HOA - It's A True Story Podcast

Host Regan Brown, along with co-hosts Bill Mann and Brad Bacome, welcomes David Urban, Partner at Urban Painting and Construction, to discuss how HOAs can prepare their buildings for a potentially stormy El Niño winter.

From identifying water intrusion and choosing the right waterproofing materials to handling emergency repairs and planning post-storm budgets, David shares practical tips to help communities stay ahead of costly damage.

Tune in for expert advice, real-world stories, and a few laughs about the challenges of protecting buildings when Mother Nature has other plans!

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Season 7 kicks off with a brand-new Leadership Series! Host Regan Brown, alongside co-hosts Bill Mann and Brad Bacome, welcomes Jeremy Wilson, Vice President of Keystone Pacific Property Management, to explore what separates a good manager from a great leader.

Drawing on 30 years of experience, Jeremy shares the leadership traits that matter most, why accountability and humility outweigh titles, and how to build strong teams through trust, communication, and empathy.

From navigating conflict to leading remote teams, this episode delivers real-world insights on the difference between managing people and truly leading them.

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The tables are turned as longtime host Regan Brown takes the guest seat while co-hosts Bill Mann and Brad Bacome lead the conversation about what it’s really like to serve on an HOA board.

They explore the realities of board service, from low homeowner participation and board turnover to limited training, lost institutional knowledge, and why even experienced professionals can feel unprepared once they’re in the role.

Whether you’re a board member, community manager, homeowner, or considering volunteering, this episode offers practical insight into navigating board service more effectively and avoiding unnecessary time, cost, and frustration.

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Host Regan Brown and co-host Bill Mann are joined by Kristina Alvarez-Waingraw and Andrea O’Toole to tackle one of the more complicated issues HOAs can face: hoarding.

From odors, rodents, and property damage to access, enforcement, and legal action, the group breaks down how these situations surface and what managers, boards, and attorneys need to know when responding.

With real-world stories and practical insight, they explore how to balance compassion with the responsibility to protect residents, property, and the association.

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Host Regan Brown, along with co-hosts Bill Mann and Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, sit down with Edwin Palomino of Gachina Landscape Management to discuss how smart irrigation is changing the way HOAs manage rising water costs, aging systems, and new conservation requirements.

Edwin breaks down how smart irrigation works, from weather and flow sensors to remote monitoring and real-time adjustments, and how these tools can help communities use water more efficiently while protecting their landscapes.

They also discuss AB 1572, California’s changing rules around non-functional turf, and how HOAs can plan and budget for irrigation upgrades without taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

If your community is facing rising water bills, outdated irrigation, or future turf conversion requirements, this episode offers practical guidance for planning ahead.

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Regan Brown and co-host Bill Mann of Paradise Pools sit down with Tina Keele, Vice President with Socher Hub Insurance, to break down what HOA boards and community managers need to know about today’s insurance market.

They discuss why more HOAs have been pushed into the FAIR Plan, the critical coverage gaps communities may not realize they have, and why DIC and wrap policies have become so important. Tina also shares what she’s seeing in the market now, including signs that secondary carriers may be becoming more competitive again.

The conversation covers wildfire risk, rising premiums, community hardening, Firewise programs, water and storm exposure, and what it may take for HOAs to transition back into the standard insurance market.

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Host Regan Brown sits down with Wendy Miller of TARC Construction to discuss the growing issue of “warehousing” within HOA communities—not in the traditional sense, but the practice of placing elderly or mentally ill family members in multifamily housing without the support systems they may need.

What can begin as an effort to preserve independence can quickly create serious challenges for neighbors, board members, community managers, vendors, and legal professionals. Wendy shares how these situations have become increasingly common since COVID, the role social isolation can play, and the difficult balance between compassion, resident safety, privacy, and legal responsibility.

The conversation also explores a real-world case involving harassment, physical altercations, repeated fines, police involvement, and a two-and-a-half-year effort to reach a resolution—highlighting just how complex these situations can become and how important it is for communities to be prepared.

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Join hosts Regan Brown and Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, as they welcome Louie Brown, Partner at Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP, for a timely discussion on the legislation shaping California HOAs. With more than 200 bills introduced this year, Louie breaks down the measures community professionals should be watching, including updates to construction defect laws, reserve funding requirements, election procedures, and liability concerns. The conversation explores the evolution of AB 1903, proposed election reforms under AB 1892, and AB 2050’s six-year reserve funding plan designed to reduce the need for costly special assessments.

Tune in for practical insight into what may pass, what is still being negotiated, and how these changes could impact HOA finances, operations, and property values.

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Join hosts Regan Brown, Bill Mann, and Brad Bacome as they welcome Kelly Gasper, owner of Iron & Ivory Management, for a conversation on the unique world of Commercial Owners' Associations (COAs). From governance and legal nuances to mixed-use communities and outdated governing documents, Kelly shares what sets COAs apart from traditional HOAs and why understanding those differences is essential for community professionals.

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Hosts Regan Brown and Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, are joined by Alexis Greenwood-Garcia, a seasoned marriage and family therapist with a PhD, for a conversation on recognizing, preventing, and overcoming burnout. Drawing from more than 20 years of experience, Alexis explores how chronic workplace stress, unrealistic expectations, and poor boundaries can quietly impact both your mental and physical well-being. She shares practical strategies for building healthier habits, creating balance, and preventing burnout before it takes a lasting toll. Whether you're a leader, manager, or simply feeling the demands of today's work environment, this episode offers valuable insights for creating a more sustainable and fulfilling life.

