Fargo Best of Edition by Planet Media

MULTI-FAMILY

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES & SUPPLIERS

Dear Readers,

As apartment managers, you are tasked with the challenging responsibility of minimizing vacancies while maintaining and improving the living experience for your residents. One crucial aspect of achieving this goal is selecting the right suppliers and service providers to work with. When it comes to managing your properties, partnering with vendors who specialize in the multi-family housing industry can be a game-changer.

One of the most compelling reasons to work with specialized vendors is their deep understanding of multi-family dynamics. Unlike generalists, multi-family specialists are well-versed in the unique challenges that come with managing apartment communities. They understand the importance of resident and owner satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and the need for efficient and cost-effective solutions. Whether it's maintenance, renovations, landscaping, or floor coverings (just to name a few), these vendors are equipped to tailor their services to the unique demands of apartment communities. This level of customization ensures that your property is well-maintained, and that resident satisfaction remains high.

Multi-family vendors also understand the unique communication requirements of our industry, such as coordinating with residents, property owners, and maintenance teams. They can streamline these communication channels, making your job as an apartment manager much more manageable. But ultimately, the satisfaction of your residents is the key to success in apartment management. Multifamily housing suppliers know this and are well-equipped to provide services that enhance the quality of life for residents, contributing significantly to their overall satisfaction which leads to higher retention rates and positive word-of-mouth referrals.

Planet Media and Vendor Guide are excited to bring you this “Best of” edition of the multi-family Vendor Guide for the greater Fargo, Moorhead, and Grand Forks areas. The vendors who we are featuring in this issue have proven success in serving our specialized industry. They are committed to working with you to improve, preserve, and maximize the full revenue potential of your apartment communities. We hope you will find an opportunity to build a new, beneficial partnership with one of these exceptional multi-family vendors.

Sincerely,

Scott Holgate Planet Media Scott@planetmediamarketing.com

A New Look and a Fresh Approach: Planet Media and Its Family of Brands

By: Natalie McClory

Rebranding a company is a major decision that requires careful consideration and planning. Planet Media, a marketing solutions company based in the Twin Cities, recently decided to undertake this endeavor. The company’s efforts included designing a new corporate logo, as well as developing sub-brands to streamline the company’s various offerings under one brand umbrella. According to Planet Media’s President Scott Holgate, “We have been fortunate to grow our business over the years, frequently and strategically adding new products to our service offering. Earlier this year, we decided to look at everything we do and create a new brand image that better encompasses all the elements of our company’s services.”

As the company’s parent brand, Planet Media’s new logo was built around the familiar red star image that has been a symbol of its identity for over a decade. The new look invokes motion, which suggests growth and progress, both of which are key elements in the company’s business philosophy. Once established, Planet Media’s new brand and visual identity became the starting point for the development of its sub-brands.

Planet Media’s flagship offering, the Vendor Guide, is the company’s first sub-brand. The Vendor Guide logo will continue to be the one that has become familiar to multi-family professionals over the years. Holgate says, “The look of the Vendor Guide has not changed, but we are very excited about the evolution happening within the brand. We are making significant upgrades to the Vendor Guide’s online listings platform that will transform the way we connect multi-family vendors to apartment management professionals” The new functionality can be seen at VendorGuideUSA.com.

The second sub-brand, Brand Star, includes the products and services that help Planet Media’s customers bring their brand to the forefront of their own marketing efforts. This includes promotional products, apparel, signage, and print products. According to Holgate, “We chose Brand Star because it captures the essence of what our business is all about. That is, helping our customers’ brands stand out and shine. Plus, the new logo features a star, which is an important

element in Planet Media’s identity. We wanted our new family of brands to feel cohesive and related, and we think the Star in Brand Star helps us do that.” Brand Star has a new online destination, BrandStarSolutions.com.

The third sub-brand under the Planet Media umbrella is Contact Point, the newest offering in Planet Media’s family. Contact Point automates connection, communications, and engagement for its customers as they strive to reach their target audience. It includes tools such as website development and hosting, digital outreach including email marketing and social media integration, call tracking, SMS communications, reputation management and much more. Contact Point services can be bundled and purchased as one comprehensive solution, or customers can choose and invest in the individual Contact Point product or products that meet their needs.

