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Want to take part in the decision making, step up, and run for the board. Learn about Boards how they function and How to Run Decision Making Meetings.

Want to take part in the decision making, step up, and run for the board. Learn about Boards how they function and How to Run Decision Making Meetings.

  • Posted: Nov 04, 2024
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Everyone has something to say about the Boards Decisions, but not many want to become a board member!

When an owner approaches me to complain about the decisions of the board of directors at his or her association is;  The First Question I ask is- “did you attend the meeting that decision was made at?” The Second Question is- “have you considered running for the board so that you can be part of the decision-making process?” All too often the answer to both questions is no. If you want to understand why your board makes the decisions they make and possibly influence those decisions the best way to do this is to attend the board meetings and comment on items you have knowledge or concerns about on the agenda. Want to take part in the decision making, step up, and run for the board. – by Royale Management Services

 

The vast majority of business decisions are made in meetings. While small decisions are made in all kinds of meetings, the more important decisions often get their own dedicated meetings.

There are different types of group decision making processes, and care should be taken to choose a process that best matches the situation. A decision making process can include group activities like information gathering and sharing, brainstorming solutions, evaluating options, ranking preferences, and voting on the final options. Below are the most effective ways of running decision making meetings.

 

Primary Goals for Decision Making Meetings

Goals for a decision-oriented meeting can vary a little based on the type of decision being made, but they are always centered on coming to a consensus about a future plan. It is important to remember that the goal of these meetings also includes planning how to best execute the decision that has been made.

Make the best possible decision

If a decision making process is flawed and dysfunctional, the decisions will be bad.

By involving a group in making a decision you can rely on collective intelligence; knowledge beyond what is possible with individual decision makers. Because each participant has unique information and perspectives, combining group information leads to more informed decisions. However, it is important to use meetings designed specifically for group decisions efficiently, to not waste the group members’ time.
If all planning decisions were made by one person, not only would the choices be uninformed, there would also be little unity around team goals and direction.

Planning for execution

When individuals feel that their opinion has been considered in the group planning, they are more likely to embrace the decisions and work to carry out those goals.

Most discussions of decision making assume that only senior executives make decisions or that only senior executives’ decisions matter. This is a dangerous mistake.

Participatory decision making leads to increased team productivity and likelihood of goal execution, because team members feel ownership and responsibility for the decisions made.
Addressing both short term and long term goals at your decision making meetings is a great way to make sure team members leave with a direction and know the next steps. The short term plan can be as simple as outlining action items and assigning tasks. In the long term it could mean setting a timeline of general dates and milestones. Initial planning can be an effective way of aligning the group and cementing the decision that was made.

 

 

Key Roles in Decision Making Meetings

The participants in decision making meetings may play different roles. Understanding the distinctions between these levels of involvement is a useful way of holding members accountable for their role in implementing decisions.

Meeting leader

In order to avoid getting off topic it is recommended that one person be in charge of guiding the direction of team negotiation. In addition, it can be helpful to use some elements of status update meetings in order to have meeting attendees present and be held accountable for research into the decision being made.

Those with authority to carry out the decisions

For decision making meetings it is particularly important to include all relevant persons with authority to carry out the decision. If decisions are made without including the relevant people, it can often be very challenging to implement the resulting decision.

In some cases, it can be useful to dedicate one leader of a team to be a representative for that group. Often, this job is given to someone in a senior position, but it can be fulfilled by anyone capable of accurately reporting information on behalf of a group. If this method is used, the representative should be prepared to report back to the team the consensus that was reached. Without this information exchange, the group unity that should have been a result of the group meeting is lost.

Note taker and process observer

Decision making meetings can often get derailed or become ineffective for a variety of reasons. To counter this, it can be helpful to include a note taker and process observer. These roles should be filled by people not directly involved in the decision so they are not biased toward any particular opinion. A note taker records what was suggested and decided throughout the meeting while a process observer records how those decisions were met. Incorporating these roles can lead to a lasting group understanding as well as ability to improve decision making meetings in the future.

 

Common Challenges in Decision Making Meetings

Making group decisions can be hard. Making good group decisions is even more challenging. However, good decisions is what can make or break your project or even your company or career. Being aware of the most common challenges in decision making meetings will move you closer to facilitating successful group decision making.

Incomplete information and narrow perspectives

An important aspect of collective decision making is to incorporate a broad spectrum of opinions and ideas, and through group collaboration converge these into a best possible solution. This process is easier said than done. Getting to a solution often involves dealing with a lot of conflicting agendas and opinions which are not easily resolved.

Identifying the best possible solutions

Another classic challenge of the decision making meeting is knowing what possible options are worth further consideration and discussion, and which options to discard early. Time is often wasted discussing possibilities that are not even among the most likely or best choices.

 

 

How to Host a Successful Decision Making Meeting

Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens.

A great decision making meeting effectively incorporates all participants, benefiting from the knowledge and experience they bring to the process. Giving all relevant parties the opportunity to participate in the decision making process increases the quality of the decision, adds to the collective understanding and support of the outcome, and ensures successful implementation.

Consider all relevant information

We want as much relevant information as possible to go into the group decision process. This means involving as many stakeholders as practically possible to provide input when it comes to defining the problem area, come up with possible solutions, and evaluate options.

