Starting any business can be a challenging endeavor, but in the competitive world of tech, bootstrapping a business on your own, without the help of investors, can be a big mountain to climb. The reward of being your own boss and having full control over the future of your company, however, can be a major incentive for those aspiring entrepreneurs willing to put in the work.
But before you jump in, consider the following 20 tips from the business experts of Forbes Business Council. From building a strong foundation to embracing persistence, they share key insights into building a business the right way from the start.
Embrace Persistence
For entrepreneurs looking to bootstrap their tech startup, it's essential to have a strong vision and the patience to see it through. Embrace persistence, and be prepared to reinvest your funds to continually improve the business. Seek advice from seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated this path to avoid common pitfalls and leverage their experiences for your success. - Jonathan Treble, WithMe, Inc.
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Multifamily Excellence, we explore the inspiring journey of Tony Sousa, Vice President of Marketing Relations at RPM Living - a journey that challenges traditional career paths and underscores the power of effective leadership.
Join us as Tony shares how his unconventional career path shaped a leadership style that’s anything but ordinary. His ability to blend resilience, adaptability and emotional intelligence isn’t just a by-product of his experiences; it’s a deliberate strategy that has set him apart in an industry driven by routine. Tony’s knack for seeing challenges from multiple angles allows him to connect deeply with his team, sparking creativity and innovation in ways conventional leaders often miss.
Throughout the episode, Tony shares how understanding the challenges faced by employees at every level has empowered him to lead with empathy and clarity. His firsthand knowledge of a wide variety of roles allows him to create environments where creativity and problem-solving thrive.
But Tony Sousa’s story isn’t just about his past; it’s about the lessons we can all apply to our futures. He offers deep insights into strategic career planning, the courage to seize new opportunities, and the importance of viewing adversity not as a setback, but as a stepping stone toward growth. Whether you’re leading a team or charting your own career path, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you approach leadership, opportunity and success.
Listen in and discover how to lead effectively, inspire those around you, and turn every experience—positive or negative—into a catalyst for growth.
CONNECT WITH TONY
SUBSCRIBE TO MULTIFAMILY EXCELLENCE
Chicago, IL – August 13, 2024 – WithMe, Inc., a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, including PrintWithMe and SipWithMe, has been ranked #1,229 on Inc. 5000’s 2024 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. WithMe ranked #1,492 in 2023, #1,371 in 2022, and #659 in 2021.
To qualify for the Inc. 5000 list, companies must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, independent, and have generated a minimum of $2 million in revenue the previous year. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Companies on the 2024 list are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023.
“WithMe’s inclusion in the 2024 Inc. 5000 is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Jonathan Treble, Founder and CEO of WithMe. “Our rapid growth over the last few years is a direct result of a passionate, hardworking team that’s committed to providing high-quality amenity solutions that are convenient, create efficiencies and help control costs for multifamily communities nationwide.”
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.
WithMe now boasts installations in almost 5,000 locations nationwide. The company services over 2 million apartment homes and 80% of the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2024 Top 50 Managers. WithMe continues to grow, achieving a 15-fold increase in revenue since 2019, and expanding its team by over 60% since the close of 2022.
To learn how you can bring WithMe’s amenity solutions to your residential community, visit withme.com/contact-us. If you’re interested in joining the WithMe team, visit withme.com/careers.
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 while decreasing spend, controlling costs, and saving time for staff. PrintWithMe powers printer amenities and staff solutions at thousands of multifamily, cafe and coworking locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe, now 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.
Learn more at withme.com.
About Inc.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.
For more information, visit inc.com.
In today’s multifamily landscape, amenities play a pivotal role that goes beyond attracting and retaining prospective residents. The right amenity package can enhance residents’ daily experience, nurture a thriving sense of community and ultimately increase the asset’s overall value.
By thoughtfully outfitting an asset with the right amenities, property owners and operators can cater to today’s renters’ live-work-play and remote-work lifestyles.
In the competitive multifamily housing market, offering top-notch amenities can significantly increase your chances of standing out while also boosting resident satisfaction and retention.
One amenity that should never be overlooked is offering residents and property management staff convenient and reliable printing solutions. Choosing the right print management partner is the first step in ensuring that residents and staff benefit from these important services.
Selecting the right print management vendor is about more than just installing printers; it's about building a partnership that aligns with your property's goals and meets the evolving needs of your residents and staff. A good print management vendor understands the unique dynamics of multifamily housing and offers innovative and adaptable solutions.
