Laura Russ — Principal

Laura has an extensive background in multifamily operations including asset management, property management and real estate development for private and nonprofit owners. She combines her detailed knowledge of field operations and realities with systems thinking, technology application, and innovative implementation.

In addition to her consulting affiliation, Laura currently serves as Chief Real Estate Officer at Aeon. Previously, Laura led Asset Management functions at Thies & Talle Management (T&T), a Minneapolis-based multifamily owner/operator. During her fifteen year tenure at T&T, she served in Operations roles where she refocused policies and systems around a resident-centric approach. She also served in technology and systems roles while at WinnResidential, one of the nation’s largest housing managers, where she led the Business Process Group. Throughout her career, she has consulted with numerous housing providers through both Pine Street Partners and Viva Consulting.

Laura developed her firsthand knowledge of operations by growing up in a family rental business, spending her summers working in management offices. She later worked as a Property Manager and Regional Property Manager, transitioning new portfolios and integrating systems and processes. She cares deeply about serving residents and expanding housing opportunities. She has tremendous respect for housing management professionals, the overlooked heroes of the housing world.

In addition to her leadership roles, she advises multifamily technology start-ups, approaching new technologies with an open but skeptical eye to distinguish the trendy from the useful. She also serves on local Boards and Committees to contribute to housing stewardship and policy making. Laura’s interest in housing extends to her own portfolio of single family rentals which grounds her in the daily aspects of management. Pine Street Partners is named after the street of her first single family home renovation and rental.