Generate and evaluate possible solutions

Identify and agree on solution requirements before starting to brainstorm potential solutions. Then, invite to brainstorm solutions with an open mind, focusing on the issue rather than the person presenting the idea. Use the solution requirements to evaluate the various suggestions, identifying the top ideas for further consideration.

Get everyone on board

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

One of the most important aspects of decision meetings is to create unity around the decision that is created. When each participant feels their opinion has been fully considered as part of the decision making process they are more likely to feel ownership of the decision, even in cases when it is not the outcome they hoped for.

 

 

Better Decision Making Meetings with Technology

Collaborative technologies today like Zoom and a good website where owners can read and voice their opinion on subjects that will impact them are being used to make group decision processes easier to manage, more efficient, produce better solutions, and improve execution of decisions.

 

Easily include and engage all key stakeholders for more complete information

Using smart device-based participation levels the playing field and provides an efficient way to share information and reach group consensus. The unruly nature of decision making meetings is easily structured with Zoom and a good Website for your association, because participants are presented with real-time visualizations and group opinions as the discussion moves forward.

 

Quickly tap into the group’s knowledge and expertise

Having participants use Zoom and a good Website for your association to evaluate options will help focus on the task at hand. Collecting decision preferences automatically, rather than manually, speeds up the process. Not only does that mean less time spent on interpreting where a group stands but it also allows for more people to be involved in the process at the same time.

For example, conducting a brainstorm with a large group of participants using whiteboards, flip charts, and post it notes can get messy. When people are contributing one by one it takes a considerable amount of time. The Zoom and a good Website for your association everyone can brainstorm, this activity lets group members submit ideas concurrently, via their own smart devices and computers making sure to accurately record and organize all inputs. This saves time for everyone involved, no matter how large the group is

 

Real-time visualizations of options and opinions focuses the discussion

Zoom and a good Website for your association are well suited to measure group opinions. In the case of an extended discussion it can be helpful to take multiple snapshots of opinions, as they can change over the course of the conversation. Taking a quick group poll, ranking, or evaluation after an initial conversation will clearly identify where the group feels their time is best spent. This allows the discussion to stay centered on the most important and relevant issues. The group will be able to use these baseline opinions as a jumping off point for focused conversation, establishing a common ground and sense of unity which will set the stage for successfully reaching a decision.

 

Engaged inclusion of stakeholders generates buy-in and better execution

Unfortunately, just organizing a group decision making meeting does not necessarily assure that each person in the room will leave feeling that they have been heard. Using Zoom and a good Website for your association ensures each person gets to contribute on an even scale. Because, participants can literally watch their voice be factored into the results. Playing an active part in the decision making process generates a sense of ownership and responsibility for the results, which in turn ensures active participation in carrying out the plan.

 

 

Adding to this: COVID-19: Technology and Social Distancing by Becker Lawyers.

COVID-19 has introduced new challenges to the way we meet and work together in our communities. Many of our daily community association activities include in-person interaction, from regular meetings to conduct association business to elections and other membership votes. Social distancing, the new normal, has necessitated a change to our behavior. While we continue to learn more about the COVID-19 virus and how it is spread, we do know that limiting in-person interaction can greatly reduce risk. Modern technology is a powerful tool to help reduce the transmission of the virus and allow us all to continue with our normal community association business. The following are a few options to consider as your association works to reduce risk in your community.

Voting

A standard election or membership vote often involves voting on a paper ballot. In addition, other types of voting events also include meeting in person, either to cast a ballot or participate in an annual meeting. At this time, we don’t know exactly how long the virus lasts on surfaces, but experts do believe it can be transmitted by touching surfaces. While social distancing and other guidelines now require we limit group activities and avoid public gatherings, there are a number of technologies that allow voters to participate in elections and cast membership votes safely from the comfort of their own homes.

Online voting is a Florida approved option and is a powerful tool to ensure association members can easily participate without the risk of exposure to the virus from in-person meetings or via voting materials. If you have an upcoming election or other membership vote, consider adding online voting to your process to avoid the need for physical materials and in-person participation.

Association Documentation

Community associations are required to provide access to association documents in the form of document inspection requests, a common practice that is sure to continue even during these uncertain times. We expect COVID-19 to affect the normal course of business for at least the next few months, especially as we continue to avoid in-person meetings and handling physical materials.

Instead of requiring in-person document inspections, consider posting your association documentation to your community website. Community association website software offers tools to upload association documentation and share links via email. These tools also allow you to easily post all Florida required association materials to a password protected area of your association’s website, facilitating ease of access and satisfying document inspection requests. These tools are simple to use and are cost-effective methods to continue to support your membership while helping to stem the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

Association Communication

As we have seen, communication during an uncertain time is crucial. Your community association website is an instrumental channel to quickly and effectively communicate with your association membership. By posting official notices on how your community is managing the outbreak, your website provides a quick and centralized mechanism to ensure your association is apprised of the latest information. We all rely on websites for information and entertainment, and we will likely spend more time online now that our out of home activities are limited. Take this opportunity to direct your membership to your association website for the latest community updates.

We are all facing the challenges COVID-19 has introduced. Social distancing, cancelled activities, and the overwhelming amount of information only adds to the stress of this evolving situation. Technology can be a powerful equalizer, enabling us to work together in safe conditions and keep lines of communication open to all.

