Dear Readers,
Dear Valued Readers and Partners,
As we stand on the threshold of 2025, I am thrilled to share with you the exciting plans and vision for Planet Media in the coming year. Our commitment to connecting brands with their target audiences and providing essential resources for property management and vendor professionals remains stronger than ever.
Vendor Guide- Expanding Our Reach
Vendor Guide operates in Minnesota as part of its multi-state publication strategy, offering a comprehensive directory for property management professionals. The publication connects vendors and service providers specifically for multi-family and commercial properties in the state.
• Provides Multi-Family and Best Of editions targeting property management professionals
• Offers an online platform at VendorGuideOnline.com for searching vendors
• Covers over 90 service categories relevant to property management
• Connects apartment managers with skilled professionals experienced in multi-family industry nuances
The online platform serves as a search destination for apartment managers seeking vendors across various service categories, including apartment painting, roofing, renovation, tech installation, and more. Vendors can join the platform to become part of their trusted network and potentially reach property management professionals in Minnesota.
Brand Star Solutions
As an integral part of Planet Media, Brand Star Solutions continues to be a cornerstone of our operations. In 2025, we’re enhancing our offerings to provide even more value to our clients:
• Custom Company Stores: The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring a smooth shopping experience for all employees.
• Custom Branding: Expanding our range of custom-branded apparel and marketing materials.
• Digital Marketing: Strengthening our digital design services, including website design and social media graphics.
• Online Store: Implementing an improved online store solution for easy access to branded merchandise. Our Minnetonka, MN-based team is committed to delivering high-quality products with a convenient 10-14 day turnaround time.
ResidentConnex.com
Started in late 2024 in Fargo, ND, 2025 will see us further developing ResidentConnex.com, in new markets. Our innovative community engagement platform:
• Our program is unique in that it combines print, loyalty cards, the website, push notifications and use of your digital screens (where applicable) that will give residents a wide variety of discounts and special offers.
• The program allows apartments and management companies to offer a low cost amenity to residents that sets them apart from their competition.
Looking Ahead
As we embark on this journey into 2025, we’re filled with optimism and excitement. The media landscape is evolving rapidly, and we’re committed to staying at the forefront of these changes. Our goal is not just to adapt but to lead, setting new standards in B2B media and advertising.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to our loyal readers, dedicated advertisers, and hardworking team. Your support and trust have been the cornerstone of our success, and we look forward to serving you even better in the coming year.
At Planet Media, we’re not just observers of industry trends; we’re active participants in shaping the future of property management and service providers. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to innovate, inform, and inspire. Here’s to a prosperous and ground breaking 2025!
Sincerely,
Scott Holgate Planet Media
14, Issue 1
The Vendor Guide is published by Planet Media. The publisher accepts no responsibility for errors in, or omissions of, content. Circulation: If you would like to advertise in The Vendor Guide or have questions, please contact Scott Holgate. If you want to be added or taken off the mailing list, please call 952.460.0305.
By-line articles are published with the permission of credited copywriter or advertiser. The publisher accepts no responsibility for errors in, or omissions on, any article in the magazine or online at www.VendorGuideOnline.com.
Advertiser gives Planet Media permission to use and publish logos and photos both in print and online at www.VendorGuideOnline.com either obtained from advertiser’s website, email or photos taken by representative of Planet Media.
Advertiser’s specials or discounts are at the discretion of the advertiser and are subject to change without notice. Planet Media is not responsible for any offers made by an advertiser in this publication. All rights are reserved by copyright, 2011-2025, Planet Media.
Discover the Greater Red River Apartment Association (GRRAA), a trusted pillar in the rental property and apartment management industry across Fargo–Moorhead. Join us at the Greater Red River Apartment Association (GRRAA) and become part of a dynamic community dedicated to setting the industry standard for quality and service in rental property management. Elevate your business, connect with industry leaders, and make your mark on the rental property landscape.
Connecting Residents With Local Businesses
Resident Connex: Apartment Residents Unique Gateway to Community Rewards!
Provide this program and allow your residents access to specials, deals and exclusive offerings from local businesses.
Join a thriving network of businesses dedicated to enhancing your residents living experience. Your residents will love you! Sign up now to offer this low cost amenity.
Connex Cards.
