April 2023

THINGS I’D TELL MY YOUNGER SELF Six Industry Veterans Give

Advice to Their Past Self Compiled By Andrew Podolski, Esq., Stark & Stark Attorneys at Law

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T he theme for this month’s issue of Community Trends ® is Succession, with a focus on the next generation of leaders in the common interest community industry. Consistent with this theme, we asked five experienced lead ers in the property management industry the same question: If you could travel back in time to meet with your younger self as you were just starting your career in property manage ment, what advice would you give yourself? The answers we received are informative and compelling – newer managers will be wise to internalize this advice and follow it closely as they proceed in their career. Kristina Munson, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, CPM President and Managing Partner, RCP Management Company, AAMC, AMO 1) Make the most of your CAI-NJ membership. Take all the classes — at least one per year — in addition to other education seminars hosted by industry partners. Get your

professional certifications. Participate in networking events and don’t be afraid to be the new kid on the block. The relationships that are cultivated at networking events will stay with you throughout your career and are a valuable resource as you are learning. It only gets more difficult and clients are more demanding each year, so always stay a step ahead to be a trusted advisor to the commu nities you serve. 2) Don’t take it personally. clients are not necessarily your friends. It is important to care about the communities and residents that we serve, but they do not determine your worth. When an owner isn’t satisfied with a Board decision or rule, you are the first line of defense and you need to be able to absorb some emotional outbursts without internalizing the event as “your” fault. Don’t hold a grudge or carry past events around with you — let it go and move on!

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