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO REPLAY webinar: “Dollars & Sense | Milestone Inspections & Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (aka SIRS): Senate Bill 4-D, What’s Next?”

VIDEO REPLAY webinar: “Dollars & Sense | Milestone Inspections & Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (aka SIRS): Senate Bill 4-D, What’s Next?”

“Dollars & Sense | Milestone Inspections & Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (aka SIRS): Senate Bill 4-D, What’s Next?”

Today’s Requirements vs. Proposed Legislative Changes

Jeff Rembaum provided a thorough update covering the latest proposed changes to the Milestone and Structural Integrity Reserve Study (aka SIRS) requirements.

Jeff joined Kelly Britten (The Castle Group), Greg Main-Baillie and Jeremy Caldwell (Colliers) and Timothy Marshall (A.T. Designs), all of whom provided insight from the perspective of licensed CAMS, project management and engineering, respectively.

Milestone Inspections and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) | Senate Bill 4-D…What’s Next: Today’s Requirements vs. Proposed Legislation. Our panel of experts and professionals answered your questions concerning the new condo reserve laws, proposed legislation, responsibilities and roles of those involved.

    • Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq. (Kaye Bender Rembaum)
    • Greg Main-Baillie (Colliers)
    • Jeremy Caldwell (Colliers)
    • Kelly Britten (The Castle Group)
    • Timothy S. Marshall (A.T. Designs)

This webinar does not satisfy any requirements for manangers or board members, nor should it be considered legal advice.

For more great Videos view our YouTube page, view our members videos.

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When Insurance Claims are Denied, HOA Collections Come to the Rescue.

When Insurance Claims are Denied, HOA Collections Come to the Rescue.

When Insurance Claims are Denied, HOA Collections Come to the Rescue

Written by Mitchell Drimmer

Best Practices | Condo & HOA Collections

In a report published on July 3, 2024, Newsweek Magazine observed that insurance companies are denying an extraordinary number of claims to Florida Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and condos. Being paid out for insurance claims properly as a homeowner in Florida brings you close to a 50/50 chance of being made whole, especially for HOAs. Recent data from Weiss Ratings reveals a concerning trend: nearly half of all damage claims submitted by Florida homeowners to three major insurers—Castle Key Indemnity, State Farm, and Castle Key Insurance—were denied last year. This alarming statistic underscores the difficulties many community association owners face when seeking coverage for property damage. This article explores how HOA collections come to the rescue when insurance claims are denied.

It’s Not Just a Florida Problem

States other than Florida are experiencing similar woes. For instance, California has been facing challenges with insurance claims, especially in areas prone to wildfires. Insurers have increasingly denied claims or refused to renew policies in perceived high-risk areas. In tornado-prone states like Louisiana and Oklahoma, homeowners also face significant challenges. These states often see higher denial rates due to the frequency and severity of natural disasters. Insurers in these regions are more cautious, leading to stricter scrutiny of claims.

High Denial Rates Among Major Insurers

Weiss Ratings’ analysis points to significant denial rates, with Castle Key Indemnity Company leading in Florida, denying 47.1% of claims closed last year. State Farm Florida Insurance Company and Castle Key Insurance Company followed closely, with denial rates of 46.4% and 46.0%, respectively. Although State Farm contested the accuracy of the data, the high denial rates highlight a substantial issue for homeowners and associations striving to obtain payouts.

These high denial rates can severely impact HOAs, which manage shared amenities and infrastructure. When claims are denied, the burden of repair costs falls on the HOA and, consequently, the homeowners. It is an economic reality of communal living. Sometimes, homeowners must fund repairs to their personal property and help the HOA pay for repairs to common areas due to denied claims. This situation underscores the critical importance of robust collection practices within HOAs to ensure sufficient funds are available to cover these unexpected expenses.

HOA Collections to the Rescue

Given the current insurance landscape, HOAs in Florida and other affected states must prioritize their collection strategies. Here are some critical approaches:

  • A Uniform Collection Policy. If you have an emergency plan for hurricanes, you should have a plan for delinquencies. When and how will you deal with members who pay late or completely default?
  • An up-to-date roster. When we read about association governance, we are often told to communicate better, which is correct. However, good communication starts with good contact information, and we are willing to “bet dollars to doughnuts” that your community has a defective roster that lacks your membership’s current contact information. Before you can communicate, you must put together a proper roster. When you have a good roster with accurate and up-to-date contact information, you can speak to the importance of timely dues payments to all homeowners, explaining how these funds pay for maintenance and emergency repairs.
  • Offer flexible payment plans to accommodate homeowners facing financial difficulties, ensuring a steady flow of funds. You can do this before you send the owner to a collection agency.
  • Foreclosure is the last desperate attempt to collect delinquencies. HOAs should avoid it when possible. However, it should not be off the table. If your delinquent owners know that the association will not “pull that trigger,” then you can expect delinquencies to linger, repeat, and last forever. When this happens, come this budget season, boards and managers must create a line item in the budget for “doubtful debt.” This line item adds to the financial burden of those paying on time, which is unfair. Conduct a free pre-foreclosure analysiswhen foreclosure is unavoidable to avoid passing along this unfair burden.
  • Most associations can suspend amenities and voting rights of delinquent owners. Enforce this governing document provision to minimize ongoing delinquencies.
  • In Florida, if you have a delinquent investor-owned unit, you can legally intercept the rent money with just one pre-written letter, as provided in statutes 718.116 and 720.3085. Click here to review the statutes for other states.
  • Review your aging report every month, and if you don’t have board meetings regularly, have a system that will auto-submit a unit that has hit a delinquency threshold to collections with a board resolution. Your Uniform Collection policy should set the threshold, and your bookkeeping department should adhere to it.
  • When the delinquent owner fails to make good on their obligations after the board has sent courtesy letters and requests for payment, it is time to consider a collections company specializing in HOA and condo collections. You may want to speak to Axela Technologies first.

