Join guest host and CACM Communications Manager, Celeste Huecias, for a quick roundup of all the latest news and happenings at CACM! From upcoming Fall Forums and our High Rise & Large-Scale Summit to Golf Trick-or-Tee events, legislative updates on AB 130 and a warm welcome to our newest team members—Celeste covers it all and more. Stay in the loop and get ready for another exciting season with CACM!

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In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, CEO Tom Freeley welcomes Charlotte Allen of Socher Insurance Agency, a HUB International Company, for a myth-busting conversation about the California FAIR Plan. Drawing on over 20 years in the HOA insurance industry and on her recent article on the topic, Charlotte breaks down what’s changed, what’s misunderstood and what community managers really need to watch out for.

From wildfire risk and shrinking admitted markets to misleading guidance and growing confusion around surplus lines vs. the FAIR Plan, this episode and Charlotte’s article serve as a guide for navigating California’s complex insurance landscape with clarity and confidence.

Tune in for real talk, expert perspective and practical tips for protecting your communities in today’s hard insurance market.

Check out Charlotte’s article today: https://cacm.org/resources/california-insurance-regulations-article-by-charlotte-allen/

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In this episode, guest host Celeste Huecias sits down with Karen Kokowicz, CCAM, President and Owner of Coro Community Management & Consulting, to explore the heartfelt journey behind the creation of Happy Minds Network, a peer-to-peer support group built by and for CID managers.

With nearly 30 years in the industry, Karen shares how personal loss, professional insight and a desire for connection inspired her to build a space where community managers can find encouragement, empathy and collaboration. Her career has spanned portfolio management, on-site leadership, company ownership and service in key industry roles, including as co-chair of CACM’s LA Regional Committee. Today, she’s channeling that experience into creating a more supportive and sustainable future for CID professionals.

Whether you’re a manager seeking support, a leader looking to foster wellness on your team or simply curious about the power of peer connection, this episode is a must-listen.

For more information about Happy Minds Network, head to: happymindsnetwork.org

To read the full article in our Vision Magazine, head to:
https://issuu.com/californiaassociationofcommunitymanagers/docs/vision_-_fall_2024_final_issuu

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We’re back with another round of you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me HOA stories! From emotional support chickens and elephant birthday requests to a homeowner who thought the HOA was a scam, these real-life manager submissions prove that truth is definitely stranger than fiction. CACM’s Celeste Huecias shares some of your wildest stories of community management. These tales are full of laughs, head shakes and moments that’ll make you say, “Yep, been there.”

Have a wild HOA story of your own? Email us at [email protected], we just might feature it next time.

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In this episode, CACM’s Celeste Huecias chats with Maria Hernandez, MCAM, CCAM- PM, about her 20+ year journey in community management and the launch of her company, Tailored Management Solutions (TMS).

Maria shares what inspired her to start TMS, the importance of honesty and humility in leadership, and why taking chances can open new doors in the industry. A must-listen for anyone curious about building a business with heart in the HOA space.

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What does it really mean to serve on the CACM Board of Directors? In this episode, host Tom Freeley sits down with Jeremy S. Wilson, CAMEx,
CCAM, Vice Chair of CACM’s 2025 Board of Directors, for a candid conversation about board service, leadership and professional growth.

From what inspired him to get involved to the day-to-day responsibilities of a board member, Jeremy shares how serving has shaped his career and why contributing to our industry in a small way is essential to creating a larger impact for managers everywhere. Interested in applying? The deadline to submit your application is August 14th at 5 PM. For more information, visit our website at www.cacm.org.

If you’re thinking about stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers real insight—and inspiration.

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In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Celeste Huecias is joined by Kathryn Henricksen, CAMEx, CCAM, for an insightful conversation on ethics and professional standards in the community management industry. Kathryn shares her journey in the HOA world, her role within CACM’s Professional Standards Committee and why ethics are the foundation of effective, trustworthy management.

The pair dive into what the Professional Standards Committee does, how it supports integrity in the industry and review key elements of CACM’s Code of Professional Ethics and Standards. Whether you're a community manager, board member or just curious about how professionalism shapes our field, this episode offers valuable takeaways and a reminder that when it comes to ethics, “you either have them or you don’t”.

Resources mentioned:
CACM Code of Professional Ethics and Standards:
https://cacm.org/resources/code-of-ethics/

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Guest host Celeste Huecias from CACM sits down with CACM’s Educational Events Coordinator Korinna Peterson to talk about all things education. From current and upcoming events to ways to get involved, this quick episode has everything you need to stay in the know. Whether you're a manager or industry partner, tune in for a fast track to what’s happening in the world of CACM education!

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In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with Tera Willis, CCAM, of Vintage Group Management and Amy Hawkins, CCAM, of Menas Realty Group for an honest, manager-to-manager discussion. With different levels of experience and working in separate regions, Tera and Amy bring diverse perspectives to shared industry challenges. From special assessments to electronic balloting and beyond, tune in for a realistic, relatable conversation that speaks to the everyday experiences of community managers across California—and you may gain some new insights and tips from your industry peers along the way.

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In this week’s episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, Alia Saouli and Celeste Huecias of CACM sit down and have a candid conversation about community management. This crash course episode dives into what the industry is all about, the kind of person it takes to thrive and how to find your place in this unique and rewarding field.

With reflection on the years she managed, Saouli, shares with industry newcomer, Huecias, insight into real-life challenges, growth opportunities and resources available for you to connect and thrive in the field. Whether you're just starting out, simply curious or want to learn a bit more about CACM, you’ll get tips on how to prepare, why it’s important to get involved and what resources are out there to support both you and your boards.

But don’t let the conversation end with the two of them—listen today and send us your questions or feedback. We’d love to hear from you!

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