The Good Mood Marketing Podcast: Recent Episodes
Good Mood Media
Marketing should be fun, and at Catalyst, we believe it can even put you in a good mood! Katie, Thomas, and Christy get together in each episode along with a guest expert to talk about agency culture, traditional and digital real estate marketing trends, and impact marketing. In a world that can all too often dwell on the negative, join us as we shine some light on the good.
Welcome back to Season 3 of the Good Mood Marketing™ podcast! In this episode, our hosts are joined by Sarah Johnson, National Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy, to take a behind-the-scenes look at the recent rebranding of Lincoln Property Company's residential division to Willow Bridge.
Tune in for an engaging conversation as Sarah shares insights into the symbolism, history, and culture that shape the Willow Bridge name and brand identity. From the collaborative efforts with marketing agency IDEO to the active involvement of employees at every turn, every element of this rebranding journey is a fascinating blend of art and strategy. We also discuss how the Willow Bridge team successfully revealed the new identity to clients and team members, the timing and intricacies involved with a nationwide rebrand, as well as some fun insights along the way.
We’re excited to welcome back two very special guests to the Good Mood Marketing Podcast, David Williams and Kristen Poteet with Entryway (formerly known as Shelters to Shutters)! Entryway has been a long time for-purpose partner with Catalyst, and our latest venture with the Entryway team has been working together on their rebrand. Kristen and David walk through the process of their rebrand efforts through their eyes alongside the Catalyst team, and speak to the power of their mission, vision, and purpose driven branding. Learn more about the Entryway team and their partnership with Catalyst by listening today.
The Art of Development
When it comes to building out a new brand, specifically for new community developments, timelines are everything. From discovery, to ground breaking, to grand opening – every layer of marketing collateral has purpose and value in achieving occupancy before your community opens its doors. Presidium’s Director of Marketing, Joanna Nosewicz, is an expert when it comes to new development marketing. Listen today to learn more about Presidiums’ up and coming developments and marketing strategies.
Joanna Nosewicz
Joanna Nosewicz has been in the real estate industry for just under nine years, and began her career with LMC, now known as Corterra. She then moved on to work for Redwood Capital Group, then into her current role with Presidium and handles all marketing efforts for Presidium’s communities. Learn more about Joanna’s experience by listening today.
The Rental Renaissance
On this episode, the #gmm crew talks through all things related to single-family homes and townhomes vs. apartments alongside Roger Daniel, founder and president of DMG Management. In the current real estate landscape, specifically rentals, both the #gmm crew and Roger have noticed the trends of residents gravitating toward rental homes in search of privacy, green spaces, and more. But how has this shifted the way marketers and property owners advertise without traditional amenities? Find out by listening today.
Roger Daniel
Roger Daniel is the founder and President of Daniel Management Group and is responsible for the day-to-day management and leasing of a portfolio consisting of more than 2,000 units around the broader Midwest. Prior to creating DMG, Roger held various positions in multifamily leasing, property management, acquisitions, and brokerage. Learn more about Roger’s expertise and background by listening today.
A Good Mood Welcome
We have a special episode this week welcoming our newest employee, Ben!
Ben Koester has joined the Catalyst team as our new Director of Digital Strategy. Our Good Mood crew had the chance to chat with Ben about his past experience as a digital marketer, agency culture, digital trends, and more. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!
Ben Koester
Ben has been working in the digital marketing space for more than 9 years. As Catalyst’s Director of Digital Strategy, Ben leads the development and management of integrated digital media plans, working alongside both our internal team and clients to consistently strategize and elevate performance. Learn more about Ben’s expertise by listening today.
At Catalyst, our values are at the core of why we do what we do. In our latest episode, Christy, Thomas, and Katie sit down to take an indepth look into each of our core values (Integrity, Passion, Intelligence, Mojo, and Empathy), and explain how our team meetings are split up among houses under each value. Our hosts go on to voice the positive impact of how team members are able to come together during these meetings through the process of teamwork, discussion, and a chance to give back. Learn more by listening today.
In part two, Christy, Thomas, and Katie continue their conversation on ChatGPT with Carmen Erdie, Web Developer at Catalyst. AI continues to be a hot topic in multiple industries, and one area of AI still remains a mystery to everyday users: Just how far can AI go? Find out by listening today.
Carmen Erdie
Carmen has been working with the interactive team as a Web Developer at Catalyst for almost three years. She builds websites with the user in mind. Carmen focuses on accessibility and usability, and is always looking for ways to improve her craft. Listen to today’s episode to learn more about Carmen’s expertise.
