In a housing landscape defined by shifting demographics, lifestyle-driven decision-making, and increasing demand for flexibility, Korman Communities continues to distinguish itself through a deeply integrated operating model and a long-term view of value creation. As renter preferences evolve across generations, income levels, and life stages, the Korman Way: a combination of ownership, development discipline, hospitality-informed operations, and brand stewardship, has proven increasingly relevant—and increasingly durable.
In a recent podcast conversation, Lea Anne Welsh, President of Korman Communities’ AVE brand and Chief Operating Officer of Korman Communities, offers a candid look at how these market forces are reshaping the “American Dream”—and how Korman is strategically positioned to respond. Speaking with Laura Valean of Multi-Housing News on its podcast, Mission Success: Women in Multifamily, Welsh outlines why renting by choice is accelerating across age groups and why flexibility, service, and experience have become central to both resident satisfaction and long-term asset performance.
As Welsh explains, “People want choice, they want flexibility, and they want a lifestyle. What we’ve believed for decades is that if you give people a sense of community, high-touch service, and the kind of experience they associate with travel and hospitality, they want that in their everyday lives as well.” That philosophy—rooted in listening, presence, and operational empathy—has guided Korman Communities across generations and continues to inform how AVE communities are conceived, operated, and scaled.
Throughout the conversation, Welsh connects evolving renter expectations directly to Korman’s operating discipline and partnership mindset. She discusses how larger floor plans, flexible amenity design, furnished and unfurnished living options, and hospitality-trained teams are not simply lifestyle enhancements, but strategic decisions that support retention, referrals, and long-term relevance in diverse markets. For investors and partners, these insights reinforce the value of a platform built to adapt—one that balances consistency of brand with flexibility at the community level.
That adaptability is also reflected in Korman’s approach to leadership and execution. Welsh emphasizes that performance begins on the ground, noting the importance of being present in communities, listening to residents and team members, and using those insights to stay ahead of market shifts. This people-first operating culture has translated into measurable results, including sustained resident satisfaction and loyalty across the AVE portfolio.
As Welsh notes, “If you want to make the right decisions, you can’t do it from behind a desk. Everything happens in our communities—with our residents and our teams. You have to be present, ask questions, and truly listen, even when it’s not what you expect to hear.” That leadership philosophy has become a competitive advantage for Korman Communities, supporting consistent execution across markets and cycles.
The emphasis on empathy and service is perhaps most clearly reflected in resident feedback. Under Welsh’s leadership, AVE has been recognized for outstanding resident satisfaction, earning top honors in the Kingsley resident surveys for multiple consecutive years—an achievement she points to as both a point of pride and a validation of Korman’s long-standing approach. “Our goal has always been to create raving residents,” Welsh explains. “When people feel cared for and heard, they stay longer, they renew, and they tell others—and that’s where long-term value is created.”
The full podcast offers a thoughtful perspective on market trends, leadership culture, and operational strategy, providing valuable insight for those interested in how Korman Communities continues to build resilient, experience-driven platforms through thoughtful partnerships and long-term relationships.
