This week J.C. Hart will break ground on a $19 million project, they’ll enter their fourth year with a mostly digital marketing program, and  will begin working on a social layer to their CRM system. And Mark Juleen is smiling as he digs into his broken yolk sandwich at the hip local eatery, Cafe Patachou. During a chat with a member of the national multi-family press, he said that apartment marketing had evolved into storytelling, relationship building, and measurement – and that the future is already here.

“Leadership in our vertical have recognized that people are the key to profitability” said Juleen, as he grinned and checked his Twitter, Facebook, Google plus, and email – all in a minute.

Perhaps part of Juleen’s optimism is his new venture, The Resident Connection, a joint venture with Firebelly, to offer sophisticated services to apartment companies interested in engaging with more people in a deeper way. “I’ve got a lot of ideas,” said Juleen, “and I think aloud and test many of my ideas with my collaborators in real  time – there’s a lot of failing on the road to success.”

Among Juleen’s daily responsibilities are managing all aspects of J.C. Hart’s marketing program – including research into new methods for connecting faster and deeper with prospects and customers; blogging, tweeting, facebooking as the Apartment Nerd; and being a father to three children and a husband. His video posts while driving have become familiar to people in his industry and his rapid-fire late night emails with ideas are well known to people who work with Mark.

“The Resident Connection will bring social web solutions to companies that get it – our experience and services will change the level of connections. Today I’m celebrating some wins – have you stopped to do that lately?”

Writer’s note: we’ve worked with Mark Juleen for over four years. He’s  got high expectations, inspires our team with his creative energy, and his ability to challenge the team with his goals. Our favorite aspect of working with Mark is his commitment to stay strategic in his approach, and look at results (not tactics). Let’s raise our glasses to a great friend and client of Firebelly – Mr. Mark Juleen!

Video features search and social media marketing professionals

Greg Jarbo and his team made this video at SES Chicago, which stars a who's who on the search marketing and social media marketing scene. The questions were simple: were you naughty or nice? And what are you expecting Google to bring you for the holidays. It's hilarious. You have to check it out!

Duncan Alney Facebook | Twitter | Naymz | Social Media Marketing