This includes staying ahead of technological trends by integrating the latest advancements to enhance the user experience. Modern printer amenities should offer mobile printing options, cloud-based document access, and secure printing features that protect sensitive information. Working with a print management vendor like PrintWithMe assures you’re continuously adapting to meet the growing expectations of tech-savvy residents.
Every resident's printer usage and technological abilities look different, from students requiring frequent printing and professionals working from home to residents with occasional printing needs. PrintWithMe’s intuitive and accessible solution ensures all residents can effortlessly print from their mobile devices or laptops without any technical difficulties or delays.
In addition to ease of use, the right print management partner understands the importance of security and privacy. Offering secure printing options where residents can release their documents only when they are physically present at the printer adds a layer of trust and confidence when using the service, further enhancing the resident experience.
For property managers, PrintWithMe’s hands-free approach means that once the service is set up, it requires little to no intervention from the property team. From device monitoring to ensuring supplies are always on hand, the right partner handles the bulk of the logistics. This allows managers to focus on their primary responsibilities—building relationships and increasing occupancy—while still providing a high-value amenity to residents.
Moreover, PrintWithMe helps control costs by eliminating the potential for amenity overuse and misuse. With features that monitor usage and ensure supplies are adequately managed, property managers can offer a reliable service without unexpected expenses or resource depletion. This proactive management ensures that printing services remain a value-added amenity, rather than becoming a source of frustration for both residents and staff.
Additionally, partnering with an expert that prioritizes data privacy can help property managers ensure their printing solution meets ever-evolving regulations, mitigating the financial and reputational risks of non-compliance. Unlike other solutions, the PrintWithMe process encrypts all uploaded documents and permanently deletes them once the print job is complete. Secure release technology also provides an additional safeguard, ensuring that documents remain protected and out of unauthorized hands.
PrintWithMe is more than just a print management service; we are a print management partner that understands the multifamily housing industry. We focus on providing convenient and hassle-free print solutions for residents and property managers. By choosing PrintWithMe, multifamily owners and managers can enhance their amenity offerings without the burden of maintenance or oversight.
For more information on how PrintWithMe can enhance your property’s amenities, contact us today.
CHICAGO, IL - July 16, 2024 - WithMe, Inc., a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, celebrates its 10-year anniversary this month. Founded in 2014 by CEO Jonathan Treble in his Chicago apartment, WithMe has grown exponentially over the past decade.
Today, WithMe employs more than 70 professionals across five countries. The company’s innovative PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions can be found in thousands of multifamily communities nationwide, serving more than 2 million people.
"When I started WithMe 10 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the magnitude of impact our amenities would have on the multifamily industry," said Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO of WithMe. "What began as PrintWithMe, a convenient printing solution, has evolved into a suite of modern, tech-enabled amenities that redefines how multifamily professionals meet the amenity needs of today's residents. I am extremely proud of our team and thankful for loyal clients who had the courage to test our solutions and then saw the value in expanding to most of their portfolios.”
WithMe's journey began with the launch of PrintWithMe, a pay-per-use, wireless printer station targeting cafes and public spaces. Shortly after launch, Treble discovered his self-serve printing concept had the potential to solve significant problems facing the multifamily industry.
In response to feedback from property managers, Treble and team developed proprietary Print Allowance technology to address amenity misuse and uncontrollable consumption. Print Allowance gives property managers the ability to limit the number of free pages each resident can print and automatically charge them for any overage.
Inspired by the striking similarities in the challenges posed by offering printing and coffee services in residential spaces, WithMe found a way to adapt their Print Allowance technology to coffee machines. In early 2022, SipWithMe was launched; it is a revolutionary coffee amenity that offers more than 20 roast-to-order, barista-quality beverages made with craft-roasted coffee and dispensed by reliable, easy-to-use devices.
Similar to PrintWithMe’s Print Allowance technology, SipWithMe’s Cup Allowance technology allows property managers to control how much coffee each resident drinks. Flexible packages offer options ranging from a few cups a month to unlimited usage.
PrintWithMe and SipWithMe have been widely praised by both residents and property managers and are trusted by 80% of the 2024 NMHC Top 50 Managers.
“SipWithMe is a multifamily manager's dream coffee amenity. They have nailed what property managers care about: quality coffee drinks, rapid servicing to reduce site team headaches, and options to implement the service with a fixed monthly fee,” shared a Senior Regional Manager at Willow Bridge Property Company.
