Board Training Opportunity – July 24th
The next session in the quarterly series of Board Training opportunities will be held on Wednesday, July 24th, 6 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Plaza, 2nd Floor Training Room at 7900 Xerces Avenue in Bloomington, MN 55431. The 90-minute session will be led by director of business development and education, Josh Reams, CMCA, AMS, PCAM – and will focus on Governing Documents If you are interested in reserving your spot, please email: clientcare@sharpermanagement.com
Sharper Gives Back
Each year Sharper chooses a cause or organization that will be the benefactor of this annual event. MMRF is a wonderful organization that is “commitment to advancing health equity so that all myeloma patients can benefit from the scientific and clinical advances we pursue. Since our inception, the MMRF has committed over $500 million for research, opened nearly 100 clinical trials, and helped bring 15+ FDA-approved therapies to market, which have tripled the life expectancy of myeloma patients.” Check them out at https://themmrf.org/ “Giving back to our community is one of our core values at Sharper Management,” said Dan Cunningham, owner and CEO. “As with any cancer type, Multiple Myeloma is a devastating condition. Unfortunately, it has affected the family of one of our staff in a significant way. They have found a great resource in the MMRF, though. It means a great deal to us to be able to support them and all of the families affected by Multiple Myeloma.”
A Look Ahead to 2024 & Back at 2023
2023 has been another great year for Sharper Management! To name just a few successes— Continued growth in welcoming 31-new clients. In doing so, we passed a milestone of 200 associations managed. We also continue a strong retention rate of existing clients. We opened a satellite office in Maple Grove. This summer we rolled out significant upgrades to our software platform and web portal offering – perhaps most notably, a wonderful architectural request tracking and approving feature. This winter we will be integrating new software to help streamline the scheduling and management of our maintenance team. We continue our passion for training. We offered four sessions attended by nearly 200 Board members, representing over 60 different associations This spring we also rolled out our Educational Video Library, featuring 90 videos on dozens of different topics. We had another successful Sharper Scramble Golf Tournament and for the first time ever we topped $10,000 in proceeds, which were donated to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Sharper was also a feature of our industry’s trade organization (Community Association Institute) annual Vision Awards – receiving nine nominations. See Vision Awards article for details. The achievements of 2023 are many. What we continue to be most proud of, however, is the cohesion and growth of our talented team. We welcomed five new managers this year, each of them a seasoned veteran, uniquely talented, with years of industry experience. We also added positions in our Accounting, Maintenance and Client Care departments. And in an industry plagued by retention issues, we continue to excel in our staff retention. As we look to 2024, we have lots of exciting things on the horizon. See the 2024 Event Calendar article below. We look forward to sharing updates with you through these quarterly newsletters. All of us at Sharper would like to thank you for being a valued client. We thank you for being a part of a great 2023 and look forward to an exciting 2024. And, finally, we wish you and your family a safe, healthy and happy Holiday Season! Legislative Changes Effecting HOAs The 2023 legislative session in Minnesota was an active one. There were a number of significant bills that will, and have, impacted community associations in the state. Some legislative items went into effect this year. See our July newsletter for a detailed listing. As we approach 2024, there is one significant bill that effects some standard day-to-day operations and governance of your association. Violations & Rule Enforcement – in effort to create more uniformity in how rule violations are notified, fines assessed and appeals processed, the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (MCIOA) was amended to create further standards. What it Says – any fine associated with a rule violation has to meet seven specific criteria or it could be challenged in a court. Homeowners are also entitled to a more consistent processes for an appeal and hearing of said fine. Who it Affects – all associations that are currently under MCIOA, which is any association built after June 1, 1994 – and any condominium association regardless of when it was established. What it Means – Any fine and certain assessments must be accompanied by a dated, written notice to the Owner that includes seven specific pieces of information. (1) states the amount and reason for the fine or assessment (2) for fines levied under section 515B.3-102(a)(11) [VIOLATION OF GOVERNING DOCUMENTS], specifies: (i) the violation for which a fine is being levied and the date of the levy; and (ii) the specific section of the declaration, bylaws, rules, or