Vertical Futures is a TULU original series spotlighting the leaders shaping how we live, work, and build community. Each episode brings practical insights for developers, landlords, and investors on resident experience, operations, and the technologies redefining modern buildings.
Amanda Kitts of RPM Living unpacks a leadership philosophy that scales care and performance, from early community activation to a clear approach to tech that supports, not replaces, human connection.
Scaling Heart and Growth with Amanda Kitts, Vice President of Operations at RPM Living
Episode Summary
Amanda Kitts has built a leadership philosophy that scales both people and performance. As Vice President of Operations at RPM Living, she oversees 10,000 units across the Southeast, proving that empathy and excellence can move in lockstep. In this episode, Amanda shares how treating every property like a personal investment turns resident care into a growth engine.
Main Highlights
1. Home is personal, and we take it personally
Amanda’s approach begins with care. Every property, she says, should be managed like a multimillion dollar family investment. Her teams understand that residents live their real lives in these spaces – the moments of joy, change, and loss – and that awareness drives loyalty and retention.
2. Building community from day one
Instead of waiting until lease up milestones, Amanda invests in resident experience at 5 to 10 percent occupancy. From fitness classes to evening socials, she creates opportunities for connection early, turning new buildings into thriving communities faster.
3. Technology with a human heart
RPM Living embraces automation to simplify operations, but never to replace connection. At the price point many communities command, residents still want to talk to someone who knows their name. For Amanda, technology works best when it amplifies empathy.
4. Growing leaders through emotional intelligence
Amanda’s mantra – progress, not perfection – guides her leadership. She meets people where they are and asks a powerful question: Do you want me to fix it or feel it? That level of emotional intelligence creates safety, trust, and performance that scales.
Closing Reflection
Amanda’s story reminds us that strong results begin with stronger relationships. Her work at RPM Living embodies the idea that operational growth and human connection are not opposites – they are partners in building the kind of communities people want to stay in and talk about long after they have moved in.
Thank you so much, Amanda, for joining us on Vertical Futures.