By Donna DiMaggio Berger
4.9
2828 ratings
The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.
The aftermath of the Champlain Towers tragedy has led to a flurry of legislative responses, but are they hitting the mark? Was the Florida Legislature's response to the Champlain Towers tragedy misguided in terms of overlooking some key factors that led to that deadly collapse and placing some obligations on the parties least able to shoulder them? Join Take It To The Board host Donna DiMaggio Berger as she unpacks this complex, multi-layered issue affecting countless communities across the Sunshine State who are facing looming and costly deadlines for engineering inspections and reserve funding mandates. Together with her podcast producer, Claude Jennings Jr, they confront the issues that may be causing countless people to reconsider life in a Florida condominium. They delve into the historical context and regulatory challenges, revealing the profound economic and social impacts on individuals, especially seniors on fixed incomes that these new laws are already having.
Their conversation also addresses the difference between highly functional, functional and dysfunctional boards and why dysfunctional boards are more than just a nuisance—they're a liability. In this episode, they explore the financial strains and governance challenges that can lead to board dysfunction. With Donna's expertise, they offer insight into identifying red flags and the importance of expert professional advice. From engaging legislators to revising governing documents, this episode promises solutions to foster highly functional boards amidst the ongoing crisis. Tune in for expert advice, actionable strategies, and a path forward for those navigating the murky waters of Florida's condo crisis.
Conversation Highlights Include:
BONUS: Future Predictions
On this week’s episode of Take It To The Board podcast, we're opening the doors—and windows—to a topic that’s both timely and critical for community associations both in hurricane season and year-round impact doors and windows. Host Donna DiMaggio Berger and guest Ben Friedman, owner and President of CitiQuiet Windows, explore the ins and outs of impact-resistant windows and doors: what they do, what they cost and how they are important not just as hurricane protection.
Donna and Ben debunk common myths, distinguish between impact-resistant and impact-proof materials, and emphasize the importance of replacing all damaged components post-storm. Through real-life scenarios, they share insights into the vulnerabilities of older installations and the critical role certified installers play in maintaining the integrity and performance of impact windows and doors.
Conversation Highlights Include:
In the aftermath of Helene's wrath and Milton's threatening approach, this week’s episode of Take It To The Board, hosted by Donna DiMaggio Berger, takes us on the emotional journey of community association industry veterans Wayne Srsen and Kelly Kuhn as they share their firsthand experiences with natural disasters and the insurance industry. They also highlight the indispensable roles of first responders and logistics professionals, such as those at Florida Power and Light, who work tirelessly to restore normalcy.
The stormy landscape of Florida's insurance industry presents unique challenges. Donna, Wayne, and Kelly navigate the intricacies of working in this environment. From bureaucratic hurdles to the moral dilemmas faced by insurance adjusters, Wayne highlights why integrity and proactive preparation are crucial. They delve into the human side of disaster response, where community involvement can make all the difference. Kelly shares his insights on the importance of networking and how authentic connections can foster mutual support in the professional world, alongside discussing the distinctive strengths women bring to a sales environment.
As they journey through the hurdles of project management and board behavior, Donna, Wayne, and Kelly underscore the need for skilled professionals in construction endeavors, especially in older coastal communities. The significance of clear communication, effective leadership, and expert guidance cannot be overstated. The episode wraps with a heartfelt reflection on life's fleeting moments, inspired by personal philosophies and the tranquil solace of the beach. Join us as we celebrate resilience, integrity, and the power of community in overcoming life's challenges.
Conversation Highlights:
Related Links:
Learn the secrets to help your community thrive on this week’s Take It To The Board podcast, as host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Dawn Bauman, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at the Community Associations Institute (CAI). Dawn is a leading advocate for HOAs, condos, and co-ops across the U.S. and internationally. With nearly 50 public policy initiatives under her leadership—including fair housing, pets, assistance animals, and removing racially restrictive covenants—Dawn has been at the forefront of policy development for community associations.
In this episode, Dawn shares her vast expertise with Donna as they dive into the 2025 legislative priorities, including building safety, financial challenges, property rights, environmental sustainability and diversity issues focusing mainly on trailblazing states like Florida and California. Dawn discusses the critical data CAI has gathered on the community association lifestyle and the various resources and initiatives she oversees. They also explore the essential role of developers and realtors in educating potential buyers about community association responsibilities. Emphasizing the power of grassroots advocacy, this episode highlights CAI's efforts to influence public policy and make it more accessible to its members.
