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The Apartment Department

The Apartment Department

By: Chris Johnson & Anne Baum
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About this listen

Multifamily marketing does not stand still. Neither do we.


The Apartment Department is a podcast for multifamily (apartment) marketers, operators and industry partners who want to think differently about how marketing drives performance.

Through conversations with marketing leaders, suppliers, and operators who are shaping the future of multifamily, we focus on what they are building, testing, and refining to strengthen marketing teams and drive measurable results.

Our goal is simple. We want you to leave each episode with a new perspective and at least one idea worth testing.


Hosted by Anne Baum and Chris Johnson, exploring how strategy, systems, and performance intersect in multifamily.


Produced by Carlos Marquez.

© 2026 The Apartment Department
Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • From Photos to Performance: Building a Visual Content System That Drives Leasing
    Mar 31 2026

    What role does visual content actually play in apartment performance—and why are most operators still treating it like a one-off asset instead of a system?

    In this episode, Anne Baum and Chris Johnson sit down with Izzy Carunungan of LCP (Lights, Camera, Pixels) to unpack how photos, 3D tours, and unit-level media are evolving from marketing “nice-to-haves” into operational infrastructure.

    They explore how the rise of sight-unseen renting, inconsistent unit upgrades, and fragmented property data are forcing a new approach—one where visual content becomes standardized, scalable, and deeply integrated into the leasing journey.

    This conversation goes beyond content creation to examine:

    • Why your website should function as a true source of truth for prospects
    • The operational challenges behind maintaining accurate, unit-level visuals
    • How inconsistency in media impacts trust, conversion, and leasing velocity
    • What it looks like to treat content as a system—not a campaign

    If you’re thinking about centralization, standardization, or how to better connect marketing to operations, this episode offers a practical lens into where the industry is heading.

    Flamingo - Resident Retention App
    400K+ units use Flamingo’s Resident Retention Platform to stop Retention Leak & hit 63%+ retention.

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    48 mins
  • Stop Marketing in a Silo: Bridging Strategy and Site Teams
    Mar 3 2026

    Marketing cannot operate in a silo. When strategy lives in one department and execution lives in another, performance breaks down.

    In this episode, Paul McClain, founder of AiinaT Brand Solutions, joins us to share how he helps bridge the gap between marketing strategy and site teams. From digital audits and attribution conversations to middle funnel exposure and renter behavior shifts, Paul breaks down what happens when marketing fluency extends beyond the corporate office.

    This conversation is not about adding more to a site team’s plate. It is about creating alignment. When teams understand the why behind the work, collaboration improves and results compound.

    If you are thinking about performance as a shared responsibility, not a departmental function, this episode will challenge and inspire you.

    Flamingo - Resident Retention App
    400K+ units use Flamingo’s Resident Retention Platform to stop Retention Leak & hit 63%+ retention.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Jillian Fikkert on Earning a Seat at the Table: How Marketing Leaders Build Internal Influence
    Feb 17 2026

    In this episode, Jillian Fickert of Buckingham Companies joins Anne Baum and Chris Johnson for a practical conversation about what it really takes to make marketing a trusted, strategic function inside a multifamily organization.

    They explore how marketing leaders can move beyond the “cost center” label by building credibility through transparency, shared language, and clear performance visibility. Jillian shares specific ways her team creates alignment across marketing, asset management, and operations—and why those relationships matter just as much as the tactics.

    You’ll hear about:

    • How to reposition marketing as a business driver, not an expense
    • Creating standardized budget guides and shared glossaries to reduce friction
    • Running inclusive weekly performance calls that bring teams together
    • Aligning on shared KPIs to support operational goals
    • Breaking down silos to create a more cohesive customer journey

    The big takeaway: long-term marketing impact isn’t just about better campaigns—it’s about strong cross-functional relationships, a common understanding of the business, and consistent communication.

    If you’re trying to build stronger trust between marketing and operations, this episode offers a clear, actionable starting point.

    Flamingo - Resident Retention App
    400K+ units use Flamingo’s Resident Retention Platform to stop Retention Leak & hit 63%+ retention.

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
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