CEOs must be strategic about how they allocate their limited time. Time spent on low-impact tasks—such as micromanaging or unnecessary meetings—could be better used on bigger-picture tasks like strategic planning or partnership development.
Below, 20 Forbes Business Council members share some areas where they believe CEOs can stop wasting their energy. By focusing on high-impact activities, you can make the most of your time and drive organizational growth.
CEOs should spend less time waiting for staff to complete research projects. Whereas we used to task executive assistants or marketing team members with research on macro or micro topics, AI can now deliver strong briefings in seconds. It's game-changing and should speed up the rate of C-suite decision making. - Jonathan Treble, WithMe, Inc.
November 8 marks National Cappuccino Day, a time to honor one of the world's most beloved coffee creations. Whether you’re a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just love a cozy cup of frothy goodness, this is the perfect day to indulge.
At its heart, a cappuccino is a simple yet perfectly balanced coffee beverage, composed of three key elements:
Traditionally, these components are combined in equal parts, creating a harmonious blend of robust coffee flavor and creamy texture. Baristas often finish the drink with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate for added indulgence.
Presentation and Volume
Cappuccinos vs. Lattes
While a caffè latte is made with more steamed milk and a thin layer of foam, cappuccinos emphasize the froth. This gives cappuccinos a lighter, airier texture and a smaller overall volume, making them distinct from their milk-heavy cousin.
The origins of the cappuccino trace back to the 1700s in the Habsburg Empire, where a popular coffeehouse drink known as the Kapuziner emerged. This beverage was named for its distinctive light brown color, reminiscent of the robes worn by Capuchin friars. The Kapuziner was a blend of coffee, cream and sugar, often enhanced with spices for additional flavor. Its rich, creamy texture and warming spices made it a favorite among coffee lovers of the time, laying the foundation for the modern cappuccino.
The port city of Trieste became a crucial hub for the spread of coffee across Central Europe. Home to vibrant Viennese-style coffeehouses, the city introduced patrons to the Kapuziner and its variations. As coffee culture grew, the Kapuziner gradually evolved, particularly in Italian-speaking regions, where it transformed into the cappuccino we recognize today. Trieste’s position as a cultural crossroads ensured the drink’s enduring legacy, bridging coffee traditions from Vienna to Italy and beyond.
In the early 20th century, the introduction of espresso machines revolutionized coffee preparation, making it possible for baristas to craft drinks to order with precision. This innovation allowed for the creation of the cappuccino’s iconic layers, with its bold espresso base, velvety steamed milk and signature frothy top becoming hallmarks of the drink.
After World War II, further advancements in espresso technology ushered in the "age of crema." These improvements enabled higher-pressure brewing, resulting in the silky, rich espresso topped with a layer of crema and perfectly steamed milk that defines the modern cappuccino. This era marked a turning point in coffee culture, elevating the cappuccino to new heights of flavor and presentation.
By the 1950s, cappuccinos had become a staple in Italy’s espresso bars, a symbol of the country's burgeoning coffee culture. During this time, the Italian cappuccino coexisted with the Viennese Kapuziner, which featured whipped cream instead of steamed milk, showcasing the regional diversity in coffee traditions. The cappuccino's popularity began to spread far beyond Italy, cementing its status as a global coffee favorite.
The cappuccino, with its perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk and foam, has evolved from an Italian classic to a global favorite. Celebrated for its rich flavor and frothy texture, it found sophisticated appeal in post-war Europe, cozy acceptance in the UK and a thriving presence in the U.S., adapting to local tastes along the way. Here’s a closer look at how the cappuccino gained popularity in different parts of the world:
Europe
In post-WWII Europe, cappuccinos gained recognition as a symbol of sophisticated coffee culture. Italy embraced the espresso-based version, while Austria and Hungary maintained their preference for whipped cream-topped coffee.
The United Kingdom
Cappuccinos found favor in the UK, where the British tradition of adding milk to coffee aligned perfectly with the drink’s composition. Its frothy texture and luxurious flavor made it a café favorite.
The United States
Cappuccinos arrived in the U.S. through Italian-American neighborhoods, with notable establishments like:
Over time, the classic cappuccino has inspired countless creative variations, each catering to different tastes and preferences. From adjustments in milk-to-foam ratios to the addition of indulgent flavors, these twists highlight the cappuccino’s versatility while preserving its iconic charm. Here are some popular variations that showcase the drink’s adaptability:
Cappuccino Freddo
Popular in Italy, Greece, and Cyprus, this chilled version features a small amount of cold frothed milk atop chilled espresso. In Rome, coffee shops often pre-make and refrigerate it, while northern Italy prefers alternatives like gelato da bere (gelato blended with espresso).