Lastly, learn about CAI's recent lawsuit to exempt community associations from the impact of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and what that might mean for your board before the Jan. 1, 2025 deadline. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on the future of community association governance!
Conversation Highlights Include:
BONUS: Learn how to join the fight to exempt community associations from the burdens imposed by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
Related Links:
Whether replacing a roof, undergoing major concrete restoration, or updating your common areas, understanding construction contracts is essential to secure the best possible outcome for your repair or renovation projects. In this week’s Take It To The Board podcast, host Donna DiMaggio Berger unlocks the secrets to mastering construction contracts with Steven Lesser, Shareholder and Chair of Becker’s national Construction Law and Litigation Practice.
Join Donna and Steve as they dissect essential elements every community association board and management professional must consider, from setting goals and financial risk assessment to navigating complex timeframes. They share expert techniques on risk mitigation, including liability disclaimers and the importance of verifying contractor credentials and demanding insurance coverage, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the intricacies of your next construction project.
Discover the most common mistakes boards make when signing construction contracts and learn how to avoid them. Donna and Steve walk you through real-life cautionary tales of unlicensed contractors and highlight the necessity of thorough contracts to ward off potential legal and financial pitfalls. With insights into Chapter 558 of Florida law and similar statutes, they empower you with the knowledge to handle the right-to-cure process before escalating to legal action.
From the importance of due diligence to the nuances of termination provisions, this episode covers it all. Learn how to effectively manage the scope of work, payment schedules, and insurance limits to prevent costly errors. Steven’s wisdom extends to dispute resolution strategies, weighing the benefits of arbitration, mediation, and litigation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, this conversation equips you with invaluable tips to navigate and triumph in the world of construction projects.
Conversation Highlights Include:
BONUS: Learn the #1 mistake boards can easily avoid when signing construction contracts
Related Links:
Ready to reevaluate your perceptions of golf course communities and their design? In this episode, host Donna DiMaggio Berger takes you behind the scenes with Erik Larsen, Golf Course Architect and former Vice President of the Arnold Palmer Design Company, as he reveals the intricacies of transforming landscapes into world-class golf courses. Erik has overseen golf course projects in 26 US States and 14 countries. He has designed courses used in tournament play, such as the US Open, the Bob Hope Classic, the Champions Tour, and more.
Tracing golf's roots in 15th-century Scotland and discussing the surprising statistic that only 25-30% of residents in golf course communities play golf, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the sport's scenic allure and its broader community impact. Donna and Erik dive into the delicate balance of aesthetic beauty and functional safety in golf course design, especially within residential areas. Discover the evolution of design philosophies over the decades and the challenges of ensuring safety while maintaining visual appeal. They also delve into the emerging trends like par-three courses and 'fun golf' that make the sport more accessible to beginners and families, highlighting how these innovations are reshaping the golfing experience.
Lastly, they tackle the business side of golf, focusing on strategies to revive failing courses through creative residential development. Learn about the infill model and how repurposing empty spaces can breathe new life into struggling golf communities. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode is rich with historical context, design strategies, and business acumen—making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the multifaceted world of golf course development.
Conversation Highlights Include:
Can ordinary citizens become heroes during a disaster? Discover how Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) help everyday people play essential roles in emergency situations. Join Take It To The Board host Donna DiMaggio Berger and guest Dr. Jesse P. Spearo, the Emergency Management Administrator for Miami-Dade County, as they share insights into how CERT volunteers provide critical support, from coordinating community events to distributing supplies during major incidents.
Donna and Dr. Spearo delve into the activation and organization of CERTs through Emergency Operations Centers, illustrating how trained volunteers are mobilized to support first responders and assist community residents until first responders can arrive on the scene. They discuss their crucial duties, including distributing food and water, conducting damage assessments, taking preliminary life safety measures with the injured and handling specific regional hazards like hurricanes, flooding, and heat emergencies. Listen to compelling stories of how CERTs have made significant impacts, including the success of Teen CERT initiatives and the integration of these programs into school curriculums.
