We’re proud to welcome Joe Zylka, CEO of Marigold Venture Partners, a Goldenrod Portfolio Company, to the Smart Spaces stage at Parks Associates' upcoming event.
With a sharp eye for innovation and a deep understanding of real estate and proptech ecosystems, Joe brings unmatched insight into the future of smart communities. At Marigold Venture Partners, he guides the firm’s vision, strategy, and execution across all initiatives, driving investments and partnerships that are transforming connected living through automation, AI, resident experience, and operational efficiency.
In Joe’s words:
“Looking ahead 3–5 years, the smart community will not just be about buildings with better Wi-Fi or smart locks. It will be about choice and control. Future residents will be able to tour, apply, and sign leases for an apartment home with as much or as little human interaction as they want. Those who value speed and frictionless service will have a fully digital, AI-enabled path, including self-guided tours, instant credit checks, and smart contracts executed on the spot. Others who value the personal relationship will still have access to a property team that can guide them through every step. The key is optionality, not forcing everyone into one experience.
The bigger shift is cultural. The property is no longer just a place to live - it becomes a platform. Data and AI will make communities more responsive, more sustainable, and more tailored. Buildings will anticipate issues before they disrupt residents. Amenities will adapt to individual preferences, from fitness spaces that learn usage patterns to curated events aligned with resident interests. AI will also manage water, power, and waste in ways that lower both costs and carbon footprints.
The human layer does not go away. The smart community of the future is not about removing people. It is about using technology to let people decide how much tech and how much touch they want in their daily living experience.”
At Smart Spaces, Joe will expand on this vision - offering a roadmap for how technology, data, and human-centric design will redefine the value of properties and the experience of residents. He’ll also share how Marigold Venture Partners is positioning its portfolio to meet these rising expectations.
Join us at Smart Spaces to hear Joe Zylka and other visionary leaders discuss the future of connected communities and intelligent living.
Register for Smart Spaces: Register
