The
subject of utilizing Board Members and their company, or their
friends company is one that comes up on a regular basis. There
is no law that prohibits this practice, yet there are guidelines
that must be followed.
Is
it good business practice? As a Management Firm, I was recently
asked why we don’t offer “Buying Power Savings” to our
Associations? My response was simple; we do, when we can get our
Boards to use the vendors on our lists.
Unfortunately,
other Management Firms have created a very bad taste for many
Associations regarding this practice, as they secretly have
ownership in these vendors and by portraying ”Bank Saving”
they have really only been self serving by double dipping and
the Associations have received sub-par service or products. And
not a lot of savings at that! In addition, it seems that every
Board Member has a friend who can do it faster, cheaper and
better! But that is never really the case!
The
Board can use anyone to perform a service, as long as the
protocol set forth in the state statute and bylaws are followed
and they are using sound judgment in their decision-making. A
Board should never make the decision to use someone simply
because they are who they are or who they know. But instead,
consider what is in the best interest of the community as a
whole!
Darlys
Walker, Founder and CEO of Condominium Concepts
Management, Inc. (CCM), is recognized for her straight
talk, subject matter expertise, and valued insights
regarding real
estate
management, leasing, and HOAs. Her company serves a diverse
portfolio of properties, from 16-units up to 600 as well as
large mixed-use developments.
From its beginnings in 2000, CCM has become a well-respected
asset manager and now works with over 100 associations with
16,000 units served by over 300 employees. Darlys and her team
deliver resources and responsiveness through six regional
offices - in
Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville, Charleston,
Nashville
and Atlanta.
Darlys Walker is best known for her passion and precision,
understanding that the only difference that matters in today's
demanding marketplace is service delivery ... doing what is
promised and what is right. She knows that every community
serves two masters ... the property owner/developer and the
resident/homeowner. "If we are not equally responsive to
both, we are not doing our job," she states.
Her clients say it best: "Darlys really knows her
stuff" ... "at the top of her profession and it shows
in the caliber of her clients" ... "delivers quality
resources that match up well with needs and expectations that
are really rigorous."
She is a licensed Real Estate Broker in four states, holds an
Associate's Degree in Marketing and has earned the Accredited
Real Estate Manager designation from the Georgia Institute of
Real Estate Management. Also she is one of few certified as a
Lead-Based Paint Abatement & Removal Trainer in Georgia.