**In this episode, Christy and Thomas sit down with Carmen Erdie, Web Developer at Catalyst, to discuss one of the hottest topics in marketing: ChatGPT. This form of generative AI has a hold on the industry in multiple ways with its power to generate content for copy, social media captions, slogans, blog topics, and even travel recommendations for your next vacation. While the sky’s the limit with ChatGPT, where do we draw the line on implementing this in our careers and everyday lives? Find out by listening today.
Carmen Erdie
Carmen has been working with the interactive team as a Web Developer at Catalyst for almost three years. She builds websites with the user in mind. Carmen focuses on accessibility and usability, and is always looking for ways to improve her craft. Listen to today’s episode to learn more about Carmen’s expertise.**
In this episode, Christy, Thomas, and Mark from The Lone Star Podcast team up with our very own Allison Diep, Brand Strategy Manager at Catalyst, to talk through all things on trend for marketing in 2023. From content creators to renting by choice, redefining amenity spaces in apartment communities, highlighting the art and culture from previous generations, and more, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Allison Diep
Allison Diep has been working with the creative team as a Brand Strategy Manager at Catalyst for almost three years. She’s responsible for managing and supporting relationships with clients and any brand-related projects, including website launches, brand guides, naming, logos, and more. Find out more about Allison’s experience by listening today.
In this episode, Christy and Katie from Good Mood Marketing sit down with our very own Amber Pasquarelli, Visual Designer at Catalyst. From web design, to copywriting, to creating compelling video content — Amber just about does it all. So when it comes to wearing many creative hats, it’s important to also have a flexible work schedule and prioritize work/life balance. Listen today to learn more about Amber’s experience and our team’s views on balancing deadlines and life outside of work.
Amber Pasquarelli
Amber Pasquarelli has been working with the creative team as a Visual Designer at Catalyst for almost three years. She’s responsible for creating compelling campaign artwork, video content, and ad copy for a variety of clients. From student living, to multifamily, all the way to senior living collateral – her creative genius knows no bounds. Listen to learn more about Amber’s expertise and insights on marketing agency culture.
In this episode, the Good Mood Marketing trio sits down with Mike Whaling, President and Founder of 30 Lines. Since 2008, Mike has been building his business to help apartment marketers stay top of mind for prospects, both online and in person. Mike’s take on brand marketing is next level, from key perspectives he’s picked up on from other industries, incorporating ChatGPT into his business, future trends in multifamily, and more. Check out our latest episode to find out about Mike Whaling’s industry knowledge.
Mike Whaling
Mike Whaling has been in the industry long before he founded 30 Lines in 2008. He’s been helping businesses connect with potential customers through social media, SEO, web design, and more. Mike is known for always thinking one step ahead and has a handle on marketing trends before they become mainstream, including ChatGPT. Listen to our latest episode to learn more about Mike and 30 Lines.
In this episode, the Good Mood Marketing trio sits down with Tony Sousa, VP of Operations at RPM Living. Tony walks us through his journey starting as a leasing consultant in the multifamily industry, and his experience in both operations and marketing. He even shares a bit of his acting past and social media expertise with the crew! Learn more about Tony’s journey by listening to our latest episode.
Tony Sousa
Tony Sousa is Vice President of Operations at RPM Living. Tony began his career by working as a leasing consultant, building himself up to his current role. His true-grit approach to learning about multiple sides of the industry and his entrepreneurial mindset have given him the success, knowledge, and tenacity he shares with our audience today.
In this episode, the Good Mood Marketing trio sits down with Jenn Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Operations at Cardinal Group. From grassroots beginnings to vice president leadership responsibilities, Jenn has seen just about every corner of the real estate and student housing world. Jenn is also one of the masterminds behind the W Collective — an initiative led by women, for women, to help foster confidence in their leadership abilities. Find out more about Jenn Cassidy’s experience by listening here.
Jenn Cassidy
Jenn Cassidy is Senior Vice President of Operations at Cardinal Group. Jenn began her career by working on site at several student housing communities, then began to grow into corporate-level leadership with Campus Advantage. She’s a big proponent of self-growth, leadership, and understanding the why behind company initiatives. Jenn has also helped launch the W Collective, an organization that helps women navigate leadership in real estate's male-dominated industry.
In this episode, the Good Mood Marketing trio sits down with Kristy Johnson, a 14-year veteran in the real estate marketing space. Rejoining the Catalyst team as Director of Brand Strategy, Kristy dives into how Catalyst’s culture drew her back to the agency, walks us through the importance of the relationship between onsite teams and customer experience, and how everyone should pay attention to one common theme in branding: Identity. Find out how all of these factors affect the human experience in the fast paced world of real estate.
