan wilderness, to Viktor Frankl's wisdom born of unimaginable suffering in the Holocaust, and finally, to Sharon's own path of navigating grief after the loss of her son Jack — this episode explores the profound power of the space between stimulus and response. How a simple choice can define a legacy of resilience. Viktor Frankl’s philosophy of finding meaning even in the harshest circumstances. The role of mindfulness in transforming reactions into thoughtful responses. Sharon’s personal reflections on grief, growth, and honoring the memory of her son. This episode is a tender reminder that even in life’s most challenging moments, the power to choose our response is where our growth and freedom begin. If this story moved you, please like, share, and subscribe to 8 Stories. Let us know in the comments how you’ve found strength in your own “space between.” Subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork . You can also find 8 Stories on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe to our newsletter for all things multifamily @multifamilymedianetwork.com

What Businesses Can Learn From Buc-ee's: The Convenience Store Phenomenon Is it a convenience store or a roadside theme park? Buc-ees is redefining the roadside experience, and there's a lot your business can learn from their success. In this episode of 8 Stories, host Sharon Cauthen discusses the Texas-born phenomenon that’s much more than a convenience store. One store frequented by Sharon’s family offers 120 gas pumps, 53,000 square feet of shopping, and is filled with their iconic beaver-themed branding. Buc-ee’s has mastered the art of creating an unforgettablel,k customer experience. Learn how this roadside legend keeps its stores spotless, its shelves stocked, and its employees happy — all while staying laser-focused on its core values. Discover why Buc-ee’s unapologetically unlisted phone numbers and strict return policies are part of its winning strategy. What Can We Learn from Buc-ee’s? The power of knowing who you are (and who you're not) Why simplicity and clarity beat chasing trends How to create unforgettable customer loyalty Whether you’re in the multifamily industry or any other business, Buc-ee’s proves the value of focusing on the fundamentals. Have you been to Buc-ee's? What’s your favorite thing about this one-of-a-kind experience? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Breaking Out of Echo Chambers: How Curiosity Transforms Work, Life, and Politics Are echo chambers limiting your growth? Discover how genuine curiosity and active listening can break down barriers in work, relationships, and beyond. In this episode of 8 Stories, Sharon Cauthen considers the concept of echo chambers — where we fall into the trap of being surrounded by people whose ideas that reinforce our beliefs—and explores how these impact our personal lives, our work, and society at large. From online algorithms to workplace dynamics, echo chambers can trap us, stifling growth and innovation. Drawing inspiration from a fascinating look at literal echo chambers in Scotland and real-world scenarios, Sharon shares practical strategies to cultivate curiosity and embrace diverse perspectives. By choosing to actively listen and engage with others, we can overcome division, fuel innovation, and foster stronger, more empathetic relationships. Join us to discover why breaking free from echo chambers might just be the secret to a happier, more connected world. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and stay curious! For more insights, head to www.MultifamilyMediaNetwork.com and subscribe @MultifamilyMediaNetwork

Apartment Living for Life? Exploring Low-Tech High-Touch Trends, Marketing Insights, and Building Community Ever thought about living as an “apartment dweller for life”? You're not alone! Today’s episode dicusses the growing appeal of lifelong renting and the marketing strategies shaping the multifamily world. In this lighthearted episode of 8 Stories, Sharon Cauthen and Jennifer Carter switch gears from tech and chat about a Reddit post on the virtues of lifelong renting — why more people are opting out of homeownership in favor of apartment living. They touch on how apartments today offer community-driven experiences, from book clubs to mural painting, that make renting more than just a place to live. Plus, we cover marketing strategies like branding, fostering community connections, and even the fun of quirky national holidays! If you’re curious about the future of multifamily living or just need some fresh marketing ideas, hit that like button and subscribe for more! We’re bringing you the latest trends and practical tips to enhance your property management game. Find future 8 Stories episodes @MultifamilyMediaNetwork or listen by searching for 8 Stories on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Join the Multifamily Community for Hurricane Helene Relief | Help Us Rebuild Lives Imagine everything you own is suddenly gone — your home, ID, phone, and basic essentials wiped away. Now, think of the people who actually face this today. Let’s do something together. Hi, I'm Sharon Cauthen, co-host of the Eight Stories podcast, and today I’m reaching out not just to our multifamily industry but to everyone who can lend a hand in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This unimaginable storm has ravaged areas covered by the Upper State Apartment Association, leaving thousands of people homeless and struggling to survive. The devastation is real — entire towns wiped out, and communities isolated. We in the multifamily sector dedicate our lives to serving people and their homes. The need is urgent and now we’re asking for your help. By visiting www.multifamilymedianetwork.com, you can donate directly to relief efforts. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every bit helps us rebuild homes and lives. After donating, please share this message with your network— we are more powerful when we come together to make an incredible difference. Please, take a moment to donate today and help spread the word. Like, subscribe, and share this video to raise awareness and amplify our impact. Let’s show how strong the multifamily community truly is.

Blueprint Conference Recap: Insights, AI, and Puppies! Welcome to another episode of 8 Stories, brought to you by the Multifamily Media Network! I’m Sharon Cauthen, and as always, I’m joined by my amazing co-host, Jennifer Carter. Today, we’re diving into highlights from the recent Blueprint Conference in Las Vegas. The conference was packed with insights shaping the multifamily industry going into 2025 and beyond. We explore the big trends—from AI everywhere to the push for centralization and automation in property management. And yes, there was a lot of talk about tech, but we’ll also touch on what’s really important — solving pain points for both operators and residents. Plus, we'll share some unexpected moments, like my personal mental health highlight — cuddling with adorable puppies at the trade show! 🐶 And Jennifer's front-row seat at the Property Brothers session. And, of course, AI was the buzzword of the event, but not all AI is created equal. We break down the difference between companies truly innovating with AI and others just “AI washing” for show. Spoiler: AI isn’t a magic fix — it’s about solving real business problems. Whether you’re curious about the future of maintenance tech or how to avoid falling behind in centralization efforts, this episode has something for everyone in the multifamily space. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insights from the world of multifamily! What are your hot topics for multifamily in 2025? Share them below and let's succeed together. Please take a moment and click the Like button and if you haven't already, please subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube. If you prefer to listen to our podcast, find 8 Stories on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Waffle House Leadership Take-Out: What Multifamily Can Learn They say there are two types of people – those who love Waffle House and those who are wrong. (j/k!) Whether or not you are a Waffle House enthusiast, have you considered its many tips for leadership and business success? In this episode of Eight Stories, we dig into surprising lessons from one of America’s iconic brands—and trust me, there is a lot multifamily leaders can take away from it! Sharon and Jennifer explore the life and leadership strategies of Waffle House, discovering how this beloved 24-hour chain became more than just a place for late-night eats. Smart real estate decisions, operational speed, and fostering a strong employee culture help drive profitability through simple but effective models. This episode connects the dots between Waffle House’s success and what concepts apply to multifamily. Through its operational efficiency, customer service, and employee empowerment, Waffle House has cracked the code — and like a delicious cup of Waffle House coffee, there’s plenty for multifamily to consume (and refills are free!) If you’re passionate about multifamily, leadership, and innovative business models, hit that like button and subscribe for more insights every week! Drop your favorite Waffle House meal in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!