Wayne T. from Lubbock Texas here. Heard several members mention property managers as a good entry point. Makes sense since they handle multiple properties but how do you approach them? Do you offer volume discounts or charge per property?
Property managers as your gateway drug to multiple clients?
Brenda T. in Tallahassee FL. Property managers are absolute goldmines if you can crack them. I charge $1,500-3,000 per property depending on size but offer 20% discount for portfolios over 5 properties. One PM company gave me 12 buildings to audit - $28,000 in revenue from one relationship.
Eugene W. Columbus OH checking in. AEP Ohio territory has lots of commercial property management firms. My approach is offering free audit on their smallest property first. Found $340/month savings on a 8,000 sq ft office building and they immediately hired me for their entire portfolio of 23 properties.
Ted H. Minneapolis MN. Xcel Energy area. Property managers appreciate detailed reporting since they have to justify expenses to property owners. I provide monthly savings reports and before/after rate comparisons. One PM firm refers me to other firms now - referrals are everything in this niche.
Greg L. Atlanta GA. Georgia Power territory. Wayne, here's my PM pitch: ""I help property management companies reduce operating expenses for their clients through utility bill analysis. Last month I found $14,000 in annual savings for a medical plaza by correcting their rate schedule from Schedule PLS-2 to Schedule TOU-PLS-6."" Gets their attention fast.
Steve B. Tulsa OK here. PSO territory. Property managers deal with tenant complaints about common area utility costs all the time. Position yourself as helping them reduce those costs and they listen. Found a shopping center paying wrong demand charges - $890/month savings. Property manager now sends me all their new acquisitions.
Nancy H. Omaha NE. OPPD territory. Built my entire business through property management relationships. Started with one firm managing 8 office buildings. Now working with 5 different PM companies. Key is quick turnaround on audits and detailed reports they can present to property owners.
This is gold everyone! Greg L. that pitch is perfect. Going to adapt it for Lubbock market. Nancy H. what's your typical turnaround time? Most properties here are smaller - retail strips and small office buildings under 15,000 sq ft.