Running a Successful PM Software Company
Today I’m interviewing Ray Hespen, CEO and Co-founder with David Kingman of Property Meld in Rapid City, South Dakota. A company that specializes in solving problems with property maintenance and helping people live better, less frustrating lives.
Topics covered:
(0:00) – Intro
(0:40) – What is Property Meld?
(1:15) – Who is Ray Hespen?
(3:45) – What do Sales and Marketing Look Like in Property Meld?
(6:55) – What is the Culture Around Your Current Systems?
(10:15) – How Does Ray Handle Compensation for the Sales Team?
(12:10) – How Has Compensation Evolved Over Time?
(14:45) – What Lessons on Leadership Has Ray Learned Since Day One?
(18:35) – Getting Feedback on Ideas That Can’t be Discussed Publicly
(20:20) – What Were Some of the Barriers Ray Overcame to Pursue this Vision?
(22:50) – What are Some Limitations in Leadership Ray Needed to Pivot Direction on?
(25:40) – Hardest Part of Ray’s Job
(27:00) – How to Manage the Gap Between Business Growth and Lifestyle?
(30:20) – Rays Take on the Disruption of PM by Larger Tech Companies
(33:35) – Is Efficiency in Cost Saving the Same at Improved Service Quality?
(35:20) – Why is Maintenance Such a Pain Point in PM?
(37:10) – How Does Ray Find Vendors but Still Retain Responsibility for the Outcome?
(40:05) – The Connection Between Maintenance and Bottom Line Revenue
(50:25) – How Does Ray Maintain Focus With so Much Going on?
(52:05) – What is Ray’s Unique Ability?
(53:15) – The Tension Between Falling Over Yourself to Help the Customer and Showing why They are an Idiot to not Chose Something
(56:15) – What are the Ways Property Meld is Leading the Customer With Vision?
(58:10) – Property Meld’s Goal to Help PM Companies
(1:01:25) – Are Entrepreneurs Born or Bred?