#232 - Jim Sattler & Ray Echlin

#232 - Jim Sattler & Ray Echlin

On this episode, we sit down with Ray Echlin and Jim Sattler of Design Build Associates for a candid conversation about the true value of experienced construction management in the HOA industry. Ray and Jim share the legacy they are building through decades of industry experience, why community managers should not be expected to act as construction managers, and why boards need to bring in the right experts for complex projects and major decisions. The discussion also dives into the importance of the Business Judgment Rule and how board members can better protect their communities by relying on qualified professionals. The episode is filled with real-world perspective, industry insight, and a few crazy stories along the way. Most importantly, Ray and Jim express their gratitude for Dennis Brooks and for all the volunteer board members who dedicate their time, energy, and service to their communities every day. Thanks to our sponsors! Platinum: https://www.24hrc.com [https://www.24hrc.com] https://www.globaldisposal.com [https://www.globaldisposal.com] https://www.pacificbackflow.com [https://www.pacificbackflow.com] Studio: https://www.fentongrant.com [https://www.fentongrant.com] Gold: https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com [https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com] https://www.splashplumbing.com [https://www.splashplumbing.com] https://www.hoamailers.com [https://www.hoamailers.com] https://www.themarchgroup.com [https://www.themarchgroup.com] www.abarcalandscape.com Silver: https://www.reservestudiesinc.com [https://www.reservestudiesinc.com] https://www.purposeroofs.com [https://www.purposeroofs.com] https://www.southerncrosspc.com [https://www.southerncrosspc.com] https://www.alansmithpools.com [https://www.alansmithpools.com] https://www.votehoanow.com [https://www.votehoanow.com]

#231 - Tia Fleming & Melissa Matlock

We’re diving in again to one of the most important (and time-sensitive) topics impacting HOAs across California… AB 1572. Tia Fleming and Melissa Matlock from CalWEP join us to break it all down in a way that actually makes sense for managers and boards. From defining what non-functional turf really is, to sharing the go-to resource every community needs (nonfunctionalturfca.org), this episode is packed with practical guidance you can act on now. We also take a moment to recognize Krista Guerrero and the Unsung Water Heroes who are doing incredible work behind the scenes in water conservation. And here’s the reality check… 2029 is coming fast. Water will need to be shut off, fines up to $1,000 per day, and both state and local enforcement are very real. The question isn’t if—it’s whether your community is planning ahead or scrambling later. If you manage or serve on an HOA board, this is one episode you cannot afford to miss. Thanks to our sponsors! Platinum: https://www.24hrc.com [https://www.24hrc.com] https://www.globaldisposal.com [https://www.globaldisposal.com] https://www.pacificbackflow.com [https://www.pacificbackflow.com] Studio: https://www.fentongrant.com [https://www.fentongrant.com] Gold: https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com [https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com] https://www.splashplumbing.com [https://www.splashplumbing.com] https://www.hoamailers.com [https://www.hoamailers.com] https://www.themarchgroup.com [https://www.themarchgroup.com] www.abarcalandscape.com Silver: https://www.reservestudiesinc.com [https://www.reservestudiesinc.com] https://www.purposeroofs.com [https://www.purposeroofs.com] https://www.southerncrosspc.com [https://www.southerncrosspc.com] https://www.alansmithpools.com [https://www.alansmithpools.com] https://www.votehoanow.com [https://www.votehoanow.com]

#230 - Ryan Touchi

On this episode, we sit down with Ryan Touchi of Property Cleaning Experts (PCX) to talk about his journey into the HOA industry and the path that led him to building a full-service exterior cleaning company. Ryan shares his appreciation for those who helped along the way, including a meaningful shoutout to Chris Booth, and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow in this space. We also dive into everything PCX offers, from rain gutters and window cleaning to holiday lighting and power washing. Ryan explains how their one point of contact model simplifies life for managers and boards, and why being actively involved in CAI, including serving on the social committee, is such an important part of staying connected in the industry. Thanks to our sponsors! Platinum: https://www.24hrc.com [https://www.24hrc.com] https://www.globaldisposal.com [https://www.globaldisposal.com] https://www.pacificbackflow.com [https://www.pacificbackflow.com] Studio: https://www.fentongrant.com [https://www.fentongrant.com] Gold: https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com [https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com] https://www.splashplumbing.com [https://www.splashplumbing.com] https://www.hoamailers.com [https://www.hoamailers.com] https://www.themarchgroup.com [https://www.themarchgroup.com] www.abarcalandscape.com Silver: https://www.reservestudiesinc.com [https://www.reservestudiesinc.com] https://www.purposeroofs.com [https://www.purposeroofs.com] https://www.southerncrosspc.com [https://www.southerncrosspc.com] https://www.alansmithpools.com [https://www.alansmithpools.com] https://www.votehoanow.com [https://www.votehoanow.com]

#229 - Anthony Abarca

We’re joined by Anthony Abarca of Abarca Landscape a company that’s quickly making a name for itself by doing things differently and doing them right. From their deep roots in the Inland Empire to their expansion into Orange County, Anthony shares how Abarca Landscape is bringing full service solutions to the table covering landscape maintenance, landscape construction, and more than you might expect. We also highlight the CAI National Award for CAID, including how Abarca Landscape stepped up without hesitation to support Bishop Manor. It’s a great example of leadership, partnership, and showing up when it matters most. So what really sets them apart? A simple but powerful mindset: make anything happen, anytime. Tune in to hear the story behind the growth, the grit, and what’s next. Thanks to our sponsors! Platinum: https://www.24hrc.com [https://www.24hrc.com] https://www.globaldisposal.com [https://www.globaldisposal.com] https://www.pacificbackflow.com [https://www.pacificbackflow.com] Studio: https://www.fentongrant.com [https://www.fentongrant.com] Gold: https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com [https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com] https://www.splashplumbing.com [https://www.splashplumbing.com] https://www.hoamailers.com [https://www.hoamailers.com] https://www.themarchgroup.com [https://www.themarchgroup.com] Silver: https://www.reservestudiesinc.com [https://www.reservestudiesinc.com] https://www.purposeroofs.com [https://www.purposeroofs.com] https://www.southerncrosspc.com [https://www.southerncrosspc.com] https://www.alansmithpools.com [https://www.alansmithpools.com] https://www.votehoanow.com [https://www.votehoanow.com]

#228 - Gabe Ponce and Michele Campbell CWM, QWEL AWWA

This week we sit down with Gabe Ponce of Precision Landscape and Michele Campbell with Riverside Public Utilities to break down AB 1572 and what it really means for California communities. Michele brings the regulatory and utility perspective, while Gabe shares what this looks like on the ground for HOAs as landscape practices begin to shift. We walk through what AB 1572 is, why it was introduced, and how it will impact associations in the coming years. The conversation focuses heavily on preparation, what boards and managers should be doing now, what expectations are coming, and how to avoid the scramble as deadlines approach. We also highlight the real opportunity available today through rebates and incentive programs, and why waiting could cost communities both time and money. Resources discussed include programs through Riverside Public Utilities as well as tools available at mwd.com, socalwatersmart.com, and calwep.org to help associations get ahead of compliance. We close the episode with a gratitude shoutout! Gabe to Greg Borzilleri, and Michele to Gabe Ponce for their continued support and collaboration in moving the industry forward. Thanks to our sponsors! Platinum: https://www.24hrc.com [https://www.24hrc.com] https://www.globaldisposal.com [https://www.globaldisposal.com] https://www.pacificbackflow.com [https://www.pacificbackflow.com] Studio: https://www.fentongrant.com [https://www.fentongrant.com] Gold: https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com [https://www.propertycleaningexperts.com] https://www.splashplumbing.com [https://www.splashplumbing.com] https://www.hoamailers.com [https://www.hoamailers.com] https://www.themarchgroup.com [https://www.themarchgroup.com] Silver: https://www.reservestudiesinc.com [https://www.reservestudiesinc.com] https://www.purposeroofs.com [https://www.purposeroofs.com] https://www.southerncrosspc.com [https://www.southerncrosspc.com] https://www.alansmithpools.com [https://www.alansmithpools.com] https://www.votehoanow.com [https://www.votehoanow.com]