The “Try Not to Suck” Philosophy: Derek Morton at Netgain Property Management Services

In this episode of Distressed to Success, Brian speaks with Derek Morton, owner and principal at Netgain Property Management. 

Derek walks us through the unlikely moment that launched his real estate career, when a simple housing tip from friends became a full-blown property management business back in 2016, and how he “disobeyed” his own hesitations (and, humorously, his wife’s) to build a portfolio that today spans 650 units across Utah. 

From his early days in the title industry to recognizing a gap in stable, empathetic property services, Derek shares the personal stories and bold decisions that fueled Netgain’s rapid growth. As Derek scaled from a few rentals to managing properties statewide, he encountered the familiar “glass ceilings” of any growing enterprise. 

He explains how hitting major benchmarks, around 250 units and again during his northern Utah expansion, forced him to “break” and reinvent his systems, refine his vendor relationships, and lean into a simple corporate ethos: “We just try not to suck. And if we suck, we fix it.” 

Listeners learn why hands-on leadership, honest communication, and a relentless focus on resident experience became the pillars of Netgain’s culture, helping minimize churn among both owners and tenants. 

Toward the end of the conversation, Derek reveals some of Netgain’s most innovative community-focused programs, from security deposit alternatives with Obligo and LeaseGuard to flexible rent payments through Flex, all designed to keep people housed and thriving. 

He even outlines his vision for future resident benefit packages, complete with mental health support, because, as he puts it, “it’s easier to keep someone housed than to rehouse them.” 

Tune in for insights on overcoming fear of failure, empowering your team, and transforming distressed properties into profitable, people-first communities.

Timestamps

1. Derek’s journey into real estate & founding Netgain Property Management – 00:01:05 
2. Scaling pains and wins: growing from zero to 650 properties – 00:04:27 
3. Establishing the company ethos “We try not to suck” & building scalable systems – 00:05:59 
4. Strategic market expansion & “breaking” then reinventing systems – 00:24:15 
5. Tenant hardship solutions: security deposit alternatives & flexible rent payments – 00:36:19

Connect with Derek

Derek’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekdmorton/
Website: https://www.netgainpm.com/

Get in touch with Brian 

Last Best Partners' Website: https://www.lastbestpartners.com/
Brian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seidensticker-90117021
Podcast LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/distressed-to-success-podcast

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