regulations allegedly violated; (3) for assessments levied under section 515B.3-115(g) or 515B.3-1151(g) [DAMAGE TO COMMON ELEMENTS OR A UNIT], identifies: (i) the damage caused; and (ii) the act or omission alleged to have caused the damage; (4) states that all unpaid fines and assessments are liens which, if not satisfied, could lead to foreclosure of the lien against the owner’s unit; (5) describes the unit owner’s right to be heard by the board or a committee appointed by the board; (6) states that if the assessment, fine, late fees, and other allowable charges are not paid, the amount may increase as a result of the imposition of attorney fees and other collection costs; and (7) informs the unit owner that homeownership assistance is available from the Minnesota Homeownership Center When it Goes into Effect – January 1, 2024
Sharper Welcomes 3 New Staff Members
In addition to the growing number of new clients in 2023, Sharper is pleased to add three new-to-us, but experienced-in-the-industry, staff to our already strong stable of community managers. Joining as portfolio managers, we welcome Steven Smith, Josh Fuhreck, and Kimberly Schlauderaff. Kim brings 20 years of property management experience and holds industry designations of Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA) and Association Management Specialist (AMS) through the Community Association Institute (CAI). She is an industry veteran that began in the rental management field before coming to the community association side and has since won awards through CAI for Excellence in Service. Outside of work, Kim loves practicing yoga, hiking, gardening, and DIY projects with her granddaughter. Josh comes with a decade of experience in HOA management after beginning his career on the commercial side. He also holds his CMCA and AMS designations. A native of Milwaukee, Josh enjoys following WI sports teams and spending time at the lake with his wife, young daughter, and two dogs. Finally, Steven comes to Sharper with 8 years in association management but over 40 years in various management positions in hospitality and other related industries. Steven also holds his CMCA and AMS designations, and he is a CAI award winner for Financial Impact. “We are fortunate to have an already solid and experienced group of community managers,” said the vice president of community management, Natalie Martynow. “Adding Steven, Josh, and Kim only enhances our ability to serve our growing client base. Good managers are hard to find. Somehow we landed three great ones. Having experienced managers wishing to join our team, I believe, speaks to our organization’s reputation and the culture we have worked so hard to develop”
Sharper Dominates at Industry Gala & Award Ceremony
For the second consecutive year, Sharper had a huge night at the annual Community Association Institute (CAI) Holiday Gala and Vision Awards ceremony. CAI, the international trade organization for community associations and regarded as the national experts in education programs, publications, association governance, and advocacy, and the accreditation body holds this annual event to recognize and celebrate managers, business partners, and homeowner leaders. This year the event was held on December 1st and was attended by nearly 500 industry professionals. Multiple awards were given out to both associations and individual managers. Nominations are submitted by CAI members, and a special voting committee reviews all nomination applications for specific criteria. The awards are a high honor and significant recognition by industry experts for industry professionals. Sharper had nominations for all ten award categories, and we took home half of them for the second year! Please join us in congratulating the following award winners: Above & Beyond – Michelle Waldroff. This award recognizes an individual for substantive achievement in performing tasks and services beyond the typical job description and scope of responsibilities. Financial Impact – Matthew Vitek. This award recognizes a manager who positively impacted a community(s) in a significant manner, such as budget management, capital improvement project management, insurance claim navigation, etc. Advanced Manager of the Year – Melissa Cushing. This award recognizes a manager with over 7 years of experience that excelled in all aspects of community association management functions. Outstanding Community – 1666 Coffman (Manager Lorie Mestas). This award recognizes an association that values community building. CAI Volunteer of the Year – Natalie Martynow. This award is selected by the CAI-MN Board of Directors and recognizes a member that generously volunteers a significant amount of time and contributes their talents to ensure the Chapter’s success. Among the other 90+ nominations submitted this year, congratulations to Sharper’s finalists and runner-ups, which include: Lorie Mestas for Excellent in Service; Jeremy Schulz for Rookie of the Year; Tracy Shaver for Intermediate Manager of the Year; and Association of the Year nominees Ridgewood Condominium Association and The Henley Condominium Association. What a beautiful night for the industry and for Sharper Management!
