The Utility Room cover art

The Utility Room

The Utility Room

By: Mary Nitschke
Listen for free

About this listen

Utilities touch everything: budgets, compliance, resident satisfaction — yet most operators still don’t have clear visibility. The Utility Room is a podcast for multifamily leaders who want practical conversations about energy, sustainability, and operations — from people who actually run buildings, shape policy, and invest in the future of multifamily. No theory. No guilt. Just real insight into saving time, reducing risk, and creating better outcomes for owners, operators, and residents. It’s a safe space where you’ll walk away with insights you can put into action.Mary Nitschke Economics
Episodes
  • 06 - From ENERGY STAR to the Future of Building Data
    Feb 17 2026

    In this conversation, Mary Nitschke interviews Mike Zatz https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelzatz/, who shares his journey in the field of sustainability and energy efficiency. He discusses his extensive experience with the ENERGY STAR program and the importance of data in improving building performance. Zatz emphasizes the need for better engagement with residents to enhance energy efficiency and shares insights on the future of energy benchmarking and his new role at Measurable.
    This episode is brought to you by PlugOps.
    EV charging in multifamily doesn't have to be complicated. Plug-op is the expert, so you don't have to be.
    As an end-to-end partner for multifamily portfolio owners and operators, PlugUp helps you launch charging programs that actually work. Starting with the planning phase, they provide the in-house research that powers their proprietary portfolio-wide intelligence reports, which determines exactly where chargers need to go and how many you truly need, all based on actual demand, local regulation, and available insights.
    When it's time to build, Plug-Off delivers turnkey installation and software design specifically for the unique needs of apartment communities. And after launch, their real-time dashboard analytics shows you how to scale smarter and optimize pricing over time.
    If you're looking to elevate your EV charging strategy, Plug Ops is with you every step of the way from day zero and beyond.
    To Learn More: https://www.plugop.com/
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Real Estate
    04:50 Mike Zatz's Career Journey
    07:45 The Intersection of Data and Real Estate
    10:40 The Future of Energy Benchmarking
    14:02 Engaging Residents for Energy Efficiency
    16:51 Transition to Measurable and Future Goals
    🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
    📰 Sign up at https://multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!
    #CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • 05 - Sustainability Is Just Good Business: Lessons from Real Estate Leader Katie Rothenberg
    Feb 10 2026

    In this engaging conversation, Mary Nitschke interviews Katie Rothenberg, https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rothenberg/ a seasoned professional in sustainability and real estate. Katie shares her journey into the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding different perspectives in sustainability. The discussion delves into the business case for sustainability, highlighting its role in value creation and risk management in real estate. Katie also reflects on her significant wins and lessons learned throughout her career, underscoring the importance of empathy and thoughtful communication in driving sustainability initiatives.
    This episode is brought to you by EnergyCX.
    Energy CX is a modern energy strategy firm built for volatility. We combine data, technology, and real market expertise to help businesses take control of one of their largest—and most unpredictable—operating costs. With more than 2 billion square feet under management across 20+ deregulated states, we’ve backtested and proven that our strategy consistently outperforms traditional procurement. Powered by ABEL™, our proprietary decision engine, we buy energy with the same discipline and timing as a trading desk—giving companies clarity, stability, and a long-term strategic advantage in every energy decision.
    To Learn More: https://www.energycx.com/?utm_campaign=32624679-MMN%20Podcast%20Sponsorship&utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=brand-awareness
    Chapters
    00:00 Katie Rothenberg's Journey into Sustainability
    06:39 The Business Case for Sustainability in Real Estate
    13:03 Navigating the Challenges of Sustainability
    14:50 Celebrating Wins and Learning Experiences
    🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
    📰 Sign up at https://multifamilymedianetwork.com/ to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!
    #CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • 04 - When Energy Becomes Unaffordable, Rent Becomes Unaffordable - Public Grids Origin Story
    Feb 3 2026

    In this episode of the Utility Room, host Mary Nitschke speaks with Public Grid co-founders Zach Schmitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-schmitz/ and Joe Robbins https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephrobbins5/ about their innovative approach to simplifying the utility setup process for residents, particularly in multifamily housing. They share their personal origin stories, the challenges of engaging residents in energy consumption, and how Public Grid aims to create equitable energy solutions that benefit both residents and property managers. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding energy costs and the potential for reducing environmental impact through better utility management.
    This episode is brought to you by Public Grid. https://publicgrid.property/?utm_source=MMN&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=theutilityroom
    Public Grid helps multifamily operators see what’s normally invisible, simplify sustainability, and create better resident experiences — without adding operational burden.
    We bring visibility into property and portfolio-level utility usage that’s historically been opaque, give operators RECs and sustainability credit when residents choose greener energy, and make it easy for residents to sign up in just three easy steps — saving money and hours of effort.
    The result? Happier residents, cleaner data, and smarter decisions — all without changing how you operate your properties.
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Public Grid and Its Founders
    01:20 Origin Stories: How Public Grid Was Founded
    04:35 The Utility Setup Process and Its Challenges
    06:53 Connecting Utility Setup to Green Energy
    08:32 Engaging Residents in Energy Consumption
    11:22 Translating Energy Concepts into Resident-Friendly Language
    15:24 Resident Reactions to Public Grid's Services
    19:44 The Mission of Public Grid: Equity in Energy Costs
    🔔 Click subscribe to @MultifamilyMediaNetwork on YouTube and stay up to date on our growing lineup of multifamily industry leaders and must-hear conversations!
    📰 Sign up at www.multifamilymedianetwork.com to receive our newsletter and explore our library of podcasts and blogs from today’s multifamily experts!
    #CustomerExperience #PersonalizedService #ActiveListening #CXStrategies #EarnedProspects #CustomerSatisfaction #Referrals #MultifamilyLeadership #ResidentExperience #PropertyManagement

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
No reviews yet