CommunityPro™ that gives both its community managers and the association boards easy access to real-time data and financial records for their community. “National studies show the reason communities change management firms directly relates to the responsiveness of the companies servicing the account,” said James W. Hart, president of Sentry Management. “It comes down to community managers that have know-how, understand the rules and can navigate through this technical field. At the same time they must communicate with the board so they know we have their community under control. It’s a very important thing when you’re dealing with people and their homes. If they have a problem, you have to respond quickly.” Sentry’s community managers are active in the Community Associations Institute (CAI). Locally, four have earned a Certified Manager of Community Associations designation and two an Association Management Specialist designation. Bruner added, “In a state where community management is not licensed by a state agency it is very important to have community managers who are certified by a national association such as CAI. You do not want just anyone managing your financial assets and providing guidance on how to effectively manage your community.” Sentry’s Charleston personnel each complete more than 300 hours per year in professional development and education to stay current on all issues relating to homeowner association operations in South Carolina. Managers average more than seven years in association management experience – far above the three-year national average. Sentry goes to great lengths to hire skilled staff
members and then give them extensive training. “Some communities we’ve taken over recently tell us they have had five managers in two years,” Bruner said. “That is difficult for a community. Boards have constantly changing membership so it’s important to have a consistent community manager who maintains that knowledge base about the community.” A management company needs to be the unbiased expert on cost competitiveness and quality of work done on behalf of communities they manage. Sentry Management has no ownership or financial affiliation with any HOA or condominium supplier. Yet because of the large number of associations managed throughout the greater Charleston region, Sentry has an enviable track record for securing the best priced contracts. Important to note is that even though Sentry might be handling the day-to-day management operations, all final decisions and accountability belong to the community association and its governing board. An experienced management firm like Sentry can provide a great deal of practical insight and suggest practices that make the role of a board member a lot easier. “As a Charleston-based operation, we have the best of both worlds,” Bruner said. “We are part of a larger organization with 20 offices in nine states. That gives us stability, a vast knowledge base and experience. Our powerful proprietary technology lets us spend less time on routine administration in the office and more time in the communities. Locally we have built a sizable customer base and have truly capable managers. Together that has translated into superior service and customer satisfaction.”
Pictured Above: Collin Bruner, vice president, Sentry’s Charleston Division Pictured Left: Sentry Management Staff Pictured Bottom Left: Sentry Management Headquarters
About the company: Sentry is an Accredited Management Organization®. This certification is a powerful assurance of Sentry’s experience, financial stability and integrity. Only a handful of association management firms earns this prestigious designation.
4925 Lacross Road, Suite 112 North Charleston, SC 29406 843-795-0190 charleston.sentrymgt.com
Special Advertising Supplement | 2012 Profiles in Business
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