Freddo Cappuccino
A Greek specialty, this drink is topped with afrógala, a cold milk foam created using an electric frother. Baristas pour it over iced espresso, offering a refreshing twist on the classic cappuccino.
Iced Cappuccino
In Canada, coffee chain Tim Hortons serves a frozen adaptation called the Iced Capp, a sweet, creamy dessert-like drink that has become a fan favorite.
Wherever you choose to enjoy it, National Cappuccino Day is the perfect time to sip and celebrate. Here’s how to make it special:
At SipWithMe, we’re passionate about enhancing multifamily properties with premium coffee experiences that delight residents and streamline operations. With cappuccinos and other premium beverages available at the touch of a button, our state-of-the-art solutions make offering luxury both simple and cost-effective.
Celebrate National Cappuccino Day with a coffee amenity upgrade that makes every day feel like a holiday. Contact us for a demo or pricing today.
EPISODE SUMMARY
What happens when you blend a deep commitment to culture with the transformative power of AI? At Cardinal Group, the results are reshaping the multifamily industry.
In this episode of Multifamily Excellence, host Jonathan Treble speaks with Cara Athmann, COO of Cardinal Group Companies. Cara’s journey is anything but conventional - she transitioned from a background in physics and consulting to spearheading tech-driven transformation in multifamily.
This episode goes beyond surface-level talk. Cara reveals how Cardinal Group leverages AI to streamline operations, reduce administrative overhead, and empower on-site teams to forge meaningful connections with residents.
With a strategic focus on people-first, AI-enhanced operations, Cardinal has grown to over 50,000 units and a team of 2,300 strong.
For Cara, the approach is straightforward: invest in your team, and they will invest in your residents. She’s leading Cardinal into a future where AI minimizes operational friction, freeing teams to focus on what truly matters—building authentic connections.
Tune in to explore:
Ready to rethink leadership in multifamily? Tune in to explore the intersection of people-first leadership and AI innovation. This is one episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now.
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Artificial intelligence has a lot of uses in multifamily—for example, chatbots can help prospective residents get information about the community. However, there are a lot of areas where the human touch is still important. The MHN Executive Council shares where they don’t use AI.
Personal Connection
While I rely on AI for many tasks and appreciate its efficiency, there are still areas where the human touch is irreplaceable. I won’t use AI for deeply personal conversations or decisions that require emotional intelligence, empathy and nuance. Building meaningful relationships with my team, clients and loved ones is something that technology can’t replicate. I also wouldn’t rely solely on AI for creative visioning, as human intuition and creativity are key to shaping the bigger picture in ways AI may not yet grasp. —Jonathan Treble, Founder & CEO, WithMe Inc.
Chicago, IL – October 28, 2024 – WithMe, Inc., a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, has reached a major milestone with over 500 innovative bean-to-cup SipWithMe devices now installed nationwide. Since its launch in 2021, SipWithMe has rapidly gained traction for enhancing the resident experience and simplifying property management.
SipWithMe elevates the resident experience through reliable, easy-to-use technology, barista-quality beverages, and craft-roasted coffee, all while helping multifamily property managers decrease spending, control costs, and save time for staff.
“Reaching this milestone with SipWithMe is an incredible moment for our entire team,” said Jeff Lail, Chief Operations Officer for WithMe. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at WithMe who is passionate about creating seamless amenity solutions that benefit both property managers and residents. Our team is driven by a shared commitment to innovation and excellence, and we look forward to continuing to shape the future of multifamily living.”
As WithMe continues to evolve, SipWithMe remains a key component of its mission to deliver forward-thinking amenities that streamline property management and elevate resident satisfaction. The company remains committed to providing superior quality and customer service to its partners and was recently recognized for its efforts by the Titan Awards.
WithMe Inc. partners with 80% of the National Multifamily Housing Council's Top 50 Managers to provide more than 3 million residents access to its printer and coffee amenities. In an ongoing survey, more than 82% of residents say both SipWithMe and PrintWithMe are “essential.”
To learn how you can bring WithMe’s amenity solutions to your residential community, visit withme.com/contact-us.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes lives better every day through convenient, technology-powered amenities for the multifamily industry and beyond. WithMe’s PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions make resident printing and coffee simple, helping property management leaders deliver an elevated living experience while decreasing spend, controlling costs, and saving time for staff.
