FCAP Community

Published August 2024

     Florida Community Association Professionals’ (FCAP) training is offered on two levels. Level one consists of courses meeting Florida’s continuing education requirements for CAMs, and level two is the Florida Advanced CAM Studies (FACS) course. For further information about the more than 38 online continuing education classes available or to pursue the Certified Florida Community Association Manager (CFCAM) designation, please visit www.fcapgroup.com/membership/education-training/.   

Betsy Barbieux

Because You Asked
By Betsy Barbieux, CAM, CFCAM, CMCA

Betsy,
     There were a few takeaways that were eye-opening to me. I believe the presentation emphasized that the association operates like a business even though it is not for profit, but there are certain distinguishing factors and privileges granted to its members that are not afforded to shareholders of a company. For example, boards can encourage members (who are akin to shareholders) to attend, listen, and provide comments on the agenda items at board meetings. However, I did not know that meetings were not intended as Q&A sessions, which is how I have seen them conducted in the past. I also was not aware that the board did need to give a response to those owners’ comments. 
     I am not an association attorney, so while we are familiar with the entirety of Chapters 718 and 720, we focus on the sections that we typically raise during litigation. Learning that the board does not have to be held hostage by the membership answering every question they have about agenda line items, as I have seen done in other communities, was eye-opening.
     I will be sure to share your YouTube channel. Thank you for reaching out.
–  Amber

Amber,
    It was a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for your kind comments! You said you learned something new. Would you mind sharing that with me? I’d like to make sure I always include it when I give the presentation on angry owners.
–  Betsy

Betsy, 
     I have questions about HB 1203. We are an HOA with 32 villas with no common areas. We do not have a management company. We are a three-member board; I am from the UK, another is from Norway, and the third lives in Florida.
     Completing four hours of education annually is going to be very difficult for us, especially since English is not the first language of our Norwegian member. How are the hours reported? To whom? How does the DBPR know who all the board members are in the state of Florida? If required for reporting purposes, two of us do not have social security numbers.And to make matters worse for me, I am a practicing lawyer in the
     UK and required to self-report if I break the law in any way. The UK penalties for breaking the law or failing to report are severe. If I am unable to complete the Florida training in a timely manner, am I breaking the law?
     It’s difficult enough to get board members, but now it may be impossible with this new law.
–  Dennis

Dennis,
     The processes and systems are not in place and I’m sure will not be in place for months to know whether a board member is in compliance with these new laws. I don’t see a compliance date mentioned in the legislation.
     I am not aware of a social security number being required for board members. If that is the case, half the board members in Florida don’t have one since they live out of the country.
     There is no indication of how or when the Division of Condominiums will develop the syllabus for the providers (like me) to expand/change our existing board course materials. It also appears from the legislation that the Division is to provide a standardized certificate of completion.
     There is no system in place to track a board member’s compliance with CE hours since board members do not have a license. That system will have to be developed. There is not a complete HOA registry for the Division to know if an HOA association has more or less than 2,500 parcels.
     Similarly, there is no way to track the required CE hours for CAMs of HOAs. There is no system in place to know who manages an HOA versus a condominium/co-op, and it will likely take forever for the Regulatory Council to develop a curricula syllabus.
     Both HB 1021 and HB 1203 are a mess and do not dovetail with any other required curricula or existing electronic reporting systems. I have written to the governor twice and asked him to veto these two bills.
     The CAM Matters™ show is out now, and you can see my frustration with these two bills.
–  Betsy

Marcy L. Kravit

Mastering Community Management: A Roadmap to Effective Task Mastery

By Marcy Kravit, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CFCAM, CSM
Director of Community Association Relations, Hotwire Communications
FCAP Education Program Coordinator

     In the dynamic realm of community associations, community association managers are the key that holds communities together.

     Tasked with executing board decisions, meeting directives, and ensuring vendor accountability, CAMs play a vital role in shaping the success and harmony of the communities they serve. In this guide we will delve into the importance of CAMs attending to assigned tasks, executing them effectively, following up with diligence, and fostering strong partnerships to ensure community prosperity.

The Foundation—Attending to Board Decisions and Directives

     At the heart of community management lies the duty of CAMs to attend to tasks assigned as a result of board meeting decisions and directives.

     Whether it involves implementing new policies, overseeing community projects, or managing financial matters, CAMs are entrusted with bringing the board’s vision to fruition. By understanding the board’s objectives and priorities, CAMs can align their efforts to support the community’s strategic goals and enhance its overall well-being.

