In 2021, Jonathan Treble, founder and CEO of PrintWithMe, which provides printing kiosks in multifamily communities and other popular public spaces, got some advice from a client. The client suggested expanding beyond printers to serving up coffee, saying a need existed for a service provider that catered to the industry and spoke the same language.
“As a coffee drinker, I was intrigued by the idea and could see how I could make it better. Over a few months, I realized it would be worth launching a sister company to PrintWithMe,” says WithMe’s Treble. “We already had so many multifamily customers. Our sales teams are in markets coast to coast and having conversations about printers, so why not offer coffee.”
SipWithMe launched at the end of 2021 in Chicago. In just two-and-a-half years, it has expanded to nearly 30 markets, with plans to be in all major metros by the end of 2024.
The difference between a good morning and a great one can often be traced back to a simple, yet pivotal element: the coffee machine in the lobby. Your residents want to wake up (perhaps a little groggy, maybe running late), step into the common area, and be greeted by the perfect cup of coffee. And there's good reason. Plenty of evidence points to the benefits of coffee on your health and well-being. Plus, who doesn't like coffee?
Imagine the toll a subpar coffee machine takes on your residents. Starting their day on a sour note can quickly be traced back to that machine that burned the beans or dispensed coffee so weak, it tasted like dirty water. This turns what could have been a delightful amenity into an overlooked corner of disappointment. Given the high stakes that come with coffee culture today, it's crucial for multifamily property owners to make sure they're not just ticking a box, but elevating their residents' living experience. With this in mind, selecting the right coffee machine becomes an exercise in delighting your tenants, giving them a taste of luxury and making them feel at home.
But with so many options on the market, where do you begin?
The size of your apartment complex plays a critical role in determining the kind of coffee machine that will best serve your residents.
For larger complexes, durability and capacity should be at the forefront of the mind. You'll need a machine that can handle high volumes of coffee brewing throughout the day without compromising taste. You also want one that's fast. If people have to wait in long lines to get their coffee, they'll probably go somewhere else.
On the other hand, smaller complexes might prioritize customization and variety over sheer capacity. For these complexes, it's all about having a machine that delivers the perfect cup every time.
Convenience is king.
A coffee machine that offers fast brewing at the push of a button can be an absolute game-changer for your residents. Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of complicated settings on their coffee makers or wait in line for their morning brew. Look for machines that promise a quick, efficient, and user-friendly experience. You want to enhance the usability of your coffee station, but you don't want people to have to fiddle through a bunch of settings just to find the right one. Even during the busiest hours, your self-service coffee amenity should allow everyone to get their caffeine fix without a fuss.
Coffee preferences are as unique as your residents themselves. From bold espressos to creamy lattes, the ideal coffee machine offers options to suit every taste. Not only should these options be varied, but they should also taste great.
At SipWithMe, our coffee amenities aren't like your standard self-service machine. We offer tasteful machines that allow for customization and give you the opportunity to explore new flavors and brews. These options cater to every taste bud, meaning there's something for everyone.
Never underestimate the power of a visually appealing coffee station. A stylish, modern machine that matches or enhances your apartment complex's aesthetic can make an impact on tours and continue bringing value after move-in.
Especially in the digital age, a beautiful coffee amenity can double as a photo opp or video backdrop. A sleek design, intuitive interface, and even the aroma of freshly brewed coffee can contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that residents will appreciate and look forward to each morning.
Finally, the reliability of your coffee machine sometimes isn't even about the machine itself — it's about the support behind it.
A great supplier should be a partner in making sure your coffee station runs smoothly, with fast responses to issues and regular support to keep the amenity stocked. Having a dedicated provider means less downtime, happier residents, and one less thing for you to worry about.
Bring it all together and create moments of joy, convenience, and community over a cup of coffee from SipWithMe. With SipWithMe, multifamily property managers can elevate their residents' morning routine into a delightful experience that starts every day on the right note. Let us help you make every sip count and form a community of support that starts with the coffee amenity in your apartment complex.
Chicago, IL – May 21, 2024 – WithMe, Inc., a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, including PrintWithMe and SipWithMe, has been named a top supplier company employer in the National Apartment Association's (NAA) 2024 Top Employers Awards.
