Shows
The HOA Pros Podcast#193 - Donny DisbroIn this episode, we catch up with Donny Disbro, Senior Vice President of Sales at Communitas, who’s helping lead the company’s rapid growth and he is on the move to their headquarters in Dallas, Texas. True to form, Donny’s making the move in Rainbow Sandals—not cowboy boots.
Donny talks about his passion for reshaping the HOA industry with a focus on people over profit, advocating for a culture that values and uplifts community managers. His message is clear: no more cost-cutting that undercuts the professionals who keep communities thriving.
We closed the show...
2025-07-0259 min
HOA - It's A True Story PodcastHot Mess Express #202Host Regan Brown, along with Bill Mann, President of GB Group Construction & Painting, and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, welcome back Leslie Alvarez, author and community manager, to discuss her new book, Hot Mess Express. Leslie opens up about her journey through loss, its impact on her professional life, and how she learned to embrace imperfection while prioritizing self-care.
2025-02-1932 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastThe Next Evolution of AI Hits HOAs #197Host Regan Brown and Bill Mann, President of GB Group Construction & Painting, sit down with Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, to discuss the recent Vantaca conference, which centered on HOA management software and the integration of AI tools. Kelly provides valuable insights into the conference highlights, including the educational tracks offered, and explores how advancements in AI are driving greater efficiency in community management.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:08 Overview of the Conference Attended02:07 Insights on AI Integration in HOA Management05:35 AI Tools and Their Applications
2025-01-0731 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastComplexities of Managing an Active Adult Community #191Host Regan Brown and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, sit down with Geoffrey Browne, Executive Director at Sun City Roseville Community Association, Inc. and an expert in managing active adult communities. Together, they explore the unique dynamics of these communities, the shift from management companies to on-site leadership, and the critical role of resident engagement and feedback.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Active Adult Communities01:12 Jeff Brown's Journey into HOA Management04:39 Understanding Active Adult Communities07:37 Transitioning from Management Company to On-Site Leadership11:22 Engagement and Feedback in Active Adult Communities
2024-10-3034 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastNew AB and SB Bills #189Host Regan Brown and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview Jennifer Wada, principal owner of Wada Government Relations and a lobbyist specializing in HOA legislation. They discuss key bills, including AB 2114 on balcony inspections, AB 2159 enabling electronic voting, and SB 900 addressing repair and maintenance. The conversation also highlights the challenges with construction defect laws and the complexities of California Fair Plan insurance coverage.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Legislative Changes02:20 AB 2114: Balcony Inspection Bill03:40 AB 2159: Electronic Voting in Associations12:11 AB 2460: Quorum Cleanup Bill14:02 SB 900: CID...
2024-10-1526 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#186: ACAM Industry Association GroupHost Regan Brown and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, sit down with Maegan Woytek, President of ACAM and Director of Community Engagement at Vantaca. They discuss the role of ACAM, a unique association group that unites management company owners, operators, and business partners to share best practices and promote industry collaboration. Maegan also sheds light on ACAM's impact within the industry and its ongoing initiatives.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:01 How Megan Got Involved in ACAM09:12 What is ACAM?14:01 ACAM Retreat and Tuesday Talks18:53...
2024-09-1737 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#185: Transparency ActRegan Brown, host, is joined by Bill Mann, President of The GB Group Construction & Painting, and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, as they interview Alex Noland of Noland Law PC. Together, they discuss the Corporate Transparency Act and its impact on HOAs.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview01:16 Understanding the Transparency Act03:38 Exemptions and Requirements07:54 Reporting Requirements for Board Members13:28 Fees and Fines18:19 Communicating the Impact to Board Members23:59 Disclosure of Personal Information26:30 Individual Registration for Board Members
2024-09-1034 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#184: Reserve Study Accuracy - How Do You Know?Regan Brown, host, along with Bill Mann, President of The GB Group Construction & Painting, and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview Rich Adams, Senior Reserve Analyst at Barrera and Company. They discuss the accuracy of reserve studies for HOAs, exploring the process of setting up a reserve study and ensuring accurate numbers and a comprehensive list of items.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions02:02 Ensuring Accuracy in Reserve Studies05:34 Costs for Future Projects07:48 Planning for Long-Term Projects12:23 The Importance of Regular Updates16:23...
