Send us a text

Today we hear from HOA Board Hero Michelle who dealt with a 2-alarm fire that affected 32 units at her community.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert spotlights HOA Board Hero Michelle Mansour from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Michelle shares her journey of serving on an HOA board through a catastrophic 2-alarm fire that affected 32 units, lawsuits, management changes, and community challenges. Hear how her board built transparency, improved communication, supported neighbors in crisis, and kept their community united!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 How did an HOA board handle a devastating fire?

01:07 Who is Michelle Mansour and what is her board experience?

04:09 What makes serving on an HOA board challenging and humbling?

05:14 How do management company changes impact boards?

08:09 Why did Michelle decide to run for the HOA board?

09:28 What problems come with condo conversions and reserves?

11:00 How did the board rebuild trust and communication?

15:18 How does transparency help homeowners feel secure?

17:12 What strengths do different board members bring?

18:54 How much time does serving on an HOA board really take?

20:18 Ad Break - HOA Invest

21:17 What happened during the two-alarm fire emergency?

23:57 How did the community unite to support displaced neighbors?

27:14 How do volunteer committees strengthen an HOA board?

29:27 What makes a productive and well-run HOA board meeting?

32:09 How can clear communication prevent panic during lawsuits?

33:36 What lessons has Michelle learned from serving on the board?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

Could one bad financial mistake ruin an entire HOA? Find out!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert and Kevin explain the real costs of financial mistakes for HOAs. From missing reserve accounts to late financial reports, they show why every board member must understand their association’s numbers. Topics include transparency, teamwork, building trust, and creating defensible positions when facing owners or lawsuits. Make sure your HOA isn’t prone to financial mistakes that could cost homeowners thousands!

Chapters From Today's Episode:
00:00 Why financial mistakes erode trust in HOAs
02:20 Why every board member must understand financials
06:00 What does it mean to be in a defensible position?
08:15 How small mistakes can snowball without oversight
11:50 Why communication and transparency build trust
14:21 How teamwork keeps boards financially healthy
16:16 What hidden costs come from financial mistakes?
18:54 Ad Break - FiPho Score
19:39 What are the three key roles of every HOA board?
23:39 Why owners demand accurate and timely financials
26:12 How to learn from experts without creating distrust
28:57 What to do when financial reports arrive late or wrong
31:28 Why honesty and openness keep boards protected

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

Did you know timeshare boards operate like HOAs? We explore why it’s important to know what’s going on at your timeshare!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Learn More about Jason’s Company: https://www.arda.org/

This week we welcome Jason Gamel, CEO of ARDA, to explore how timeshares function as associations. Robert and Jason discuss board responsibilities, budgeting, maintenance, and the hospitality layer that makes timeshares unique. See how major brands like Marriott and Hilton and even small self-managed resorts have boards ensure owner satisfaction, safety, and long-term success!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why are timeshares considered associations too?

00:43 Who is Jason Gamel and what is ARDA?

04:01 How do timeshare boards manage seasonal owners?

07:10 What role do major hospitality brands play in timeshare resorts?

11:17 How is governance different between fixed weeks and points systems?

15:18 What challenges come with fractional ownership boards?

18:55 How do hospitality and owner expectations add pressure?

22:35 Ad Break - FiPhO Score

23:39 Why do managers act as coaches to timeshare boards?

26:32 How does board diversity improve resort decisions?

31:23 How did the Champlain Towers collapse affect timeshare governance?

36:39 What legislative differences exist between HOAs and timeshares?

38:26 Final thoughts on timeshares as “cousins” of HOAs

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

What makes an HOA board truly great? Learn top traits, pitfalls to avoid, and how boards build credibility, trust, and community spirit!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week we take a close look at what separates great HOA boards from the rest. Julie Adamen and Robert Nordlund highlight the qualities that build strong, trustworthy leadership: clear communication, professionalism, credibility, and integrity. They also outline common missteps boards should avoid, how vision and mission statements guide decisions, why relying on experts matters, and how to keep meetings focused and productive!

Chapters:

00:00 What makes a board credible and professional?

01:33 How can communication make or break an HOA board?

04:23 What are the bottom traits of bad boards?

07:02 Why must boards speak with one voice?

11:34 How can boards rebuild credibility once it’s lost?

14:05 Do associations have natural personalities?

17:47 Why are vision and mission statements essential?

21:48 How do board goals unify homeowners?

23:54 Ad Break - Kevin Davis Insurance Services

24:42 How can meetings stay focused and effective?

27:30 Why should boards rely on experts and vendors?

30:44 Why is cheap often the most expensive mistake?

33:41 How do boards avoid “weeds” and distractions?

36:25 What inspires people to serve on boards?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

Can your HOA qualify for a loan? Learn why your reserve study is key to financing projects and securing better loan terms.

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA boards often wonder: Can our association qualify for a loan? This Week, Robert Nordlund talks with lending expert Walter Block about how lenders evaluate HOAs. Learn why reserve studies play a huge role in approval, what factors like delinquencies and occupancy mean, and how projects and repayment terms are structured. Water also goes over roof replacements, emergency repairs, and how how to secure financing and keep your community on track!

