Journal Notes

by Dana Johns, Publisher / Published November 2024

     When I was around 20 years old and in college, my mother, Charlene Yarbrough, and her sister launched a publication called Cleaner Times. This magazine, which still serves the pressure washing industry across the United States today, marked the beginning of her publishing career. In 2000 she acquired Manager’s
Report and later rebranded it to the current Florida Community Association Journal. By 2018 she was ready to fully retire, and my husband and I took over both magazines. Her perseverance and dedication have been a source of inspiration as we strive to continue educating our readership within their respective industries.

     In the early 1990s both of these fields were predominantly male dominated. My mother often recounted how some men were initially hesitant to acknowledge her and her sister as industry leaders. I remember one particular story about a gentleman—a true Southern boy from Alabama—who remarked to his peers: “These women are here to help us get the word out about our products and services. You need to let these ladies in.” His words were a simple acknowledgment that it was time for women to play a more prominent role in the pressure washing industry.

     I vividly recall the long hours and weekends she and her sister devoted to building a magazine that would benefit both readers and advertisers. Despite facing numerous challenges, my mother’s determination and perseverance earned her the respect of many within the industry. I consider her a trailblazer who paved the way for other women to succeed in roles that were traditionally held by men—roles that often carried more “prestigious” titles—while women were often relegated to positions like receptionist or secretary. A lot has changed since 1990.

     Fast forward to 2024, and we now see many successful women holding the same positions and titles as men. This issue of the Florida Community Association Journal celebrates just a few of the women who have made significant contributions to the community association  industry. From attorneys and business owners to community association managers (CAMs), women are now leading the field.

     This is always one of my favorite issues as it provides an opportunity to showcase just a few of the remarkable women shaping the community association industry in Florida. I hope you enjoy this issue, and I look forward to what 2025 has in store. Thank you to our readers, and we wish everyone making important decisions for their community associations a Happy Thanksgiving!

Publisher