According to Cody Becker, Planet Media executive, “Contact Point not only automates the engagement between our customers and their target audience, but it does so at one, low price point.” Becker added, “Contact Point customers can easily adjust their marketing strategies based on easily accessible and actionable data, captured in a single dashboard.” Contact Point’s logo includes the red star image, making it easily recognizable as a Planet Media subbrand. Contact Point’s website can be found at ContactPointPro.com.

Holgate explained, “We feel that the new look of Planet Media and its sub-brands give our company a better visual representation of who we are and how we serve our customers. Our tagline is ‘It’s our business to grow yours,’ and that is the common theme connecting our brands. We plan to continue to innovate, and now we can do so within the structure of a cohesive identity. Choosing a new logo and creating our sub-brands has been a significant decision, but one that we know will benefit us. We invite our customers to reach out to us to learn more about our family of brands, and to discuss all the exciting ways we can help them grow their businesses.” To learn more about Planet Media, visit its newly redesigned website at PlanetMediaMarketing.com.

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Want to Increase Your Tub-Appeal?

People love playing detective whenever they look at apartment listings. When they see an important detail omitted – say, for example, a shower curtain drawn so it conceals the tub and tiles – they’ll know something is up. And more often than not, they’re right.

As a property manager, you should be proud to showcase your units’ bathrooms. And now you can, for less than you may think! Moreover, you can have tubs and showers that require next to zero maintenance and look immaculate for years and years. If this is what your property needs, call TubFusioN today.

“When I founded TubFusioN in 2006, most Twin Cities resurfacing companies only repainted old bathtubs,” said Mike Wall. “A fresh coat of paint can look okay for a little while, but it won’t take long before the surface begins to peel and flake.

TubFusioN Meets AquaWalls

“We certainly can repair and resurface your tile walls, but many times a different solution is needed. That’s why we became a premier preferred dealer of AquaWalls.

“We didn’t have to develop the perfect fix for shower walls, because AquaWalls did the hard part for us. The American-made shower wall system is made entirely out of acrylic, so it has exceptional resistance to fading, cracking and abuse. The 8’ panels run from floor to ceiling to protect the underlying drywall from moisture, and install directly over old tile to conceal its discolored grout lines as long as it still has structural integrity. Otherwise we can demo and install a new backer board.

“AquaWalls are available in a wide range of patterns and colors that mimic real marble

and tile. AquaWalls panels are 60% less expensive to install than traditional tile, and they last longer. They’re also backed by a ten-year manufacturer’s warranty, although they’re certain to last indefinitely. Best of all, maintaining them only requires an occasional wipedown. To say I’m a fan would be an understatement.

“Property managers have to minimize the time spent on renovations and maximize their budget on turns. We understand that, which is why they love our fast, quality process. The time to complete an AquaWalls installation, tub refinish and new single handle faucet is less than 24 hours. We have solutions for class A, B and C properties as well as hotels.

“We provide a five-year workmanship warranty on all the work we do for apartment communities, which is much longer than the industry standard of one to three years. Our callback rate during our 17 years in business is less than 1%, and most of those jobs were touch-ups after renters who can generously be described as ‘overly enthusiastic about bathing’ moved out.

“We never treat a project as just another door. Whether we’re restoring a couple of bathtubs at a Section 8 property or perfecting several hundred showers at a Class A apartment community, we’re going to do our best work. And in the unlikely event that TubFusioN ever fails to completely satisfy, we’ll return right away to set things right.”

TubFusioN’s fleet of trucks is standing by to make all of your apartment community’s surfaces like new again. Receiving your free quote is as easy as texting a photo! You can learn more about the locally owned and operated refinishing company by calling (701) 409-2428 or visiting tubfusion.com.

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Technology’s Impact on the Construction and Restoration Industries: Are You the Steamroller or the Road?

By: Larry Borgen

The construction and restoration industries, like many business sectors, have experienced significant technological changes in recent years. Successful companies enthusiastically seek innovation, survivors grudgingly accept it, and those who can’t or won’t change inevitably go the way of the dinosaur. “Whole Earth Catalogue” editor Stewart Brand said it best, “Once a new technology rolls you over, if you’re not a part of the steamroller, you’re a part of the road.”

