News Summary
Birmingham is thriving as Landing’s CEO confirms the company’s commitment to the city during exciting growth. With 10-15 new job openings and significant funding, Landing is set to expand its operations and influence in the property rental market.
Birmingham Keeps Its Head Up as Landing Sets Stage for Growth
The city of Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as Bill Smith, the founder and CEO of Landing, firmly declared that the company will continue to plant its roots in this vibrant city. It seems Birmingham will stand tall as the headquarters for Landing, a commitment he is enthusiastic about for as long as he’s steering the ship. This positive affirmation comes as the company finds itself in the midst of an exhilarating growth phase.
New Opportunities on the Horizon
Landing is ready to hire, with around 10 to 15 positions currently up for grabs in Birmingham! This is a golden opportunity for those seeking to be part of an innovative company that is making waves in the apartment rental market. Over the past year, Landing has successfully filled more than 3,000 apartments across more than 200 properties, showcasing its burgeoning influence and reach.
A Game-Changer in Property Rentals
Landing’s unique Autopilot platform serves as a powerful tool for apartment complex owners, making it easier for them to connect with potential residents looking for fully-furnished living spaces. This modern solution aids property owners in maximizing their revenue while providing potential tenants with a seamless renting experience.
Having started its journey in 2019 with a notable investment of $15 million from Smith’s own pocket, Landing has certainly come a long way. The strategic decision to relocate from San Francisco to Birmingham in 2021 faced several challenges, which included an unexpected shift in the company’s business approach. This transition resulted in unused state and city incentives and, regrettably, several rounds of layoffs.
Turning the Tide
Smith recognizes that the rough patches encountered were largely due to unforeseen changes in strategy, and he has since acknowledged that some of the early plans just didn’t pan out. However, the trend now points to a dynamic shift. Landing is abandoning its previous corporate structure in favor of one that emphasizes communication and collaboration among its 300+ properties scattered around the nation. Presently, the company maintains a strong employee count of about 250 individuals, a figure that has now stabilized.
Both Smith and the team at Landing see Birmingham’s potential for growth. They’ve completed their transitional phase and are all set to ramp up operations once again, returning to a consistent growth model.
Financial Backing and Future Prospects
Landing has recently landed a significant $180 million in debt financing, which will bolster its flexible stay platform. With this funding, the company is gearing up to amplify its national portfolio of fully-furnished apartments while also improving customer service standards. By the end of this year, they plan to expand their operations to approximately 600 to 700 properties, showcasing their remarkable growth trajectory in both major cities and smaller metros.
One of the cool aspects of Landing’s offerings is their ability to cater to shorter stays, with options available for as brief as two nights. This adaptability opens the door wider to a more diverse clientele, combining the consistency of hotels with the cozy, homely space people crave.
Strengthening Offerings through Acquisitions
In a bold move to further enhance their capabilities, Landing recently acquired Barsala for $30 million. This acquisition is set to expand the Autopilot platform by adding over 1,000 units across an additional 11 markets. Smith has a clear vision to leverage technological innovations and marketing strategies to strengthen partnerships with property owners and activate otherwise vacant units.
Ultimately, Smith represents the spirit of resilience and perseverance that is essential for today’s startups. His insights, shaped from experiences with both Landing and his previous venture, Shipt, help paint a hopeful picture for the future of both the company and Birmingham itself.
As Landing continues to evolve and thrive, all eyes will be on this lively city to see how it grows together with its ambitious new headquarters and an ever-expanding portfolio of homes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Plane Crash in San Diego Investigated
Birmingham Company Landing Secures $180 Million in Funding
Gas Prices Rise in Colorado Amid National Decline
Vulcan Materials Company Announces Quarterly Cash Dividend
Army Black Hawk Helicopter’s Close Call with Commercial Flights
Alabama Welcomes First Kuehne+Nagel Air Cargo Flight
Bravery Aboard the USS Midway: A Family Rescued Amidst the Fall of Saigon
Tragic Collision Claims Lives of Four Workers in Eden, NC
UAB Baseball to Host #17 Alabama in Season Finale
Tragic Plane Crash in New York Claims Lives of Six Family Members
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Future of Landing in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Bham Now: Landing Secures $180M
- Google Search: Apartment Rentals
- Forbes: Bill Smith’s Next Startup
- Google News: Birmingham Tech Ecosystem
- Foundr: Bill Smith
- Wikipedia: Property Management
- Business Alabama: Landing Acquires Barsala
- Google Scholar: Flexible Leases
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