• Exclusive membership program for all existing & future residents. Stand out by featuring your business on the backside of the card.
Connex Guide.
• A bi-monthly publication in the hands of thousands of residents. Full & half page ads available. Limited premium placement! Front & back covers.
Connex Online.
• A dynamic website hub providing up to the minute specials, deals & offerings. Featured & premium placements available.
Connex Screens. (Where Applicable)
• Digital HD displays located in high traffic areas. Static & video ads available.
Experienced / Professional / Proactive
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Financial Excellence
PRG delivers peak financial performance through strategic market insights, cost-effective expertise, timely vendor partnerships, and transparent financial management.
Efficiency and Growth
PRG leverages cutting-edge technology for streamlined operations and expert marketing strategies to boost income and enhance property value.
Exceptional Resident Experience
PRG excels in delivering resident satisfaction through a skilled team, 24/7 emergency support, striving for exceptional customer service. Experience the power of
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North Dakota Apartment Industry
Celebrates Excellence in 2024
The North Dakota apartment industry recently honored its top performers and outstanding contributors at two prestigious award ceremonies in 2024.
NDAA State Convention and Awards
The North Dakota Apartment Association (NDAA) held its 41st Annual State Convention & Trade Show on September 18-19, 2024, at The Grove Convention Center. The event, themed “Challenge Yourself More in 2024,” featured educational sessions, networking opportunities, and a highly anticipated awards ceremony.
Attendees celebrated as the NDAA recognized exceptional individuals and organizations in the state’s rental housing industry. The awards highlighted achievements in property management, leasing, maintenance, and overall community excellence. Winners demonstrated outstanding commitment to their profession and significantly contributed to the industry’s growth and development.
GRRAA Awards Banquet and Ceremony
On December 11, 2024, the Greater Red River Apartment Association (GRRAA) hosted its 2nd Annual Awards Banquet & Ceremony at Golf Addictions in Fargo. The event brought together professionals from across the local apartment industry to honor top performers in various categories.
The GRRAA awards showcased the best practices and innovations in the Red River Valley’s rental housing sector. Winners were applauded for their dedication to providing high-quality housing and exceptional service to residents.
Both ceremonies served as a testament to the hard work and dedication of professionals in North Dakota’s apartment industry. The events not only recognized individual and organizational achievements but also inspired others to strive for excellence in their respective roles.
Congratulations to all nominees and winners at both the NDAA and GRRAA awards. Your contributions have set new standards of excellence in the North Dakota apartment industry and will undoubtedly inspire others to reach greater heights in the coming year.
NORTH DAKOTA APARTMENT ASSOCIATION
MERIT AWARDS
MERIT AWARDS
Brittany Anderson, Prairie Property Management
of the
Eddie Burns, Goldmark Property Management Leasing Agent of the Year
Bobby Kiefert, MetroPlains Management
of the Year.
Trevor Gilleshammer, Goldmark Property Management
Manager of the Year.
Lisa Gefroh, Property Resources Group
Randy Gitlestad, Campbell Properties Regional Manager of the Year
Ashlee Gossett, Enclave Property Management Property Manager of the Year.
Aaron Fatland, Prairie Property Management
Technician of the Year
Jacinto Garza, Collective
Supervisor of the Year
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 monthend turnovers. Our goal is to deliver excellence while also simplifying the process for property managers. The most costly unit is a vacant one!”
Of Weyer Companies’ continuously expanding team, around 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 aims for 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 BIA of Fargo Moorhead and Better Business Bureau accredited. 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.
• Commercial & residential
• Interior & exterior paint & staining • Apartment & rental painting • Full drywall services (hang, tape, texture, or repair)
• Cabinetry, enameling, or millwork coatings (doors, trim, wall paneling, crown molding, etc.)
Connecting residents with quality rental properties for numerous years! Our property management services extend across a diverse range of locations. Including, Fargo, Grand Forks, Wahpeton, Beulah, and Watford City, South Dakota and various western Minnesota locales. Within our portfolio, you’ll find a wide spectrum of properties, catering to both budget-conscious renters and those seeking upscale accommodations.
Welcome to Archer Investment & Management
Locally-Owned, Family-Operated Management company located in Fargo ND, currently managing in ND & MN. Your satisfaction is our priority.
