Welcome to the 100th episode of Boss Talks! In this milestone installment, host Evan Happel brings on his friends and special guests, Monica and David Hickman, to share their inspiring journey of building a business around creating environments where people belong. Hailing from the Charlotte area in North Carolina, Monica and David are the dynamic duo behind Social Hub, a company that brings fun and community connection to apartment living across the Carolinas.
The Hickmans' story began long before they started their business venture. Having worked together in the past, they discovered their shared passion for hospitality and connection. David played a pivotal role in teaching Evan to embrace fun in the workplace, and Monica had always harbored a dream of starting a business with David. Their passion and commitment to hospitality ultimately led them to establish Social Hub, which offers resource-style events in luxury apartment communities to help foster a sense of community among residents.
As Monica and David share in the episode, their company focuses on delivering elevated, hassle-free resident events. They highlight the challenges that onsite property teams face in executing such events on their own and explain how Social Hub steps in as a solution. From hosting events with joyful excellence to offering consistent, standout services, Social Hub ensures that each event is memorable and runs smoothly, creating an amazing experience for both residents and property managers. It's no wonder they've grown rapidly, now serving around 100 communities with plans to expand into Raleigh soon.
Moreover, the Hickmans emphasize that building connections doesn't end at hosting events. They aim to create vibrant communities where people truly feel they belong. Monica and David share personal insights, including how they transformed their outdoor patio into a gathering place and how they were inspired by their families’ Southern hospitality traditions. Through their work, they strive to connect residents with each other, paving the way for natural, organic relationships to form—relationships that go beyond an event and create lasting bonds.
An integral part of Social Hub's success is the dedicated team that Monica and David have built. They take immense pride in their team, mostly composed of talented women who share the same passion for hospitality. By providing leadership opportunities and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, Social Hub ensures that each event is unique and impactful. They’ve developed strong partnerships with sponsors like Tito’s Vodka and Anheuser Busch, further enhancing the quality and reach of their events.
As Evan wraps up this special episode, he reflects on the importance of creating spaces where people can let down their guards and connect. With Monica and David's honest sharing and heartfelt stories, it’s clear that Social Hub is making significant strides in transforming how community events are conducted in the multifamily housing industry. This 100th episode resonates with anyone looking to foster genuine community connections, emphasizing how creating environments of belonging can enrich lives and strengthen communities.
Celebrate with Evan, Monica, and David in this milestone episode and get inspired to think about how you can build environments where people feel they belong, both in personal and professional settings. And remember, Boss Talks is always on the lookout for bosses making a difference in the multifamily industry. So, if you have a story to share, reach out to Evan and be a part of the conversation!
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*The views and opinions expressed on Boss Talks are those of the host and their guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community Boss.
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