Business Solutions for Executives

Hiring for character and other insights from CACM’s CEO Business Forum

By Clint McClure, CCAM

Irecently attended CACM’s CEO Business Forum, and it was an exhilarating two days that helped me focus on new business strategies. CACM’s President & CEO David Zepponi set the stage by asking attendees to focus on building character in our management firms. The program content spurred everyone to adjust their perspective on our industry by focusing less on competition for clients and more on positive development strategies for our companies and personnel. The result of this outlook will be the continued longevity and success of our industry as a whole.

Keynote speaker Dr. J. Mitchell Perry, CEO of JM Perry Learning, shared how hiring and retaining employees is an integral part of creating a sustainable company. In his experience as a consultant for small to multi-billion dollar corporations, Dr. Perry said most employee turnover and performance issues are directly related to poor employee character, which is generally discovered after the hiring process. In his opinion, these employee issues can be avoided if companies incorporate character analysis into the hiring process.

Here’s what Dr. Perry suggests to get to the heart of who a candidate really is:

Stop talking about yourself. Interviewers have a tendency to dominate the conversation.

Most employee turnover and performance issues are directly related to poor employee character, which is generally discovered after the hiring process.

Instead, ask simple questions and really listen to the candidate. Let them carry on … and on. Ask the candidate to tell you about the basic values and principles they adhere to in their personal and professional life. Dr. Perry says people with high moral values will be happy to disclose these details because they are very proud and fulfilled individuals. Ask about accomplishments. Dr. Perry says successful community managers will typically be very driven by accomplishments. If the candidate is eager to list and boast about his or her accomplishments, you’ll know he or she will be motivated by the opportunity to achieve more great things as your employee. Discover how far they’ve come. Dr. Perry suggests asking candidates, “Since graduating high school, what have you learned about life and what have you learned about yourself?” He says “wisdom emerges when experience collides with reflection.” People who place a premium on wisdom and apply what they’ve learned in life to better themselves are more likely to also better your company.

These are just some of Dr. Perry’s tips to help interview and hire for character. He also encouraged us to focus on elevating character in all aspects of community management, both in our individual companies and the industry as a whole.

Overall, Dr. Perry offered a welcomed perspective shift. He showed us how our service-based industry can move forward with a workforce rich in professional ability and depth of character. I hope this perspective is something we can all commit to and implement.

You can learn more about Dr. Perry, an executive coach, trainer, speaker, author, board-certified psychotherapist, and dynamic expert on people and their behavior, at www.jmperry.com.

Clint McClure, CCAM is President & CEO of MMI-McClure Management Inc. in Carlsbad.

Member News With thousands of members spread out across California, CACM strives to keep in touch with all of our members’ latest happenings.

MAY

Tony Menke & AJ Scott Awarded CPCU Designation

Tony Menke and AJ Scott, employees of CACM affiliate member company Timothy Cline Insurance Agency, have been awarded the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU®) designation and diploma by The Institutes. Menke and Scott both successfully completed courses and examinations on risk management principles, insurance policy contracts and coverage analysis as part of the CPCU education process.

Menke is the Director of Operations for Timothy Cline Orange County Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in Orange

Insurance Agency and has been with the company impressive strategic thinking fostered in the workplace.

since 2005. He manages claims and financial matters for the company’s entire book of business and is known for his proficiency in helping clients navigate the complex nuances of insurance claims and finance.

Scott is the New Business Producer/Production Team Leader for Timothy Cline Insurance Agency. She began her career with the company in 2006 and is known for her extensive knowledge and ability to explain complex insurance matters in easy-to-understand ways. She also currently serves as Vice President of IIABA-LA, the Los Angeles Chapter of IIABCal (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of California).

Timothy Cline Insurance Agency is a Santa Monica-based agency specializing in commercial insurance for common interest developments and building

JUNE

Crummack Huseby: A 2015 Best Place To Work!

CACM Management Firm Council member Crummack Huseby Property Management, Inc. is proud to be a maverick in the community management industry and, by doing so, has been named one of the County.

The journal (OCBJ) awards this distinction based on employers’ workplace policies, practices, and demographics, as well as an employee survey measuring opinions and happiness. Crummack Huseby’s award is a testament to the unique talent they hire and the owners in California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona.

Crummack Huseby was founded in 1999 with the intention of bringing a more personalized approach to property management for homeowners and builders. The company has created incredible changes in the community management industry with innovative thinking and talented staff hires. The company has also developed forward-thinking programs for new and existing communities throughout Orange County and Southern California. For more information, visit www.ch-pm.com.

The Best Places to Work in Orange County were featured in the OCBJ July 27 issue.

JUNE

Matthew Plaxton Welcomes New Son, Nash

Matthew T. Plaxton, Esq., Associate Attorney at CACM affiliate member firm the Tinnelly Law Group, welcomed his new son, Nash Plaxton, on Thursday, June 25, 2015, at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Overdue and ready to be mommy to baby Nash, Matt's wife Cynthia only had to push for five minutes!

Nash weighed in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 19 inches in length at birth. He joins his brother, Liam, age 5. Congratulations to the Plaxton family!

JUNE

Gachina Landscape Earns 4 CLCA Awards

CACM Affiliate Member Gachina Landscape Management won four awards at the 42nd annual CLCA San Francisco Bay Area Beautification Awards Ceremony on June 20. The company was recognized for their work at the following properties:

Landscape Management Sweepstakes (best maintained property out of all categories) • 331 Fairchild, Mountain View, managed by Kilroy Realty Corporation (pictured above)

First Place Awards • TIC – McCarthy Center I, II & III; Milpitas, managed by The Irvine Company • Hilton Santa Clara, Santa Clara, managed by Stanford Hotels Corporation

Achievement Award • Arques Building, Sunnyvale, managed by Christensen Holdings

From year-round maintenance to water management and plant health care, Gachina delivers award winning attention to detail, enabling customers to create natural, beautiful and environmentally sound landscapes that leave lasting impressions.

Gachina Landscape also celebrated its 27th successful year in business July 1, 2015. “Much of our success is attributed to making customer service our top priority,” says Stacie Callaghan, Gachina’s Customer Experience/ Marketing Manager. “Our goal is to enrich the life of everyone and everything we touch.”

JULY

Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Goes West(ern) for 25th Anniversary Celebration

With 25 years of serving Southern California homeowners associations and corporate housing communities under their belt, CACM affiliate member Antis Roofing & Waterproofing needed a party to match: a western-themed hoedown. And so, the dedicated executives and employees “raised the roof” on July 25 with 1,000 of their closest partners, as well as friends at Habitat for Humanity of Orange County®.

The company’s founder and president Charles Antis, along with Irvine’s Mayor Steven Choi, showed their two-step moves during a live performance by country band The Freightshakers. Lake Forest Mayor Scott Voigts; president & CEO of Habitat for Humanity OC Sharon Ellis; district representative for U.S. Representative Mimi Walter; Irvine City Councilwoman Lynn Schott; president of Alzheimer’s OC Jim Mcaleer; and others enjoyed authentic western pulled pork and smoky brisket, prize giveaways and perks – even a mechanical bull!

It was a night to remember and a great way to honor the company’s efforts in serving the community of Orange County.

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