
Plus, you’ll likely yield higher returns for your units. If you can advertise your apartments as “smart,” you’re likely to be a top choice for many desirable renters. The same data shows that 86% of Millennials will pay about one-fifth more per unit if furnished with smart amenities like smart locks, thermostats, and lights. multifamily renters from lock manufacturer Schlage and Wakefield, more than 61% of renters are likely to rent an apartment precisely because of electronic access features. Give renters what they want, and you’ll benefit, too.Īccording to a survey of 1,000 U.S. Let’s dive into why you should contemplate installing smart home technology, what systems are sought-after on the market right now, and some tips to make implementing the new tech smoother. Smart home technology ranks among the top amenities’ renters are prepared to pay a more for. Multifamily renters want to get connected. Smart home tech isn’t just for single-family homes.

But the truth is, smart home technology is infiltrating the housing market at an astonishing rate. Handrahan, the CEO, won't give exact figures but says Valet Living pays "substantially'' above minimum wage.Turning the lights on with a voice command, setting the thermostat to a comfy temperature before your afternoon commute, and even remotely feeding Fido a treat midday sounds like something out of an episode of The Jetsons. When we see talent and personality we like to promote.'' "We do the complete opposite - there's lots of empowerment. "A lot of companies as they grow, they restrict employees,'' says Nick Choma, 39, senior regional director of operations. He is an example of Valet Living's commitment to promoting from within 67 service valets were promoted to district manager last year, double the number in 2017. Two years ago, Alcover was promoted to district manager, overseeing operations in 17 apartment communities in the Clearwater-Largo area. Top Workplaces: Here are some fun facts about the Top Workplaces winners. "We're like the modern-day milkman,'' Alcover says On other occasions, the valets' presence has thwarted thefts and break-ins. He alerted authorities, who discovered the woman had fallen and had not been able to call for help. A few years ago, a valet in Orlando noticed that an elderly woman who lived alone had failed to put out her trash two nights in a row. Residents leave Christmas cards, tips or just stop to chat. The service valets are around so often that they almost become part of the communities they serve. People can post photos, swap ideas, shares stories and company news. With more than 6,000 employees in 43 states, Valet Living keeps in touch with everyone through a social media platform called Workplace by Facebook. A foosball table invites impromptu tourneys. An ''anniversary'' board shows the dates that employees started with the company. Valet Living now takes up the entire seventh floor of the Wells Fargo Center where most in-house employees - though not Handrahan - have stunning views from their light, airy offices.Īt least once and often twice a week, the company provides bagels, fruit and other complimentary treats in a break room overlooking the Hillsborough River. Handrahan, who joined Valet Living in 2012 after it was bought by a private equity firm, quickly realized that employee morale would improve with a move from the dark, dreary building in which the company was then based. "Our people make the company I'm the least important person here,'' says Handrahan, whose company ranked among Tampa Bay's Top Workplaces this year for the third consecutive year. Handrahan attributes the company's phenomenal growth to both the quality of service it provides - ''if we put your groceries in the refrigerator, all the labels are facing out" - and the emphasis on hiring and retaining good employees.

Top Workplaces: See all of this year's Top Workplaces winners in the small, midsize and large categories. Revenues are an impressive $200 million a year.
