CACM CHAT - HOA LIFE

When a crisis hits, the community may look different, but the challenges managers face often have more in common than you might think. From earthquakes and major water leaks to security concerns and extended power outages, community managers are often called on to lead, communicate and make critical decisions in uncertain situations.

In this episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life, we sit down with large-scale community management professional Steve Schneider, CCAM-LS, to explore how different types of communities respond to real-world emergencies. Through a series of scenarios, we’ll compare the unique challenges of large-scale communities and high-rise environments while uncovering the universal lessons every manager can apply.

From emergency preparedness and resident communication to leadership under pressure, this conversation offers practical insights for managers navigating their next crisis, no matter the size or type of community they serve.

This episode is sponsored by Bob Tedrick Construction Inc.

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The 2008 housing crisis left a lasting impact on the community association industry, exposing vulnerabilities that many HOAs and condominium communities had never faced before. From abrupt instability to the unraveling of improperly verified “robo-signatures” and unclear mortgage assignments, the effects reshaped the industry for years to come.

On this episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life podcast, Communications Manager Celeste Huecias sits down with Mitch Drimmer, CMCA, LCAM, President and Industry Principal of Axela, to explore whether the industry may be seeing early warning signs of another housing crisis.

Nearly 20 years later, what similarities are emerging? Mitch discusses what community associations and management companies should be watching for and how they can begin preparing now for the possibility of another period of economic uncertainty.

Tune in for a timely conversation about lessons from the past, signs to watch today, and steps the industry can take to prepare for whatever comes next.

This episode is sponsored by Axela.

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Electronic voting has officially been an option for California HOAs for a year. So, what have we learned? In this episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life, we sit down with Noah Jackson, Founder and CEO of Third Party Voting, to revisit AB 2159 and explore how electronic voting is reshaping HOA elections. Noah breaks down the steps communities and managers should take before implementing e-voting, from updating election rules and involving legal counsel to tracking homeowner preferences and annual disclosures. We also discuss adoption trends, common challenges, and the biggest benefits communities are seeing one year later. Whether you're considering electronic voting for the first time or looking to refine your process, this episode offers practical insights and expert guidance to help your community navigate the future of HOA elections.

This Episode is Sponsored by Third Party Voting.

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In this week’s episode, Communications Manager, Celeste Huecias sits down with industry leaders Bonnie Basham, CAMEx, CCAM-PM.AA.CI, CAFM, and Adriana DaSilva, CAMEx, CCAM, for a conversation on leadership, industry involvement, and the evolving world of community management.

Bonnie and Adriana share their experiences as women in leadership, what inspired them to serve on the board, and the lessons they've learned throughout their careers. They also discuss managing diverse communities across California, current industry trends, and offer advice for professionals looking to grow into leadership roles.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned manager, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical takeaways for your professional journey.

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In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, host and communications manager, Celeste Huecias sits down with Jeff Farnsworth, CAMEx, CCAM-PM.ND, of Steward Property Services, Inc. to discuss the evolving state of professionalism in the community management industry.

From the lasting impact of first impressions to the day-to-day habits that define a true professional, Celeste and Jeff explore what it really means to show up in today’s workplace. They break down key areas like attire, email etiquette, and communication style, while also highlighting the small details that can make—or break—your professional presence.

Through a leadership lens, the conversation dives into how executives and decision- makers perceive professionalism, and how those perceptions can directly influence career growth and new opportunities. They also touch on where professionals tend to miss the mark, whether the industry has become too casual, and how individual actions contribute to the broader reputation of the field.

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you elevate your professionalism starting today.

This episode is sponsored by BTC Bob Tedrick Construction Inc.

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AI is already changing how boards find and evaluate CAM firms—and it may be deciding who makes the shortlist before you even know you’re in the running.

In this episode, host Celeste Huecias sits down with John Leuterman of Big Rock Marketing to break down all things AI—from tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to how they’re reshaping marketing in our industry.

From SEO and proposals to marketing and client service, they share what your company should be doing right now to keep up.

Whether you’re a CAM executive, part of a marketing team, or just keeping up with the digital landscape, this episode delivers practical tips on using AI—without losing what makes your firm unique.

Let AI do the busy work—your expertise is what wins business. Listen today!

This episode is sponsored by Big Rock Marketing.

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Join us for a special conversation as Communications Manager, Celeste Huecias, sits down with Karen Conlon, MCAM, CACM’s first CEO. The two will explore the evolution of community management over the decades. From the early days of managing associations and communities without the tech tools we rely on today, to the modern landscape shaped by software, social media, and ever-changing regulations, Karen shares her unique perspective on how the profession has adapted and grown.

Celeste and Karen touch on the origins of CACM, the lessons learned from decades of advocacy, and the ways managers have modernized their approach to meet the needs of today’s communities. Whether you’re a seasoned manager or just starting out, this episode offers insights, stories, and advice on thriving in a role that continues to evolve.

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What does it really take to plan for a successful year—especially when the unexpected comes your way?

In this episode, host Celeste Huecias of CACM sits down with Samantha Soogian, CCAM, Director of Management Services at the Community of Harbor Bay Isle Owners Association, to talk about the power of organization, strong planning, and the role teammates play in navigating the unexpected. From managing teams and properties to handling real-life curveballs, Samantha shares how being organized, and leaning on the right people, creates clarity, confidence, and resilience.

We dive into mindful tips and practical strategies managers can use to stay organized throughout the year—or even just at the end of a long day. If you’re looking for simple, realistic ways to feel more prepared and less overwhelmed, this conversation is for you.

Don’t miss this powerful start to the new year—listen today.

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As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the challenges, growth and resilience that defined this year for our community.

In this special end-of-year holiday episode, we look back on the moments that mattered most — from the impact of the LA fires and the incredible compassion shown by our members to the education, advocacy and professional development efforts that moved our industry forward.

We highlight key milestones, including our Northern and Southern California Law Seminars, manager-focused webinars, legislative advocacy in Sacramento, expanded education programs and the completion of our industry compensation study. We also share how CACM showed up for members during difficult times through resources, relief initiatives and ongoing support.

As we look ahead to 2026, this episode is about gratitude, connection and momentum — and a reminder that together, we continue to strengthen the future of community management.

Thank you for being part of our community, and happy holidays from all of us at CACM.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Kylie Decker, CAMEx, CCAM from Powerstone Property Management, ACMC and a member of CACM’s Board of Directors, for an honest and timely conversation about what work–life balance really means in our industry today.

Kylie shares her leadership perspective on how expectations around balance have evolved in recent years and why the community management world often struggles with boundaries. She also dives into practical, realistic habits that help her recalibrate when things get overwhelming, the small routines that make a big difference and the role leaders play in modeling healthy work rhythms.

Whether you're a new manager, a seasoned pro or simply trying to create healthier space between work and life, this episode is full of grounded insights and actionable takeaways you can put into practice right away.

Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on balance, leadership and the habits that help us sustain long, fulfilling careers.

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