But driving the “steamroller” isn’t for the timid. Technological changes require heavy investment not only in hardware and software, but also for the people who use it. Since the Information Age began, people have either embraced or resisted change. There are great rewards for those who proactively implement technological advancements. Adopters experience increased productivity, streamlined processes, enhanced efficiency, better customer service, and improved safety among many benefits that augment overall outcomes. Major technological improvements include:

� Building Information Modeling

� Prefabrication and Modular Construction

� Drones and Robotics

� 3D Visualization, Augmented and Virtual Reality

� Mobile Apps and Communication

� Internet of Things/General Technological Innovations

Let’s examine these different technologies and how they are impacting contractors and their customers.

Building Information Modeling:

This is a digital facsimile of a building’s physical and functional characteristics which helps

contractors in the collaborative planning, design, and construction processes. Gamers will easily recognize this technology. There are obviously practical uses for it also. By using this software, architects, engineers, and construction workers can work collaboratively. This reduces errors, minimizes rework, and optimizes resource allocation. By visualizing this technology, planners get valuable project insights before work begins, resulting in more informed, better decision-making and streamlined workflows.

Prefabrication and Modular Construction

Most have observed buildings constructed with separate pre-built large panels. It’s almost like watching a kid put together Legos. These building components are built offsite (prefabrication) and then transported to the actual job site. Advanced manufacturing technologies enable this construction to minimize waste. These methods also enhance safety, by reducing exposure to on-site hazards. The new processes provide greater flexibility and adaptability, which makes it easier to modify or expand structures as needed.

Drones and Robotics

We think of drones as being relatively new technology, but history shows unmanned aerial vehicles have been around for centuries! Only recently, however, have they been adopted for cost effective usage in business. There are many practical uses. Talk to any property adjuster, and you’ll hear scary roof climbing stores, some involving permanent injury. Drones can now capture high resolution images and videos of jobsites providing real-time data of damage, work progress, site physical conditions and possible safety considerations. While drones won’t completely replace a trained human eye, they are a welcome tech tool. Robotics and automation can perform repetitive and hazardous tasks which lessen injuries and costly workers compensation claims.

Continued from Page 11

3D Visualization, Augmented and Virtual Reality

Remember 3D movies? They’ve been around for decades fascinating us with their threedimensional images. But old technology required funky glasses to experience it. Digital advances have changed all that. Disney has reinvented 3D in their theme parks, resulting in droves of excited visitors. Now that same technology has applications in the construction and restoration industries.

Matterport Inc. is a company that offers 3 D cameras to transform the way professionals assess, document, and communicate restoration projects. In technology before 3D, workers faced challenges in assessing the extent of damage accurately and documenting it comprehensively. Using a 3 D camera, estimators can create a digital replica of the affected property, capturing every inch in a matter of hours. This allows them to examine the damage from all angles, leading to more precise assessments and comprehensive documentation. Some insurance adjusters don’t even visit the site, instead relying on remote visual documentation provided by the camera to do their adjustments. This creates efficiency and cost savings.

Augmented and virtual reality technology can allow experts to overlay digital information onto the physical environment. Virtual reality allows immersive training experiences without ever leaving the office. The images simulate realworld conditions and identify potential issues before construction commences. Professionals can “walk through” virtual models of projects. Effective strategies can then be brought to bear beforehand resulting in significant efficiencies.

Mobile Apps and Communications

Remote communication started with smoke signals. Then came the telegraph and phone. Today we have mobile applications and software that allow professionals to collaborate more effectively. The pandemic has increased usage.

Today, we routinely use technology to share vital information, updates and images instantly. Mobile apps can be used to access digital documentation, client data and other resources resulting in cost savings. Teleconferencing software is not particularly new, but many of us were introduced to Zoom during the pandemic. It’s now mainstream.

Internet of Things/General Technology Innovations

The internet of Things (IoT) is a network of interrelated devices that connect and exchange data with other IoT devices and the Cloud. Devices are typically embedded with technology such as sensors and software and can include mechanical and digital machines and wearables. IoT devices can monitor equipment performance, track worker movements, driver behavior and gather data on environmental conditions.

Today, companies continue to leverage technology in many other ways. Contractors and insurance companies make use of such software programs as Xactimate and Symbility that are used to estimate construction costs in damage repair and rebuilding.

Change or Die?