From property maintenance and association fee collections to compliance issues, Archer Investment & Management is here to take care of your community. We take the headaches out of HOA management while improving your community and communications.
Since 2010, Planet Media has partnered with hundreds of companies to create strong brand identities and expand their market presence. What began with advertiser-driven print publications—still a cornerstone of our business—has grown into a full suite of brand-building solutions, backed by the strength and diversity of our family of brands.
From print services and marketing platforms to signage, apparel, promotional items, and graphic design, we offer everything you need to elevate your brand. Each member of our brand family specializes in delivering innovative solutions, ensuring a seamless experience tailored to your unique needs.
At the heart of it all is our unwavering commitment to customer service, driven by the “can-do” attitude that defines every step of our sales and fulfillment processes. It’s our business to grow yours.
Welcome to Planet Media and our family of
We are committed to delivering quality and exceptional service at every point of your experience.
Thank you for supporting our business by letting us grow yours!
Navigating Minnesota’s New Resident Screening Law: Compliance, Risks, and Solutions
As of January 1, 2025, Minnesota’s residential property managers are subject to new applicant screening requirements brought by the state’s statute 504B.241. This law redefines how information must be collected, verified, and used, raising the bar for compliance and placing new demands on property managers and their screening providers. The statute introduces significant changes that require greater diligence during the screening process. Key components include:
• Complete and Accurate Reporting: Screening reports must now include full names, dates of birth, and specific case outcomes when court records are used. This ensures that reports are comprehensive and accurate.
• Timely Data Verification: Those who are screening residential rental applications must verify the updated status of court files using the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) within 24 hours before issuing a report.
• Fair Application Review: Applicants cannot be denied based on preliminary or incomplete information, such as pending eviction actions, non-public or expunged records, or cases that have not resulted in a writ of recovery and order to vacate.
Failure to comply with these updated requirements poses significant risks to property managers and their operations. If procedural errors or outdated information cause applications to be denied, property managers and owners will be legally exposed. But even when a screening system ensures that the new requirements are met, if the process to do so is not managed efficiently the result may be delayed approval decisions, applicant frustration, and resulting vacancy loss.
Unfortunately, heavily automated screening service widgets, including those that serve as add-on components within a rental community’s property management software system, often lack the flexibility and rigor to meet the new law’s demands. Due to the limited human oversight inherent in these types of systems, they are not equipped to interpret nuanced court outcomes. In addition, meeting the 24-hour verification requirement may be beyond the capabilities of static or batch-processing systems.
And finally, one-size-fits-all solutions cannot adapt to the unique compliance needs of individual properties or regions, including those under the jurisdiction of this redetermined law in Minnesota.
For these reasons, property managers must determine whether their current screening provider can adequately address the law’s requirements and if not, they should make a change. The right partner can help its customers meet the statute’s requirements efficiently while also maintaining high standards of accuracy and timeliness. But time is of the essence, because the new law is already in place.
According to Kirk Peterson, Chief Operating Officer at Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based Rental Research Services, “Addressing the challenges created by the updated law requires more than most systems can provide. Rental Research Services understands the unique needs of the multi-family industry on a market-by-market basis, uses real people to vet information whenever necessary, and ensures our reporting is accurate, nuanced, and compliant with the law.” Peterson added, “Our company does more than deliver reports— we proactively communicate with our customers to make them aware of important changes before they happen. We also act as an advocate for the interests of multi-family owners and managers, engaging with and educating lawmakers who many not understand the needs of our unique industry or how their actions may adversely affect it.”
While the updated statute introduces challenges to Minnesota property managers, it also offers an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to fairness, compliance, and community wellbeing. Adopting customized, compliant screening practices not only mitigates risks but also builds trust with residents and applicants. By addressing these changes proactively and partnering with a trusted screening provider, property managers can navigate Minnesota’s evolving legal landscape with confidence. This approach not only protects property managers and owners, but also positions them as leaders in professional and fair resident screening practices.
Some of the Key Benefits of Company Stores:
• Easy Product Selection: No more wading through spreadsheets and cumbersome backand-forth with your supplier.
• Easy to Promote: Easy to share with your employees.
• Easy Control, Easy Approval: Choose from pre-approved items with pre-approved artwork.
• Easy to Order!