Focusing on Collections is Proactive Financial Management

As the data from Weiss Ratings reveals, Florida homeowners face significant challenges in securing insurance payouts for damage claims, and other states are in similar trouble. This reality makes robust collections even more critical for HOAs. By implementing effective collection strategies, HOAs can ensure they have the necessary funds to manage and maintain their communities, even when insurance claims get denied.

In these uncertain times, proactive financial management and clear communication with homeowners can help HOAs navigate the complexities of insurance claim denials and maintain the quality of their communities.

Contact us today to learn more about how Axela makes HOA collections equitable, efficient, and affordable.

 

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Hurricane Recovery: A rundown of lessons learned from previous storms from Becker Shareholder Joseph E. Adams

Hurricane Recovery: A rundown of lessons learned from previous storms from Becker Shareholder Joseph E. Adams

Hurricane Recovery: A rundown of lessons learned from previous storms from Becker Shareholder Joseph E. Adams

Recovery From Hurricane Ian

Unfortunately, Hurricane Ian was a historic storm and has left a wide and substantial swath of damage across Southwest Florida. As we all work to recover from the ongoing effects of Hurricane Ian, I would like to share a few pointers we have learned from past storms and some things we are experiencing with Ian:

  1. Flood Damage: A significant part of Ian’s damage resulted from rising water, which is generally and generically referred to as “flood damage”. It is very important to note that flood insurance and processing flood insurance claims is covered by federal law, not Florida law. Among the notable differences, federal law requires that a “Proof of Loss” be filed for flood claims within 60 days, and the statute of limitations under flood policies is one year.
  2. Disaster Recovery Contractors: There are a number of large national companies, as well as others, who employ large crews of “storm chasers”, and arrive at disaster sites to shore up the property, dry it in, and dry it out. This is critical work and many of these companies are reputable, but not all are. Bills for significant damage sites can quickly approach seven figures (one million dollars plus) without proper justification. Associations can understandably feel under pressure to sign these companies up quickly but there are several critical things to keep in mind:
  • Approval From Your Insurer: Most reputable companies will be known to your insurers and be able to demonstrate they have the “go ahead” from the insurer before engaging in major work.
  • “Mapping”: As Southwest Florida is a significant disaster zone, insurance adjustors are overwhelmed and one may not visit your property for weeks, or longer. It is very important that the disaster relief contractor properly document the conditions it finds and remediates, commonly known as “mapping.”
  • “Assignment of Benefits”: Historically, various participants in this field have asked for an assignment of the association’s insurance policy rights, known as an “AOB”’. AOB contracts are now strictly regulated by statute but should never be given to an outside contractor.

While getting dry-out work started quickly is critical, the association should not enter into a contract with a remediation company, or any vendor, if the association is not comfortable with the term of the agreement and confident in the company. It is always better to take a step back and make a thoughtful decision than to rush into a bad agreement.

  1. Application Of Your Community’s Governing Documents: If the association has experienced significant damage, it is critical that the association be aware of the requirements of the governing documents, especially for condominiums. For example, many documents state that if a certain percentage of the units are rendered “uninhabitable” (usually an undefined term), the condominium is automatically “terminated” (legally extinguished) if a vote to rebuild is not taken, often in a very short time frame such as 60 days after the loss. Other “gotcha” clauses in documents might include the requirement to have a bank act as “insurance trustee” for insurance proceeds.
  2. Emergency Powers: The “emergency powers” provisions of the statutes are now in effect. Among other powers conferred are the power to contract for debris removal and authorize appropriate remediation, including removal of wet drywall and cabinetry, subject to any limitations of the condominium documents. The emergency powers statute also gives associations flexibility in noticing and holding membership and board meetings. As much as is practicable, you should consult with your association’s attorney regarding use of the statutory emergency powers.

The next few months will be a trying time for everyone in Southwest Florida and practically every community association will have to deal with some consequence from Hurricane Ian. The decisions that board members and owners make at this time will, to a great degree, determine outcome for many communities.

Joseph E. Adams is a Board Certified Specialist in Condominium and Planned Development Law, and an Office Managing Shareholder with Becker & Poliakoff. Please send your community association legal questions to jadams@beckerlawyers.com. Past editions of the Q&A may be viewed at floridacondohoalawblog.com.

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Building Envelope & Façade Inspections -Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets. 

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections -Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets. 

  • Posted: Oct 30, 2024
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Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets. Our engineers will inspect all materials used to ensure the strength and stability of your structure from low-, mid-, to high-rise structures and facilities. Falcon’s engineers pride themselves on ensuring the services and recommendations provided to each of our clients are held at the desired level of individualized care and attention.

