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Find out how to manage stress, avoid burnout, and keep your HOA board experience rewarding and sustainable!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Serving on an HOA board is rewarding, but let’s face it, it can be EXTREMELY stressful. In this episode Robert and Julie examine how you can manage stress, avoid burnout, and stay engaged as a board member. Learn to distinguish urgent from important tasks, how to prioritize effectively, and the value of delegation. Plus, see why strong communication strategies and personal time are key to long-term success!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why is serving on an HOA board so stressful?

01:22 How does “always being on” drain board members emotionally?

03:15 What’s the difference between urgent and important tasks?

05:40 How can new board members manage overwhelming to-do lists?

08:20 What role does triage play in reducing board stress?

10:41 How can community managers help board members prioritize?

13:09 Why is delegation essential for preventing burnout?

15:30 How do board members manage community expectations?

18:02 How can strong communication strategies defuse stress?

20:40 Why do so many board members leave before their term ends?

23:12 How do self-care and personal time keep board members effective?

25:36 What are some creative ways to manage stress on the board?

30:02 Why is having a “North Star” so important for board success?

32:15 Final thoughts on managing stress while serving your community

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

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HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

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Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

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What can 39 years on an HOA board teach you? Learn the long-term lessons behind great governance and thriving communities.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

This week on the show we have HOA Board Hero guest Jan Newcomb, a dedicated homeowner who’s served her HOA board for nearly 40 years. From budget battles to community culture, she shares what it really takes to build long-term success.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

01:01 Who is Jan Newcomb and why is she a board hero?
03:20 How did Jan get started serving on her HOA board?
05:18 What has Jan learned from serving on and off for 39 years?
07:06 How do homeowner dynamics affect long-term board service?
09:11 What are the top challenges board members consistently face?
11:29 How can board members educate themselves on key topics?
13:40 Why is maintenance planning critical for community trust?
16:02 How do rental properties change HOA board priorities?
18:55 What’s the balance between emotional input and logical decisions?
20:40 Ad Break - Association Reserves
21:10 How do good boards prevent financial struggles and assessments?
23:27 What role does a sense of duty play in long-term service?
25:48 How can boards improve communication with their homeowners?
28:02 What motivates someone to return to the board again and again?
30:20 What advice does Jan have for future board heroes?

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...

Send us a text

HOA Insurance is skyrocketing. Learn how tariffs, wildfires, and lawsuits are pushing your premiums higher than ever.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Why is HOA insurance getting so expensive? Robert and Kevin break down the 3 biggest reasons: wildfires, tariffs, and jaw-dropping liability verdicts. With rebuilding costs spiking and global supply chain issues driven by tariffs, your HOA is likely to feel the squeeze. Kevin explains why rates are rising and how boards can respond. Our goal is to make sure YOU don’t get blindsided. understand what’s driving HOA insurance hikes and what you can do to prepare!

Chapters From This Episode:
00:00 What happened in the LA wildfire that shocked the insurance industry?
01:24 Why are HOA insurance rates becoming unsustainable?
03:39 What does "stability" in the insurance market actually mean right now?
05:08 How are tariffs and global supply chains driving up rebuilding costs?
07:36 Why are insurers panicking over 2025 first-quarter losses?
09:19 How are insurance premiums affected by unpredictable material prices?
11:24 What are “thermonuclear verdicts” and why do they scare insurers?
13:00 Why are HOA liability claims now potentially in the billions?
17:22 Are boards prepared to raise dues again for insurance costs?
22:50 What’s the 4-step process for navigating rising insurance costs?
27:32 Why does deferred maintenance open your association up to lawsuits?
31:08 How important is clear communication with homeowners right now?
33:04 Final takeaway: Why “maintain, maintain, maintain” is the new HOA mantra

The views & opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts & Guests, intended to provide general education about the community association industry. The content is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or organization. Please seek advice from licensed professionals.

Podcast Links:
Full Episode List
Watch On Youtube

Engage in the conversation!

Call our 24/7 voicemail line at (805) 203-3130 or send an email or voice memo to podcast@reservestudy.com

Nominate yourself or a Board Hero you Know!
Board Hero Nominations

Shop!
HOA insights now has its very own merch store! Our team has whipped up some hats, mugs, T-Shirts, & more that we think Volunteer HOA Boardmembers are gonna love. We also offer dozens of FREE zoom backgrounds. Available in our Boardmember Merch Store!

Connect with Hosts on LinkedIn

Julie Adamen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieadamen/

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
https://www.linked...