PrintWithMe is equally valued, with a manager from Bozzuto sharing, “PrintWithMe is, hands-down, the best solution for resident printing in multifamily. Their unique 'Print Allowance' system helps control costs and aligns with our sustainability goals.”
To learn how you can bring WithMe amenities to your community, contact WithMe.
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 while decreasing spend, controlling costs, and saving time for staff. PrintWithMe powers printer amenities and staff solutions at thousands of multifamily, cafe and coworking locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe, now 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 three consecutive years, as well as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner and a 2024 NAA Top Employer.
WithMe was proud to be the driving force behind one of 90+ amazing educational sessions at Apartmentalize 2024, powered by the National Apartment Association!
For Culture Counts! Secrets to Hiring, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent, we recruited (pun intended) three culture experts to lead a dynamic conversation on cultivating a thriving workplace culture that fosters engagement and retention.
Moderated by our founder and CEO, Jonathan Treble, the interactive panel presentation featured expert insight from David Danish (SVP, Revenue and Marketing at LivCor), Julie Escanilla (SVP, Talent Acquisition at Bozzuto) and Jennifer Novack (Managing Director, Co-Head of Real Assets at Sheffield Haworth).
If you weren’t able to attend, here are a few key takeaways from the enlightening discussion that took place.
In a service-oriented industry, like multifamily, people are the most important asset.
It’s people who deliver on your brand promise, so adequately investing in those people is essential.
At LivCor, that investment is made by proactively looking for ways to develop talent. Leadership works diligently to help team members cultivate skills that support both short- and long-term success. Never assuming they know what motivates their humans or the ways they wish to grow, growth conversations are always two-way and collaborative. Team members who outgrow their roles are encouraged to explore new positions that engage their interest and empower them to succeed.
Clearly defining job expectations and collaboratively developing growth paths can help employees feel seen and valued as individuals. Encouraging employees to explore new roles as they grow helps proactively develop talent.
A magnetic culture starts at the top.
Leaders who prioritize and embody the company's values create a positive, cohesive environment that resonates throughout all levels. By demonstrating commitment to cultural initiatives and consistently communicating the importance of culture, leadership can inspire employees to fully engage and align with the organization's goals. This top-down approach ensures that culture isn't just a set of guidelines but an integral aspect of daily operations, driving productivity, satisfaction, and long-term success.
Culture is a living, breathing essence that has to evolve with people and what matters to them.
The world is constantly changing, and so are the demands of customers and employees. As a result, company culture should be viewed as an ongoing effort rather than a fixed state. Businesses must regularly assess the strengths and weaknesses of their culture and keep a pulse on employee sentiment. Initiatives should be responsive to the feedback and needs of the workplace.
Even though culture should evolve over time, it’s essential to stay true to a set of core values. At Bozzuto, for example, the company’s culture is deeply rooted in the organizational values established at its founding. However, the way these values are expressed and discussed has evolved. The company consistently returns to their "true north," but they communicate it in ways that resonate with current circumstances.
Creating an engaging and inclusive workplace culture requires intentionality and discipline.
The importance of clearly and consistently communicating the company's shared mission and values cannot be overstated.
One effective strategy for achieving this is linking recognition to core values, which encourages team members to embody the company’s principles and perform at their best. WithMe, for example, has implemented a #kudos Slack channel where employees can recognize peers for exemplifying the company’s values. The People Team has even created custom emojis to represent each value, adding a fun and visual element to the recognition process.
On the converse, core values can also be reiterated when providing candid feedback. At LivCor, values are integrated into Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) to help employees understand how to align with the company’s expectations and cultural standards.
Consistently referencing core values when offering recognition and feedback reinforces their importance in everyday actions and long-term development.
Consider your brand as a place to work - not just a place to live.
In multifamily, organizations are often so focused on building their consumer brand that they neglect to develop an employer brand that nurtures current and future employees.
To attract top talent, organizations should invest in the development of a strong employee value proposition (EVP). The EVP should clearly define, in writing, what makes a workplace unique and what differentiates the employee experience. Most often, the EVP is closely tied to the company culture - that special something that keeps people loyal. However, it it can encompass other standout things as well - business growth, career advancement opportunities, employee benefits, well-being programs, and corporate social responsibility.
This EVP can then be leveraged to create employment marketing campaigns that effectively convey the company culture. A well-designed website and high-quality assets should be part of those campaigns. Top-notch candidates will spend significant time researching a company to determine if it's where they want to invest their time and energy.