Sharper Poised for Another Great CAI Vision Awards Showing
On Thursday, December 1, the Community Association Institute-MN Chapter (CAI) will host their annual Holiday Gala and Vision Awards ceremony. CAI, the international trade organization for community associations and regarded as the national experts in education programs, publications, association governance and advocacy, and the accreditation body holds this annual event to recognize and celebrate managers, business partners, and homeowner leaders. Multiple awards are given out for both associations and individual managers. Nominations are submitted by CAI members, and a special voting committee reviews all nomination applications for specific criteria. The awards are a high honor and have significant recognition by industry experts, for industry professionals. Sharper is honored to be nominated for the following: Above & Beyond – Michelle Waldroff. This award recognizes an individual for substantive achievement in performing tasks and services beyond the typical job description and scope of responsibilities. Excellence in Service – Lorie Mestas. This award recognizes a manager that goes beyond the call of duty to service the board and homeowners to make the community a better place. Financial Impact – Matthew Vitek. This award recognizes a manager who positively impacted a community(s) in a significant manner, such as budget management, capital improvement project management, insurance claim navigation, etc. Rookie of the Year – Jeremy Schulz. This award recognizes a manager with less than two years’ experience that excelled in all aspects of community association management functions. Intermediate Manager of the Year – Tracy Shaver. This award recognizes a manager with 2-5 years of experience that excelled in all aspects of community association management functions. Advanced Manager of the Year – Melissa Cushing & Natalie Martynow. This award recognizes a manager with over 7 years of experience that excelled in all aspects of community association management functions. Association of the Year – This award recognizes an association Board of Directors whose members clearly understand their roles and fiduciary responsibilities, putting the association’s interests ahead of and above all personal agendas. (Large: 100+ Homes) – Ridgewood Condominium Association – Manager Tom Parsons. (Small: Less than 100 Homes) – Henley Condominium Association – Manager Kimberly DuPont. Outstanding Community – 1666 Coffman (Manager Lorie Mestas). This award recognizes an association that values community building. Last year Sharper was fortunate to take home five awards and had eight nominees. We stole the show! With a crowd of nearly 400 industry colleagues and friends planning to attend the special night this year, our fingers are crossed for another great Sharper Management showing! Congratulations to all of the nominees!
Sharper Mourns the Passing of Matt Froehlich, Partner and COO
It is with the deepest regret that Sharper Management shares news of the untimely passing of our friend, Matt Froehlich. Matt and his family were traveling in rural Wisconsin when they were involved in a two-car accident on Saturday, June 26th. We continue to pray for his wife, Jillian, who is currently hospitalized with her injuries. Their two children, who were with them at the time of the accident, were not injured. After a stint playing professional hockey in Europe, Matt began his career in the real estate industry specializing in the investment sales of multi-family properties in Minnesota. The vision Matt set for Sharper Management was to make it one of the best places to work in the Twin Cities. His commitment to staff development and company growth helped to position Sharper as one of the top HOA management companies in the area. “Matt was my best friend and business partner for the past 12 years.He will be deeply missed by me and the entire staff at Sharper Management. We continue to pray for his wife and their two young children,” states Sharper CEO and Partner, Dan Cunningham. At this time, services for Matt are yet to be announced. Sharper Management may be reached by calling 952-224-4777 or email to info@sharpermanagement.com.
Sharper Scramble
We are excited to announce that the Sharper Scramble will once again take place in 2021. The event is scheduled for Friday, July 30, 2021. It will take place at Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Elko. The shotgun start is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our business relationship together. To register, email matt@sharpermanagement.com
Haley Boles Joins the Sharper Management Team
Eden Prairie, MN, (September 9, 2020) – Sharper Management is pleased to welcome Haley Boles to its community management team as an Assistant Community Manager. She will be working with our Community Managers to ensure tasks and requests from Sharper Management properties are attended to efficiently. Boles comes to Sharper Management with a background in both association management and retail. In her last position she was a team lead for a rental property management company. Prior to that, she managed a successful retail location in the metro area. “As we continue to grow our presence in the local market, we understand that investing in our current and new staff is imperative. Welcoming Haley is a bright day for the Sharper Family. Her experience and attitude will be a great addition for Sharper and the clients we serve,” states Matt Froehlich, Partner and Chief Operating Officer. Founded in 2010, Sharper Management is a locally owned, mid-sized property management company offering a full suite of premiere services to homeowner’s associations of all sizes. Sharper Management currently provides services to the Minneapolis-St. Paul seven-county area. For more information on Sharper Management services and employment opportunities, call 952-224-4777 or email to info@sharpermanagement.com.
Sharper News – Christopher Gosse Promoted to Senior Community Manager
Sharper Management is pleased to announce Community Manager Christopher Gosse has been promoted to Senior Community Manager at Sharper Management. Gosse will continue to manager properties for Sharper, but will also become a mentor to new Community Mangers joining the Sharper Management team. Gosse, a member of the Sharper Management family since January 2016, is a highly experienced community manager in virtually all areas of property management. “His vast knowledge in community management and his ability to put his personal touch on each situation is hugely beneficial. We looking forward to sharing Gosse’s expertise throughout our team of community managers,” states Matt Froehlich, Partner and Head of Operations at Sharper Management Gosse is a two-time CAI-MN Vision Award winner taking home back-to-back wins in 2016 (Rookie of the Year) and in 2017 (Financial Impact).