Field Notes: A Glimpse into Industrial Property Management with Keith Robling

At BKM, our property managers are the heart of our operations—delivering exceptional service and ensuring our property operations run seamlessly. In this interview series, we’re highlighting the people behind the properties to explore what motivates them, the challenges they navigate, and what they find most rewarding about their work.

In our second installment of this series, we spoke with Keith Robling, a valuable member of BKM’s Property Management Team in Phoenix, Arizona. With more than two decades of experience in real estate and a passion for customer service, Keith shares what drew him to the profession, what sets BKM apart, and where he sees the future of industrial property management heading.

Keith Robling

📍 Phoenix, AZ

11 team members

5 parks | 243 tenants | 1M SF

With BKM since September 2023

What made you want to become a property manager in the first place?

K: I actually became a property manager by accident. I was studying for my real estate license and ended up being interviewed at a coffee shop for a property management position. Even though I stumbled into it, I stuck with it because it’s incredibly challenging in the best way. You're constantly balancing tenant needs and building operations—making sure everything runs smoothly.

No two days are the same, and you get to build real relationships with tenants, vendors, and coworkers along the way. I love being involved in creating spaces where people feel supported so their businesses can thrive.

Why do you think BKM stands out in the property management space?

K: BKM stands out because we balance innovation with personal service. We’re always looking for ways to improve—whether that’s through technology, smarter processes, or better operations—but we never lose sight of the people in our buildings. Our tenants aren’t just names on a lease. We build real relationships and take pride in the way we care for our customers. It’s that mix of forward-thinking and genuine care that makes BKM stand out.

Do you have any notable stories from your time at BKM?

K: One that stands out happened early in my time with BKM—during Thanksgiving weekend, no less. There was a major waterline break at one of our properties, and it caused significant damage.

The experience taught me a lot. I explored multiple solutions and ended up finding a utility contractor who could handle the underground plumbing and asphalt work under one contract. That saved us time and money, and ultimately helped our tenants and investors. It was a great example of problem-solving under pressure.

What are some challenges you face as a property manager, and how do you overcome them? On the contrary, what is your favorite part of the job?

K: No big challenge is ever tackled alone at BKM. Whether it’s tenant requests, budget considerations, or vendor coordination, we face them as a team. We brainstorm, share best practices, and support each other.

That’s a big difference from previous roles I’ve had, where I often felt like I was on my own. At BKM, I can tap into specialists in marketing, construction, acquisitions, finance, and more. It’s a totally different mindset, and I feel very well-supported here.

My favorite part of the job is that no two days are the same. I’m never bored. I’m constantly developing financial plans, improving building operations, and finding creative ways to solve tenant issues. It keeps me on my toes in the best possible way.

How do you handle tough conversations with tenants while building meaningful relationships with your customers?

K: I treat every interaction as a long-term investment, even if it’s something simple. People remember how you make them feel—not just what you fixed. I want people to know they can rely on me.

I try to approach every conversation with honesty and professionalism. I don’t dread them. I walk through the facts—usually starting with the lease agreement—and then focus on being helpful. Instead of saying, “This is your responsibility,” I’ll say, “Here’s what’s required, and here’s how I can help or what you might consider doing.” I always try to assist where I can.

How does BKM support its PMs in delivering exceptional service?

K: We’re never alone. The support we get from in-house specialists means I can get expert advice when challenges arise. That lets us deliver a higher level of service to both tenants and investors.

We’re also constantly updating our tech. Right now, we’re rolling out a more transparent maintenance program so tenants can track work in real time. On top of that, I’m part of a leadership training program that’s been invaluable—especially when it comes to handling difficult conversations and high-level planning.

What trends are you noticing in the industry, and how is it affecting your role? What innovation would you like to see in the future?

K: There’s a growing wave of digital tools that are changing everything—from smart irrigation systems to upgraded property and project management software. These tools help us respond faster to tenant needs and improve the overall experience.

For example, I’m installing smart irrigation controllers at several Phoenix properties this year. These systems can detect leaks and remotely shut off water, allowing landscapers to pinpoint and fix issues quickly. Especially in a desert market like ours, that kind of water management is a game changer.

I’d love to see continued development in water management and virtual technology. I’m particularly excited about tools that allow for remote property tours. We’re testing a new app that lets us create virtual tours from a phone. For decision-makers out of state, this could be a huge value-add.

I’ve also heard about smart contracts—digital lease agreements that automatically trigger actions based on compliance. That kind of innovation could really streamline operations, and I’m curious to see how it evolves.

How is the Phoenix industrial market performing right now?

K: Small to mid-sized industrial spaces are in high demand. At my properties, our occupancy is well above the market average. People need functional, reliable places to work, and our spaces meet that need.

Office spaces at those locations can be a bit more challenging to lease, but even those are performing better than expected. The market shifts quickly. A property that had multiple vacancies this time last year now has just one unit available, so we need to stay nimble in addressing market fluctuations in order to remain successful.

You can learn more about BKM Management Company at www.bkmmgmt.com.