Speaker
Jeremy Baker
Director
Glasshouse
Jeremy began his career in Property Management out of a personal concern for his grandmother, an investor facing significant challenges with her rental portfolio. Managed by a large Hamilton-based agency, her properties were in poor condition, yielding low rent, attracting problematic tenants, and suffering from high vacancy rates ultimately leading to poor returns and ongoing stress.
Determined to help, Jeremy stepped in despite having limited experience at the time. Drawing on his involvement with the Waikato Property Investors Association and support from industry experts like Scotney Williams of the Tenancy Practice Service, he quickly learned the ropes and worked tirelessly to transform his grandmother’s portfolio into a profitable business.
This experience sparked a realisation: the property management industry needed change. Motivated to lead that change, Jeremy founded Glasshouse with a mission to deliver a higher standard of care for both properties and people. At Glasshouse, every property is treated as if it were their own. Jeremy firmly believes and has seen firsthand that well-maintained homes attract respectful tenants and deliver stronger investment outcomes.
His philosophy is simple: investing in a home’s quality, ensuring it is warm, comfortable, and enjoyable, pays off in reduced maintenance issues, lower tenant turnover, higher occupancy, and ultimately better returns. This people-first, quality-driven model is at the heart of Glasshouse’s success in creating positive rental experiences for landlords and tenants alike.
Over just 12 years, Jeremy has grown Glasshouse from a single-client operation into a thriving business managing nearly 1,000 properties. He remains hands-on in the business, supported by a team of capable professionals who share his commitment to care, transparency, and service.
While proud of Glasshouse’s impressive growth, Jeremy is most proud of the team culture and shared values that define the company. He believes this is what truly sets Glasshouse apart and what makes the rental experience so rewarding for everyone involved.
Speaker session/s
2:20 pm
on
17/10/2025
Panel Session | Leadership vs Management — Striking the Right Balance in Property Management
In the fast-paced world of residential property management, the line between leadership and management often blurs, but understanding the distinction is crucial for driving team performance, tenant satisfaction, and long-term success.
This dynamic panel session brings together seasoned leaders to explore what sets effective leadership apart from day-to-day management.
Through real-world examples and candid discussion, panelists will unpack how visionary leadership inspires teams, navigates change, and builds resilient communities, while strong management ensures operations run smoothly and goals are met efficiently.
Attendees will gain insights into when to lead and when to manage — and how to do both with intention and clarity. Whether you're overseeing a large portfolio or actively building, this session will provide practical takeaways on fostering accountability, aligning team efforts, and creating a positive culture in the residential property space. Expect a lively, thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and equips you with strategies to elevate your leadership style and operational approach.
