VIDEOS
Association help Now
"One on One" Videos
Approved for 1 CEU – 55m
Ray is joined by Elliotte Quinn, Esq. a South Carolina attorney specializing in construction defect law.
They discuss a wide range of topics including how associations “leave money on the table”, by not pursuing construction defect cases.
CEU Pending – 47m
Ray is joined by David Byrne, Esq. a New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania attorney.
They discuss how associations may force towns to take roads back. Other topics include enforcement issues, parking, towing and candidate audits.
CEU Pending – 50m
Ray is joined by Adam Clarkson an attorney who is licensed in NV, FL, CA, SC, and UT.
They discuss options for boards when dealing with social media harassment. They also discuss the future of public relations for associations.
CEU Pending – 40m
Ray is joined by New York attorney John J. LaGumina and South Carolina attorney Sean A. O’Connor.
The discussion is in regard to the relationship and challenges between master associations and sub-associations.
CEU Pending – 18m
Ray is joined by Charles Homler. Charles is a wildlife photographer and high-rise manager.
Charles explains how pigeons think and live. Ray also asks Charles his opinion on many of the tactics residents believe to discourage pigeons from roosting on their decks.
CEU Pending – 37m
Ray is joined by aquatic consultant, Sean Fleming
They discuss the complexities and future of the pond industry.
CEU Pending – 6m
Ray is joins Nick Brenneman from Reserve Advisors to discuss reserve components that extend beyond the 30-year length of a reserve study. Examples as structural frames, electrical systems, and piping systems that can have useful lives of up to 60 years or more.
CEU Pending – 37m
Anthony Smith an attorney who is licensed in CO and MN talks with Ray about the importance of legal council in evaluating insurance policies. Anthony also discusses the possible warning signs when insurance companies start asking for certain paperwork in regard to a claim. He also talks about one important exclusion boards don’t want to miss.
CEU Pending – 18m
Ray interviews Jeffrey Kaman an attorney licensed in KY and OH. The discussion ranges from the right of residents to bear arms, allowing police access and police jurisdiction.
CEU Pending – 10m
Ray interviews Jeffrey Kaman an attorney licensed in KY and OH. They talk about the liability of associations opening themselves up to the public including events like garage sales. The terms “premises liability” and “higher standard of care” also plays a role.
CEU Pending – 13m
Ray interviews Jeffrey Kaman an attorney licensed in KY and OH. Jeff explains how association events like “Bingo” need to follow certain rules not to run afoul of legal and even criminal law.
CEU Pending – 19m
Ray interviews attorney Kevin Hirzel licensed in MI and IL. Kevin shares his insight on the importance of educating attorneys about what they don’t learn in law school – people skills. He explains when attorneys should “jump in” when things “get heated”.
CEU Pending – 11m
Ray interviews attorney Kevin Hirzel licensed in MI and IL. They discuss “Chapter One” of Kevin’s book “Hirzel’s Handbook”. They review different types of associations and some old laws still on the books that allow owners to be jailed for bylaw infractions.
CEU Pending – 14m
Ray interviews attorney Kevin Hirzel licensed in MI and IL. The discuss how misunderstood age discrimination is and how easy well intended boards can find themselves in discrimination litigation. Information can also be found in Kevin’s book “Hirzel’s Handbook”.
CEU Pending – 9m
Ray joins Nick Brenneman from Reserve Advisors to discuss inflation and capital planning. In March, the Foundation for Community Association Research published a new survey, which found that 91% of community associations have experienced an unexpected increase in expenses that necessitated 2023 budget increases.
CEU Pending – 10m
Ray talks with Nick Brenneman from Reserve Advisors about how board member’s roles have become more complex and demanding (especially true for a volunteer position). Nick communicates about why and how boards can use industry professionals to communicate complex issues to owners.
CEU Pending – 14m
Ray is joined by Stephen M. Guerra, Esq. a Michigan attorney.
They discuss how backyard chickens has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more people seek to live a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. But is it legal for Michigan community association residents to keep chickens in the backyard of their condominium unit or subdivision home?
CEU Pending – 11m
Ray is joined by Stephen M. Guerra, Esq. a Michigan attorney.
The topic is providing community associations with some much-needed guidance on dealing with smoking nuisance claims. In short, while associations can take some enforcement actions to address complaints about smoking odors, a high burden exists to establish smoking is a bylaw violation that warrants fines or legal action.
CEU Pending – 15m
Ray is joined by Stephen M. Guerra, Esq. a Michigan attorney.
The conversation is about hoarding, a condition that affects between three and five percent of all Americans, both men and women. For condominium associations, particularly those with attached units, it can be very expensive and difficult to confront. Dealing with hoarding can be complex and must be sensibly addressed.
CEU Pending – 8m
Ray discusses with Ken Mahadeo, CEM, CBCP, CFM on how acidity can infiltrate your HVAC system causing great damage. Fortunately, this is an easy item to detect in time. Associations should make sure checking for this is part of their maintenance agreement.
CEU Pending – 8m
Ken Mahadeo, CEM, CBCP, CFM discusses how elevators should not rattle and vibrate. He explains these are all signs of maintenance issues. One suggestion is managers and board members ride the elevators with their maintenance companies to review possible issues.
CEU Pending – 7m
Ray discusses with Ken Mahadeo, CEM, CBCP, CFM how important it is for buildings to retain proper airflow. Allowing residents to block gaps under doors can cause issues for proper airflow.