Kristy Johnson
Kristy Johnson works at Catalyst as Director of Brand Strategy. She oversees the team responsible for leading, shaping, and driving the development of clients’ brand identities. In her 14 year career, Kristy has navigated the real estate industry from residential to multifamily to student and more, with extensive experience in the marketing agency space working with major national brands inside and outside of real estate, and has now made her way back onto the Catalyst team.
Have you ever been online on your phone and been frustrated by pop-ups you can’t click out of? We have! “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination,” and while most people know it in reference to building accessibility, it’s equally as important on the web.[1] In this episode, Daniel Russo, Technical Director at Catalyst, joins us to discuss why accessibility online is important and how it can be achieved — to a degree, at least. With trends changing daily and the constant desire for businesses to have the most cutting-edge look and feel, accessibility is something that’s not one and done — you have to regularly retest to ensure everyone is able to use your website. After all, it’s 2023 here, people!
Daniel Russo
Daniel is the Technical Director for Catalyst, overseeing our interactive department. In addition to developing websites, Daniel works closely with a team of developers and our search engine optimization (SEO) specialist to deliver beautiful websites combined with an excellent user experience. His goal is to always surprise and delight, using his nerd magic to turn tons of aggregated data into valuable intel. In his time at Catalyst, Daniel has helped manage the launch of more than 50 websites for our clients while simultaneously developing dashboards for clients to see live data results at the touch of a button.
[1] “The Americans with Disabilities Act.”ADA.gov, https://www.ada.gov/.
As Chief People Officer of Campus Advantage, Dan Oltersdorf wears many hats — HR, training, DEI, and emergency response to name a few. Join us as we discuss with Dan how he has learned to help the crew row in unison through both glassy and rough waters at the intersection of brand promise, HR, and training.
As Dan’s learned in the office and out on the water, the difference between basic and advanced is how well you do the basics on a repetitive basis.
What has us in a good mood as we close out the year? 2022! Good mood marketing doesn’t just happen… between fully embracing the Gold Standard, navigating remote work, and highlighting mental health initiatives, it’s been a busy and fulfilling year. Join us for a chat with the full leadership team of Catalyst to talk about the highs from the year as we go into the holidays and look forward to 2023.
Guest Speakers:
Melissa Cornine, Vice President of Client Services
As Vice President of Client Services Melissa oversees a team of account managers to ensure the ultimate in customer service. From a previous role as a Digital Marketing Strategist, Melissa’s intelligence and strategic approach to digital marketing have been a key factor in many clients’ success. During her first five years, Melissa was responsible for obtaining Google and Facebook certifications and partnerships that continue to support every client’s digital marketing strategy to make the most of every advertising dollar.
Lauren Goodman, Creative Director
As Creative Director, Lauren oversees the brand strategy and design direction for all Catalyst clients. Since 2014, she has overseen dozens of integrated marketing campaigns across print, digital, TV, social, and emerging mediums, as well as more than 300 branding projects in the real estate space. Lauren works closely with both the creative and interactive teams to deliver effective, eye-catching campaigns and collateral for Catalyst’s student, multifamily, and commercial clients. In her work at Catalyst, Lauren has also developed the tones and visual appeal for multiple corporate brands. Whether it’s a business card or a billboard, it’s her goal to always deliver strategic, well-crafted, and emotionally resonant creative work.
Daniel Russo, Technical Director
In addition to developing websites, Daniel works closely with a team of developers and our search engine optimization (SEO) specialist to deliver beautiful websites combined with an excellent user experience. His goal is to always surprise and delight, using his nerd magic to turn tons of aggregated data into valuable intel. In his time at Catalyst, Daniel has helped manage the launch of more than 50 websites for our clients, while simultaneously developing dashboards for clients to see live data results at the touch of a button.
In this episode we’re joined by special guests Patsy Muniz and Kyle Wilbur, two of Catalyst’s newest team members to get their insight on agency life at Catalyst and how it compares to previous roles they’ve both held. What do they think of the Gold Standard? Does it influence the way they work with team members? And how was training in a remote environment? Plus, a special happy birthday shout-out to Patsy!
Patsy Muniz
Patsy is responsible for working with the production team to navigate project schedules and manage team member bandwidth, as well as communicating deadlines with the client services team to ensure projects are delivered in a specified time frame.
