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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.

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Julie Adamen
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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

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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
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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

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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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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...

Send us a text

Learn from special guest Steve Horvath how to build trust, improve communication, and lead your HOA with strength and transparency!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Robert Nordlund welcomes longtime homeowner advocate Steve Horvath to share hard-won wisdom from the boardroom. Steve, co-founder of HOA United, unpacks how board members can go beyond the bare minimum and truly advocate for their communities. They explore why open meetings matter, how to ask better questions, and why blind trust in experts can lead to costly mistakes.

Some Key Takeaways for viewers and listeners:

• Advocate, Participate, Escalate

• “Satisficing” – a choice made to accept an imperfect or incomplete outcome, out of expediency

• Trust, but verify

• Seek expert counsel, but don’t just take them at their word

• Don’t be satisfied with achieving minimum standards

• Book: “Privatopia” by Evan McKenzie

• Book: “Decision Making in Communities: Why Groups of Smart People Sometimes Make Bad Decisions” by Jasmine Martirossian"

Learn more about HOA United here

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

100 episodes in, we’re sharing the biggest HOA board lessons on civility, communication, and running better communities. Here's what we’ve learned
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

What have 100 HOA podcast episodes taught us about building better boards, improving communication, and avoiding legal pitfalls? Robert Nordlund, Kevin Davis, and Julie Adamen reflect on the most important lessons learned from years of supporting volunteer HOA board members. Learn how to lower the temperature in your community, avoid common HOA lawsuits, and foster stronger connections between boards and residents! And THANK YOU to everyone who has listened for 100 episodes!

Chapters from Today's Episode:

00:00 Why is the HOA industry a never-ending snowball of challenges?

03:47 Why do insurance and reserve experts love these conversations?

04:30 What do board members need most?

05:47 Why is learning from board heroes so inspiring?

16:11 How do personality shifts on a board impact its effectiveness?

17:49 Why does education make the biggest difference for board success?

18:15 How do better-run communities reduce risk and increase peace?

22:54 What happens when boards fail to communicate or take action?

26:00 What does running a board have in common with running a city?

28:37 What do the most popular podcast episodes tell us about board needs?

29:27 How is this podcast different from webinars or typical education?

30:02 Why are HOA issues timeless and why do these episodes still matter?

31:02 Final reflections. What keeps this podcast going strong?

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

Struggling with HOA rules? Learn how one board member handled parking chaos, dumpster drama, and real accountability.
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

HOA rules are meant to protect the community, but what happens when no one follows them? In this HOA Board Heroes episode, board member Calvin shares how his HOA tackled parking abuse, dumpster dumping, and the tricky line between enforcement and empathy. Learn how strong leadership, documentation, and consistency can restore trust and order (even when state laws fall short).

Chapters from This Episode:

0:00 What Makes an HOA Board Hero?

01:58 Who Is Calvin, and How Did He Step Up for His Community?

06:30 How Should Boards Handle Parking Abuse, Trash Issues, and Rule-Breakers?

11:05 What Does Fair and Consistent Enforcement Really Look Like?

16:45 Why Is Documentation So Critical in HOA Decision-Making?

19:50 What Happens When Real Estate Agents Don’t Disclose HOA Rules?

23:40 Are State Laws Failing to Support HOAs Effectively?

27:15 How Can Boards Build Accountability Without Losing Their Cool?

32:30 What Are the Key Takeaways for HOA Board Success?

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

Learn how to handle complaints before they escalate into HOA lawsuits!
✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/

Are nuisance complaints creating tension in your HOA? In this episode, Kevin Davis and Robert Nordlund explain how board members can manage complaints fairly and avoid costly HOA lawsuits. Learn why labeling homeowners as “nuisances” is dangerous and how proper documentation, communication, and consistency are key to preventing legal action. From noise disputes to late assessments, discover how to defuse situations before they explode!

Chapters from This Episode:
00:00 You have to hear “nuisance” complaints in your HOA
00:57 Intro & Recap on Ep 097
03:34 Listener Q: What to do With Angry HOA Neighbors?
04:30 Understanding 'Nuisance' Complaints in Community Associations
11:30 When Boards Cross the Line: The Risk of Labeling Owners
17:50 The Financial & Legal Fallout from Poor HOA Communication
22:00 How to Build Trust While Enforcing Rules
25:00 Creating a Culture of Fairness and Transparency
27:00 The Role of Empathy in HOA Leadership
29:30 Using Common Sense to Reduce Conflict

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...