You've Got a Friend in Me

Allies in the community management industry are extremely valuable, especially at a time when boards and homeowners seem to be more sensitive than usual. Who are these allies and what can they do to help you in the current climate?

By Jessica Melvin, CCAM

Association Attorneys

First on the list will be no surprise to anyone who has been in the industry longer than a month. Association attorneys are worth their weight in gold. From free advice on that extra strange situation you have with the neighborhood cat lady to in-depth help on writing a new set of documents, attorneys are always ready to help managers and their clients in times of need and uncertainty.

We really had to rely on them a lot during the last few years, and forming friendly relationships was mutually beneficial as we could help them understand the board or community dynamics. Having a few reliable attorneys with varied perspectives is unbeatable. A bonus is the famous attorney sense of humor. These folks have seen it all, solved it, and lived to tell the tale. With names and identities changed, of course.

Senior Managers

Next up are those managers in the office (or on Zoom for some of us, still) that have been around for decades and seem to know everyone and everything. The historical knowledge of these senior-level managers can’t be replaced. In many instances, they can tell you the old way it was done, as well as the current procedures and then further offer more streamlined solutions and tidbits of information for how it should be done.

Though the senior managers are quickly retiring or moving from the industry, see if you can grab one as a mentor going forward (I stole one myself!) and build a relationship that will provide you not only knowledge on navigating the office politics, procedures and various fires that strike up, but also, a friend to talk to on those extra difficult days who understand the pressures you are dealing with. After all, they did it without a computer, through a recession, and actually had to use a fax machine.

Vendors

Every manager loves their vendors even if parts took a year to arrive and all the projects were heavily delayed due to staff shortages. This ally is the most immediately beneficial as we both have a job to do and rely on each other to meet deadlines, make money, and look good while doing it. Many management companies and associations have preferred vendor lists, but I bet if you ask any manager, they have their own preferred vendor list.

Vendors you have relationships with will go above and beyond for you and your clients. For instance, not every arborist can be called at 3 a.m. to get a tree off of a house, but an arborist who has a solid working relationship with you sure will.

Managers always have deadlines, on/off issues, and emergencies. Having a few vendors who are reliable and willing never hurts you or your clients. Build these relationships as you go through your career, and you will be glad you did.

City/Public Employees

This ally is far less talked about, but just like a vendor relationship, it can be extremely beneficial to both parties. Have you ever stopped to talk to the police officer who has your community in their patrol beat? If not, find out who it is and make an introduction.

When there is trouble that is outside of an association jurisdiction, it sure helps to know who to call and create a relationship between them and your community.

What about the public works manager, sewer district crew, or the animal control officer? All of these things play a part in how the community operates, and if you have a clogged storm drain just outside of your community, a loose dog running just outside your gate, or even a nearby park that just needs attention, it sure is nice to have the people who can fix these things on speed dial.

An added benefit to forming a working relationship with these individuals is that you also get to hear about upcoming projects or planned maintenance that may be of interest to your community or could deeply affect them.

Specialists and Nonprofits

The last on this list is another ally that many managers don’t immediately think about. HOA communities are everywhere, and they all have their own difficulties. Perhaps, you have a senior community! Did you know there is a free resource called Born to Age that provides a lot of vetted services to seniors?

Communities in challenged areas may be able to benefit from non-profit organizations who perform community outreach. The people involved in these organizations want to help and often know a lot about what is going on in your community and other available resources or connections that can be useful to you.

Though it sometimes seems as we are on an island in this profession, the truth is that there are so many moving parts and people in this industry. If you look around within your communities, you can build solid relationships that will help you and your associations flourish. Some of these reliable allies will turn into cherished friends and the knowledge you gain from building these relationships will transcend your professional career.

Jessica L. Melvin, CCAM

Jessica L. Melvin, CCAM, is a Portfolio Community Manager for The Management Trust, Nor-Cal division, serving Yolo, Solano, and Contra Costa counties since 2016.