2024-09-0334 min
HOA Insights: Common Sense for Common Areas064 | What Are The Best Leadership Qualities For HOA Board Members?Send us a textThis week we equip you with insights on the top leadership qualities essential for HOA board members to effectively serve their communities ✅ Is a Reserve Study right for you? 👉 https://www.reservestudy.com/Robert sits down and talks with special guest Kelly Zibell about the crucial leadership qualities for HOA board members. Learn about the four C's of HOA leadership: competence, character, courage, and collaboration. See how confidence, commitment, courage, and connection also play vital roles in effective board leadership. Additionally, Kelly explains the importance of strategic planning, prioritizing community needs...
2024-07-2933 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#177: Acquisitions and Mergers in the HOA IndustryRegan Brown, Host, and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview Matt Kraft, Chief Operating Officer of Communitas. They explore the topic of acquisitions and mergers in the HOA industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background04:05 The Increase in Acquisitions and Mergers07:16 The Benefits of Technology in HOA Management09:18 Challenges and Disruptions in the Integration Process15:24 Factors Considered in Acquisitions21:23 National Acquisitions and Local Laws23:19 Investment and Industry Protections30:16 Accountability and Audit in the Industry33:13 A Me...
2024-07-1734 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#176: Proactive Planning for Storm and Fire SafetyRegan Brown, Host, and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview Donald Disbro of Standpoint Construction to discuss storm restoration management and the steps associations can take to prepare for storms and fires.
2024-07-0929 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE #175: Ethics and Fiduciary Duty for HOA BoardsRegan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview John Gill, Partner at Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti, P.C., about ethics and fiduciary responsibilities within the HOA industry. They discuss core ethical duties of HOA board members, handling conflicts of interest, maintaining confidentiality, and common ethical pitfalls faced by board members. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:02 Ethics and Fiduciary Responsibilities of HOA Board Members07:59 Conflicts of Interest and Disclosure14:28 Maintaining Confidentiality and Transparency36:43 The Role of Managers in Board D...
2024-07-0242 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#172: Essentials of Teaching LeadershipRegan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview Doreen Tejeda, Senior Vice President of Operations for Gordian Business Solutions, as she discusses essential leadership skills. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:47 The Four Key Traits of Effective Leadership05:48 Communication and Difficult Conversations in Leadership10:05 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership25:06 Work-Life Balance and Flexibility in the Workplace29:59 Humorous Story: Challenging Community with College Students
2024-06-1326 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#170: Pickleball - Navigating the NoiseRegan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell, Senior Vice President of Communitas, interview Stacy Gerowitz, a community manager and board member of CACM, as she shares her community's journey with Pickleball. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background01:48 Converting Tennis Courts to Pickleball Courts05:56 The Noise Issue and Complaints09:05 The Popularity of Pickleball and the Need for More Courts12:08 Community Reactions and Challenges14:57 The Impact of Pickleball on HOAs23:02 Advice for HOAs Considering Pi...
2024-05-2834 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE #169: Consequences of Non-Compliance with SB 326Regan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell Senior Vice President of Communitas interview Amy Tinetti, a shareholder at Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti, P.C. They delve into the consequences for HOAs that have not complied with SB 326.
2024-05-2135 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#163: Dead Inventory: A Journey to Building Material SavingsRegan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell from Divergent Consulting interview Sean Hann, the CEO of Dead Inventory Store, discussing their approach to providing savings on building materials by utilizing dead inventory.
2024-04-0933 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#162: Constructive Conversations: Celebrating National Women’s Month – Part 2Regan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell from Divergent Consulting interview Meagan Svendsen, the Director of Marketing at AVELAR, and Wendy Miller, the Vice President of Sales at CAM Construction and Painting. They share their insights and experiences as women navigating the construction industry.
2024-04-0237 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#159: Legislation UpdatesRegan Brown, Host; Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting; and Kelly Zibell from Divergent Consulting interview Jennifer Wada, the principal owner of Wada Government Relations and a lobbyist for HOA legislation. They discuss updates on HOA-related bills in California for 2024.
2024-03-1232 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#158: Pickleball ParadoxRegan Brown, Host, and Kelly Zibell from Divergent Consulting, engage in a compelling conversation with Mandi Newton, Vice President of Marketing at Varsity Painting. She shares her experience as a homeowner and board member dealing with the installation of pickleball courts in her community.
2024-03-0528 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#155: Artificial Intelligence and How it is being used for HOA'sRegan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting and Kelly Zibell, Owner of DC Group interview Andrew Hay, CEO of Helsing Group, about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in homeowners associations.