High Rise & Mid Rise Façade Inspections & Repair/Restoration/Replacement

Stucco & Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) Evaluations & Repair

Mid Rise & Low Rise Siding Inspections & Repair Replacement

Roof Inspections & Repair/Replacement

Water Infiltration Investigation & Remediation

Window & Door Replacement Design

Balcony & Deck Repair/Restoration/Replacement

Foundation Inspections & Waterproofing

Parking Garage Inspections & Repair/Restoration

Firewall / Fire Separation Assembly Inspections & Remediation

 

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections -Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets.  By A leader in the industry by providing professional, cost effective and innovative architectural and engineering designs, solutions and services through the use of highly qualified staff and outstanding customer service.

 

View the recorded webinar 
In case you missed it! Below is the link to the recording from yesterday’s fantastic webinar featuring Sinisa Kolar, P.E., Principal, on Extreme Weather in South Florida and Preventative Maintenance.
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Top 10 Reasons Why Your Marketing Isn’t Working By: Jessica Vail, Vail Marketing Solutions

Top 10 Reasons Why Your Marketing Isn’t Working By: Jessica Vail, Vail Marketing Solutions

  • Posted: Oct 30, 2024
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Top 10 Reasons Why Your Marketing Isn’t Working

By: Jessica Vail, Vail Marketing Solutions

Helping SFPMA Members with marketing. Call Vail today. Tell em, Frank Mari sent you. :)

It is always a great time to work on promoting your business and creating content that sets you apart as an industry leader.  Here is some helpful insight as to why your marketing initiatives may be falling short.

 

10- It is Swiss cheese.
Your marketing has holes and inconsistencies.  You start off strong and then you get so busy working “in your business” that you no longer have the time to “work on your business.” Marketing is not a one and done activity.  It is a long term investment of time and focus.  Marketing is only effective when you and your team are consistently executing it.

9- Lack of meaningful content
That’s great you want to celebrate “National Margarita Day” but when you are trying to build a business and connect with potential clients you want to always be providing value.  Otherwise, it is just white noise and another post clogging up the newsfeed or another email flooding their inbox.  You want to stand out, be informative and be memorable.  Now, if you are a bar or restaurant owner, having a marketing campaign focused on “National Margarita Day” providing margarita recipes and drink specials, that would be an excellent idea.

8- Not connecting with your target audience
This goes hand in hand with your content.  If you are producing meaningful, educational content that speaks to your industry; you will have a better chance at connecting and securing a relationship with your audience.  Think about what issues your client base is faced with and how you can provide information and solutions to these issues.  This will set you apart from your competitors as an expert in your field.

7- Not following up
Sales are often made on the 12th attempt to contact.  That means a whole lot of follow up is needed after your initial contact.  You have provided a service of preparing a cost estimate and service offering (proposal); your prospect at the very least owes you a response on whether or not they will be purchasing your product or service.  Wouldn’t you want to receive some feedback on your pricing and proposal even if you did not win the job?  An easy way to keep on top of your open items is to track in CRM system or simply setting follow up reminders on your calendar.
In addition, making contact with a prospect should be about building a relationship.  People work with people they like and trust.

6- Poor communication
Say what you mean and mean what you say.  Your messaging should be clear and consistent.  Every social media post or blog you create is another opportunity to connect and engage with your clients and potential clients.  Make it count!

And even if your content is good, if you are not interacting and responding to comments it makes you appear unresponsive and not engaged.  Especially if someone has a complaint it is vital to address and resolve as quickly as possible.

5-Too focused on selling rather than educating
Every piece of content you publish sounds like a paid advertisement for your company.  Yes, it is important for your target audience to know what you do but it is even more important to provide value and not just rattle off a list of services.  This means everything you publish should be informative and educational in nature.  Focus on the solutions you provide.

4-Your website stinks!
How can your clients find you if your website has poor SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?  SEO refers to how well your company shows up in a Google (or similar search engine) search.  If your website is optimized with the appropriate key words, your website will rank very well on a web search.

In addition, there is nothing more frustrating than trying to find information or a way to contact a company via outdated and overly crowded website.  Your website should be easy to navigate and constantly updated with news and fresh content.  It should also be interactive and provide opportunities to contact directly to request more information or a proposal.

3-Lack of social media strategy
“Social media doesn’t work.”  Social media only works if you do.  Another item that takes a little time and dedication.  Take the time to set up weekly or even daily posts that tie into the content you are creating.  Post or even share articles that are informative and relevant to your business and industry.  It doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate, the idea here is to put yourself and your business out there as a reliable, credible source.

You should be engaging with your connections as much as you want them to engage with you.  A helpful tip:  not everyone sees a ‘like’ but everyone sees a ‘comment.’  Just by posting a simple comment on a connections post, you will get seen and boost engagement not to mention make your friends feel great for encouraging them!

2- You don’t have a plan.
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  It is imperative to have a plan and roadmap to help you reach where you are going.  Marketing should be a collection of well thought out initiatives attached to a timeline.