PrintWithMe powers printer amenities at thousands of multifamily, cafe and coworking locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe, available in major markets, is disrupting the coffee amenity category.
WithMe is an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, appearing on the list for the past four consecutive years, as well as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner and a 2024 NAA Top Employer.
Efficiency isn't just a buzzword in multifamily property management; it's the difference between thriving communities and those struggling to keep up with resident expectations.
Yet, I see hidden time wasters often drain productivity and inflate costs. By tackling these tasks head-on with tech-driven solutions, multifamily communities can streamline processes, reduce stress and keep residents smiling.
Property managers wear many hats—sometimes too many. According to iPropertyManagement, 80% of property managers juggle maintenance/repairs, rent collections and more, while over 70% handle inspections, advertising vacancies and leasing. Those tasks can keep them from focusing on what really matters: exceeding the expectations of current and prospective residents.
EPISODE SUMMARY
How does someone go from cold-calling in commercial real estate to becoming a key player in the multifamily industry? In this episode of Multifamily Excellence, host Jonathan Treble sits down with Moshe Crane, VP of Branding and Strategic Initiatives at Sage Ventures, to uncover how his curiosity, persistence and strategic networking have fueled his rise to the top.
Moshe’s path is anything but linear. From his early days in commercial leasing to mastering the nuances of multifamily operations, Moshe shares how constantly asking questions and "poking the box" helped him excel. His journey highlights the importance of embracing discomfort, learning through failure and using curiosity as a tool for career growth. Moshe dives into key insights on networking, how he uses his podcast to create opportunities and the role of AI and technology in the future of multifamily operations.
Curiosity is Moshe’s superpower. Throughout this episode, he reveals how staying curious and challenging the status quo has been instrumental in his success—from cold-calling to leading strategic initiatives at Sage Ventures.
Whether you’re just starting out in real estate or you’re an industry veteran, this episode offers actionable strategies for leveraging curiosity, building influence and transforming operations with tech.
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EPISODE SUMMARY
Ever wonder how the most successful leaders in proptech make it to the top? In this episode of Multifamily Excellence, host Jonathan Treble sits down with Natalie Cariola, CRO at SmartRent, to uncover the game-changing decisions and bold risks that have defined her 25-year career in the multifamily technology space.
Natalie doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it. From starting out as a leasing agent at 17 to scaling Zumper into one of the leading names in proptech, Natalie’s journey is one of fearless innovation, calculated risks and relentless learning. She shares how stepping outside of her comfort zone has fueled her growth, and why taking charge of your own career is the ultimate key to success.
With 25 years of experience in multifamily and technology, Natalie dives deep into how she uses autonomy and trust to build high-performing teams and innovative solutions. She also talks about the invaluable lessons she learned from scaling startups in the fast-evolving proptech industry, where embracing change and continual learning are non-negotiable for success.
Natalie’s approach to autonomy, team building and leadership will challenge the way you think about scaling companies and your own professional development. Whether you’re leading a startup, climbing the corporate ladder, or simply navigating a tech-driven industry, this episode will give you the tools to think bigger, push boundaries and confidently bet on yourself.
Natalie Cariola’s career is a masterclass in leadership, risk-taking and scaling innovation. Ready to break free from your comfort zone and learn the secrets of proptech leadership from one of its trailblazers? Tune in now!
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The amenity wars of the recent years have seen high-end apartment communities battle for renters on the basis of spectacular amenities.
Cue the arrival of dog spas, maker spaces, axe-throwing rooms, recording studios, Amazon lockers, game arcades, boxing gyms, rooftop community gardens, bowling alleys, golf simulators and more.
Of course, none of these come cheap. All are likely to add to the monthly rent payment. And therein lies the rub. Many renters’ paychecks are insufficient to pay even the cost of an average apartment shorn of amenities. For many renters of Gen Z, soon to make up much of the apartment resident cohort, renting by themselves is financially infeasible.
Jonathan Treble, WithMe company founder and CEO, believes many residents prefer practical as opposed to over-the-top luxury amenities. “While luxury amenities like movie theaters, crystal lagoons and spas are attractive and flashy, they often go underutilized,” he says.
“Residents prioritize features they can consistently use and benefit from, ensuring the investment in their apartment home is worthwhile. As hybrid and fully remote work models continue, amenities that promote productivity are essential in meeting residents’ evolving needs and supporting their work-from-home lifestyles. Transforming lobbies and shared spaces into one-stop shops with convenient and high-quality amenities, like printing and coffee machines, makes residents’ daily routines easier. It removes costs and the time it takes to get there, which ultimately increases resident satisfaction.”
