FCAP Alive! – September 2014

by Lisa Whitson, Director of FCAP Operations / Published September 2014

 CONTACT US

Over the past few weeks, the number of calls and e-mails to the FCAP offices from community association board members, managers, and residents has increased. This is good news for those living in, managing, or governing a community association. The search for knowledge and information is a positive step.

As a membership organization built from 28 years of industry-specific and Florida-specific information, the answers to many of the questions are just a few clicks away. FCAP has access to a robust database of industry experts, state legislators, state government regulators, businesses, helpful numbers, names, and e-mail addresses.

Recent Questions to the FCAP Offices

• As a resident, can I and other neighbors attend a mediation hearing our board president is required to attend?
• If my HOA is not registered yet, is it too late? How can I be certain my HOA is registered?
• I am a new board member, and I was told I had to take a board certification course. Can you tell me where I can take this course in my area?
• Whom do I call to complain about overgrown trees and shrubs in my HOA? Some of the shrubs were planted more than 10 years ago and are now the size of trees.
• Do you have a sample FAQ we can use in sales packets?
• I am a CAM and recently relocated to South Florida from Jacksonville. How can I find other CAMs near me?

 Many of the questions noted above were answered by knowledgeable FCAP members who are attorneys, management company executives, CFCAMs, and longtime residents who have served as board members and directors. FCAP also provides callers with links to topical articles and access to columnists who are experts in the community association industry in Florida.

 At FCAP, the door is always open. Please feel free to contact us with your questions. We are always happy to help.

 Contact us online at www.fcapgroup.com, e-mail info@FCAPgroup.com, or phone (561) 277-8152.

NEW MEMBERS

 FCAP is pleased to welcome our newest members:

 CASP-Designated Members

 KW Property Management & Consulting is a full-service property management company founded by Paul Kaplan and Robert White in 2004. From new construction to existing properties and entities, they serve high-rise, garden-style, homeowner associations, rental, and commercial properties, as well as execute work for U.S. courts and several of the nation’s largest lending institutions and local banks on REO assets and receiverships—covering the entire spectrum of property management.

 Lake & Wetland Management is a full-service environmental resource management team that has been providing the highest level of service since 1992. Their family of state-certified, trained biologists have been providing environmental services for waterways, wetland, and natural areas throughout Florida, leading the industry in environmental services. They have an exemplary reputation with many government agencies, builders, developers, property managers, and homeowner associations.

 Landex International Corp. is a full-service association management firm. They provide comprehensive, detailed service to commercial and residential condominiums, cooperative, homeowner, property owner, resort, and timeshare associations. Since 1981, Landex has been providing services from Lehigh Acres and Bonita Springs to Delray Beach, and Orlando. Landex has enjoyed professional relationships within the industry.

Did You Know

 FCAP Members receive many benefits some of which include:

• Free subscription to FLCAJ
• Special advertising rates for FLCAJ
• Access to our online directory and our more than 1,500 members
• Pre-qualified members that only do business or live in Florida

 If you would like to join FCAP, please visit our website www.fcapgroup.com for more information.

September Happenings

 September is a favorite month for many of us, and this one is going to be especially special!

 We all know that September is the ninth month of the year and usually when our board members are looking for our first budget drafts, right? But, did you also realize that September begins on the same day of the week as December does every year? That no other month ends on the same day of the week as September, in any year? That’s 91 days separating September and December. For managers these can be the hardest 13 weeks of the year!

 A little excitement is a great way to stimulate our minds and help keep us from the “burn out” stage, and that’s exactly what we have planned for you this month. The Show is FCAP’s second trade show of this year, and we have a terrific lineup of CEU classes, a board certification course, and lots more! Pre-registration is definitely recommended. Just visit the website www.theshowfl.com. You don’t want to miss The Show this month!

 We can’t wait to see you there!

 Sincerely,

 Pat Naldrett-Bilodeau CFCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
FCAP Relational Growth Strategist—Education Liaison

MEET DANIEL P. GLEASON III OF A&G MANAGEMENT SERVICES IN WELLINGTON

 Certified Florida Community Association Manager—CFCAM

 1. Website: www.agmanagementfl.com

 2. Background information:

Forty years of construction and property management experience that covers both coasts in the United States and as far around the world as Guam. Educated with a BS degree from Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee Law School, Nashville School of Law, University of Alabama (Huntsville for graduate work), and the University of South Florida for 30 Hour OSHA Certification. Work experience covers property management and construction from a family business in St. Louis, Missouri to commercial companies in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Married for the last 30 years to Brenda B. Gleason, Judicial Assistant to the 15th Circuit, Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, Florida, Family Division.

 3. Achievement you are most proud of? Honored by “Who’s Who of Professional Management” in 2002 while serving as a Senior Project Manager. Also very proud of winning the Uwandi Literary Award in 1968 as a freshman in college.

 4.Management philosophy: Community association management requires dedication to the communities served, attention to detail, and the relentless pursuit of bringing a problem to an appropriate conclusion. All the resources of the manager must be committed to such service in order to produce the satisfaction communities demand.

 5. Why do you believe training is important for the industry? Many industries offer professional designations, but few deliver. One of the tools that makes professionals deliver performance is training. It’s a fine thing to give a person a job to do, but imprudent to fail to provide the tools and materials to perform the task.

6. Why are you a part of FCAP? I recognize a difference in this organization from others that span insurance, construction, and other management. The focus of FCAP is on serving Florida managers and associations.

 7. Best management tip: Remind your managers and support staff that your firm is not dedicated to appeasing your communities, but serving them.