EPISODE SUMMARY

How do you lead a team of 18,000 associates while managing 9,000 communities across North America? For David Diestel, CEO of FirstService Residential, the answer lies in trust, culture and a people-first approach to leadership.

In this episode of Multifamily Excellence, David joins host Jonathan Treble to share his fascinating career journey—from his beginnings as a chemical engineer and entrepreneur in the apparel industry to becoming the leader of North America’s largest residential property management company. Along the way, David learned invaluable lessons in adaptability, continuous learning and the importance of reputation.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

  • The Power of a Name: Why unifying 24 fragmented brands into one identity was more than a rebrand—it was the catalyst for a mission-driven culture that scales across thousands of communities.
  • Magic in 15 Minutes: Discover how FirstService’s “First Call” huddles create daily micro-moments of connection, purpose and alignment for their distributed teams.
  • Wellness as a Strategy: David shares why leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s about investing in people’s well-being. FirstService’s “Be the Difference” program is a masterclass in balancing high performance with personal growth.
  • Lessons from the Track: David’s love for running isn’t just a hobby—it’s a leadership lab. Learn how discipline, pacing and the mental toughness of endurance training apply directly to building a successful team.
  • The Legacy of Trust: Whether you’re leading five people or 5,000, your reputation is the currency that matters most. David breaks down why consistent trust-building is the secret to a career that lasts.

This episode is about learning how to lead in a way that feels human, scalable and deeply impactful. David’s insights are both timeless and timely—perfect for anyone navigating the fast-changing landscape of property management or leadership.

Ready to rethink what leadership looks like in your world?

This conversation will challenge how you see your team, your culture and yourself. Tune in now and start building something that truly lasts. of people-first leadership and AI innovation. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now.

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