CACM CHAT - HOA LIFE

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 ready for the relatable stories of feeling like Sherlock Holmes, candid insights, a few laughs and real talk about the sh*t that really happens when managers find themselves in the media spotlight.Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 perspectives on professional growth, balancing responsibilities and fostering strong connections while maintaining balance.Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with takeaways you won’t want to miss.Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 to watch out for.From wildfire risk and shrinking admitted markets to misleading guidance and growing confusion around surplus lines vs. the FAIR Plan, this episode and Charlotte’s article serve as a guide for navigating California’s complex insurance landscape with clarity and confidence.Tune in for real talk, expert perspective and practical tips for protecting your communities in today’s hard insurance market.Check out Charlotte’s article today: https://cacm.org/resources/california-insurance-regulations-article-by-charlotte-allen/Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 shakes and moments that’ll make you say, “Yep, been there.”Have a wild HOA story of your own? Email us at podcast@cacm.org, we just might feature it next time.Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 shaped his career and why contributing to our industry in a small way is essential to creating a larger impact for managers everywhere. Interested in applying? The deadline to submit your application is August 14th at 5 PM. For more information, visit our website at www.cacm.org.If you’re thinking about stepping into a leadership role, this episode offers real insight—and inspiration.Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 newcomer, Huecias, insight into real-life challenges, growth opportunities and resources available for you to connect and thrive in the field. Whether you're just starting out, simply curious or want to learn a bit more about CACM, you’ll get tips on how to prepare, why it’s important to get involved and what resources are out there to support both you and your boards.But don’t let the conversation end with the two of them—listen today and send us your questions or feedback. We’d love to hear from you!Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat

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 a manager and leadership perspective. Whether you’re dealing with dream residents or nightmare scenarios, this episode is packed with practical strategies and relatable experiences. Don’t miss this must-listen discussion on navigating the good, the challenging and everything in between!Links & Resources:Visit us at www.cacm.orgTo listen to other podcast episodes, go to https://cacm.org/podcast/Follow us on social media: @cacmchatLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacm/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CACMchat/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacmchat/X: https://x.com/CACMchat