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Artificial intelligence is transforming the HOA industry—but what does that actually look like? Join hosts Regan Brown, Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, and Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, as they welcome Ben Sloman, founder of California Communities, to discuss the real-world impact of AI on community management. From automating budgets and tracking water usage to reviewing legal documents and protecting sensitive information, this episode explores where AI adds value, where caution is needed, and what every HOA professional should know.

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Hosts Regan Brown, along with co-hosts Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, and Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, are joined by Shelley Carr to discuss the hidden dangers of Zinsco electrical panels and why they're becoming a growing concern for property owners, managers, and insurance carriers. The conversation explores why these outdated panels pose a significant fire hazard, what replacement projects actually involve, and the unexpected costs that can come with permits, code upgrades, and tenant coordination. They also share what to look for, the questions to ask your electrician, and why insurance companies are increasingly requiring these upgrades.

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Hosts Regan Brown and co-host Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, are joined by Jasmine Hale, Principal at Berding | Weil, and Jill Jackson, Chief Marketing Officer at Berding | Weil, to discuss AB 1903 and its potential impact on construction defect claims, homeowner protections, and the future of housing in California. The conversation explores how the proposed legislation could change the construction defect process, including updates to inspection requirements, developer liability, and dispute resolution. Jasmine and Jill break down what the bill could mean for community associations, homeowners, and the building industry while highlighting the potential implications for housing safety, affordability, and transparency. This episode provides valuable insight into one of the most significant pieces of proposed legislation affecting California's community associations and explains why industry professionals are paying close attention.

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Host Regan Brown sits down with Sandra Gottlieb, Attorney at Swedelson & Gottlieb, to discuss the latest changes to HOA election laws and what boards and community managers need to know before implementing electronic voting. Sandra breaks down new election requirements, voter qualifications, and electronic voting procedures while sharing practical guidance for maintaining compliance and reducing the risk of election disputes. From election rules and voter verification to timelines and legal considerations, this episode provides valuable insight for associations navigating today's evolving election requirements.

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Host Regan Brown sits down with Ryan Clark, Project Manager at Forticon, to discuss the growing risks surrounding ADA compliance, accessibility requirements, and parking lot maintenance in community associations. Ryan shares practical strategies for identifying potential violations before they become costly legal issues, emphasizing the importance of proactive assessments, thorough documentation, and ongoing property inspections.

The conversation also explores Surface Intelligence, Ryan's free resource platform designed to help property managers navigate pavement maintenance, accessibility compliance, and risk mitigation. From ADA scorecards to property walk-through tools, these resources provide actionable guidance for reducing liability and protecting association assets. Through real-world examples and industry insights, Ryan highlights how small oversights can lead to significant consequences and why a proactive approach is essential for every community.

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Hosts Regan Brown, along with co-hosts Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, and Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, sit down with Heather McMills, Managing Partner of McMills Duffy Consulting Group, to discuss the realities of HOA leadership and board responsibility. Heather shares her path from the technology and financial services industries into the HOA world, eventually serving as both a board member and HOA president. The conversation explores fiduciary duty, liability exposure, financial decision-making, and the importance of understanding the responsibilities that come with serving on a board. They also discuss homeowner communication, long-term planning, and how informed leadership can help communities operate more effectively and avoid costly mistakes.

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Hosts Regan Brown and co-host Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, are joined by this week’s guest co-host, Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, to uncover the truth behind aged and neglected HOA pools. The conversation explores how outdated equipment, improper chemical use, and overlooked repairs can lead to leaks, code violations, and costly emergency rehabs. They also share real-world stories, preventative strategies, and smart upgrade planning that can help communities avoid major pool failures and unexpected expenses.

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Hosts Regan Brown, along with co-hosts Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, and Brad Bacome, Certified Community Manager at The Manor, are joined by Rick Scheibley, Owner of Reliable Pavement Services, to discuss strategies for extending the lifespan of asphalt through proactive planning and expert evaluation. Rick shares insights on site inspections, strategic scheduling, and owner-focused scope development, while highlighting how HOAs and community managers can avoid common pitfalls such as underfunding, poor repairs, and unexpected damage. The conversation emphasizes the value of annual reviews, thorough property walks, and effective reserve planning to reduce long-term costs and improve pavement performance.

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Hosts Regan Brown, alongside co-host Bill Mann, General Manager at Paradise Pools, sit down with Edmund Allcock, Managing Partner at Allcock & Marcus LLC, to unpack a topic that’s catching many HOAs off guard—Fannie Mae’s “ineligible list." Often referred to as a hidden blacklist, landing on this list can have serious consequences for a community, impacting property values, loan eligibility, and overall marketability. With over 25 years of experience, Ed breaks down the key reasons associations find themselves flagged—and how many of these issues stem from simple oversights. This episode covers what boards and managers need to watch for, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what steps can be taken to regain eligibility and protect the long-term health of the community.

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Host Regan Brown is joined by Tasha Parmelee, Business Consultant at Tasha Parmelee Consulting, to share her journey from HOA management to consulting. She also dives into her passion for education and her role as a professor at Cal State University, Monterey Bay, where she is developing a course focused on community management. Her goal is to help elevate the industry by bridging the gap between education and real-world application.

This episode highlights the importance of internships, continuous learning, and preparing the next generation of professionals for the evolving challenges within the HOA industry.

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