In this episode of CACM Chat; The HOA Life, Celeste Huecias of CACM sits down with Victoria Gish, CCAM, a Vision Award recipient for Leadership and Educational Excellence, to explore what it truly takes to create lasting client satisfaction in community management.

Together, they unpack how strong leadership and continuous education go hand-in- hand with building trust, improving communication, and strengthening relationships with boards and homeowners. From defining what satisfying clients may look like to sharing real-world experiences and lessons learned, this conversation offers inspiration and practical insight for every community manager — whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned leader.

Tune in to discover how educating with purpose, leading with confidence and keeping humanity at the heart of your work can transform the client experience and elevate the entire community.

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In this episode, host Celeste Huecias, Communications Manager at CACM, sits down with Robert Sides, CCAM-HR.LS, from Regatta Seaside Homeowners Association, to dive into the wild world of media and management. From Tom Cruise-worthy characters to jaw-dropping news stories, they unpack the unpredictable (and sometimes unbelievable) moments that happen when community management meets the press.

Get ready for the relatable stories of feeling like Sherlock Holmes, candid insights, a few laughs and real talk about the sh*t that really happens when managers find themselves in the media spotlight.

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In this episode, host Celeste Huecias of CACM sits down with Pauline Madduma, CACM’s Director of Education & Credentialing, to share an exciting new opportunity in the world of community management education.

CACM has partnered with Santiago Canyon College to launch a Community Management Program designed to prepare the next generation of industry professionals. Tune in to learn about what this program offers.

Whether you’re starting your career or leveling up your skills, this program provides the foundation to thrive in the fast-growing field of community management. From ethics and legal compliance to practical management tools, students will gain the knowledge and connections they need to succeed.

Don’t miss this episode and click here to learn more.
https://cacm.org/education/santiago-canyon-college/

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This week’s episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM dives deep into the world of leadership, mentorship, the importance of setting healthy boundaries in our industry and more. Joining the conversation are Robin Romo, CAMEx, MCAM-HR, and Robert L. Smith, MBA, CCAM-HR, who bring their insight, experience and practical advice to the table. Together, they share valuable perspectives on professional growth, balancing responsibilities and fostering strong connections while maintaining balance.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss.

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Join guest host and CACM Communications Manager, Celeste Huecias, for a quick roundup of all the latest news and happenings at CACM! From upcoming Fall Forums and our High Rise & Large-Scale Summit to Golf Trick-or-Tee events, legislative updates on AB 130 and a warm welcome to our newest team members—Celeste covers it all and more. Stay in the loop and get ready for another exciting season with CACM!

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In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, CEO Tom Freeley welcomes Charlotte Allen of Socher Insurance Agency, a HUB International Company, for a myth-busting conversation about the California FAIR Plan. Drawing on over 20 years in the HOA insurance industry and on her recent article on the topic, Charlotte breaks down what’s changed, what’s misunderstood and what community managers really need to watch out for.

From wildfire risk and shrinking admitted markets to misleading guidance and growing confusion around surplus lines vs. the FAIR Plan, this episode and Charlotte’s article serve as a guide for navigating California’s complex insurance landscape with clarity and confidence.

Tune in for real talk, expert perspective and practical tips for protecting your communities in today’s hard insurance market.

Check out Charlotte’s article today: https://cacm.org/resources/california-insurance-regulations-article-by-charlotte-allen/

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In this episode, guest host Celeste Huecias sits down with Karen Kokowicz, CCAM, President and Owner of Coro Community Management & Consulting, to explore the heartfelt journey behind the creation of Happy Minds Network, a peer-to-peer support group built by and for CID managers.

With nearly 30 years in the industry, Karen shares how personal loss, professional insight and a desire for connection inspired her to build a space where community managers can find encouragement, empathy and collaboration. Her career has spanned portfolio management, on-site leadership, company ownership and service in key industry roles, including as co-chair of CACM’s LA Regional Committee. Today, she’s channeling that experience into creating a more supportive and sustainable future for CID professionals.

Whether you’re a manager seeking support, a leader looking to foster wellness on your team or simply curious about the power of peer connection, this episode is a must-listen.

For more information about Happy Minds Network, head to: happymindsnetwork.org

To read the full article in our Vision Magazine, head to:
https://issuu.com/californiaassociationofcommunitymanagers/docs/vision_-_fall_2024_final_issuu

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We’re back with another round of you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me HOA stories! From emotional support chickens and elephant birthday requests to a homeowner who thought the HOA was a scam, these real-life manager submissions prove that truth is definitely stranger than fiction. CACM’s Celeste Huecias shares some of your wildest stories of community management. These tales are full of laughs, head shakes and moments that’ll make you say, “Yep, been there.”

Have a wild HOA story of your own? Email us at podcast@cacm.org, we just might feature it next time.

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