1-You don’t have measurable goals.
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”  This applies to marketing as well.  How do you know if your marketing is working if you have no means to measure and track it?  There are a myriad of programs and Client Relationship Managers (CRM) available to help with this need.  Everything from your client information, open proposals to marketing endeavors and dollars can be tracked in an easy to use, cloud based database.

 

Vail Marketing Solutions

Providing everything from a full branding overhaul and business development program to a specific marketing project or campaign.

Vail Marketing Solutions is a woman-owned, multi-service consulting firm providing marketing, communications and business development solutions for any business looking to increase their visibility and bottom line. Our approach delivers a cost-effective, customized marketing plan to fit the needs of your business and reach your goals. We will work hand in hand with you to develop your brand, tell your story and help you stand out from your competition ultimately leading to more growth opportunities.

https://www.vailmarketingsolutions.com/

 

 

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United Professional Engineering (UPE) provides a unique “one-stop-shop” for all your structural engineering needs.

United Professional Engineering (UPE) provides a unique “one-stop-shop” for all your structural engineering needs.

United Professional Engineering (UPE) provides a unique “one-stop-shop” for all your structural engineering needs. Our South Florida area founded firm has been in business since 2005 and we have a diverse team; from licensed designers and structural engineers to inspectors and general contractors. For that reason, our projects range from designing and restoration to structural inspections and more!

 

Providing exceptional engineering services through integrity, reliability and professionalism. With over 21 years of experience, we are the leaders in the industry, and we can help you as well!

Structural Engineering

Commercial, Industrial and Residential Buildings, Marine Structures and more.

Building Restoration Engineering

Structural restoration, concrete restoration, structural strengthening and more.

Inspection Services

Building inspections, threshold inspections, home purchase inspections and more.

Forensic Engineering

Structural condition assessments, expert witness services and more.

Construction Administration

Contract administration, contractor selection assistance and more.

Consulting Services

UPE’s engineering consultants offer a full range of services based on extensive project experience and innovative thinking.

 

Today, one of the largest investments is building a structure and how to maintain its lifespan. Structural integrity, environmental factors, atmospheric elements, and maintaining aesthetics are all important factors that we evaluate very carefully, when working on a project. At UPE our highly qualified licensed designers, engineers and general contractors promises to ensure your investment is protected.

We believe it’s important to exhibit and maintain an open communication network, while working towards each of our client’s best interests, as well as everyone involved. We are committed to structural safety and serviceability, identify equilibrium conditions, resolve limitations and utilize preventive and corrective maintenance behavior. UPE is here to help accomplish each milestone of your project, together!

 

CARMELO GIGLIO
Owner
UNITED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING
carmelo@upefl.com
http://upefl.com
Office: 561-582-1733

 

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The latest post into “Rembaum’s Association Roundup” is here. “FIDUCIARY DUTY: What it Means to Your Community Association”.

The latest post into “Rembaum’s Association Roundup” is here. “FIDUCIARY DUTY: What it Means to Your Community Association”.

REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP | The Community Association Legal News You Can Use

What duty does a community association board member owe to their association? What happens if that duty is breached? During the legislative session, legislation was proposed that would have made directors criminally liable for failure to timely respond to official record requests, among other provisions. The legislation in House Bill 919 was proposed by Representative Porras in response to the alleged $3.4 million dollar embezzlement scheme that took place at the Hammocks Community Association, located in Miami-Dade County. Parts of this proposed bill were well-intentioned; however, several provisions were commonly viewed as too broad and expansive.

On November 15, 2022, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced charges related to the Hammocks’ criminal case, including racketeering, organized scheme to defraud, money laundering, grand theft, and fabricating physical evidence against five board members. These board members have been accused of the following:

i) running a scheme in which they used HOA checks and HOA credit cards from 55 bank accounts to pay for “no-show” work by shell companies or vendors, who would funnel money back to the directors for their personal use;

ii) withholding official records from members; and,

iii) failure to hold valid elections, among other bad acts.

If found guilty these board members overtly breached their fiduciary duty to their association.

During the 2023 legislative session, House Bill 919 initially contained significant criminal penalties to punish board members who failed to provide official records when they otherwise should have, criminal penalties for kickbacks, and criminal penalties for improper election interference, among other provisions. Such laws, while well intended, went overboard as evidenced by the creation of criminal penalties for failure to provide official records, as such severe criminal penalties for operational matters would likely only deter good people from running for the board. Recognizing this potential issue, parts of HB 919 were tempered a bit prior to it becoming law. That said, in the opinion of this author, new laws with new criminal penalties are not the answer. Bad people do bad things, and no amount of laws will likely significantly change that. So, what is the answer?

One answer is to shore up the educational and certification requirements for board members. At present, there are two ways to be certified as a board member. One method is to take a State-approved class, which provides an overview of the voluminous information board members need to know in order to perform their duties. The other method is to sign a piece of paper that the board member has read the governing documents, will abide by them, and will faithfully discharge their duties. This second method should be eliminated as there is no method to confirm compliance, and this method does not have any educational component. In addition, continuing education requirements should be required for any board member serving consecutive years.

During a board certification class, time should be spent discussing the term “fiduciary duty.” While the term is repeatedly used in Chapters 718 and 720 of the Florida Statutes, it is not expressly defined in these statutes. Section 718.111, Florida Statutes, makes reference to Section 617.0830, Florida Statutes, which provides for general standards for directors of not-for-profit corporations, such as community associations.

