20 Years of Growth and Innovation: Celebrating COCM's Impact on Student Housing
Release Date: 05/19/2023
Gray Bekurs Talks the Impact of Housing on Student Recruitment & Retention
Student Housing Matters
Today we explore the profound impact of on-campus housing on student recruitment and retention. In this episode, we sit down with Gray Bekurs, VP of Business Development at COCM, to discuss: • How on-campus housing influences a prospective student's decision to attend a particular university. • Innovative strategies COCM has implemented to make on-campus housing more appealing to new students. • The relationship between quality student housing and student retention rates. Specific features or amenities in student housing that have been shown to positively impact student retention. •...
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Transforming student housing spaces with Liz Toombs
Student Housing Matters
In this episode, we’re chatting with Liz Toombs of PDR Interiors, about her experience in transforming student housing spaces into havens of mental well-being. Liz, a Certified Interior Decorator, has channeled her expertise into creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also promote mental health across numerous campuses. Her work, recognized by major media outlets, reflects a commitment to nurturing environments where students can thrive. Beyond her design achievements, Liz's dedication to community and empowerment, seen through her philanthropic efforts and mentorship programs,...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Financial Reporting in Student Housing with Emily Hill and Stephanie Lachina
Student Housing Matters
I've always enjoyed the collaborative team aspect and problem-solving with clients,” - Stephanie Lachina Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Emily Hill, COCM Corporate Accountant, and Stephanie Lachina, COCM Financial Reporting Accountant, sit down to discuss the integral role financial reporting plays in the student housing industry and how the financial services at COCM have evolved over the years. Emily and Stephanie delve into the...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Inside COCM's DEI Task Force with Dr. Mecca Marsh, Corey Reedy, and Kern Williams
Student Housing Matters
"I think that the important part is making sure that we have a variety of voices at the table... looking at what their concerns are and their perspective. That's going to be important as the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) task force moves forward," - Kern Williams Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." College campuses are the pulse of the political landscape, and it's crucial to engage the right people in the conversations to incite change. On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," h,...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: How COCM's Student Housing Calculator Revolutionizing Student Housing with Doug Brown
Student Housing Matters
“Housing is a critical activity that relates directly to the status of the university, and if it's not healthy, the rest of the institution is not either,” - Doug Brown, President, COCM Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Gray Bekurs, Vice President of Business Development sits down with Doug Brown, President of Capstone On-Campus Management (COCM) to discuss COCM’s implementation of the Student Housing Calculator for use in forecasting...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Fostering Leadership Excellence with Dr. Sharon McDade
Student Housing Matters
"Strike up conversations with everyone you possibly can while you're at conferences, you never know what threads will come from them. Thank you, Doug, for talking with me on a bus ride, oh, so many years ago. And [to COCM] for being such engaged participants in addressing leadership issues for the fellows," - Dr. Sharon McDade Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Alton Irwin, Director, and Chief Marketing Officer at COCM, sits down with Dr. Sharon...
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Leading Maintenance Teams with Care & Respect – with Hermond Lawson, Chris Adams & Chenal Alford
Student Housing Matters
What makes a Director of Facilities successful in leading their maintenance team? It’s more than just showing up and doing the job. And it’s more than just taking good care of the facility. Success comes from taking care of the students and staff as well, building relationships with them as people to make sure they have what they need to thrive. Chris Adams is Director of Facilities for The Village at the University of South Florida, Chenal Alford (better known as Al) is Director of Facilities for Millennium Hall at Towson University, and Hermond Lawson serves as Assistant Director of...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: COCM's Early Days and Path to Success with Patrick Savolskis
Student Housing Matters
"The great thing about Capstone is it gives you the ability to get some skills that you wouldn't have, otherwise, for years. Especially because in housing, it's not like you're back in the office somewhere, just pushing paper; you're right there on the frontline with students," - Patrick Savolskis Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Alton Irwin, Director, and Chief Marketing Officer at COCM, sits down with Patrick Savolskis, one of the very early...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Green River College and COCM: A Partnership for Student Success with George Frasier
Student Housing Matters
"I've really enjoyed working with Capstone. Capstone is truly a learning organization, and our relationship has evolved over time. I've never doubted that we had their attention. I appreciate that commitment to the project and making sure the resident life experience is where it needs to be," - George Frasier, Green River College Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, , SVP of Business Services at COCM, sits down with George Frasier of Green River...
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Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: COCM and BGSU A Powerful Partnership with Sheri Stoll
Student Housing Matters
"It was just this juxtaposition of people from very different places with their heads down working on stuff. And I thought, you know, this is going to work, and it's going to work well. And everything that we couldn't have hoped for, and more has happened. And I'm very appreciative." - Sheri Stoll Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Alton Irwin, Director, and Chief Marketing Officer at COCM, sits down with Sheri Stoll of Bowling Green State University...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Student Housing Matters Podcast, host Alton Irwin, Chief Marketing Officer COCM, celebrates the 20th anniversary of Capstone On-Campus Management by looking back at the company's early days. He is joined by three longtime employees of COCM:
Doug Brown is the President and Founder of COCM. Doug's passion for higher education and dedication to fostering partnerships have been instrumental in shaping COCM's success. His visionary leadership has led the company to become a leader in managing student housing, challenging industry norms, and setting new standards along the way.
Michelle Smith, the Regional Vice President at COCM, drives growth and exceeds expectations through exceptional leadership. With a talent for building strong university relationships and mentoring her team, Michelle's contributions have made a lasting impact on the student housing industry.
Marsha Sapper, the Senior Vice President for Business Systems at COCM, brings extensive expertise and invaluable insights to the company. Marsha's commitment to innovation and ability to navigate complex challenges have made her an invaluable asset to COCM's success in the dynamic student housing landscape.
The discussion kicks off with the guests sharing how they came to join COCM, and Doug shares a behind-the-scenes look at the events that led him to establish COCM. The conversation then delves into memorable moments from the early days of COCM and reflections on the company's growth and the importance of promoting from within.
Join Alton and the guests as they reflect on the journey of COCM, from its humble beginnings to becoming a leader in managing student housing. Hear their stories, insights, and the lessons they've learned along the way.
Topics Covered
Reflecting on 20 years: celebrating COCM's journey of success, innovation, and impact
The journey begins: how COCM found its footing in the student housing industry
Insights into the early days of hiring at COCM
How COCM built strong relationships with universities
Revolutionizing the approach to managing student housing programs
The key to transforming troubled projects into success stories
Nurturing talent and cultivating long-term employee success
How COCM provides career acceleration and diverse exposure
Sharing the lessons learned: wisdom and advice for new employees entering the student housing field
Connect with Doug Brown
Connect with Michelle Smith
Connect with Marsha Sapper
Connect with Alton Irwin
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