The awards recognize member organizations that succeed in creating environments focused on collaboration, innovation, and hard work. Nominees are ranked based on a rigorous evaluation process, including an employee satisfaction survey based on Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
“Our team is WithMe’s greatest asset, and being named a top employer in NAA’s prestigious program is a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace,” said Jonathan Treble, Founder and CEO. “This recognition motivates us to continue investing in our employees' growth, happiness, and overall well-being.”
WithMe is a remote-first company with over 70 employees around the globe. In the past two years, the team has grown by over 60%. WithMe employees are dedicated to supporting the company’s innovative coffee and printing amenities, which serve more than 1 million apartment homes in over 4,000 multifamily properties. To learn more about the WithMe team and explore career opportunities, visit withme.com/careers.
About NAA
The National Apartment Association (NAA) serves as the leading voice and preeminent resource through advocacy, education and collaboration on behalf of the rental housing industry. As a federation of 141 state, local and global affiliates, NAA encompasses over 96,000 members representing more than 12 million apartment homes globally. NAA believes that rental housing is a valuable partner in every community that emphasizes integrity, accountability, collaboration, community responsibility, inclusivity and innovation.
To learn more, visit www.naahq.org.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes people’s 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 and meet evolving resident needs for remote/hybrid workspaces while simultaneously 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.
Learn more at www.withme.com.
At the close of each quarter, the entire WithMe team comes together to reflect on the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of the prior three months.
Company and department performance is carefully reviewed and analyzed, laying the groundwork for the goals and areas of focus that will not only guide the quarter that lies ahead, but the remainder of the year.
As a remote-first company, WithMe’s quarterly meeting also provides a valuable opportunity for the full team to interact and recommit to WithMe’s values, which are central to everything we do.
Here are five of our most significant achievements from the first quarter of 2024:
1. We grew our team by nearly 20%.
In response to burgeoning demand for our amenities, we added new talent across sales, operations and human resources.
This continued investment in our team reinforces our commitment to delivering unparalleled service while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
Each new team member brings fresh perspective and expertise, enriching our collective capabilities and propelling us forward on our mission to transform multifamily amenities.
Our team is constantly growing and evolving, and we are always searching for new rockstars who can help us further our mission to make lives better every day. Open opportunities can be found on our careers page.
2. Our PrintWithMe and SipWithMe partner NPS scores remained World Class and Excellent at 79 and 59, respectively.
As one of our core values, customer obsession lies at the heart of everything we do. We routinely survey our clients to not only gather candid feedback about their experience with our amenity solutions, but to gain perspective on the multifamily industry at large.
Achieving World Class and Excellent ratings from our partners reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional experiences, driving us to constantly raise the bar in everything we do.
By prioritizing feedback and staying attuned to partner needs, we ensure that every interaction with our amenities is marked by reliability, efficiency and value.
3. We forged new connections, strengthened existing relationships and gained important perspective on the industry by participating in 23 prominent multifamily conferences and events.
Trade shows, networking events and education sessions serve as dynamic platforms where property management leaders converge to learn, share ideas and cultivate relationships.
For us, these events aren't just about exhibiting our products—they're about listening to our clients, understanding their needs, and collaborating on solutions that elevate their experiences.
Events are also about being at the forefront of discussions surrounding community living. At every event, we gain valuable insights into emerging trends, regulatory changes and evolving consumer preferences, allowing us to adapt and innovate accordingly.
Perhaps most importantly, our presence at trade shows and involvement with apartment associations supports our commitment to building meaningful connections with our partners and industry peers. It's about being part of a larger community—a community driven by a shared passion for enhancing the everyday experiences of residents and on-site teams.
The next time you see us at a trade show or hear about our involvement with an apartment association, know that it's not just about coffee and printers—it's about shaping the future of communal spaces, one connection at a time.
To see a list of upcoming events where you can meet with the WithMe team, visit our events page.
4. We published the inaugural edition of “Partner Perks,” our quarterly client communication, and hosted the first-ever “Partner Power Hour,” a quarterly town hall webinar organized by our client success team.
The rollout of both of these initiatives marked a significant milestone in our journey to enhance our services and increase engagement with our partners.
“Partner Perks” will not only relay important product news and updates, it will also feature seasonal templates designed to help drive usage and maximize ROI.
The “Partner Power Hour” will provide a forum for open dialogue, enabling us to deepen relationships and align our strategies with client needs and expectations.
By finding new and innovative ways to foster a culture of transparency and collaboration, we empower our clients to maximize the value of our offerings and drive mutual success.