No matter how much money or time is invested in building an employer brand, the narrative will never entirely be in your control due to platforms like Glassdoor, where professionals are empowered to candidly and anonymously share their true feelings about employers. As recruitment expert Jeff Hyman emphasizes, you must address internal culture issues before you can recruit rockstars. Generating more positive reviews than negative ones takes time and intentional effort.
Defining your brand as a place to work and understanding how that connects to themes that resonate with your employees can be foundational to company culture, internal messaging and positive employee sentiment. It can also be used externally to convey the employee experience to job seekers, marketing the company as a place to work.
An efficient recruitment process, with clear communication and timely feedback, creates a positive candidate experience and ensures the company attracts the best talent.
A common bottleneck in multifamily recruiting is the interview stage. Hiring managers often find their schedules consumed by addressing owner, resident, vendor and employee concerns.
To streamline this process, it is crucial to predetermine who will conduct the interviews, ideally limiting the number to no more than two people. Securing commitments on turnaround times is also essential. Interviewers should set aside 1-2 hours each week specifically for candidate interviews. This proactive approach enables recruiters to swiftly schedule interviews, maintaining momentum and fostering a positive candidate experience.
Employing a multi-dimensional interview process sets the candidate and the organization up for success from day one.
LivCor’s interview process intentionally exposes candidates to other departments. This approach introduces potential hires to LivCor’s internal diversity of talent, as well as the avenue of opportunities that will be presented to them. Additionally, it helps get buy-in from adjacent departments, and when multiple stakeholders are on board with a hiring decision, it ultimately sets the candidate and the organization up for success from day one.
Understanding and addressing trends in turnover is crucial for retention.
No matter how skilled a recruiting team is at bringing in top talent, organizations will struggle if they can't retain these employees.
That’s why it’s critical to take the time to study and identify trends in turnover. Are specific job families or types of workers experiencing higher attrition rates? Are team members leaving due to poor work-life balance, toxic company culture, or lack of growth opportunities? Would the employee experience improve by upskilling managers to become better people leaders?
Be candid with your existing team members about the turnover trends you discover - and commit to following up. Communicate an action plan and provide updates on your progress at regular intervals.
Diversifying your population requires more than a simple recruiting strategy - it demands a comprehensive approach.
Junior positions, which inherently turn over faster, somewhat naturally diversify. When LivCor committed to diversifying at all levels, they quickly realized that goal was a completely different lift that required extreme intentionality. It’s not just recruiting strategy - it’s where you advertise, the language in the position descriptions, the interview process, responses to answers and the onboarding process. If true diversity is your goal, a comprehensive process has to be devised and executed.
As we wrap up our recap of the "Culture Counts! Secrets to Hiring, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent" session at Apartmentalize 2024, it's clear that cultivating a thriving workplace culture is both an art and a science. Our expert panelists shared invaluable insights into the importance of investing in people, defining and evolving company culture, and creating an engaging environment that supports both personal and professional growth.
From proactively developing talent to ensuring that leadership embodies and communicates core values, the session underscored that a magnetic culture starts at the top and requires continuous effort and adaptation. By staying true to foundational values while responding to the evolving needs of employees, organizations can build a culture that drives engagement, satisfaction and long-term success.
We hope these takeaways inspire you to evaluate and enhance your own workplace culture. Remember, creating an inclusive and thriving environment is a journey that demands intentionality, communication and a commitment to the people who make your organization what it is.
As a multifamily property manager, owner, or developer, selecting amenities that benefit your residents and staff while not hurting the bottom line is an ongoing balancing act. The amenities decision can’t be taken lightly—the wrong offerings are wasted expenses, while the right ones elevate the resident experience and the community’s perceived — and real — value.
Apartmentalize 2024, powered by the National Apartment Association, is just around the corner. Boasting more than 90 educational sessions and a seemingly endless array of networking opportunities, figuring out the best way to maximize your time can be daunting. But don’t fret. We’ve got you covered with 8 tips to ensure you have a great experience:
1. Come on, get app-y.
Well before you ever leave for Philadelphia, familiarize yourself with the Apartmentalize 2024 app, available for iOS and Android.
Before using the app, you’ll need to create a myNAA Planner account using your registration email address and the ID number from your Apartmentalize confirmation.
Once you’ve created a myNAA account, you can log in to the app, and you’ll be able to look up education sessions, exhibitors and activities and add them to your itinerary.
At the conference, you can use the app’s interactive map to find exhibitors, access session handouts and even take notes.
