Back to the Future By Joel Starks, Sperlonga Data & Analytics
Will the Cubs Win? The 1989 movie Back to the Future II predicted that they won the World Series in 2015. It was set in 1985, with Michael J. Fox playing the famous Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd as “Doc.” They traveled to the future and discovered so many new things that made the 18-year-old me excited at the prospect of flying cars and going to work on my new hover board. In today’s age of technology, it’s best to look at what works for whom. In homeowner associations and management companies, traditional methods of land lines and talking in person have been traded for cell phones, email and texting. In this issue we have a great story on using the phone vs email. Millennials communicate much differently than Boomers. Boomers typically prefer talking on the phone, while Millennials prefer the fast and limited interaction of the text and email. They look at this is less distracting and time consuming. Of course, it depends on the urgency of the issue and the needs of the individual. With turnover in the generational housing market and increases in sales of existing homes to firsttime homebuyers, a new type of HOA homeowner is emerging. Younger and technology-driven homeowners with busy schedules and career goals are starting to buy into the HOA way of life. With that comes a challenge for management companies and vendors. It is important to know your audience. Speak the language that the
receiving party prefers. How do homeowners want to be communicated with? Ask them what they prefer and how often they would like communication. Proactive instead of reactive communication is key. Using technology to send info, events, community concerns, issues and even classifieds has increased the customer satisfaction and enjoyment of many.
Board of Directors President Joel R Starks, CMCA Phone: 952.500.1068 j.starks@sperlongadata.com
Homeowners must look to the future and trust that some of the newest technology (methods like social media and texting) can be useful when used in the appropriate manner such as winter weather alerts, social event announcements and neighborhood watch alerts. It’s best for managers to look to what has worked and understand homeowner preferences. You never know if the DeLorean time machine will show up on your street with predictions and new outcomes. As you read this issue, we want you to know that you can make a difference. What stories do you want to hear about? What is happening in your neighborhood that makes you appreciate being part of a homeowners association? What communication methods do you prefer? We want to hear from you. Please email me, call or even text me with your ideas and thoughts on Minnesota Community Living. It’s your magazine and we want to provide you with interesting stories and industry insight—and challenge you with new ideas and futuristic methods that bring us all back to the future.
Vice-President JoAnn Borden, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Phone 763.746.1196 jborden@developcommunity.com Treasurer Halo Stafford, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Phone 952.944.2237 edenplacemgr@pinnaclefamily.com Secretary Nancy Polomis, Esq. Phone 952.941.4005 npolomis@hjlawfirm.com Directors Matthew Drewes Phone 952.835.7000 mdrewes@tn-law.com Kris Birch Phone 651.481.9180 kris@wearebirch.com Joseph Fadell Phone 952.392.9208 fadell.joseph@gmail.com Jared Lawrence Phone 612.251.7078 jaredlawrence@compassmanagement. com Crystal Pingel, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Phone 952.277.2703 Crystal.Pingel@fsresidential.com Michelle Stephans, RS Phone 763.754.5500 michelle@reserveadvisors.com
Joel R Starks President, CAI Minnesota
What they predicted
The 1989 writers were creative. Let’s see how well they predicted the future. Hover boards— They exist and look quite fun. 3D movies — IMAX 3D and recliners. Food hydrator — Not the most enticing looking food, but it’s here. Self-tying shoes — Nike is said to be working on them.
Video chat — It’s alive and well…hangouts work well! A phone in your glasses — Google glasses (Not sure if they will take off.) Cubs win the World Series — You will know the answer by the time you read this! November | December 2015
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