5. SipWIthMe users enjoyed nearly 300,000 barista-quality beverages, which equates to five tons of coffee beans!
Beyond mere numbers, this achievement symbolizes the role we play in brightening daily routines and fueling moments of productivity and joy. Whether powering through a morning meeting or enjoying a midday pick-me-up, each cup represents a moment of connection and rejuvenation, underscoring our commitment to enhancing multifamily living experiences one sip at a time.
If you’re interested in bringing SipWithMe to your community, complete our online form, and we’ll reach out to you with more information.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our partners. With the foundation laid in Q1, we look forward to an outstanding year ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to innovate and inspire in the months to come!
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of Multifamily Excellence, Jennifer Staciokas, President of Western Wealth Communities and VP, People and Technology at Western Wealth Capital, recounts how a temporary leasing agent position in college unexpectedly kick-started her illustrious 25-year career in real estate.
Jennifer offers fascinating perspective on how she successfully built Western Wealth Capital’s property management company from scratch in less than 30 days - and in the midst of a global pandemic. From leveraging carefully built supplier relationships to the strategic use of technology, Jennifer shares the tactics that ultimately propelled the company from zero to 17,000 units in less than two years.
Passionate about fostering a people-first culture, Jennifer also shares important insight on successfully striking a balance between the conveniences offered by emerging technology and the irreplaceable value of the human touch.
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Local, Certified Organic coffee now available to residents at participating multifamily communities
CHICAGO, IL - April 30, 2024 - WithMe, a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, is expanding into the San Diego and San Francisco markets with its innovative bean-to-cup coffee solution, SipWithMe. WithMe’s exclusive coffee partner for the region is Groundwork Organic Coffee Roasters, a leader in Certified Organic, ethically sourced specialty coffee.
Through the partnership, residents at participating multifamily communities in three of California’s major markets – Los Angeles and now San Diego and San Francisco – can visit the SipWithMe machine in their common area to access over 20 barista-quality beverages at the touch of a button.
“Following the successful launch of SipWithMe in Los Angeles, WithMe is eager to expand our reach to two additional cities in California,“ said Jim Carbone, Vice President of Operations at WithMe. “With Groundwork’s exceptional coffee, residents in multifamily communities across San Francisco and San Diego will enjoy sustainably sourced, convenient beverages at their fingertips.”
SipWithMe elevates multifamily residents’ living experience with a daily dose of hassle-free coffee and equips property managers with a cost-effective and time-saving amenity solution. Ordering coffee is fast and simple, typically taking less than 60 seconds. The solution’s Cup Allowance feature gives residents free coffee, with limits supporting cost control for the property. Fresh coffee and ingredients are regularly delivered, the machines are monitored remotely, and live support is available seven days a week. Additionally, usage data makes it easy for owners to track return on investment.
“Expanding our collaboration with WithMe exemplifies our shared vision to bring Organic and environmentally friendly coffee to more multifamily communities across California,” said Eddy Cola, CEO of Groundwork. “We’re delighted to see our high-quality coffee products being delivered on a broader scale.”
Groundwork produces Certified Organic, Directly Traded, and Ethically Sourced coffee that meets rigorous quality standards. As a Certified B Corporation, Groundwork’s coffee is produced with innovative, low-emission technology, and it partners exclusively with smallholder farms dedicated to sustainable practices farm to cup.
SipWithMe serves multifamily properties across dozens of U.S. markets, including most major metros. To learn how you can bring SipWithMe to your community, contact WithMe.
About Groundwork Organic Coffee Roasters
Established in 1990, Groundwork’s mission is to ethically source and share exceptional, Certified Organic coffee that inspires people to work hard, dream big, and make an impact in the world. Above all else, Groundwork’s coffee must meet a rigorous quality standard. A proud B Corp, Groundwork only makes coffee that is Certified Organic, Directly Traded and Ethically Sourced. Where they can, Groundwork purchases from farms certified sustainable by Rainforest Alliance. Groundwork is deeply involved in the long process of getting coffee into your cup—from farms to co-ops to the local Groundwork community. They never settle for anything less than the best coffee possible.
For more information about Groundwork Organic Coffee Roasters, visit www.groundworkcoffee.com/.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes people’s 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 and meet evolving resident needs for remote/hybrid workspaces while simultaneously 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.
Learn more at www.withme.com.