Section 617.0830, Florida Statutes, provides the following:

      1. A director shall discharge his or her duties as a director, including his or her duties as a member of a committee i) in good faith; ii) with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and iii) in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation.
      2. In discharging his or her duties, a director may rely on information, opinions, reports, or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, if prepared or presented by: i) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented; ii) legal counsel, public accountants, or other persons as to matters the director reasonably believes are within the persons’ professional or expert competence; or iii) a committee of the board of directors of which he or she is not a member if the director reasonably believes the committee merits confidence.
      3. A director is not acting in good faith if he or she has knowledge concerning the matter in question that makes reliance otherwise permitted by subsection (2) unwarranted.
      4. A director is not liable for any action taken as a director, or any failure to take any action, if he or she performed the duties of his or her office in compliance with this section.

Still, though, there is no express definition of the term “fiduciary duty.” The purpose of studying fiduciary relationships is to identify the areas where it exists and gain an insight into the duties of a fiduciary. After all, every board member is a fiduciary for their community association. Common definitions of the term “fiduciary” include:

      • A fiduciary relationship is a relation between two parties wherein one party (fiduciary) has the duty to act in the best interest of the other party (beneficiary or principal).
      • A fiduciary is a person who holds a legal or ethical relationship of trust with one or more other parties. Typically, a fiduciary prudently takes care of money or other assets for another person.
      • A fiduciary duty is a relationship in which one party places special trust, confidence, and reliance in and is influenced by another who has a fiduciary duty to act for the benefit of the party.
      • Most importantly, and germane to this discussion, a fiduciary is a person or organization that acts on behalf of another person or persons, putting their clients’ interests ahead of their own, with a duty to preserve good faith and trust.

In other words, a good community association board member puts the interest of their association above their own personal interests. Thus, while we may not be able to stop bad people from doing bad things, through continuing education we can help good people do better.

To recap, there are three things that can be readily accomplished that would make a positive difference for Florida’s community associations.

      1. Remove the ability of a board member to be “certified” by signature alone.
      2. Require continuing education for board members serving continuous years.
      3. Amend Florida Statutes, Chapters 718 and 720, to include express definitions of fiduciary duty so that it is made patently clear that every board member must put their community association above and ahead of their own personal interests.

 

 

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THE BENEFITS OF FLAT CONCRETE ROOFS VERSUS WOOD-TRUSSED TILED ROOFS IN FLORIDA by SRI Consultants, Inc.

THE BENEFITS OF FLAT CONCRETE ROOFS VERSUS WOOD-TRUSSED TILED ROOFS IN FLORIDA by SRI Consultants, Inc.

  • Posted: Oct 20, 2024
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  • Comments: Comments Off on THE BENEFITS OF FLAT CONCRETE ROOFS VERSUS WOOD-TRUSSED TILED ROOFS IN FLORIDA by SRI Consultants, Inc.

THE BENEFITS OF FLAT CONCRETE ROOFS
VERSUS WOOD-TRUSSED TILED ROOFS IN FLORIDA

BY: SHIRISH RAJPATHAK, M.S., P.E., S. I. | PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER of SRI Consultants, inc. Specialists in structural engineering, civil engineering.

 

In the architectural and building construction industry, the type of roofing material used can have far-reaching implications not only on the aesthetics of the building but also on the functionality, durability, and cost-effectiveness of the structure. This blog post seeks to compare two types of roofing systems – flat concrete roofs and wood-trussed tiled roofs – in the context of Florida’s challenging weather conditions and the potential for high insurance costs, costly repairs following hurricanes, and fire hazards. It also aims to underscore the advantages of flat concrete roofs in terms of their utilization for gardening, solar panels, and recreational activities.
Flat Concrete Roofs vs. Trussed Tiled Roofs: A Comparative Analysis
  • Insurance Costs: Homeowner’s insurance in Florida is greatly influenced by the type of roofing system used in a building. Wood-trussed tiled roofs, while aesthetically appealing, are often more expensive to insure due to their vulnerability to the region’s frequent hurricanes. The tiles can become airborne during severe weather, causing damage to the structure and surrounding properties. On the other hand, flat concrete roofs are inherently more robust and resistant to hurricane damage. Their seamless design and sturdy material make them less likely to suffer significant damage during storms, which can lower insurance premiums for homeowners.
  • Durability and Repair Costs: Wood-trussed tiled roofs require regular maintenance and are more susceptible to damage from Florida’s extreme weather conditions. The repair costs following a hurricane can be substantial, as replacing tiles and repairing the underlying structure can be labor-intensive and expensive. Conversely, flat concrete roofs are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. The strength of concrete and the absence of individual tiles that can break away make these roofs less prone to damage and thus less likely to need frequent repairs.
  • Fire Resistance: Concrete is a non-combustible material and provides excellent fire resistance, a crucial factor in areas prone to wildfires or in dense urban environments where fires can easily spread from building to building. Trussed tiled roofs, depending on the material of the tiles, may not offer the same level of fire protection.
Utilization of Roof Space
  • Gardening: Flat concrete roofs offer an excellent opportunity for rooftop gardening. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building but also promotes sustainability and biodiversity.
  • Solar Panels: The flat surface of concrete roofs provides an ideal base for the installation of solar panels. This can lead to significant energy savings and reduce dependence on grid electricity, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
  • Recreational Activities: The additional outdoor space provided by a flat concrete roof can be used for a variety of recreational activities, from hosting gatherings to creating a rooftop yoga studio or even a rooftop pool. This effectively increases the usable space of the property without expanding its footprint.
Cost Considerations
The cost savings of a concrete flat roof compared to a wood-trussed roof can vary greatly depending on several factors. These factors can include the size and complexity of the roof, the region in which the building is located, labor costs, and the specific materials used. Here are some general aspects to consider:
  • Initial Construction Cost: Concrete roofs can be more expensive to install initially compared to wood-trussed roofs due to the material cost and labor involved. However, the cost can be offset over time through lower maintenance and repair costs.
  • Maintenance and Repair Costs: Wood-0trussed roofs typically require more maintenance than concrete roofs, as wood can be susceptible to rot, pests, and weather-related damage. Repairing or replacing damaged components of a wood-trussed roof can add significantly to the lifetime cost of the roof.
  • Energy Efficiency: Concrete roofs can provide better insulation than wood-trussed roofs, which can lead to savings on heating and cooling costs over the lifetime of the roof.
  • Insurance Costs: As mentioned earlier, concrete roofs can often result in lower insurance premiums due to their durability and resistance to fire and severe weather, which can lead to significant savings over time.
  • Lifespan: Concrete roofs generally have a longer lifespan than wood-trussed roofs, meaning the replacement cost is deferred further into the future. This can result in significant savings when considered over the lifespan of the building.
  • Resale Value: A concrete roof can increase the resale value of a home due to its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency.

