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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.

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Julie Adamen
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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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!
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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
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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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

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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
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Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Attorney Rob Webb gets down to the hard truths of HOA leadership. Are you ready to hear them?
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are you ready to face the hard truths of HOA leadership? In this episode, Attorney Rob Webb and Robert break down the key challenges board members face, from familiarity blindness to zombie resorts. Learn how to navigate boardroom politics, build real trust, and lead your association with integrity. This is the unfiltered truth about what it takes to serve your community right!

Get in contact with Rob Webb: bakerlaw.com

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 How Does Trust Impact HOA Leadership?
00:30 Why Familiarity Blindness Hurts Board Decision-Making
04:46 Why Do Short-Term Board Members Struggle?
07:08 How Do HOA Politics Affect Decision-Making?
08:44 What Can We Learn from Condo Deconversions?
11:20 How Should Boards Think About Different Perspectives?
14:10 What Are Zombie Resorts and Why Are They Dangerous?
15:46 Why Is "Trust But Verify" Critical in HOA Leadership
18:08 How Should HOAs Manage Service Providers and Vendors?
21:22 How Can Better Communication Lower Boardroom Tension?
22:51 Why Is It So Hard to Find Great HOA Board Members?
25:42 What Are the True Costs of Poor Leadership?
28:07 How Do Different Perspectives Create Stronger HOAs?
30:01 What Should HOAs Consider About Termination?
31:26 Where Can You Reach Out to Rob Webb for More Insights?

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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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!

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

Kevin Davis, CIRMS
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Learn how HOA boards can navigate priorities, politics, and community differences with better communication and proactive decision-making.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Navigating the complexities of HOA board management requires balancing priorities, understanding community differences, and communicating clearly. In this episode, Robert and Julie discuss how boards can overcome political divides, bridge cultural differences, and set priorities that reflect the needs of their communities. Julie explains why proactive communication, clear goals, and community events are key to reducing conflict and building trust!

Chapters:

00:00 How do community priorities shape HOA board decisions?

01:24 Why is enforcing rules for the sake of it a mistake?

03:10 Can cultural differences create tension in HOAs?

04:40 How do newcomers' expectations clash with established HOA norms?

06:22 Why is communicating board priorities so important?

08:14 What happens when boards fail to share their long-term goals?

09:47 How do property values depend on clear communication and priorities?

11:33 Why do homeowners sometimes feel left out of decision-making?

17:22 How can setting clear priorities reduce community conflicts?

19:08 What are the dangers of keeping assessments low without reserve planning?

21:30 Why is it risky for boards to ignore long-term maintenance?

23:00 Ad Break - Community Financials

25:01 What role does cultural diversity play in HOA expectations?

32:14 How can board members manage cultural clashes with grace?

35:11 Final thoughts on communication, community unity, and peaceful management

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
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Civility is declining and HOA communities are paying the price. Learn what’s behind it and how to restore trust and respect at your HOA!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Why are today’s HOA boards facing so much hostility? Today Robert Nordlund and Ed Hoffman discuss the real reason for the decline of civility in community associations and the rising stress on volunteer board members and managers. From post-pandemic aggression to social media pile-ons, learn why directors are burning out, managers are quitting, and communities are struggling. Let's talk about real ways to de-escalate HOA conflict, improve communication, and bring back respect. Whether you’re on a board or managing one, let's lead with calm, clarity, and confidence.

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
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HOA Board hero Dave shares his wildfire plan to protect 95 homes in his association using attic vent upgrades and smart long-term planning.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

After a nearby fire, Dave Wojaczynski knew his HOA needed a better wildfire plan. This week he joins us to explain how attic vents became a key strategy for protecting 95 homes, how to keep board momentum going, and why long-term thinking is essential for HOA success.

Chapters From Today's Episode:

00:00 What Is the HOA's Current Roof Strategy During Fire Season?
00:53 Intro to Dave Wojaczynski 04:26 How Did Dave Become a Board Member at His HOA?
05:57 What Motivated Dave to Serve on the Board?
08:36 What Helped Dave Finally Get Elected to the Board?
09:15 Why Is Persistence Key for Board Members?
11:28 How Close Was the Coastal Fire to Dave's HOA?
13:44 What Is the Real Danger From Wind-Driven Wildfires?
14:19 Why Do Most Homes Burn From Attic Fires During Wildfires?15:46 Ad Break - Community Financials
17:41 Why Do Wildfire Plans Lose Momentum Over Time?
17:58 How Is the Re-Roofing Project Now Supporting Fire Prevention?
23:17 How Can Board Members Get Past Pushback?
24:27 Should Board Members Prioritize Rules or Repairs?
25:17 How Can Reserve Studies Guide Smart Planning?
26:07 What Are Dave’s 3 Ps for Board Success?
27:07 What Was the HOA’s Recent Project Success?
28:00 Why Is Delaying Projects So Costly During Inflation?

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

Unequal HOA rule enforcement in your community can lead to lawsuits, resentment, and lost trust. Here's how to avoid it and bring fairness back to your board!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Unequal HOA rule enforcement can quietly destroy even the best community associations. Robert and Kevin break down how inconsistent application of HOA rules can erode trust, spark legal issues, and damage property values. Learn why some rules get enforced and others ignored, how personal bias sneaks into board decisions, and why a written enforcement policy is essential for fairness.

Chapters from This Episode:
00:00 What are the three main duties of every HOA board?
00:36 What HOA problem does this episode solve?
03:27 What causes most HOA lawsuits around rule enforcement?
07:08 Why do signs spark conflict and costly legal battles?
10:09 How do you balance fairness and personal opinion?
12:00 What happens when boards bend rules for their own benefit?
14:50 Should different HOA rules be treated differently?
17:30 What happens when a rule applies to someone you dislike?
19:54 What does fairness really mean when it comes to HOA governance?
21:45 Why every HOA board needs a written enforcement policy
23:15 How should you change outdated or unfair HOA rules?
26:53 Why personal bias can quietly destroy even good HOA board decisions
28:32 How do boards handle offensive or political signs fairly?
30:57 How can fairness and consistency save your HOA thousands?
32:26 What kind of board legacy do you want to leave?

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...