Each month, Multifamily Dive highlights new products of interest to the industry across a spectrum of product types and applications, including building products, smart tech features and property management and operations software and services.
Smart coffee service
The SipWithMe coffee machine service by WithMe provides coffee on demand for residents, either free within limits or paid via online checkout, depending on the agreement with the multifamily provider. The machines provide a choice of over 20 beverages, made from locally sourced coffee beans roasted to order, and produce drinks within 60 seconds, according to the company website.
WithMe has partnered with local coffee providers to implement SipWithMe at apartment properties across multiple markets, most recently in Pittsburgh in partnership with The Coffee Tree Roasters.
Fresh, single farm-sourced coffee now available to residents at participating multifamily communities
CHICAGO, IL - April 18, 2024 - WithMe, a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, has launched its innovative bean-to-cup coffee solution, SipWithMe, in the Pittsburgh market. WithMe’s exclusive coffee partner for the region is The Coffee Tree Roasters, a certified family- and woman-owned business serving the finest single farm-sourced coffee from around the world.
Through the partnership, residents at participating multifamily communities in Pittsburgh can visit SipWithMe machines in their common areas to access over 20 barista-quality beverages at the touch of a button.
“Pittsburgh is a city with a long history of quality coffee and has been a target market for SipWithMe for quite some time,” said Jim Carbone, Vice President of Operations at WithMe. “Partnering with The Coffee Tree Roasters will allow us to provide residents with convenient and thoughtfully sourced coffee products on a broader scale."
SipWithMe provides property managers with a cost-effective and time-saving amenity solution to elevate the living experience for their residents. Ordering coffee is fast and simple, typically taking less than 60 seconds. The solution’s Cup Allowance feature gives residents the perk of free coffee, with limits that support cost control for the property. Fresh coffee and ingredients are regularly delivered, the machines are monitored remotely, and live support is available seven days a week. Additionally, usage data makes it easy for owners to track return on investment.
The Coffee Tree Roasters was founded as a single coffee shop in 1993 by father and son Bill and Bill Swoope II in Squirrel Hill, PA. Since then, the company has grown exponentially and has been named Best Coffee Shop on Pittsburgh Magazine’s “The Best of The Burgh” list since 2018.
“At The Coffee Tree Roasters, we believe that coffee is a ritual,” said Jean Swoope, President and CEO of The Coffee Tree Roasters. “Through terroir, the unique sensory experience derived from a single origin roasted coffee that embodies its source, we celebrate our devotion to the highest quality coffees and the farms that produce them. Our roasting team personifies the human element of coffee on its journey from bean to cup. The unification of the two results in the ritual known as your daily coffee; a ritual The Coffee Tree Roasters has been proud to share with our communities for the last 30 years. Having the opportunity to work with SipWithMe, and to be a part of the daily coffee ritual in the communities it serves, aligns with our mission, 'To bring people together in a space where lifelong friendships are forged.' We look forward to a successful partnership."
SipWithMe serves multifamily properties across dozens of U.S. markets, including most major metros. To learn how you can bring SipWithMe to your community, contact WithMe.
About The Coffee Tree Roasters
The Coffee Tree Roasters is a certified woman-owned and operated business bringing customers the finest, perfectly roasted coffees from around the world. The Coffee Tree Roasters family has two simple goals: to serve the freshest single farm-sourced coffees in a space where lifelong relationships are forged and to support the local community by providing learning labs for business and life skills students.
For more information about Coffee Tree Roasters, visit https://coffeetree.store/.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes people’s 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 and meet evolving resident needs for remote/hybrid workspaces while simultaneously 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.
Learn more at www.withme.com.
Innovative multifamily amenity company hires operations leader to bolster and streamline growth
CHICAGO, IL - April 3, 2024 - WithMe, Inc., a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, including PrintWithMe and SipWithMe, has appointed Jeff Lail as Chief Operations Officer. With a two-decade career in the consumer services industry, Lail brings a proven track record of operational excellence to WithMe.
"Joining WithMe is a unique opportunity to apply my skills toward enhancing the company’s operations and work with the most talented leadership team I've ever encountered," said Lail. "The company's dedication to quality and innovative approach to technology set it apart, and I am committed to expanding our footprint while upholding our promise to deliver top-notch services."
