Work Order Nation: The Wildest Work Order Wows from the National Apartment Association

National Apartment Association Trade Show, New Orleans Episode Summary: In this special collection of Work Order Nation, co-hosts Sherrod Hunter and Fred Tomlin Jr. take the podcast on the road to the National Apartment Association trade show in New Orleans for a series of unforgettable Work Order Wows from apartment and property management professionals across the industry. Property managers, maintenance leaders, and industry professionals share some of the wildest, funniest, and most unexpected situations they have encountered on the job. From a resident asking a property team to hold a family member's ashes to a resident accidentally breaking through her own door after getting locked out on a balcony, these stories show just how unpredictable property management can be. The episode features stories from professionals with years of experience in the industry, including Terrell from Cushman & Wakefield, Tanani from Greenville Area Property Managers, Dee Dallas from Daniel Corp., Cassandra Love from Senior Care Network, Benji from Star High Management, Dennis Stevenson from TM Associates, Brittany White from Link Real Estate, Joel Spencer from Perennial Properties, Maribel from Evolve Living, and Celia from Rampart Worth Management. The stories range from unusual maintenance emergencies to situations that required quick thinking and careful decision-making. One property manager recalls discovering a resident's apartment filled with human waste after a plumbing issue went unreported, while another describes finding a car that had crashed directly into a neighbor's kitchen. Other stories include a vacant unit accessed with a 40-foot ladder, a resident who repeatedly dropped her dentures into a garbage disposal, and an apartment containing a casket alongside a serious roach infestation. The episode also highlights the human side of property management. One of the most memorable stories comes from Celia, who received a frantic call from a resident who was about to give birth. After calling an ambulance and rushing to the apartment, Celia ended up helping deliver the baby before emergency responders arrived. Years later, she still keeps in touch with the family. These Work Order Wows are a reminder that property management is about far more than buildings and maintenance requests. Every day brings unexpected challenges, requiring professionals to stay calm, think on their feet, communicate with residents, and get the work order closed. Key Takeaways: The unexpected situations property managers and maintenance teams can face every day Why staying calm and following the proper process matters during unusual emergencies How experienced property professionals handle unpredictable resident situations The importance of responding quickly when maintenance issues become emergencies Why insurance and proper documentation can be critical when major property damage occurs How property management professionals often go far beyond traditional maintenance responsibilities The relationships and memorable moments that can come from working directly with residents Why adaptability and problem-solving are essential skills in the multifamily industry Golden Nugget: “Property managers, don't forget you're only going to be as good as your last order. Get it closed.” Listen Now & Subscribe: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Listen and subscribe here: https://work-order-nation.captivate.fm/listen Work Order Nation is the podcast for property managers who care, sharing real stories, leadership lessons, and on-the-ground insights from the industry.