EPISODE · May 28, 2026 · 52 MIN
56 - The 'Why' Behind Maintenance Practices
from Beyond the Work: Tales in Multifamily Maintenance · host Chris Caramanica
In this episode, host Chris https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caramanica-3b287666/, and industry expert and Chadwell Supply University Director, Nichole Curl https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-curl-7b154638/, share insights on the importance of evolving maintenance training, understanding the why behind the training, and navigating the rapid changes in HVAC technology and regulation. If you're committed to future-proofing your properties and empowering your maintenance teams, this discussion offers critical perspectives.In this episode:- Nichole’s background from anatomy and physiology to multifamily maintenance leadership- The persistent gaps in maintenance training, especially in fair housing and technical skills- The outdated perception of training being solely hands-on and why a blended approach is essential- How industry shifts in HVAC refrigerants and regulations impact maintenance and costs- The importance of understanding the why behind maintenance tasks to improve safety, efficiency, and resident satisfaction- The impact of COVID on HVAC industry transitions and the story of refrigerant development- Strategies for investing in maintenance staff, reducing turnover, and aligning skills with future technology trends- The role of attitude, communication, and the "why" in resident retention and satisfaction- Predictions for the next five years: the future of multifamily maintenance in a fast-evolving industryTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Nicole Curl and Her Journey02:08 From Anatomy to Multifamily Maintenance03:58 Bridging the Gap: Understanding Maintenance and Operations07:28 The State of Maintenance in the Industry12:05 Transitioning Refrigerants: The HVAC Challenge21:30 Recognition and Passion in Training23:09 The Importance of Understanding 'Why' in Training26:25 The Debate on Hands-On Training vs. Conceptual Learning28:13 The Importance of Structured Training31:00 Evolving Skillsets in Maintenance33:31 The Cost of Training vs. Operational Efficiency37:12 First Impressions and Resident Retention39:57 The Impact of Utility Costs on Resident Choices43:59 Investing in People for Long-Term Success47:01 The Future of the Industry: Embracing ChangeThis episode is brought to you by Chadwell Supply https://www.linkedin.com/company/chadwellsupply/Chadwell Supply is the largest privately-owned maintenance and renovations supply company in the United States, exclusively serving the multifamily housing industry from local warehouses across the country. Our success is a direct result of a passion for providing unforgettable service. Chadwell Supply is a knowledgeable, solution-oriented partner our customers know they can trust.To learn more about Chadwell Supply University: https://www.chadwellsupply.com/?utm_source=jennifer_carter&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=multifamily_media_network🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!
What this episode covers
In this episode, host Chris https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-caramanica-3b287666/, and industry expert and Chadwell Supply University Director, Nichole Curl https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-curl-7b154638/, share insights on the importance of evolving maintenance training, understanding the why behind the training, and navigating the rapid changes in HVAC technology and regulation. If you're committed to future-proofing your properties and empowering your maintenance teams, this discussion offers critical perspectives.In this episode:- Nichole’s background from anatomy and physiology to multifamily maintenance leadership- The persistent gaps in maintenance training, especially in fair housing and technical skills- The outdated perception of training being solely hands-on and why a blended approach is essential- How industry shifts in HVAC refrigerants and regulations impact maintenance and costs- The importance of understanding the why behind maintenance tasks to improve safety, efficiency, and resident satisfaction- The impact of COVID on HVAC industry transitions and the story of refrigerant development- Strategies for investing in maintenance staff, reducing turnover, and aligning skills with future technology trends- The role of attitude, communication, and the "why" in resident retention and satisfaction- Predictions for the next five years: the future of multifamily maintenance in a fast-evolving industryTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Nicole Curl and Her Journey02:08 From Anatomy to Multifamily Maintenance03:58 Bridging the Gap: Understanding Maintenance and Operations07:28 The State of Maintenance in the Industry12:05 Transitioning Refrigerants: The HVAC Challenge21:30 Recognition and Passion in Training23:09 The Importance of Understanding 'Why' in Training26:25 The Debate on Hands-On Training vs. Conceptual Learning28:13 The Importance of Structured Training31:00 Evolving Skillsets in Maintenance33:31 The Cost of Training vs. Operational Efficiency37:12 First Impressions and Resident Retention39:57 The Impact of Utility Costs on Resident Choices43:59 Investing in People for Long-Term Success47:01 The Future of the Industry: Embracing ChangeThis episode is brought to you by Chadwell Supply https://www.linkedin.com/company/chadwellsupply/Chadwell Supply is the largest privately-owned maintenance and renovations supply company in the United States, exclusively serving the multifamily housing industry from local warehouses across the country. Our success is a direct result of a passion for providing unforgettable service. Chadwell Supply is a knowledgeable, solution-oriented partner our customers know they can trust.To learn more about Chadwell Supply University: https://www.chadwellsupply.com/?utm_source=jennifer_carter&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=multifamily_media_network🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations! 📰 Sign up at https://www.multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!
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56 - The 'Why' Behind Maintenance Practices
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