Newberry County, S.C.—Industry icon Russell L. Sandlin, 61, of Prosperity, SC, has been found dead following a boating accident. Gannett reports that Sandlin was last seen by his neighbors getting into a boat on Lake Murray with his dog. According to Newberry County deputies, he was first reported missing by his co-workers, who called them when he failed to show up for a work meeting and didn’t answer his phone.

Sandlin was founder of The Russ Sandlin Group. He developed a reputation as an authority in high-level strategies and training for the multifamily sector. For over three decades Sandlin teamed with owners and managers across the nation. Much of his success is due to his extensive and hands-on experience in multifamily. He knew what community staffs are up against because he had been there.

In 2000, Sandlin took a position with MRI/Intuit to guide the development of their web-based residential property management solution. Working closely with industry giants like Equity Residential, ArchstoneSmith, ConAm, The Dolben Company, Village Green, Mid-America Communities, Post Properties, Julian LeCraw, Home Properties and many more, Sandlin helped define the change management process necessary to help organizations large and small make the transition to this new environment.

In 2006, he left MRI/Intuit to once again work directly with clients through his consulting practice. Using his 33 years of experience in the industry, Sandlin helped clients achieve significant increases in productivity and value to their assets.

He was a frequent speaker for national events. Other contributions include:
board of directors of the National Apartment Association; chairman of the National Suppliers Council; seminar committee chairman for NAA Annual Conference; NSC Member of the Year; member, National MultHousing Council; teaching faculty of the National Apartment Association Education Institute.