Get in Contact with Walter: walter.block@bancofcal.com

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 Why do HOAs sometimes need loans even with reserves?
00:39 Intro to Walter Block
03:44 What minimum size must an HOA have to qualify for a loan?
05:33 How do delinquencies and owner occupancy affect approval?
07:15 Why does the reserve study matter so much to lenders?
09:07 How are projects and loan amounts structured for HOAs?
12:26 What are typical HOA loan terms and interest rates?
14:34 Can HOAs borrow for projects not in their reserve study?
18:21 AD Break - Community Financials
18:53 How quickly can an HOA qualify and get loan approval?
21:24 What surprises can derail a loan during projects?
23:36 How are loans repaid—dues, special assessments, or both?
24:47 Why should associations use a separate account for loan funds?
27:13 How did disasters like Champlain Towers affect lending?
30:24 Why is owning real estate always expensive for HOAs?
32:40 What’s the final takeaway on HOA loans and reserve studies?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

HOA Board Hero Dulce Warren sits down to explains why fairness & listening matter most for effective HOA leadership!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA Board Hero Dulce Warren shares this week with Julie how fairness, listening, and ethics guide her approach to leadership. Dulce shares how she was tested leading on her HOA Board with tough issues like parking disputes and snow removal. She also explains how living and serving in the same place can lead to tricky situations where board members MUST balance boundaries and community harmony. These attributes allow HOA boards to be built on respect and service for your entire community!

Chapters From This Episode:

00:00 What responsibilities do HOA board members take on?

00:57 Introduction to this week’s HOA Board Hero Dulce Warren

02:15 Why did Dulce say yes to becoming a board member?

03:40 How did communication improve when Dulce set up direct contact with owners?

05:32 How did her nursing background shape her HOA leadership style?

07:29 Why does Dulce emphasize peace, privacy, and respect for homeowners?

09:19 How does her HOA handle rules, documents, and fairness?

10:11 How did she address parking complaints fairly?

12:57 What are some of the toughest issues her HOA faced?

14:47 Ad Break - HOA Invest

15:24 How did switching management companies improve service?

18:13 What professional experiences taught Dulce fairness and boundaries?

21:15 What advice does Dulce give new or potential board members?

25:09 Why should homeowners join their HOA board?

27:02 What happens if no one serves on the board?

27:38 Why does Dulce see board service as an ethical obligation?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

Lower the temperature at your HOA Board meetings! Kevin Davis shares his mindfulness tools to pause, breathe, and respond with clarity!

✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA Board tensions don’t have to run the show. This week Kevin Davis shares that he has special training as a mindfulness facilitator at UCLA. He shares practical ways to slow reactivity and make better decisions. Learn the STOP technique (Stop, Take a breath, Observe, Proceed), a short pre-meeting meditation, and simple kindness practices that de-escalate conflict and protect your board culture. Show up present, focused, and calm so your community gets your best!

Show Notes:

Mindfulness is being present on purpose. Our bodies are always in the present—but our minds often drift to:

The past, which can bring worry or regret r r the future, which can trigger anxiety or fear. When we’re grounded in the present, we are less reactive and more responsive—especially in challenging situations.

Mindfulness Tool: The STOP Practice: A simple tool for staying present in moments of uncertainty: S – Stop, T – Take a breath, O – Observe what’s happening (inside and out), P – Proceed with intention. This short pause helps you respond—not react.

Mindfulness for Board Meetings: Begin meetings with a few minutes of breathing. This settles the body and calms the mind—leading to: Better focus, better conversations and more productive meetings.

End the meditation with a moment of kindness, such as silently wishing others: May you be well. May we work with ease and calm.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election

Send us a text

CAI President Melissa Ramsey shares emotional intelligence tools for calmer HOA boards and healthier communities!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Emotions run hot in HOAs, but they don’t have to run the show. CAI National President Melissa Ramsey joins Robert Nordlund to unpack emotional intelligence for boards and managers. Learn how to pause, set boundaries, depersonalize conflict, align around mission and vision, and prevent burnout with simple daily resets. Practical takeaways for communities of every size, plus a nudge to “spin the good” and share wins across your association.

Key Takeaways:

• Melissa’s company: Mosaic Community Consulting

• If you’re stressed/hurting – address where the hurt is coming from.

• Be true to who you are

• Do what keeps you’re healthy

• Be honest about if you’re not feeling good, and make the necessary adjustments

• At your association – have a guiding Mission (and Values), to keep everyone headed the same direction and minimize distracting and “toxic soup” personal agendas.

• Spin the good news at your association

• Recognize your positive impact, and feel good about it.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen

Kevin Davis, CIRMS

Robert Nordlund, PE

Support Our Sponsors

Association Insights & Marketplace

Association Reserves

Community Financials

Kevin Davis Insurance Services

Stokelight Video & Marketing

The Inspectors of Election