In an era of unpredictable for-sale housing markets compelling more and more people to rent, many renters prize genuine value and cost savings, Treble says. Amenities that are, he says, “designed to seamlessly integrate with residents’ lifestyles and help them save money will help them decide to live in one community over another but will also increase the community’s overall value.”
The 2024 OPTECH Conference & Expo, hosted by The National Multifamily Housing Council, is the hub for the most important conversations and business deals in multifamily housing technology and operations. The annual event boasts brilliant keynote speakers, exceptional educational sessions, informative workshops and numerous networking opportunities.
To help you make the most out of your time at OPTECH, we’ve put together 7 tips to ensure you maximize your time and have a great experience:
Curated by the Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center (RETTC), the FUTURESlab is a vibrant space that will offer more than just networking - it promises to be a hub of innovation and inspiration. Engage with short, impactful presentations, relax in comfortable seating areas with charging stations, and visit the FIRE Pavilion, a hands-on tour of the latest construction tech. Whether you visit the FUTURESlab to recharge or to spark new ideas, this exciting new conference feature is your destination for forward-thinking in multifamily real estate.
FUTURESLab Hours
At OPTECH’s inaugural Advocacy Day, you’ll be equipped with the tools and resources to engage in effective policy advocacy for the future of rental housing technology. The day includes an Advocacy Briefing and Workshop and organized Hill and agency meetings.
Advocacy Day Schedule
General Sessions
From the official launch of the groundbreaking Real Estate Technology and Transformation Center to thought-provoking presentations by forward-thinking leaders, this year’s general sessions cover some of the industry’s most important and most talked about topics, including:
Opening Pitches
From 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, hear short pitches highlighting the latest innovative multifamily products and services.
Breakout Sessions
These sessions allow you to take a deep dive into specific topics and participate in informative and interactive Q&As.
Topics include:
Technology Workshops
OPTECH technology workshops are 75-minute sessions loaded with takeaways.
Topics include:
Breakfast Briefings
Start your day with an informative update on the constantly shifting regulatory and legislative landscape. From HUD Fair Housing guidelines to housing affordability and tax updates, breakfast briefings are your chance to stay informed, ask questions and connect with NMHC to share your challenges and interests related to current and upcoming policy changes.
Topics include:
Create a prioritized list of the booths you want to visit so you can maximize your time at the Expo and avoid overlooking solutions that are of the most interest to your business. Dedicate time for meaningful conversations with vendors that interest you. OPTECH is multifamily’s foremost forum for innovative tech, and you are guaranteed to uncover new products and services that can help you elevate your property and add significant value to your business.
Expo Hours
Be sure to visit the WithMe team at booth 535 to fuel up with a cup of delicious SipWithMe coffee, check out a PrintWithMe device and find out how our amenities can help you decrease spend, control costs and create efficiencies - all while elevating the resident experience.
Feel like doing a little recon before OPTECH? Browse the LinkedIn profiles of everyone from WithMe who will be attending:
Make time to dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of the nation’s capital! Washington, D.C. offers a wealth of iconic landmarks, world-class museums and lively neighborhoods.
See the sights:
Enjoy world-class dining:
For even more ideas, check out TripAdvisor’s 3 Days in Washington, D.C. city guide. It’s almost as if it was curated for OPTECH attendees!
Leverage the opportunity to grow your multifamily network!
Exchange contact information with the professionals you connect with during the conference and at networking events - and make it a point to stay connected! Interact with social media posts. Schedule 15-minute “coffee chats” over Zoom. Make time to build relationships.
Also be intentional about scheduling conversations with suppliers and vendors who you think can help add efficiency and drive more value for your business! After all, OPTECH was designed to showcase simplified, integrated, sustainable tech for better performance and communities.
We’re teaming up with our friends at Flamingo, PointCentral, Apartment List and Agua Plus to host the FREE Runtech_5K on October 22! Enjoy stunning views of the city on the scenic race route, which will begin at the Potomac River Waterfront Park (just a few steps away from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center).
Whether you’re sprinting, jogging or taking a leisurely walk, this event is the perfect way to start your day with fellow industry professionals. Enjoy AguaPlus water at the finish line, network with peers and make the most of this unique conference experience.
We encourage everyone to arrive by 6:45 a.m., as the 5K will start promptly at 7 a.m.
Register here.
We can’t wait to connect with you October 21-23 in Washington, D.C.!