From Farm Life to Fix-It King: Jimmy McClung’s Journey in Multifamily Maintenance

In this inspiring and down-to-earth episode of Common Cents The Podcast, host Garrett Reed sits down with Jimmy McClung, the Maintenance Support Supervisor at Luma Residential, a CAMT-certified instructor, and 2024’s Fort Worth Apartment Association Member of the Year. From humble beginnings on a dairy farm to becoming one of the most respected leaders and mentors in the multifamily industry, Jimmy shares his remarkable story of resilience, transformation, and service.

With 27 years in agriculture and more than three decades in multifamily, Jimmy opens up about the life lessons he’s learned—like the power of brutal honesty, the importance of mentorship and skilled trades, and why face-to-face communication still matters in today’s fast-paced world. He also dives into public speaking tips, how to turn angry residents into raving fans, and the future of a shrinking workforce in property management.

Whether you're a maintenance tech, leasing pro, property owner, or just someone who loves a story about grit and growth, this episode delivers valuable takeaways—and a few laughs along the way.

🎥 Watch the full show here: YouTube - Jimmy McClung on Common Cents

🔥 Five Highlights from the Episode:

1. From Farm to Facilities
   Jimmy reflects on his early years milking cows and how life on a dairy farm built the discipline and work ethic that fueled his multifamily success.

2. Turn Complaints into Connection
   Learn Jimmy’s proven approach to winning over upset residents in just 10–15 minutes with simple, honest communication.

3. CAMT Champion
   With outstanding pass rates in his CAMT classes, Jimmy explains the importance of teaching and mentoring the next generation of maintenance professionals.

4. Overcoming Stage Fright
   Jimmy shares how he conquered his fear of public speaking, reframed nervousness as excitement, and now aspires to become a motivational speaker.

5. Fixing the Future
   Jimmy sounds the alarm on the need for vocational education, encouraging young people to pursue the trades and help fill the industry’s growing workforce gap.

   
   

   ⏱ Timestamped Summary:

• 00:00 – Jimmy McClung shares his roots, growing up on a dairy farm, and the pivotal shift into the multifamily industry after construction.

• 07:23 – His passion for problem-solving and helping others grows as he balances supporting a family and building a new career path.

• 19:21 – Becoming Maintenance Support Supervisor at Luma in 2017, Jimmy finds fulfillment in coaching and mentoring service teams across properties.

• 29:12 – Jimmy explains how effective communication can transform resident experiences and how genuine leadership impacts team motivation.

• 37:01 – Conquering public speaking fears, driven by family and mentors, and transforming anxiety into confidence on stage.

• 51:53 – A call to action: Jimmy discusses the skilled labor shortage and the need for vocational training to inspire the next generation.

• 01:02:18 – The multifamily industry’s future, navigating smaller workforces, centralization, and teaching cash flow awareness to teams.

• 01:09:42 – Final thoughts on authenticity, humor in maintenance mishaps, and the mindset needed to take control of your life and career.