CACM CHAT - HOA LIFE

In this week’s episode, Communications Manager, Celeste Huecias sits down with industry leaders Bonnie Basham, CAMEx, CCAM-PM.AA.CI, CAFM, and Adriana DaSilva, CAMEx, CCAM, for a conversation on leadership, industry involvement, and the evolving world of community management. Bonnie and Adriana share their experiences as women in leadership, what inspired them to serve on the board, and the lesson...

In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, host and communications manager, Celeste Huecias sits down with Jeff Farnsworth, CAMEx, CCAM-PM.ND, of Steward Property Services, Inc. to discuss the evolving state of professionalism in the community management industry. From the lasting impact of first impressions to the day-to-day habits that define a true professional, Celeste and Jeff explore what it...

AI is already changing how boards find and evaluate CAM firms—and it may be deciding who makes the shortlist before you even know you’re in the running. In this episode, host Celeste Huecias sits down with John Leuterman of Big Rock Marketing to break down all things AI—from tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to how they’re reshaping marketing in our industry. From SEO and proposals to marketing an...

Join us for a special conversation as Communications Manager, Celeste Huecias, sits down with Karen Conlon, MCAM, CACM’s first CEO. The two will explore the evolution of community management over the decades. From the early days of managing associations and communities without the tech tools we rely on today, to the modern landscape shaped by software, social media, and ever-changing regulations,...

What does it really take to plan for a successful year—especially when the unexpected comes your way? In this episode, host Celeste Huecias of CACM sits down with Samantha Soogian, CCAM, Director of Management Services at the Community of Harbor Bay Isle Owners Association, to talk about the power of organization, strong planning, and the role teammates play in navigating the unexpected. From mana...

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the challenges, growth and resilience that defined this year for our community. In this special end-of-year holiday episode, we look back on the moments that mattered most — from the impact of the LA fires and the incredible compassion shown by our members to the education, advocacy and professional development efforts that moved ou...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kylie Decker, CAMEx, CCAM from Powerstone Property Management, ACMC and a member of CACM’s Board of Directors, for an honest and timely conversation about what work–life balance really means in our industry today. Kylie shares her leadership perspective on how expectations around balance have evolved in recent years and why the community management world often stru...

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, we’re exploring the power of appreciation—and how simple recognition can strengthen community relationships, build trust and highlight the everyday moments that make this industry so special. Guest host, Celeste Huecias, CACM Communications Manager, is joined by Brittney Zaragoza, CACM’s Regional Assistant for Northern California. With years of experience in bo...

In this episode of CACM Chat; The HOA Life, Celeste Huecias of CACM sits down with Victoria Gish, CCAM, a Vision Award recipient for Leadership and Educational Excellence, to explore what it truly takes to create lasting client satisfaction in community management. Together, they unpack how strong leadership and continuous education go hand-in- hand with building trust, improving communication, an...

In this episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life, we dive into part two of The Sh*t That Really Happens: Community Shockers Edition. Host Celeste Huecias, Communications Manager at CACM, reunites with Robert Sides, CCAM-HR.LS, to unpack the wild, unbelievable and sometimes jaw dropping stories community managers face in the field. From unexpected, naked encounters to tough situations that test patience,...

In this episode, host Celeste Huecias, Communications Manager at CACM, sits down with Robert Sides, CCAM-HR.LS, from Regatta Seaside Homeowners Association, to dive into the wild world of media and management. From Tom Cruise-worthy characters to jaw-dropping news stories, they unpack the unpredictable (and sometimes unbelievable) moments that happen when community management meets the press. Get...

In this episode, host Celeste Huecias of CACM sits down with Pauline Madduma, CACM’s Director of Education & Credentialing, to share an exciting new opportunity in the world of community management education. CACM has partnered with Santiago Canyon College to launch a Community Management Program designed to prepare the next generation of industry professionals. Tune in to learn about what...

This week’s episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM dives deep into the world of leadership, mentorship, the importance of setting healthy boundaries in our industry and more. Joining the conversation are Robin Romo, CAMEx, MCAM-HR, and Robert L. Smith, MBA, CCAM-HR, who bring their insight, experience and practical advice to the table. Together, they share valuable persp...

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 seaso...

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 t...

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 connect...

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 shake...

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...

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 sh...

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 p...

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! Links &...

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 elect...

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...

In this week’s episode of CACM Chat: The HOA Life , guest host Alia Saouli sits down with Kendrah Kay, CAMEx, CCAM, of Powerstone Property Management to break down personality types in the industry. With the conversation centered around the Enneagram diagram, Alia and Kendrah explore how understanding personality types can help you highlight the strengths within your team, board or homeowner commu...

In this episode of CACMChat: The HOA Life, guest host Alia Saouli of CACM sits down with board member, Kendrah Kay, CAMEx, CCAM of Powerstone Property Management, ACMC. The pair share candid conversation on the realities of managing HOA communities—and most importantly, the residents. From wild resident stories to valuable tips on handling tough situations, Kendrah offers serious insight from both...