Jeff has spent most of his career with Coinstar, where he was instrumental in scaling the North American Service Network to over 18,000 locations and built operational structures for multiple lines of business, new products, and international expansion. He also has extensive experience in capital expense management, cash flow, vendor management, global customer service, and global supply chain.
“Jeff's appointment as Chief Operations Officer marks the beginning of yet another chapter of scaling for WithMe, Inc.,” said Jonathan Treble, Founder and CEO. “With his unparalleled expertise in running kiosk operations at scale, Jeff will drive more efficiencies, maintain and build upon our service excellence, and enable us to launch new geographic markets. With Jeff at the helm of operations, we will continue to set the standard for tech-enabled amenities in multifamily living spaces."
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes people’s 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 and meet evolving resident needs for remote/hybrid workspaces while simultaneously 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 the United 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.
Learn more at www.withme.com.
WithMe’s “Amenities Your Residents Will LOVE” webinar brought together a dynamic panel of multifamily experts to discuss strategies for selecting amenities that align with the unique needs of a resident community.
Here are five key takeaways.
Four classic amenities remain tried-and-true essentials.
Residents love their pets and seek out amenities tailored to their comfort and their well-being (i.e., dog parks, grooming stations, pet-friendly events).
Remote workers continue to want access to comfortable spaces outside their homes that are equipped to enhance their productivity (we have it on good authority that WFH residents love having access to a reliable community printer and a steady supply of great coffee).
Whether it’s a fitness center or dedicated green space, residents need a place where they can stretch their feet and get moving.
From the pool to their unit, residents expect to have access to reliable Wi-Fi throughout the entire community.
You don’t have to have the latest trendy amenity to stand out from the competition.
Having the newest, flashiest amenities may generate a few extra online inquiries or property tours, but there are plenty of opportunities for established properties to maintain an edge. It all comes down to educating yourself on what the comps have to offer - and doing it better.
If a competing community has a tricked out coworking space, figure out what you can do to bring yours up a notch.
If you haven’t updated your fitness center in a few years, invest in buzzworthy equipment, like a Peloton bike or a Hydrow rowing machine.
The next generation of amenities are helping residents create and rejuvenate.
Cold plunges, saunas, recovery rooms and salt rooms are all hot amenity trends, as are virtual sports simulators. Residents appreciate having spaces that feel like a sanctuary, where they can truly relax and unwind.
Creative spaces are also trending. From podcast studios to music recording studios, properties are equipping entrepreneurial, self-starting residents with the tools they need to pursue their hobbies and passions.
Never stop learning. Know the market. Know your comps. Know your residents.
Selecting amenities is an art form - and education is the key to making the right investments.
First, you need to keep a pulse on what’s happening in the industry. The best way to do that is by attending trade shows, getting involved with your local apartment association and having conversations with your peers.
You also need to develop an understanding of what’s trending in your market. Shop and learn from your comps. Find out how established properties are upgrading their existing amenities and discover what cutting-edge options are being offered at new construction communities. And don’t sleep on the marketing materials that local sales reps leave at your front desk. You may uncover your next great supplier partner!
Perhaps most importantly, you need to understand what your residents want and need. Every resident community has different tastes and preferences. Make it a point to routinely poll your residents to identify unmet needs and uncover new opportunities to add value.
If you’ve got it, flaunt it.
With peak leasing season right around the corner, amenities are obviously a key way to attract new residents. But don’t forget about the tremendous impact your amenities can have on the satisfaction and retention of existing ones!
Start by generating excitement at move-in. Take the time to show your new residents what’s available and also provide them with resources that will keep your amenities top-of-mind once they’re settled in. Some tech-savvy properties have started creating virtual guides that make it easy to discover where each amenity is located, what the hours are and how they can be reserved.
Make sure your entire team (including the maintenance crew) is well-trained on all things amenities so they can effortlessly answer resident questions and generate excitement about what the community has to offer.
This may sound like an odd flex, but show off your amenity spaces by using them as the backdrop for events outside their intended purpose. Host a champagne toast in the dog park to celebrate the spread of new mulch. Throw a cocktail hour in the business center. Finding unexpected and unique ways to draw residents to your amenity spaces not only spotlights them, it also fosters interaction and helps build community.
And finally, don’t forget the power of social media. Make it a point to regularly post photos of residents enjoying your amenities to encourage others to use them and to take advantage of everything your community has to offer.
For more expert insight on using amenities to create communities that residents will fall head over heels for, watch the full webinar: