Building Communities That Feel Like Home with Jarrod Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Residential Operations at RXR

RXR’s Jarrod Whitaker shares how design, hospitality, and technology converge to deliver real estate as a service, building communities residents choose and stay with.

With a portfolio valued at over 22 billion dollars and more than 10,000 residential units across the country, Jarrod Whitaker, Senior Vice President of Residential Operations at RXR, is helping redefine what it means to live well in America’s cities. In this episode, Jarrod shares his journey from the music industry to real estate leadership, the philosophy behind RXR’s resident first approach, and how hospitality, technology, and design come together to create communities people truly love.

Main Highlights

1. From music to multifamily

Jarrod started in the music industry before pivoting to real estate through mentorship and education. That path taught him adaptability and human connection – principles that continue to guide his leadership at RXR.

2. Creating community through design and hospitality

RXR’s buildings are more than properties – they are ecosystems. From lounge spaces to coworking hubs, RXR integrates design, hospitality, and programming to create spaces where residents feel both connected and cared for, while enhancing the surrounding neighborhood.

3. Real estate as a service

For Jarrod, real estate is now a service business. Through RXR’s app and hospitality program, residents access services such as cleaning, pet care, and community events. The goal is convenience without compromise – technology that makes living seamless while keeping the human touch intact.

4. Thoughtful innovation and partnership

RXR’s in house digital lab tests and builds technology that directly improves the resident experience. TULU’s integration is one example – helping residents reclaim space, access essentials, and experience convenience on demand across RXR properties.

Closing Reflection

Jarrod’s journey shows how purpose driven leadership and hospitality can transform the built environment. His story is a reminder that innovation in real estate begins with empathy and evolves through collaboration, curiosity, and courage.


Listen to the full episode on Spotify →

 

Vertical Futures is a TULU original conversation series exploring how visionary leaders are reimagining the way we live, work, and build cities. Hosted by Yael Shemer, TULU’s Co-Founder, each conversation offers grounded insights for developers, landlords, and investors shaping the next generation of urban living.

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