The HOA Pros Podcast

ACCREDITED Fire Hardening Strategies for Pros This course is approved by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) to fulfill (1) hour continuing education requirements for the CMCA® certification. www.camicb.org. Instructions to receive 1 Hour continuing education credit Listen to podcast and write down the numerical code that you will hear throughout the show...

We sit down with Jonathan Freed and Justin Breckenridge of SoCal Environmental Solutions to discuss the company’s journey from its roots in asbestos surveys to becoming a trusted resource for the HOA industry. The conversation explores the history and growth of SoCal Environmental Solutions, their role of CAID, and how environmental services continue to evolve to meet the needs of community associ...

ACCREDITED Records, Requests and Regrets for Pros This course is approved by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) to fulfill (1) hour continuing education requirements for the CMCA® certification. www.camicb.org. Instructions to receive 1 Hour continuing education credit Listen to podcast and write down the numerical code that you will hear throughout the s...

Join us as we sit down with Cory Neubauer of Nextier and Jamie Gould of Consult My HOA for an important conversation about advocacy, legislation, and the future of the HOA industry. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ CLAC (California Legislative Action Committee) and the critical role it plays in protecting community associations ✅ “Buck-a-Door” and why industry participation and funding are essenti...

On this episode, we sit down with Ray Echlin and Jim Sattler of Design Build Associates for a candid conversation about the true value of experienced construction management in the HOA industry. Ray and Jim share the legacy they are building through decades of industry experience, why community managers should not be expected to act as construction managers, and why boards need to bring in the rig...

We’re diving in again to one of the most important (and time-sensitive) topics impacting HOAs across California… AB 1572. Tia Fleming and Melissa Matlock from CalWEP join us to break it all down in a way that actually makes sense for managers and boards. From defining what non-functional turf really is, to sharing the go-to resource every community needs (nonfunctionalturfca.org), this episode is...

On this episode, we sit down with Ryan Touchi of Property Cleaning Experts (PCX) to talk about his journey into the HOA industry and the path that led him to building a full-service exterior cleaning company. Ryan shares his appreciation for those who helped along the way, including a meaningful shoutout to Chris Booth, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow in this space....

We’re joined by Anthony Abarca of Abarca Landscape a company that’s quickly making a name for itself by doing things differently and doing them right. From their deep roots in the Inland Empire to their expansion into Orange County, Anthony shares how Abarca Landscape is bringing full service solutions to the table covering landscape maintenance, landscape construction, and more than you might exp...

This week we sit down with Gabe Ponce of Precision Landscape and Michele Campbell with Riverside Public Utilities to break down AB 1572 and what it really means for California communities. Michele brings the regulatory and utility perspective, while Gabe shares what this looks like on the ground for HOAs as landscape practices begin to shift. We walk through what AB 1572 is, why it was introduced,...

In this episode, we sit down with Russell Carpe (Retired!!!) to reflect on a remarkable career in the HOA industry and the next chapter ahead. We talk about his journey through retirement, what makes it fun, and how he’s staying engaged in the industry in new ways, including encouraging partnerships and involvement beyond just the social side of management. And of course, his newest and most meani...

On this episode of The HOA Pros Podcast, we sit down with Nick Zafirakos, founder of Overwatch Defense International (ODI). Nick’s path into the HOA industry is truly a story for the record books, and he shares how his remarkable journey shaped his perspective on service, professionalism, and purpose in the industry. Nick also takes time to express professional gratitude to Shelly Chapuis with Key...

On this episode of The HOA Pros Podcast, we sit down with Chris Booth and Tony Medina of Whitestone Industries for a great conversation about growth, industry partnerships, and showing up when it matters most. We talk about how Whitestone has expanded into roofing and now offers full exterior building envelope services under one company, creating a more streamlined solution for communities. We als...

ACCREDITED Hidden Risks of Below-Grade Maintenance for Pros This course is approved by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) to fulfill (1) hour continuing education requirements for the CMCA® certification. www.camicb.org. Instructions to receive 1 Hour continuing education credit Listen to podcast and write down the numerical code that you will hear throug...

