Heart & Hustle
Elevating Leasing
Another Successful Lease- A-Rama in the Books !
BY CLOVER SHARPE & JESSICA RODGERS
On February 19th , nearly 200 leasing professionals , many brand new industry professionals attending their first AAMD event - gathered at The Studio Loft at Ellie Caulkins Opera House for Lease-A-Rama 2025 : Heart & Hustle — a high-energy , interactive leasing celebration unlike any other . More than a seminar , this event was designed to elevate leasing skills , spark fresh strategies , and celebrate the vital role leasing professionals play in shaping communities .
The event featured two powerhouse speakers who delivered high-impact , handson sessions .
In Marcella Eppsteiner ' s session , " Beyond Leasing , The Experience Matters ", the CXO from Mission Rock explored why customer experience is everything in leasing . She provided real-world strategies to enhance the resident journey from first impressions to long-term satisfaction , emphasizing personalized service and seamless interactions .
Ishea Shepherd , AVP & AMC from Delancey Group took the audience on an engaging , high-energy journey through the essential hard skills needed to excel in leasing in " Heart Over Hype : Using Great Service to Stand Out ". Covering everything from phone etiquette and body language to overcoming objections and closing with confidence , she provided tangible tools and role-play scenarios that reinforced key techniques . Through Best Practices Bingo and interactive exercises , attendees got hands-on experience in real-time problem-solving and effective follow-ups .
Lease-A-Rama wasn ’ t just about listening - it was about doing . Three interactive breakout sessions reinforced the Heart & Hustle mindset , while the Jenga Icebreaker created networking moments , encouraging participants to share insights and build connections . This event would not have been possible without the dedication of the Education Advisory Council ( EAC ) volunteers , lovingly known as the Heart Hustlers . From setting up early , distributing materials , and keeping the energy high throughout the day , their efforts brought the event to life .
A huge thank you also goes to the AAMD staff , whose seamless execution made everything run smoothly from start to finish — ensuring that every detail was covered and that attendees had an exceptional experience .
Looking ahead , Lease-A-Rama 2025 was more than just an event — it was a celebration of leasing excellence . Attendees left with takeaways they can implement immediately , from refining their telephone calls to enhancing the customer experience .
As leasing professionals continue to lead with Heart & Hustle , the Denver market moves forward stronger than ever . This event was a reminder that great service isn ’ t just about transactions- it ’ s about connections , personalization , and passion .
Marcella Eppsteiner
Ishea Shepherd
eac chairs : Clover Sharpe & Jessica Rodgers
www . aamdhq . org 39 | TRENDS MARCH 2025