2. Educate yourself.
NAA has carefully curated more than 90 different educational sessions that feature over 250 industry experts and span a multitude of topics, including maintenance, operations, leasing, affordable housing, marketing, leadership and industry trends.
Take time to thoroughly read through all of the session descriptions and identify the ones that address your current pain points or cover topics you’re interested in learning more about.
For guidance on building a great corporate culture that fosters engagement and retention, be sure to add Culture Counts! Secrets to Hiring, Engaging and Retaining Top Talent to your itinerary! WithMe’s CEO and Founder, Jonathan Treble, will be moderating the panel on June 21 from 11 a.m. - 11:50 a.m. in Location 114. The session will feature expert insight from LivCor’s David Danish, Bozzuto’s Julie Escanilla and Sheffield Haworth’s Jennifer Novack.
3. Dress for success and to impress.
Most attendees will be in business casual attire. The days will be long, so be sure you’re comfortable, but also remember you’re representing your organization - and yourself! Take pride in your appearance.
Conference floors and meeting rooms can get chilly. Dress in layers
to be sure you’ll always be comfortable.
Wear comfortable shoes. Enough said.
4. Pack your bags.
Be sure you always have these two items with you during the conference:
5. Get social.
NAA does an incredible job populating their social profiles with helpful information. Before heading to the conference, be sure you are following #Apartmentalize on Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter or Instagram. Lean into the conversation on your favorite platform for an insider’s view of what is trending before, during and even after the conference.
6. Be flexible.
This may initially strike you as an impolite gesture, but if a session is not working for you, it’s okay to leave! NAA actually encourages that mentality!
Find another session that interests you. Meet up with peers outside the conference room who want to network and engage in dialogue about other topics. Invest your time wisely!
7. Visit the WithMe team (and all of the other amazing vendors)!
Fuel up with a cup of delicious SipWithMe coffee (featuring beans from La Colombe, a Philly favorite) and find out how WithMe’s amenities can help you elevate your resident experience, save staff time and hassle, decrease your spend and control costs.
Here’s where you can find us:
Booth 1810
Thursday, June 20: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
June 21: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Prefer the VIP treatment? Schedule a time to meet with us here.
Feel like doing a little recon before Apartmentalize? Browse the LinkedIn profiles of everyone who will be attending:
We clearly like to toot our own horn, but seriously, take the time to visit with vendors that interest you. You will likely uncover new products and services that can help you elevate your property and improve operations!
8. Channel your inner Rocky Balboa.
We’re teaming up with our friends at Flamingo to co-host the FREE “Feel The Love” 5K on June 20! Enjoy an invigorating run or brisk walk on a scenic out-and-back trail that will take you along historic Boathouse Row and conclude with a triumphant climb up the iconic Rocky steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art!
Even if you don't want to run or walk the full 5K, we still encourage you to stop by to take a photo at the Rocky steps, enjoy some light refreshments and connect with your industry peers!
We encourage everyone to arrive by 6:45 a.m., as the 5K will start promptly at 7 a.m.
Register here.
9. Mix and mingle.
Apartmentalize offers ample opportunity to mix and mingle with your multifamily peers. Attend as many social events and receptions as you can. Not only will you be rewarded with free food and cocktails, you'll be able to build relationships with your multifamily peers and gain important perspective on the industry.
Call us biased, but we think year's hottest social event is going to be the rooftop happy hour hosted by WithMe, Flamingo, Tourus and Boom at LVL North on June 19.
Enjoy a glass of wine, cocktails and refreshments - all set to the soothing sounds of our DJ and live jazz singer.
Whether you’re looking to network, relax before the big expo day, or simply enjoy the ambiance, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with other multifamily industry professionals in a chic rooftop setting.
RSVP here.
We can’t wait to connect with you June 19-21 in Philly!
Whether you’re flying in early, staying for the weekend or just sneaking in some sightseeing in between sessions, we’ve compiled a list of the must-see attractions in the City of Brotherly Love!
Philadelphia is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, culture and culinary delights. From iconic landmarks to a thriving arts scene, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie or an art enthusiast, Philadelphia has it all.
Here are some of the must-see attractions that make Philadelphia a top destination for travelers from around the globe:
1. Independence National Historical Park
No visit to Philadelphia is complete without exploring Independence National Historical Park, the birthplace of American democracy. Here, you can see iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were debated and adopted. Don't miss the opportunity to view the famous Liberty Bell, an enduring symbol of American freedom.