If history teaches us anything, change is inevitable. The legendary Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” Famous American business leader Jack Welch put it more bluntly: “Change before you have to.” As technology advances, leading companies find ways to leverage and harness it to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance safety, and provide better customer service. One can wax nostalgic about the good old days, when business was much simpler and unrushed, but spend too much time doing it and the world will pass you by.

Larry Borgen is Sales Manager with Lindstrom Restoration.

Weyer Companies Exemplifies Commitment to Clients and to Community

As the end of the year approaches, many multi-family property managers plan projects that help them achieve their expense goals while updating the aesthetics of their communities. Whether your needs are related to apartment turns or common area improvement, it’s a good time to reach out to your service providers to discuss your opportunities and timelines. One area to consider is property painting. Weyer Companies is a multi-family painting partner serving the greater Fargo-Moorhead and Grand Forks areas. Its crews are professionally trained in residential, commercial, and multi-family interior and exterior paint, drywall, taping, millwork services and specialty wallcoverings. For over a decade, Weyer Companies has helped property owners with aesthetic repairs, fit-ups, remodels, and comprehensive commercial contracts. Weyer Companies’ unique culture, its commitment to developing long-term partnerships with its clients, and its systematic approach to execution sets it apart as the industry’s go-to leader in property painting.

Shawn Weyer established the business as an LLC in 2012, building on skills he began developing as a teenager and later, during his time as a student at North Dakota State University. Weyer explains, “Over the years, I cultivated strong relationships with numerous property owners, successfully completing their painting projects. I dedicated myself to expanding our team and client base, fostering continued growth.” Weyer added, “Today, we stand out by not only mastering our skills but also tailoring processes to meet our clients’ exact needs. We’ve closely listened to our clients and asked challenging questions. We take pride in understanding ownership’s expectations to deliver ‘rent-ready’ spaces quickly, especially during month-end turnovers. Our goal is to deliver excellence while also simplifying the process for property managers.”

Of Weyer Companies’ continuously expanding team, now nearing 50 employees, only a handful have backgrounds in painting. But that’s by design; the company’s training program allows it to shape and develop its painting technicians to its own expectation, systems and processes. Weyer Companies looks for employees who align with and embrace its core values, which are Teamwork, It Factor, Accountability, Reputation, and Trust. According to Weyer, “We are honored to be a part of the trade industry and are committed to taking trade skills and changing them into careers within our company.”

Importantly, Weyer Companies trains its technicians to serve the nuanced needs of its multi-family clients. In fact, the company has a dedicated team of painters, including crew leads, that focus solely on apartment painting. Additionally, Weyer has created an effective system of processes, procedures and tools that supports workflow optimization for the industry, which includes utilizing software that streamlines communications and scheduling. Weyer has also developed its own Standard Operating Procedures which ensure consistency, accountability, and quality in every job they complete. Through the work of its Client Relations Coordinator,and backed by this exceptional operational infrastructure, Weyer sets itself apart from the competition before a paintbrush ever touches the wall.

Weyer’s dedication to its core values extends outside of the organization as well. Weyer Companies is proud to be a part of the Fargo-Moorhead community and has supported various nonprofits and local charities over the years, including Golden Drive Homeless Kids, Homeward Animal Shelter, Giving Hearts Foundation, and Fargo Hometown Heroes to name a few. “I firmly believe that supporting our community isn’t just a good idea, it’s a responsibility we have,” stated Shawn Weyer. “When we invest in organizations like these, we’re investing in the well-being of the people who support our business. We want to be a part of building a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.”

Weyer Companies is a proud member of HBA (Home Builders Association)/HBC (Home Builders Care) of Fargo Moorhead and holds an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Weyer Companies’ commitment to meeting tight timelines and adhering to rent-ready standards has been a proven benefit to its clients. Weyer explains, “We are the trusted partner you can rely on, making us the one-stop solution for all your multi-family property painting needs.”

For more information, visit www.weyercompanies. com, and to contact Weyer Companies to discuss your property painting needs, call 701-317-5828 or email info@weyercompanies.com today.

& residential

Interior & exterior paint & staining • Apartment & rental

• Full drywall services (hang, tape, texture, or repair) • Cabinetry, enameling, or millwork coatings (doors, trim, wall paneling, crown molding, etc.)

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