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Simplify & succeed

Learnings, teachings and tips & tricks

Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Sweet Summertime: Fruity Ideas to Engage Residents This July

July is the ultimate month for fruit lovers! So many delicious fruits are in peak season—and with their light, refreshing flavors and high water content, they’re the perfect healthy pick-me-up on hot summer days.

This makes July a ripe opportunity (pun intended!) to host some fresh, fun, and fruit-themed resident events that are as simple or creative as you want them to be.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

40 Things I’ve Learned Since Turning 40

I thought I was ready for 40. I really did.
But it turns out, this milestone came with a little more emotion, a little more wisdom—and a lot more unexpected lessons than I imagined. Some funny, some tender, some hard-earned.
Here are 40 things I’ve learned since turning 40—short, sweet, and straight from the heart. I hope they make you nod, smile, laugh, or feel a little less alone.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Property Managers: Do You Feel Like No One's Really Hearing You?

You repeat yourself five times… and still get asked the same question.
You send a detailed email… and get a “Wait, what?” response.
You lay out expectations clearly… and somehow, things still go sideways.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In fact, this might be one of the most frustrating parts of property management.


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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Eat, Play, Connect: Easy Food-Themed Events for a Festive July

Let’s be honest—food brings people together like nothing else. So why not take advantage of July’s delicious food-themed holidays as a fun and simple way to build connection and community?

Whether you’re planning a full-on event or just keeping it light with themed treats in the office or community room, these bite-sized celebrations offer the perfect recipe for smiles, conversations, and maybe even a little friendly competition. There are tons of options to choose from, but here are a few of my favorite flavorful ways to celebrate summer in July:

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Serious or Silly? How to Protect Your Energy (and Sanity) in Property Management

“Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest.”
— Hermann Hesse

If you’ve spent more than five minutes in property management, you know this truth firsthand: some things are mission-critical… and some things are just plain ridiculous.

One of the greatest skills you can develop as a multifamily professional is the ability to discern the difference. Because let’s face it: not everything is worth the stress.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Shady & Smart: A Sun Safety Celebration

June brings plenty of sunshine—and the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about two important health observances: Cataract Awareness Month and Cancer From the Sun Month. While these may sound like separate concerns, they actually go hand in hand. One of the leading causes of cataracts is sun exposure, and we all know that too much time in the sun can also lead to skin damage or even skin cancer.

This month, consider combining both observances into a fun and educational sun safety program for your residents!


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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Clear, Kind, and Connected: Communication Tips for June

June is Effective Communication Month, making it the perfect time to pause and reflect on how well you’re connecting with your residents. Strong communication is at the heart of every successful property—it builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and helps your community run smoothly.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Make the Most of June: Easy Outdoor Activities for Your Community

June is Great Outdoors Month, the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy outdoor fun before the summer heat kicks into full gear. Whether you have beautiful outdoor space on your property or want to help residents connect with the local community, this month is filled with simple ways to encourage outdoor activity, social connection, and wellness.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Smart Choices for a Healthy Mind: Resident Engagement Ideas for June

June is more than just the start of summer—it’s also Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, making it a perfect time to bring attention to cognitive health within your community. By hosting educational and engaging activities, you can raise awareness, provide helpful resources, and create opportunities for residents to learn how to keep their minds sharp and healthy at any age.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Crunch, Munch, and Sip: What to Eat Fresh This June!

Celebrate National Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Month (All June Long!) 

June is the perfect time to help your residents savor the season—fresh, local, and healthy! Whether you’ve got a thriving community garden or just a few patio plants, this month is all about connecting with nature, boosting nutrition, and having fun with food.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Strides & Smiles: A Community Run Day Celebration

Ready, set... celebrate! June 4th is Global Running Day, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get your community moving—at any pace.

Encourage residents of all ages and abilities to lace up their sneakers and enjoy the outdoors. Walking counts! Even if someone prefers a slower stroll or uses a walker or wheelchair, they can still join the fun with seated warm-up and cool-down stretches—or cheer on neighbors as they move through the course!

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Cheddar Together: A Resident Cheese Celebration

 It’s time to get grate—June 4th is National Cheese Day, and there are so many fun, flavorful ways to celebrate with your residents. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, a cheesy gathering is sure to spark engagement and conversation.


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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Dear New Property Manager: Yes, It’s Hard. But You’re Exactly Where You’re Meant to Be.

If you're in your first few days—or even your first few months—as a multifamily property manager, there's a good chance you've second-guessed your career choice once or twice.

Maybe more.

That’s normal.

This job is not easy. You're managing people, property, paperwork, and pressure... all while trying to keep the peace and hit your numbers. No one really talks about how overwhelming it can feel at the beginning.

But I want you to hear this loud and clear:
Don’t doubt your choices.
You are in this business for a reason.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Sit, Stay, Move! How to Keep Your Dog (and Yourself) Active

 Dog lovers, this one’s for you! Many of us are willing to sacrifice our own comfort for our four-legged companions (who else sleeps on the edge of the bed so their dog can sprawl out in the middle?). If you need an extra push to be active, do it for your pup! Take more walks, play fetch, or even try a dog-friendly workout.

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Rachel Spakes Rachel Spakes

Walk Your Way to Wellness: The Benefits of a Daily Stroll

 Go barefoot in the grass, lace up your walking shoes, and get moving! Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your health. If you can’t commit to daily walks, make it a goal to walk at least 30 minutes today.

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