2. Philadelphia Museum of Art
Art aficionados will delight in the vast collections housed within the Philadelphia Museum of Art. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of artistic expression throughout the ages. If you feel like channeling your inner Rocky Balboa, join WithMe and Flamingo for the Feel The Love 5K on June 20, which will conclude with a triumphant run up the museum's iconic steps for a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
3. Reading Terminal Market
For a culinary adventure like no other, head to Reading Terminal Market, one of America's oldest and largest public markets. Here, you can sample a diverse array of foods from around the world, including Philly cheesesteaks, Pennsylvania Dutch delicacies, and fresh Amish produce. With over 80 vendors to choose from, there's no shortage of delicious options to satisfy your appetite.
4. Eastern State Penitentiary
Step back in time with a visit to Eastern State Penitentiary, once the most famous and expensive prison in the world. This eerie, yet fascinating attraction offers guided tours that provide insight into the harsh realities of 19th-century prison life. Explore the crumbling cell blocks and learn about the prison's infamous inmates, including Al Capone.
5. The Barnes
Art and nature converge at The Barnes, home to one of the world's finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings. Founded by Dr. Albert C. Barnes in 1922, this institution boasts works by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse. The museum's tranquil gardens provide the perfect backdrop for contemplation and reflection.
6. Philadelphia Magic Gardens
Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of mosaic art at Philadelphia Magic Gardens, a visionary art environment created by artist Isaiah Zagar. Spanning half a block, this labyrinthine masterpiece features intricate mosaics made from recycled materials, including ceramic tiles, bottles, and bicycle wheels. Wander through the maze of colorful passageways and discover hidden treasures at every turn.
7. Fairmount Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to Fairmount Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Spanning over 2,000 acres, this expansive green space offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. Don't miss the chance to explore the park's historic landmarks, including the Please Touch Museum and the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.
8. Philadelphia Zoo
Embark on a wild adventure at the Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo and home to over 1,300 animals from around the world. Explore immersive exhibits such as Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve, and McNeil Avian Center, where you can get up close and personal with majestic creatures from lions to lemurs.
9. Franklin Institute
Feed your curiosity at the Franklin Institute, a world-renowned science museum dedicated to inspiring a passion for learning through hands-on exploration. Discover interactive exhibits on topics ranging from space exploration and robotics to the human body and virtual reality. Don't miss the chance to walk through a giant heart or explore a full-scale replica of the International Space Station.
10. Spruce Street Harbor Park
Relax and unwind at Spruce Street Harbor Park, a vibrant waterfront oasis nestled along the Delaware River. This seasonal pop-up park features hammocks, floating gardens, and colorful LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Grab a bite to eat from one of the food vendors or enjoy a refreshing drink at the waterfront beer garden.
11. Rittenhouse Square
Experience the charm of Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, a picturesque park surrounded by elegant brownstones, upscale boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined pathways, admire the ornate fountains, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved urban oasis. During warmer months, the square hosts outdoor concerts, farmers' markets, and art festivals.
12. Philadelphia City Hall
Marvel at the architectural grandeur of Philadelphia City Hall, an iconic landmark that dominates the city skyline. Designed by architect John McArthur Jr., this magnificent building features intricate stonework, soaring arches, and a colossal bronze statue of William Penn atop its clock tower. Take a guided tour to explore the historic interiors and learn about the building's storied past.
13. LOVE Park & Visitor Center
The LOVE sign in Philadelphia stands as an iconic symbol of the city's spirit of unity and inclusion. Located in the heart of Center City, this vibrant installation features the word "LOVE" in bold, colorful letters, with the letter "O" replaced by a red heart. Originally created by artist Robert Indiana for the 1976 bicentennial celebration, the LOVE sign has since become a beloved landmark and a popular spot for photos, serving as a testament to Philadelphia's enduring message of love and brotherly affection.
14. WithMe's Apartmentalize Booth
Stop by WithMe's Apartmentalize booth (#1810) to marvel at the beauty of our SipWithMe and PrintWithMe devices! Get an up-close look at a printer and craft the perfect cup of (FREE) coffee with our SipWithMe device (which will feature three blends from La Colombe, a Philly favorite).
From its rich history to its vibrant cultural scene, Philadelphia captivates visitors with its eclectic mix of attractions. Whether you're exploring iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell or immersing yourself in the city's thriving arts scene, Philadelphia offers a memorable experience for travelers of all interests. So pack your bags and prepare to discover the endless wonders of the City of Brotherly Love.