The leadership corner

"During the 2008 financial crisis, I was working for Lennar Homes and was given the opportunity to lead a team overseeing several of Lennar’s developer-controlled homeowner associations in South Florida. Serving as association president for 17 communities, I gained firsthand experience with operational processes and a deep understanding of the needs of both owners and residents.

A few years later, I joined a small regional management company, where I began to learn every facet of the property management business. With the mentorship of an exceptional industry professional, I was able to dive into all areas of property management: operations, accounting, team leadership, corporate finance, HR, relationship management, and customer service. This experience has been invaluable and now shapes how I coach the next generation of industry leaders."

"My best advice for boards is to create a strategic plan for your association’s future. