Confessions of an HOA Manager

She Didn't Move

A flooding unit. A force entry. Two sheriffs at her side. And a homeowner standing frozen in the middle of the room — eyes open, completely still, not saying a word. In this episode, Leslie sits down with Shanna, a CAM with 15 years in the industry, to talk about one of the most unforgettable moments of her career — and the calm, steady professionalism it took to see it through. It's a story about staying focused when things get strange, trusting your training, and getting the job done no matter what's waiting on the other side of that door.

It's $4,000 a month, with him.

One board member. A parade of managers reduced to tears. Three resignations on the spot at an annual meeting. And one question that changed everything. Bill Overton joins Leslie Alvarez for a candid conversation about toxic board dynamics, what they really cost management teams, and the moment he decided enough was enough. #hoa #condominium

Self-Managed Communities: The Unfiltered Truth

What happens when a board decides to fire the property manager and take over operations themselves? Spoiler: it's rarely what they expect. In this episode, we're talking to Maureen about the reality of self-managed communities—the appeal, the pitfalls, and the hard truths boards need to hear before making the leap. From governance missteps to operational chaos to the moment they realize they've bitten off more than they can chew, we're covering it all. If you're a board member considering self-management, a CAM watching communities implode from poor governance, or just curious about what really happens behind closed doors, this one's for you. Because sometimes the best lesson is learning from someone else's hard-won experience.

I didn't lose. I evolved.

In this episode of Confessions of an HOA Manager, Leslie sits down with longtime industry leader Marcy Kravit to talk about the realities of building a career in one of the most demanding professions most people never fully understand. From career growth and leadership challenges to burnout, personal loss, and reinvention, Marcy shares the moments that shaped her both professionally and personally—and what ultimately kept her moving forward. Together, Leslie and Marcy explore the emotional weight managers often carry behind the scenes, the pressure of leading through crisis, and why resilience in this industry is about more than simply surviving. It’s about evolving. This conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever had to rebuild themselves while continuing to lead others. Because sometimes… growth doesn’t look like winning. Sometimes, it looks like becoming someone stronger than before.

You're One of Them!!!

What starts as a complaint about feral cats quickly becomes something no one saw coming. In this episode, Leslie Alvarez shares the story of a homeowner who wasn't just frustrated — she was convinced. Convinced the cats were watching her. Convinced the HOA wasn't doing enough. And convinced that anyone who owned a cat was part of the problem. What looks like a nuisance complaint turns into a front-row seat to how quickly emotion can take over — and what it really means to manage a situation when the solution someone wants simply doesn't exist.