CEU Pending – 3m
Ken Mahadeo, CEM, CBCP, CFM explains how comfort levels of HVAC systems are taken. He discusses some warning signs that could be an indicator of needed repairs.
CEU Pending – 13m
Ray discusses with Ken Mahadeo, CEM, CBCP, CFM how air flow analysis is important to check for CO2 levels to insure acceptable indoor air quality. He also communicates how hot it can get before an HVAC system can be strained.
CEU Pending – 37m
Ray discusses facades with Chuck McCrimmon from Dakota Evans. The conversation ranges from which kind of facade material lasts the longest to signs of facade defects.
CEU Pending – 39m
Ray talks concrete decks with Scott Baryiewski from South Shore Construction. They discuss common misconceptions of concrete decking and importance of properly planning a deck project. They also discuss deck membranes that can extend the lifespan.
CEU Pending – 27m
Ray talks hurricanes with Sinisa Kolar, P.E., FBRSE. Sinisa was on the expert panel at the First Annual Hurricane Symposium in Miami, FL. Sinisa also discusses inexpensive flood control systems for high-rises.
CEU Pending – 9m
Ray interviews Todd Walter, PE, PRA, RS about how facades should play a role in a reserve study. They discuss how the facade repair and restoration process can be complex.
CEU Pending – 2m
Ray interviews Todd Walter, PE, PRA, RS who explains CAI National’s new standards on reserves.
CEU Pending – 21m
Ray is joined by David Byrne, Esq. a New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania attorney.
Restrictions board members can put an other board members including communications, information and speaking at owner meetings. They talk about whether all board members are entitled to access to legal council. Dave explains whether or not a board can put a a “gag order” on other board members regarding specific issues. Confidentially agreements also is discussed.
CEU Pending – 21m
Ray speaks with Valerie Garcia Giovanoli and attorney licensed in SC and FL.
Abusive, aggressive behavior from owners can be intimating, upsetting and disruptive to board members. Valerie explains when that behavior goes over the line and warrants criminal complaints. Valerie also offers advice for managers and boards when dealing with other criminal behavior including the responsibility of manages to file complaints. Lastly she offers advice for boards and managers, so they do not cross the line.
CEU Pending – 7m
Ray speaks with Valerie Garcia Giovanoli and attorney licensed in SC and FL.
Boards, but mostly managers find themselves engaging with residents conducting themselves in behavior against association rules, or even engaged in criminal activity. Valerie provides important guidance on how boards and managers can help themselves if accused of criminal activity like assault or even unlawful imprisonment.
CEU Pending – 5m
Ray speaks with Valerie Garcia Giovanoli and attorney licensed in SC and FL.
Valerie offers advice on how manages can reduce stress, while improving their professional life.
"Where is Dr. Tom?" Videos - Manager Interviews
No CEU – 8m
Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, PCAM stops by and visits Todd Sarauer, PCAM, AMS, CMCA in Glendale, WI.
Todd explains his approach to managing the pressure of the management industry.
No CEU – 7m
Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, PCAM stops by and visits Jennifer Carr, CMCA, AMS in Fridley, MN .
Jennifer communicates how helpful a Q&A with first home owners and empty nesters can offer huge benefits. She spoke about the importance of establishing a personal connection. In addition, the Q&A allows managers to recognize and adapt to different cultural perspectives.
No CEU – 8m
Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, PCAM stops by and visits Robin Guyon from Indianapolis, IN.
Robin talks about the importance of working with contractors. She also explains how finding solutions for problems before passing them along to the board benefits all involved.
No CEU – 5m
Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, PCAM visits Chad Emrath, CMCA, AMS, CPO, COS in Milwaukee, WI.
Chad talks about the setting the correct tone with boards in regard to maintenance issues. He discusses how he reinforces the idea of the right contractor for the right job.
Finance Videos
No CEU – 4m
Ray is joined by banker Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, ARM, CPM, EBP.
The topic is how and if associations have influence over bank rates.
No CEU – 2m
Ray is joined by banker Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, ARM, CPM, EBP.
They discuss what boards should expect the bank to ask for in regard to bank loans. Tom also explains the different ways loans are structured.
No CEU – 2m
Ray is joined by banker Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, ARM, CPM, EBP.
They discuss how banks are different and much alike. Also, what should an association expect from a bank representive.
No CEU – 2m
Ray is joined by banker Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, ARM, CPM, EBP.
Tom reflects on his 17 years in the industry. He offers commentary how the relationship between clients, bank representatives and banks has evolved.
No CEU – 3m
Ray is joined by banker Thomas C. Engblom, Ph.D, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, ARM, CPM, EBP.
They discuss some common, overlooked bank fees.
Board Member Interviews
CEU Pending – 44m
Ray is joined by three long-term board members, Terry Clifford, Fred Chitty and Richard Slack.
The discuss how boards can have a successful and positive relationship with their communities. Other topics include owner and board apathy, importance of raising needed fees on a consistence basis and managing owner expectations.
By the Book
No CEU – 2m
Ray is joined by “Working from Home” author Thomas Engblom, Ph.D, PCAM.
They review Chapter 7, “Building Your Environment”. Tom highlights key aspects including the importance of habits, goal setting and scheduling. Tom also explains why not to interact with people on Mondays and Fridays.