2024-02-1330 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#152: Emotional IntelligenceRegan Brown, Host, and Kelly Zibell, Owner of DC Group, engage in a compelling conversation with Melissa Ramsey, the owner of Mosaic Community Consulting. The discussion revolves around the significance of emotional intelligence in community management. Melissa highlights that emotional intelligence goes beyond self-awareness and self-regulation, emphasizing the crucial aspects of empathy and perspective when interacting with others.
2024-01-1634 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#151: Common Sense Community Management by Marcy KravitRegan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of The G.B. Group Construction & Painting and Kelly Zibell, Owner of DC Group interview Marcy Kravit, author of the book Common Sense Community Management. She discusses the inspiration behind her book and the topics it covers, including the role of managers, leadership strategies, technology, finance, and more.
2024-01-1033 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#150: How to Recruit and Educate Your BoardRegan Brown, Host, and Kelly Zibell, Owner of DC Group, sit down with Michael Johnson, CEO of the HOA Living Family of Companies.
2024-01-0244 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#149: Mental Health Matters – Part 4Regan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of G.B. Group Construction & Painting and Kelly Zibell, Owner of DC Group sit down with Bill Overton, Executive Director of Toscana HOA to discuss how his story led him to writing articles on mental health matters for managers. *If you or anyone you know are having mental health issues, please call the crisis pipeline at 988.
2023-12-1937 min
Community Association Car ChatEp 145 with Kelly Zibell, Owner of Divergent ConsultingFasten your seatbelts and get ready to think divergently with Kelly Zibell, Owner of Divergent Consulting Group.You'll hear about her intriguing entry into the industry, the support system an HOA consulting firm provides, and the story behind her brand's unique name.Kelly shares knowledge on complex topics like mergers, acquisitions, and the integral process of team-building in a company.Understand the intricate dynamics of working with an HOA and better ascertain cost implications for improvements.Above all, witness Kelly's admirable commitment as she juggles numerous roles within the community association...
2023-11-2715 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#143: Mentorship Versus LeadershipRegan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of G.B. Group Construction & Painting and Kelly Zibell of DC Group sit down with Ted Ma, motivational keynote speaker to discuss mentorship versus leadership and how to help your company grow its leadership team. Make sure to stick around for a wonderful True Story! https://a.co/d/3cGICgo
2023-10-3135 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#142: Manager CertificationRegan Brown, Host, and Kelly Zibell of DC Group sit down with Debbie Griffith, Director of Education and Certification with CACM to discuss the managers certification offerings with CACM.
2023-10-2428 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#141: AB648 - The Newest Email Election LawsRegan Brown, Host, Kelly Zibell from DC Group and Russell Brown, Owner of G.B. Group, inc. sit down with returning guest Zer Iyer, Esq. of Hughes Gill Cochrane Tinetti PC to discuss bill AB648 and the new laws regarding HOA email elections.
2023-10-1737 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#140: Co-Habitative Living in an HOA Co-Housing EnvironmentWELCOME TO SEASON 4: Regan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of G.B. Group, Inc. and Kelly Zibell, Owner of DC Group sit down with Bryan Syverson, Former Board member of a co-housing property to discuss the challenges faced by members within this specific HOA type. www.co-housing.org – Book: Starting a Community: https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Communities-Community-Resources-Intentional/dp/0999588583/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3T9YVGH6Z1FK7&keywords=katie+mccamant&qid=1696545209&sprefix=katie+mccam%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-2
2023-10-1024 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#139: Decorating Rules for HolidaysRegan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of G.B. Group and Kelly Zibell of DC Group sit down with Melissa Ward, Esq., Attorney & Managing Partner of Northern California with ADAMS STIRLING PLC to discuss HOA decorating rules for the Holidays. Make sure to stick around for some funny HOA True Stories!
2023-09-2632 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#138: Pet’s in the HOA: Exotic, Emotional and BackyardRegan Brown, host, Bill Mann, President for G.B. Group Construction & Painting and Kelly Zibell, owner of DC group sit down with Alex Noland of Noland Law PC to discuss pets in the HOA. Make sure to stick around for a hilarious HOA True Story!
2023-09-1928 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastDisaster Defense – Fire Prevention Part IIRegan Brown, Host, Bill Mann, President of G.B. Group Construction & Painting and Kelly Zibell of the DC Group sit down with OP Almaraz with Allied Disaster Defense to discuss ways you can help your HOA.
