Cul-de-sac: Reflections from 2020 – It Wasn’t All Bad

By Liliana Martinez, CMCA, AMS Lili is the director of management operations at National Realty Partners, LLC (NRP), where she has been a key part of the NRP team for many years. She has been working in community association for more than 10 years collectively. Lili currently serves as co-chair of the Quorum Editorial Committee and has been an active member on the committee and across the Washington Metro Chapter for several years.

Reflections from 2020 – It Wasn’t All Bad!

As we prepared to ring in 2020 it was destined to be the year of highest hopes and major accomplishments. Many looked forward to the start of a new decade with much desire for positive changes. Little did we know it would bring a world of change in a whole other unexpected perspective. No matter where you live or who you are, all our lives changed once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Everything was derailed disrupted rapidly, plans changed or were completely canceled, goals were placed on hold, and the list goes on.

Yes, 2020 brought about a major worldwide crisis. But, instead of focusing on all the negative, let’s briefly reflect on what the pandemic changed (maybe, for the better – time will tell), and focus on the positive things it uncovered.

We Are Valuable!

For most in the industry, we quickly learned we were valuable “essential employees”, for many this meant finding a way to continue everyday duties in the safest manner possible. For some, this meant 24/7 remote working, for others reporting to daily work environment did not change and in some cases developing a hybrid approach. With the help of technology, we were able to continue business as usual and still connect with others. Everyone has become an expert in some type of virtual setting of interaction through Zoom, WebEx, Google Meets, or other platforms. Implementation of new protocols, rules, and processes have been key to maintaining professional services in our communities. With little to no preparation, we managed to switch our everyday operations to a digital structure.

Human Interaction is Human Nature (Even If Some of Us Don’t Think So!) Personally, I have come to value human interaction and the importance of family, because of Covid-19 many have had the opportunity to spend more time at home, shift their routines and come up with creative ways to enjoy time with their family members including pets. Eliminating long commutes have become extra time to do home projects, hobbies, exercise, and develop healthy eating habits. Virtual calls have been a key element to catch up with family and friends. Creating new healthy patterns for family interactions, daily communication, having family meals, and sharing quality time. In my family the kids all learned how to ride their bikes, we walked more frequently, play board games, and eat meals together, a much-needed change of pace for our family. Learning to spend quality time with people we love and treasure the moments that sometimes we take for granted is invaluable.

We Are Creative

Throughout this pandemic time, we have learned to make use of what you have. The random shopping trips to Target diminished as I found myself limiting the store visits and truly utilizing everything I had before my next store trip. I found that using my crafting materials or finding ways to use items I had purchase but never had time to use. For me, craft supplies were something I had accumulated but never used it all. They came in handy to entertain my kids while I participated in daily virtual meetings. Exploring creativity, utilizing technology, becoming savvier with financial spending, and learning to maximize what you have already.

Forced or Not…We CAN Adapt to Change

In 2020 we have been able to learn new ways of doing things, new norms, and enhancing our abilities to have a balance. We have learned to value everything we have, to know that we cannot control all the unknown variables and that at times we are forced to adapt to unexpected changes. Adapting to the new way to interact with social distancing, wearing face masks and virtual appointments are major changes that we all (no matter the age) have had to comply with.

We Are Resilient

Even though 2020 did not turn out as we all planned, we have learned many valuable lessons that will help all of us move forward towards progression and success. Many faced troubling times during this pandemic, lost loved ones, lost their jobs, and challenged with wearing many hats, through the most difficult moments it critical to continue to yearn for a positive outlook on what is to come.

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving” – Albert Einstein

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Dear Board Members,

Thanks to our new communities in the DC Metro area, for trusting us during these difficult times.

As North America’s property management leader, we would like to acknowledge the obstacles we have all faced throughout this year of unrelenting change. Since the start of this global pandemic, FirstService Residential has remained steadfast in its mission to helping our board members and communities navigate these turbulent times by providing information and resources to support them and give them peace of mind.

Our depth of resources and knowledge enable us to ensure your communities stay safe, secure and connected during this crisis. We understand what it takes to adapt to ensure our associations in the DC Metro area are receiving regular and transparent communication, no matter what the obstacle.

As your trusted property management leader, we fulfill our mission by delivering exceptional service and solutions that enhance the value of every property and the lifestyle of every resident in your community. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and we are looking forward to a brighter and more positive year ahead.

Michael Mendillo President Trent Harrison, PCMA® President, MidAtlantic

2/10/20 11:52 PM

703.385.1133 | fsresidential.com