Emerging Leader Shines at Supplier Success

Our annual Supplier Success course was held in August, and as always it was a fantastic day with WMFHA's supplier partners as our facilitators shared tips for leveraging membership and giving an insider look at property management.

A special addition this year was the inclusion of Logan Whitney, All Covered Painting, as a facilitator. Logan is a member of our 2025 Emerging Leader cohort. This opportunity provided Logan a chance to grow in his career working side by side with his program mentor, Katie Phelan-Chostner, 1UP Floors. Katie has helped facilitate this course for many years along side Phil Cresswell, Indigo Real Estate.

We asked Logan & Katie to share about their experience of sharing the stage this year.

Logan:

You attended this class for the first time in 2024 as a student, how was it being on the instructor side this time?

It was a unique full circle moment. Last year, I was in the seats taking in all the information and trying to figure out how I could apply it all. This time around, being on the instructor side, I got to share my own perspective and experiences, while also appreciating just how much work effort goes into teaching it. I’ve always believed the best way to learn something is to teach it.

Katie has a lot of great knowledge to share. Can you give us some insights on what your learned from her during this process?

Katie is an incredible resource, and while i could go on and on about how much she has taught me. One of the things that has been very helpful for me is that she models the balance between being approachable and professional so well. Watching her shows me that leadership isn’t just about what you know, it’s about how you can create space for others to grow and learn.

You seemed very comfortable in front of the audience. What did you do to prepare?

Honestly, preparation for me came down to practice. It’s really just practicing, running through the material enough times that you feel confident in it, and then reminding yourself that everybody is there to just learn. Once I framed it that way, the nerves left, and it felt natural to just talk to the group like I would to a colleague or a client. That’s not to say i didn’t forget lines, but just moving on and not letting it stumble you is the biggest thing.

You are the sole supplier in our 2025 Emerging Leaders cohort. What advice would you give to other suppliers who are considering applying for next year’s cohort?

I’d say go for it. Just do it. Sometimes suppliers hesitate to step into programs like this because they think it’s mainly geared toward operators or property managers, but the truth is, it’s incredibly valuable. You not only gain insight into the industry from a different angle, but you also build relationships that go far beyond your work. If you’re willing to show up, listen, and contribute, it’s absolutely worth it.

Katie:

You have helped facilitate Supplier Success many times for WMFHA. How was the experience of giving up some control and letting Logan take the lead on some sections?

 Supplier Success is one of my favorite classes to facilitate, and it's a true privilege to help shepherd the next generation of supplier leaders. Logan is a rising star, so him taking the lead on certain sections felt very natural. I was mentored on this very subject by the amazing Kari Anderson. She taught me about the importance of knowing when it's time to step back and let the 'next generation's voice' be heard. As a part of her namesake program's legacy, I make a point of cultivating that awareness and actively creating space for new leaders to shine. 

As a mentor, what did you hope Logan would gain from this experience?

While Logan certainly doesn't lack confidence, there's a unique authority you gain when you step into a leadership role in front of your peers. I hoped this experience would provide him with that extra boost of confidence, helping him see himself as a leader within our community. It's also a great example of the increased responsibility of an Emerging Leader who is one of the few suppliers in the program. When it comes to this experience specifically, my advice to Logan was to be himself and speak from a place of deep knowledge and passion. I believe when that happens, words will land with authenticity.

You are a big supporter of education in our industry. What are some of the benefits suppliers receive by attending classes like Supplier Success & Supplier Roundtable?

The advantage of attending classes like Supplier Success and Supplier Roundtable is that they provide a unique forum to connect with our peers. Whether you're a new supplier or a veteran of 20 years, the opportunity to openly discuss market trends, common challenges, and strategies for growth with people who truly understand your business is invaluable. These events foster a sense of community, build a strong network, and help suppliers navigate the nuances of our industry together.

Any final thoughts?

 I've been incredibly lucky to participate in so many opportunities at WMFHA, but it's not really luck—it's just participation. Every time you attend a class, join a committee, or get involved, you are showing up for yourself, your customers, and your company. I encourage every supplier to get involved and take advantage of what WMFHA has to offer. I highly recommend checking out the Kari Anderson Emerging Leaders Program. It has spots available for suppliers, and I can guarantee that you will leave the program a stronger, more confident, and more connected leader.