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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Multifamily residents nationwide can now enjoy barista-quality coffee at the touch of a button
CHICAGO, IL - June 5, 2024 - WithMe, a leader in technology-enabled amenities for multifamily communities, has announced the national expansion of its innovative bean-to-cup coffee solution, SipWithMe.
This expansion represents a major milestone for SipWithMe, which launched in select markets in late 2021. To date, SipWithMe solutions have been installed in hundreds of communities across 30 markets. Now, multifamily properties in most major U.S. metros can bring the amenity's premium coffee experience to their residents.
"SipWithMe’s nationwide accessibility is a huge accomplishment that reinforces our mission of making people's lives better through convenient amenity solutions," said Jeff Lail, Chief Operations Officer at WithMe. "We can now rapidly meet growing demand and bring the SipWithMe experience to multifamily communities in every corner of the country."
SipWithMe eliminates the hassle of daily coffee runs for residents and property staff. The intuitive machines brew 20+ beverages in under a minute, using freshly roasted craft coffee and the highest-quality flavor powders. Residents enjoy the perk of free drinks, up to a set monthly allowance controlled by the property.
SipWithMe’s integrated technology ensures a seamless experience, with remote machine monitoring and live support available seven days a week. Robust data and analytics also enable properties to easily track usage and quantify the valuable amenity's return on investment.
To learn how you can bring SipWithMe to your community, contact WithMe. You can also visit WithMe at the National Apartment Association’s Apartmentalize conference in Philadelphia from June 20-21 at booth #1810.
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, as well as a 2023 Inc. Power Partner and a 2024 NAA Top Employer.
Learn more at withme.com.
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.
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.
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.