This episode is all about security, strategy, and building something from the ground up. We sit down with Guillermo Amador Sr., CCIP and Luz Veloz, CCIP, owners of Customized Guard Services, to talk about their incredible ownership journey — how they worked their way up in the industry and ultimately became business owners. Their story is a true ground-up success story built on grit, leadership, a...

ACCREDITED Investing HOA Funds the Right Way for Pros: Policy, Safety, and Strategy for Boards & Managers This course is approved by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) to fulfill (1) hour continuing education requirements for the CMCA® certification. www.camicb.org. Instructions to receive 1 Hour continuing education credit Listen to podcast and write...

In this episode, we sit down with Arthur Beisner of Transworld Business Advisors to pull back the curtain on what really happens when it’s time to sell your business. Arthur shares his journey, why The Exit Factor is a must-read for owners, and the importance of gratitude—starting with the unwavering support of his wife. We dive into today’s M&A landscape, current deal activity, and why the HO...

This week we sit down with Adam Heard and Kellen Marruffo of Butter Gutters, the rapidly-growing gutter innovators taking the HOA space by storm. Adam walks us through their first full year of new business and the staggering 400% growth that came with it—plus the surprising realities and assumptions that small business owners face when scaling fast. We also officially introduce Kellen, who brings...

Today we’re joined by Jeremy Lara from Baja Roofing! We kick things off with a great story about not one, but two failed lunch & learns that you just have to hear. Jeremy also breaks down what truly sets Baja Roofing apart in the HOA space:     •    Family-owned     •    No subs     •    Relationship-driven     •    Focused on maintenance & repairs He closes the episode with professional g...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin White, CEO of K&D Landscaping, Inc., to talk shop on the evolving landscape industry and what HOA boards and managers need to be thinking about now and next. Justin shares insights on water management, the growing role of AI, and how The Innovator’s Dilemma shows up in real-world operations. We also dig into emerging technology like robotic mowers, alon...

This episode brings together Wayne Taylor of Splash Plumbing and Jim LeCourt of James LeCourt Plumbing for an honest and thoughtful conversation about legacy, leadership, and growth done the right way. We dive into the LeCourt legacy and what it truly means to preserve a trusted brand while evolving for the future. Wayne and Jim share how a brand partnership through acquisition can succeed when it...

We’re excited to welcome Megan Q. Smith, joining us all the way from Washington, DC, with Maredith Management. A true second-generation “Mommy the Manager,” Megan is proudly continuing her family’s legacy in community management—and if we’re being honest, she looks just like our Mommy the Manager from the book 😉 In this episode, we dive into:     •    Retention and the power of her incredible TEA...

This week we had the opportunity to speak with Kylie Decker, Executive Director of Management Services, Powerstone Property Management and Danielle Fragalla, MSE, Chief Executive Officer, PCRF and highlight Powerstone and the profound impact they’ve made over the past 15 years for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. We were honored to share their story and shine a light on the incredible wor...

ACCREDITED Pathway to PCAM for Pros This course is approved by the Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) to fulfill (1) hour continuing education requirements for the CMCA® certification. www.camicb.org. Instructions to receive 1 Hour continuing education credit Listen to podcast and write down the numerical code that you will hear throughout the show Send numer...

In this episode, we sit down with William Griffith of The March Group for a deep dive into the evolution of community management and the financial backbone that keeps associations strong. William unpacks the contrast between asset protection now vs. the 1920s, highlighting how far the industry has come. We also explore Nico March’s book on Reserve Studies and Funds, breaking down why proper long-t...

This week we sit down with Kelly Zibell, AMS, PCAM of Communitas for a dynamic and inspiring conversation. We dive into her impactful work with CAI National, the Managers Council, the path to an industry instructor, and her passion for advocacy—all of which continue to shape the future of our profession. Kelly closes out the episode with heartfelt gratitude for those who supported her journey, inc...