Kyle Wilbur
Kyle is responsible for building sales opportunities for the organization by identifying and developing contacts for potential new business. He has over 15 years of sales experience and building great relationships.
Join us this Giving Tuesday as we chat with one of our for-purpose partners, Shelters to Shutters. We speak with David Williams, CEO (formerly head of Habitat for Humanity and the Make a Wish Foundation), and Kristen Poteet, VP of External Affairs about their mission to fight situational homelessness in partnership with the multifamily apartment industry.
For the past five years, Catalyst has joined forces with Shelters to Shutters at the intersection of real estate marketing and situational homelessness to fuel purpose and fulfillment in our teams, promote their ingenious solution to donors, and most importantly, be touched by the stories of the lives being impacted. We recently met George and George… and you’ll have to listen in to get the scoop, but after you do, you may want to just go ahead and scoop up some change for change and hit up https://thelyst.com/catalystforchange and join in on the Good Mood Giving. It doesn’t take much to set a career — and a life — on course for good.
What does Cyber Monday have to do with apartment leasing? Join us as we discuss Cyber Monday campaigns with Lindsay Brown, the SVP of Leasing & Marketing at Campus Advantage.
With six Cyber Monday campaign awards under our belts, we’ve tested the water and we’re taking a look back at the good, the bad, and the money that goes into Cyber Monday every year both in real estate marketing and retail, and how people’s mentalities have shifted from deals to more intentional purchasing and giving back.
Reputation, customer experience, and the Gold Standard. ✨
Listen to the newest episode of the Good Mood Marketing podcast as the crew interviews Catalyst's CX Manager, Mark Renkens, also of Lone Star Podcast fame! The conversation covers the in’s and out’s of cultivating culture through customer reviews and how our Gold Standard continues to shape our Client Experience program.
Barkitecture, biophilic design, and bliesure – oh my! This week our guest Allison Mussoline, Senior Brand Account Manager at Catalyst, is on the mic to talk 2022 marketing trends and how they’ve impacted student, multifamily, and senior housing as well as the hospitality industry. Join us as we take a look back at predicted trends from the beginning of the year, discuss where they are now, and what we may be able to expect in 2023.
See the full trend report!
What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta! But don’t worry — there are no imposters here. In this episode, we talk about the prevalence of imposter syndrome today and brainstorm ways we can combat it at Catalyst. In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2022, we brought the topic to our whole team to have a look at how people are impacted and what practical things they can do to help get over imposter syndrome. After all, everyone here has earned their place, and we can’t help people overcome it if we don’t talk about it! Join us along with Steven Jetton, one of our web developers (and our CEO — Chief Encouragement Officer), for an open discussion.
Our team has adopted several initiatives, including additional monthly mental health hours to step away without using PTO, reimbursement for mental health apps, and candid conversations to determine any additional resources we can provide.
Read more about imposter syndrome and see what we’re doing to help overcome it.
Brief summary: WTF is an NFT? In this episode, we’re diving into the metaverse and looking at how it’s being incorporated more and more into marketing and real estate. After a riveting presentation at the National Apartment Association’s Apartmentalize in June 2022, Christy and Catalyst’s Creative Director Lauren Goodman are bringing their knowledge to the masses to answer how you can navigate this emerging new world.
See the full presentation and read more about our take on the topic on our blog!
Ad agency life these days isn’t quite what you saw on Mad Men, but that doesn’t mean it can’t put you in a good mood. In this first episode of the Good Mood Marketing podcast, we’re discussing our agency culture and how we’ve committed to delivering the Gold Standard of service.
At Catalyst, our team is committed to delivering our clients the best work while also having a great experience. How do we do this, you ask? The following 5 Gold Standard categories (see the full list of 15) are our pledge to our clients and to one another:
- Thriving Relationships
- Professional Communication
- Strategic Marketing
- Powerful Creative
- Punctual Delivery
“Our standards aren’t just something we strive for — they are the purpose we find in our work; it’s who we are. We go to work every morning excited to connect with our clients and hit our goals together.” -Christy McFerren
What is Good Mood Marketing?
Each episode, Thomas Demiranda, Christy McFerren, and Katie Degutis will get together along with industry experts to talk about agency culture, marketing trends, and try to answer “why does this get you in a good mood?”
Marketing should be fun, and at Catalyst, we believe it can even put you in a good mood! Katie, Thomas, and Christy get together in each episode along with a guest expert to talk about agency culture, traditional and digital real estate marketing trends, and impact marketing. In a world that can all too often dwell on the negative, join us as we shine some light on the good.