If you’ve wondered why aluminum rules in Florida—or how to keep your carports, lanais, fences, and railings safe and storm-ready—this episode is a masterclass. I’m joined by Smoot Hull, owner of State Aluminum Solutions (also a licensed GC & roofing contractor), who splits time between Fort Myers and Sarasota serving condos/HOAs and large communities across the Gulf Coast.

We cover:

• Why Florida moved from steel/iron to aluminum (salt air, corrosion, safety)
• Big code upgrades: larger posts/beams, deeper footers, engineered systems
• What’s inside a modern carport build (structural aluminum, rebar, concrete footers)
• Storm lessons from Ian, Helene & Milton and proactive risk mitigation
• Real numbers: multi-phase carport replacements and why they’re expensive now
• Maintenance & restoration that actually works: pull-tests, new fasteners/washers, silicone sealing, seam treatment, gutter cleaning, coatings
• Fences & railings near pools and coastlines (landscaper weed-eater wear is real!)
• How boards can plan: reserve study inputs, annual/biannual inspections, and free assessments

Key takeaways for boards & managers

• Don’t wait—inspect (pull-test fasteners, check seams, look for rusted hardware).
• Prioritize life-safety: secure panels/edges now; phase coatings and cosmetics later.
• Document storm damage, then mitigate (remove loose panels/carports to prevent secondary loss).
• Put aluminum assets (carports, fences, railings, lanais) into your reserve schedule.
• Expect engineering and bigger structural members under today’s code—budgets must reflect it.

Today I’m joined by Michael Manrique, Director of Business Development at Affinity Management Services—an 18-year firm (30k+ units) expanding thoughtfully into Southwest Florida. We dig into why associations succeed (or stall): alignment, communication, and accountability. Affinity’s promise isn’t “biggest”—it’s “grow by design” and build long-term, people-first partnerships that actually deliver.

Highlights for boards & CAMs

• 90-day realignment cadence: set priorities, review outcomes, reset the plan.
• Weekly managers’ report (inspections, violations, maintenance, financials) + tailored communication.
• Transparency tech: Verde Link (project tracking) and AvidXchange (financial visibility).
• Customer care that answers: centralized support with a 94% call pickup and scripted resolutions.
• Face-to-face clarity: town halls and surveys (board every 90 days; residents every 6 months).
• Operating model: ~95% onsite focus; culture of coaching, weekly scorecards, and leadership support.
• Retention mindset: partnerships measured in years, not months; >80% multi-year client retention.

If your community wants fewer fires and more follow-through, Michael’s Align → Execute → Deliver framework shows how boards get back in control—without babysitting their management company.

I talk with Anthony Liano of Sunrise Landscape (est. 1978; 10+ Florida branches from Tampa to Naples) about how boards can get measurable value from their largest line item. We cover a consultative budgeting approach, why retention matters (Sunrise averages 8+ years per client), and how in-house capabilities—irrigation, horticulture/IPM, enhancements, design—keep quality high and costs predictable.

What you’ll learn

• How to build a realistic landscape budget & investment plan (service frequency, scope clarity, phased enhancements).
• Hurricane readiness & recovery: preseason tree management, priority roadway clearing, post-storm triage—plus cross-branch surge crews.
• Enhancements with ROI: AI renderings, salt-tolerant palettes where needed, balancing durability and curb appeal.
• Service quality systems: internal ticketing for issues (e.g., broken heads), hazard buffers near structures, and proactive account management.
• Contract tips for boards: define scope/frequency, include storm response, irrigation standards, enhancement allowances, and communication cadence.

If you’re a Florida HOA/condo board or CAM, this conversation gives you a clear framework to plan, prioritize, and protect your community’s landscape—without constant vendor churn.