MANAGER Q&A

from The SunWest Life - September 2022

SPICED APPLE CAKE

We’re here with Joseph Brimer CMCA, AMS, a community manager for SunWest Management to discuss what a community manager does.

Who is SunWest?

SunWest is one of only three accredited association management companies in all of Utah. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of community that is immediately welcoming to residents.

SunWest has been instrumental in defining the award winning SunRiver brand and lifestyle. I may be biased but, we simply have the best team in the world. With a uniform vision and philosophy built around the success of our customers, the SunWest team is unstoppable.

What is your role with SunWest?

My primary role with SunWest is being a Community Manager for associations that we manage. I also serve an administrative role for the complimentary services that we offer.

What does a Community Manager do?

In a general sense, a community manager could be compared to a COO of a large corporation. Any other manager or I are tasked with carrying out the decisions made by the Board of Trustees for the community. Managers enforce policies outlined in the Governing Documents, manage vendors and their contracts, direct management staff, communicate with residents, oversee financial health of the association, among the myriad of other duties.

Probably one of the most important things a manager can do is take part in staying up to date with industry trends as well as local and state laws for how associations are managed. Constant changes to the industry mean that managers have to constantly stay connected to the industry in order to appropriately advise their Boards.

How does a manager interact with a Board of Trustees?

Well, since the manager acts as the COO, the question becomes “Who is the COO”? The Board of Trustees are the ones who set the vision and culture for any community. Said differently, a Community Manager and Board of Trustees work in a collaborative effort to advocate for the community as a whole.

So, direction flows down from the Board to Management, and Management reports to the Board on action it has taken. Managers also act as an advisor to the Board.

Whether it’s offering operational input or answering questions about what specific policies say, managers act as a sounding board offering appropriate advice. You have to remember those who are on the Board of Trustees don’t do this full time. That’s really the purpose behind hiring a management company to be your eyes, ears and hands to do the work.

What’s the hardest part about your job?

I would say the hardest part would be managing expectations for those in the community. There are a lot of moving parts to community management and quite frankly, most are out of our control. I think I speak for most managers when I say, I would love for nothing more than to have a crystal ball!

Managers and Boards alike, constantly have to play this seesaw game to balance what different residents want vs others and the consequences of choosing either option. It doesn’t help that laws constantly change, that keeps you on your toes at all times.

Look at the last couple of years with sky high prices, labor shortages and product shortages; managers have pulled their hair out dealing with vendors and suppliers to maintain quality service levels.

And the best?

Oh, that’s easy. It’s the people. Again, I’m biased but SunWest has the best team ever and I feel privileged to be a part of it. In that same vein, I have met some of the kindest, most genuine and wisest people living in the communities that we serve. I have made great friends and mentors here as well.

Sometimes as a manager it’s hard to remember this but by far, the kind individuals outweigh those who are not as kind. To be honest, another part that’s amazing is looking up at a community that you’ve been with since the beginning and thinking “wow, I personally have been a part of this machine that serves and enhances the lives of so many people.” That’s really humbling.

WHO ARE WE & WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL?

SunWest Management specializes in helping you develop a strong sense of community and promote harmony in your community. Prudent financial management, the best governance practices and maintenance strategies, yeah, we’re good at that too! We work with you to keep your property values high and your community thriving.

Our digital magazine is another way we share our passion and commitment to serve community associations everywhere. Read on for best practices, tips and offers to enhance your home and community.

(435) 773-6456 www.swmlife.com

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