Wolfgang Croskey, Co-Founder of Crane, is at the forefront of a movement redefining professional development and networking for property management company owners. Based in Kalispell, Montana, Wolfgang has dedicated the past two years to cultivating a unique and impactful community within the real estate industry. Crane provides a distinct platform for serious operators looking to elevate their businesses and achieve freedom of time, as detailed on their website.
Crane stands apart as an exclusive community designed specifically for third-party property managers handling single-family and small multi-family rentals across North America and beyond. Wolfgang and his co-founder, Peter Lohmann, both property managers themselves, built Crane on the philosophy that true growth comes from connecting operators with other operators. This isn’t just another online forum; it’s a selective environment where accountability and genuine relationships are paramount. The core mission is to empower high-performing property management leaders, freeing them from the daily grind through access to proven playbooks, real connections with and direct support from other property managers, and experiences that forge strong friendships with people who have done it before.. This ethos drives the community’s rigorous selection process, ensuring every member contributes to the high-caliber network.
The emphasis on quality over quantity has been a cornerstone of Crane’s remarkable success. Despite opening applications only twice a year and accepting roughly 46% of applicants, the community has grown to an impressive 225 members, all of whom are owners or high-level operators of their companies. This achievement underscores the demand for a platform that maintains high standards, attracting individuals who are truly ready to invest in their professional development and business success. Crane’s reach now spans across nearly all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with recent expansion welcoming its first member from Poland, signifying its growing global footprint. The community also facilitates valuable partnerships with leading vendors in the property management space, including companies like Appfolio, Second Nature, and LeadSimple, providing members with exclusive benefits and resources.
Beyond online interactions, Crane fosters deep connections through curated in-person experiences. The “Crane Breaks” initiative encourages members to step away and unplug from their businesses for one, two, or four-week periods, offering exclusive pins to celebrate as members complete each milestone. An annual retreat, with the most recent having taken place in Tulum, Mexico, offers an immersive environment for collaboration and learning. Additionally, Wolfgang and his team organize monthly dinners in various cities, allowing members to connect face-to-face, share insights, and strengthen their network. These gatherings are central to Crane’s human-centered approach, creating an atmosphere akin to established leadership groups like Hampton or EO, but tailored specifically for the property management industry.
The impact of Crane is best articulated by its members. Brandon Sowers highlights the invaluable peer support, stating, “Crane is the connection to people that are going through the same as you, but the caliber of the experience they bring—that’s the big thing for me.” Kelsey McRichards echoes this sentiment, appreciating “the ability to ask a question at any time; there are always multiple members available to answer those questions, provide their expertise, and sometimes even valuable internal resources that others might not have access to.” Bryce Baker further emphasizes the community’s comprehensive support, noting, “Crane has been a limitless source of information and support for me, helping to resolve doubts and challenges in property management. The sharing of systems and operations here is beyond anything I’ve experienced.” These testimonials underscore the tangible benefits and collaborative spirit that define the Crane experience.
Wolfgang Croskey, Peter Lohmann, and Crane are not just building a network; they are cultivating a thriving ecosystem where property management professionals can achieve greater efficiency, find solutions to complex challenges, and ultimately gain more freedom in their demanding careers. By focusing on selective membership, genuine connection, and actionable playbooks, Crane continues to set a new benchmark for industry-specific professional communities. To learn more about Crane and its impactful community, visit their Facebook page.