To get a precise cost comparison, it would be best to obtain quotes from local contractors who can take into account the specific details of the building and local material and labor costs. This will give a more accurate estimate of the potential savings.

‍While both flat concrete roofs and trussed tiled roofs have their merits, when considering factors such as insurance costs, durability, repair expenses, fire resistance, and utilization of roof space, flat concrete roofs offer substantial advantages, particularly in the context of Florida’s unique climate and weather conditions. The ability to use the roof for gardening, solar panels, and recreational activities further adds to the appeal of flat concrete roofs. As we continue to confront the challenges of climate change and urban living, the choice of roofing material has implications beyond aesthetics. It is a decision that can significantly impact a building’s resilience, sustainability, and overall cost-effectiveness. The evidence suggests that, for Florida homeowners, flat concrete roofs represent a compelling choice.

For more information, please contact SRI Consultants, Inc. at (561) 372-1290 or via email at office@sriconsultants.net.
PC: Max Beach Resort

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Cohen Law Group:  We are Florida attorneys providing legal services for  Insurance Claim Disputes.

Cohen Law Group:  We are Florida attorneys providing legal services for  Insurance Claim Disputes.

Cohen Law Group:

   We are Florida attorneys providing legal services for  Insurance Claim Disputes. Whether you are a contractor, homeowner, business owner, or property manager, we are here to help you. As zealous advocates for your rights, we will listen to your story and recommend a sound legal strategy for the best opportunity to achieve success. Contact us 24/7 by calling 407-478-4878.

 

At Cohen Law Group, It’s About Justice!

“It’s About Justice” is more than a slogan. It is our firm’s mantra. The motto was developed by our founder, Harvey V. Cohen. We are aggressive, zealous advocates for our clients’ rights. Our commitment to our clients is evident by our prompt reply to all phone calls and our 24 hour availability through our phone answering service.

Effective legal representation requires experience and dedication to protect the rights of those who have entrusted us with their legal options and rights. Cohen Law Group has successfully represented many Florida residents throughout the years in various legal matters.

 

Make sure your legal rights are protected by seeking the legal advice of an experienced attorney.

Make sure your legal rights are protected – Contact Us

 

Why Should You Choose Us?

We are here to provide you with the highest standard of integrity and professionalism. We are here for you, we are your attorney, and we want to shine for you. With cases ranging from single family homes with roof damage to hurricane-damaged multi-unit apartment complexes, we are dedicated to giving you personal service. It’s all about justice here and we want to prove it to you.

OUR SERVICES

See Our: Hurricane Preparedness Page

 

Insurance Claim Attorney

Due to the state of the economy, insurance claim disputes have become increasingly more common than even just a few years ago.

The bottom line is that insurance carriers must make a profit to continue to exist. The reality is that the law does not allow insurance carriers to make their profit by disputing or denying valid insurance claims by their policy holders.

Contractor Insurance Claim Dispute

Cohen Law Group stands up to these insurance carriers in valid contractor insurance claim disputes. Contractors have a right to be paid, just as the policy holder they are working for has a right to have a valid insurance claim paid.

Homeowner Insurance Claim Attorney

Have you had an insurance claim denied, partially paid, or reduced? If so, we may be able to help. Cohen Law Group stands up to these insurance carriers in valid homeowner insurance claim disputes.

Business Owners Insurance Claims Dispute

Cohen Law Group stands up to these insurance carriers in valid business/property owner insurance claim disputes. We possesses the experience and resources necessary to effectively guide you through each and every aspect of your business/property owner insurance claim dispute.

 

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