Education, a necessary evil?

By Darlys Walker

Published August 27, 2014

This week my daughter had to return to college for her her Junior year. When I say she went kicking and screaming, I only slightly exaggerate! I had to explain countless times to her why it was necessary for her to leave home and leave all her friends and family, to complete her education, and that this would lead to a better future and give her the tools to be successful. During this time, I thought about how similar her behavior and mindset is that of many Board Members.

My daughter is attending college on a sports scholarship, of which she committed four years to the team. A Board member runs and is elected for a typical term of two years, to be a part of the Association industry team. As an athletic student there are a number of rules and regulations she must adhere to, according to the NCAA. As a Board Member, there are a number of rules and regulations that a Board Member must follow ensuring the Association is compliant, as per FL-718 and Fl-720.

As a student receiving a scholarship, she pays NOTHING for the education she is receiving.  As a Board Member, you can attend a FREE Board certification seminar hosted by Eric Glazer and Associates. Please check the HOA Condo Craze website for details.

Just as a twenty year old who wants to stay home and attend local junior college, which is the easy way out, many Board members choose to forego the free certification seminars and simply sign an affidavit stating they have read the Association documents. So here is my question, whose future is brighter, my daughter, whose parents refuse to allow her to take the short cut, and the Board who attends a free certification seminar?  Or ....the student and the Board who take the short cut and easy way out? Which one are you?

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

state 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.

   Darlys Walker and her team have been selected to manage the condominium conversion process and day-to-day operations for many of the Southeast's most high-profile condominium communities including luxury high-rises, mid-rises and garden-style homes. Most recently she has been recognized as an expert in 're-versions' of communities from condominiums to leased homes, as well as repositioning projects. A visionary and a tireless perfectionist, Darlys demonstrates hands-on leadership, working individually with each client and staff associate to achieve defined business outcomes and satisfaction.  

  For more information about Darlys Walker and Condominium Concepts Management, Inc. please visit www.condominiumconcepts.com.

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