The Journey—From Execution to Follow-Up and Completion

     While executing tasks is essential, the true mastery of community management lies in the art of follow-up and follow-through. CAMs must go beyond the mere task completion and ensure that every initiative is seen to, through attending to the details and its conclusion. By maintaining a proactive approach, tracking progress, addressing challenges promptly, and providing regular updates to the board of directors, CAMs can foster transparency, accountability, and trust within the community. This commitment to thoroughness and communication not only ensures the successful implementation of projects but also instills confidence in community stakeholders.

The Secret Weapon—Vendor Accountability and Partnership

     In the intricate ecosystem of community management, vendors play a crucial role in delivering essential services to residents. CAMs must act as vigilant guardians, overseeing vendor performance and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. By establishing clear expectations, monitoring service quality, and fostering open communication with vendors, CAMs can uphold standards of excellence and ensure that the community receives top-notch services.

     Strong vendor partnerships built on mutual respect and accountability are the key to creating a thriving community environment.

Insights, Tips, and Tricks for Success

1. Effective Communication—Clear and open communication is the cornerstone of successful community management. Regular updates, transparent reporting, and active engagement with stakeholders enhance collaboration and build trust within the community.
2. Organization and Task Management—Utilize tools such as project management software to streamline task management, set priorities, and track progress. Establishing clear timelines and milestones helps to ensure that tasks are completed on schedule.
3. Proactive Problem-Solving—Anticipate challenges, address issues promptly, and seek creative solutions to overcome obstacles. Proactive problem-solving demonstrates leadership and drives positive outcomes for the community.
4. Continuous Learning and Development—Invest in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Networking with peers and industry experts provides valuable insights and resources for personal and professional growth.

     Community association managers hold a position of immense responsibility and opportunity to shape the success and vibrancy of the communities they serve.

     By attending to tasks with dedication, executing them effectively, following up with diligence, and fostering strong partnerships with vendors and stakeholders, CAMs can create a community environment where residents thrive and harmony prevails. Embracing the principles of transparency, accountability, and collaboration, CAMs can lead their communities to greater success!

Committed to His Community—Thomas A. Newgent, CFCAM

     Thomas Newgent is currently the property manager for Beach Woods Property Owners Association in Melbourne Beach, Fl. He comments, “I took this position after being with the Bluffs of Sebring Condominium Association for five years, where I started as an irrigation technician and worked my way up to assistant manager. I felt that it was time for a change, and Beach Woods at Melbourne was the perfect fit for me and my family.”

     Newgent was born and raised in Avon Park, a small town in Central Florida that is mostly known as the town north of the Sebring International Raceway where the ISMA 12 Hours of Sebring is held. After different jobs in various fields, he started in golf course maintenance and worked his way up to superintendent before moving on to the Bluffs. He remarks, “I attended Florida Gateway College for horticulture and am getting ready to start another path with Eastern Florida State College for business management.”

     When asked what led to his decision to pursue his CAM license, he notes, “I always enjoyed the big projects, from the planning to execution, so it was natural to take another step in the direction of community management and obtain my CAM. Now there is no shortage of projects to plan and execute.”

     In terms of pursuing the CFCAM designation, Newgent comments, “I wanted to show my community the commitment that I have to the residents and the board of directors to do what is absolutely in their best interest—even though we all know not all residents think that is the case all the time.”

     Newgent shares, “The biggest issue facing communities right now is Amazon. Post-COVID everyone lives in a world of next-day delivery, and unfortunately the community projects and needs are not always that easily available. It may work for a time, but how well and for how long? The next issue is education. I encourage everyone—even my maintenance staff and board members—to take the time to educate themselves as much as possible. The last issue is focused on support. Managing a community of any size has its challenges. Unfortunately, some people don’t know where or to whom to turn. Reach out and make professional connections with people in the same field. Between trade shows, LinkedIn, or the FCAP Directory, reach out and make those connections with like-minded people who may have already gone through the problems you’re facing now.”

     When Newgent is asked what professional achievement he is proudest of, he shares, “Honestly, doing what I am doing now makes me the proudest. I overcame a lot of personal doubts about the profession to be where I am. It also makes a big difference to hear residents say ‘thank you’ occasionally.”

     His biggest influences have been past managers. He has had the opportunity to work for some great people who have taught him a great deal not only professionally but also personally. They have also taught him how to push himself to be a better manager of properties and personalities.

     When not managing, Newgent shares how he spends his time. “I am a husband and a father of three. We enjoy trips to Disney as a family, and personally I enjoy pretty much any activity outdoors to get the mental reset that is something everyone in this industry needs.”

     FLCAJ would like to congratulate Thomas Newgent on becoming the most recent CAM to obtain his CFCAM designation!