2023-09-0532 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#133: Recruiting at the College LevelRegan Brown, Host, Bill Mann of G.B. Group Construction and Painting and Kelly Zibell with DC Group sit down with Nathan Watson, General Manager with Bleu Ciel to discuss hiring managers through colleges and using higher education to get more people involved in HOA related careers.
2023-08-1529 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#131: National Night Out – What It Means to CommunitiesBill Mann, President of The G.B. Group, Inc. and Kelly Zibell of the DC Group sit down with Andrew Fortin, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Associa to discuss National Night Out. Andrew is a past employee of @CAI National, a past attorney and government affairs aficionado, and currently works with @associa on their government affairs branch, AssociaCares and AssociaCaresCanada.
2023-08-0122 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#128: Preparing Your HOA for Fire SeasonRegan Brown, Host, Kelly Zibell of the DC Group and Bill Mann of The G.B. Group, Inc. sit down with Megan Fitzgerald-NcGowan of the Wildfire Division of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to discuss how your HOA can prepare for the upcoming fire season. Also make sure to check out the NFPA “Safer from the Start” Document, here: Safer From The Start document, https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Training/certification/CWMS/SaferFromtheStart.ashx
2023-07-1132 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE #127: California’s Current Insurance Crisis – What this means for your HOARegan Brown, Host, Kelly Zibell of DC Group, and Bill Mann of The G.B. Group, Inc. sit down with Charlotte Allen, CIRMS, Director of Education and Industry Partnerships with Socher Insurance Agency and the current President Elect for the CAI Bay Area & Central CA Chapter, to discuss the insurance crisis facing California residents, and how your HOA can be better prepared.
2023-06-2732 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#126: Testifying for Legislation in SacramentoRegan Brown, Host, Kelly Zibell of The DC Group, and Bill Mann of The G.B. Group, Inc. sit down with Becky Jolly, Community Management Consultant of OMNI Community Management to discuss their experience testifying before the courts in Sacramento regarding AB572, AB1458, and AB648, legislation that could effect HOAs.
2023-06-2028 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#124: Echo’s 50th Anniversary CelebrationHost Regan Brown, Bill Mann of The G.B. Group, Inc., and Kelly Zibell of DC Group sit down with Board President for ECHO, Adam Haney of CID Consortium, LLC and David Zepponi, MBA, ECHO the Executive Council of Home Owners CEO, to discuss ECHO’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
2023-06-0626 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE #119: Contract ResolutionsHost Regan Brown and Kelly Zibell President of DC Group, sit down with Jason Adams, Partner at Gibbs Giden Locher Turner Senet & Wittbrodt LLP Law Firm. He is a AAA mediator and arbitrator. They discuss different ways to help mitigate contract disputes, the difference between arbitration and mediation, and how associations can attempt to avoid litigation.
2023-05-0238 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#118: International Management and LeadershipHost Regan Brown and Kelly Zibell, President with the DC Group sit down with Jeevan D’Mello CEO of the Zenesis Corp and President Elect for the Community Associations Institute to become the first International President for CAI. Make sure to stick around for a WILD international HOA true story!
2023-04-2636 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE #117: Licensing ManagersRegan Brown of Regan Brown Consulting and Kelly Zibell, PCAM, of DC Group sit down with Dawn Bauman, Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs at Community Associations Institute and Executive Director for the Community Associations Institute Foundation Research Association to discuss CAI credentialing and designations, Licensing, and the future of HOA manager education.
2023-04-1822 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE#113: Fraud PreventionRegan Brown of The G.B. Group, Inc. and Kelly Zibell, Owner of the DC Group, sit down with Vishnu Sharma CPA and CFE with Sharma and Associates and Board President for CAI National
2023-03-1442 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEPISODE #110: What’s New with Reserve StudiesRegan Brown and Ryan Brown of The G.B. Group, Inc. sit down with returning guest Kelly Zibell, PCAM of The D.C. Group (Divergent Consulting Group) to discuss what is new with the Reserve Study industry, from the managers perspective. @CAINATIONAL @ECHO @Baycen
2023-02-2130 minHOA - It's A True Story PodcastEpisode #6 - Kelly ZibellOn this week's episode of the HOA - It's A True Story, The G.B. Group team sits down with Kelly Zibell, Branch President of Associa Northern California. We have an in depth dialogue about Kelly's experience beginning as a community manager, to managing an entire branch of a community management company. We also chat about virtual meetings and if they're here to stay, and what do managers wish that their board members knew about their job.
2020-10-0629 min