In their conversation, they explore the structure and operations of CERT teams, highlighting the Incident Command System (ICS), leadership roles, and the importance of continuous training. They also touch on the legal protections and medical coverage provided to volunteers under the Good Samaritan Law. Wrapping up, Dr. Spearo shares his journey into emergency management and offers practical advice on supporting emergency efforts. Tune in to learn about future trends in the field and how you can get involved in making your community more resilient.
Conversation Highlights Include:
Related Links:
Millions of people depend on assistance animals to help them engage in major life activities. On the flip side, some people try to pass off their pets as assistance animals to skirt the rules in pet-restricted communities, restaurants, airplanes, and other places where pets are not allowed. So how do you spot the difference between a legitimate service or support animal and a fake one? Join us for this episode of Take It To The Board as host Donna DiMaggio Berger uncovers the world of training assistance animals with Terry Harris of West Tennessee K9 Training, a top-rated dog training facility in West Tennessee.
Together, Donna and Terry take listeners through the differences between service animals and emotional support animals, shedding light on the rigorous training requirements needed for dogs to assist with various disabilities. There are many different disabilities that proper training can address including: mobility, hearing, vision, PTSD, autism, seizure disorder and more. Discover the specialized skills that these legitimate assistance animals possess and the important role they play in supporting their handlers' daily lives.
Choosing the right breed for service work is crucial. Donna and Terry look at which breeds are best suited for various tasks. Terry also shares where you can find his free online training resources, ensuring you're equipped with the tools needed to effectively train and engage with your canine companion. Don't miss this comprehensive guide to the world of service dog training!
Conversation Highlights Include:
BONUS: Find out the most common mistakes people make when training their everyday pets!
Related Links:
Navigating the complexities of community association governance is increasingly challenging due to evolving laws, heightened personal liability for board members, and onerous regulation including the personal information required of volunteer board members under the controversial Corporate Transparency Act. In this episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio-Berger and producer Claude Jennings Jr. address a host of listener questions and shed light on the most pressing issues board members face today.
Are more board members resigning than ever before? Is a board member required to resign from the board once his or her unit is under contract? How can personnel issues be handled tactfully? Can releases from members adequately protect the association from liability and why are some ESAs so noisy? Donna and Claude debunk common misconceptions about board service, discuss new educational requirements for volunteer board members, and offer strategies for effective governance and keeping your cool so board service doesn't get you down. Get ready for an in-depth guide to navigating the world of HOA and condominium governance.
Conversation Highlights Include:
Related Links:
Are you struggling with a hoarder in your association and need practical advice? Do your Association’s books and records need some attention now that new laws in Florida require them to be kept in an "organized fashion"? Tune in to "Take it to the Board" with Donna DiMaggio Berger as she unpacks these issues with a seasoned pro in organizing-Brenda Borenstein from Organized Zone.
Donna and Brenda explore effective organizing principles such as thinking vertically and sorting by category. They also address the mental health challenges associated with hoarding and the critical role of legal counsel in ensuring compliance with governing documents. Brenda shares her insights on identifying and sensitively addressing hoarding issues that disrupt community life, from crammed units to stuffed garages and storage units all of which can create severe health and safety risks for the homeowner and neighboring units/homes as well. Brenda provides a strategic approach to tackle emotionally charged tasks, such as cleaning out a family member’s home after they pass away. Discover how tools like Google Lens can help identify valuable items and learn about using auctions to offset cleanup costs. They also address the sensitive topic of transitioning elderly parents to safer living environments and overcoming their resistance to change. Additionally, they tackle the challenges of downsizing and organizing living spaces when moving from larger homes to smaller, more manageable ones. They offer practical tips on selecting meaningful items to create a comfortable new environment while minimizing trauma for the client.
Tune in to learn how upping your organizational game can significantly reduce stress and enhance productivity.
Conversation highlights include:
BONUS: Find out how Brenda hosts regular dinners for 20 guests in her 850 sq. foot home!
The podcast currently has 91 episodes available.
4,236 Listeners
1,717 Listeners
7,127 Listeners
1,229 Listeners
3,438 Listeners
9,065 Listeners
7,680 Listeners
1,143 Listeners
4,452 Listeners
8,030 Listeners
8,523 Listeners
1,410 Listeners
2,806 Listeners
13,303 Listeners
7,148 Listeners