- Recognize the key forces fueling today’s supplier–operator disconnect, from communication overload and shifting priorities to eroded trust.
- Understand how burnout and bandwidth issues shape the way operators evaluate (and often ignore) supplier outreach.
- Identify common supplier missteps that unintentionally damage credibility and how to replace them with more meaningful engagement strategies.
- Learn what operators actually want from supplier relationships, based on lived experiences, not assumptions.
- Explore how empathy, preparation, and timing can turn outreach from intrusive to impactful.
- Discover practical ways to rebuild trust and foster consistent, respectful communication between suppliers and operators.
Tony Sousa
Moderator | WithMe, Inc. Brand Ambassador
Tony Sousa is an influential figure in the multifamily housing industry, currently serving as Founder of Sousa Consulting, a branding and operational consulting firm.
Tony’s career trajectory is marked by a diverse array of roles, including experiences as a TV journalist, teacher, and actor, which have collectively enriched his approach to marketing and operations within the real estate sector.
Tony is also recognized for his thought leadership, frequently sharing insights on operations, technology, and culture within the industry. His background in journalism and acting enhances his storytelling abilities, allowing him to effectively engage audiences across various platforms.
Alex LaFlam
WithMe, Inc | National Account Executive
With over 15 years of industry experience, Alex brings a rare operator-first perspective to the world of proptech. Her background is rooted in the fast-paced world of lease-ups, where adaptability, problem-solving, and relentless energy are non-negotiable.
From running around San Francisco in heels, executing leases as a busy on-site manager, to now shaping national strategy on the vendor side, Alex has always stayed grounded in one thing: a deep passion for improving both the resident and site team experience.
Mike Wolber
Apartment List | Chief Sales Officer
Mike Wolber is a seasoned GTM executive in the multifamily industry. He's led Go To Market for some of the fastest-growing technology businesses in the industry and currently operates as the Chief Sales Officer of Apartment List.
Shone Richardson
RPM Living | Vice President of Procurement
Shone Richardson is a veteran procurement executive with over three decades of experience leading supplier management, sourcing strategy, and enterprise transformation across diverse industries. As Vice President of Procurement at RPM Living, Shone specializes in building strategic supplier relationships that drive performance, innovation, and long-term value.
Throughout his career, which includes leadership roles at Allegion, NCAA, Roche Diagnostics/Pharma, and Rolls-Royce, where he built world-class procurement functions and led enterprise-wide initiatives in real estate, indirect sourcing, and global services, Shone has become well-known for his practical, results-driven approach. Shone has led supplier governance programs, risk mitigation initiatives, and supplier-led innovation strategies that elevate procurement's role as a business accelerator. His approach balances operational rigor with collaborative partnership, ensuring suppliers are accountable, aligned, and continuously improving.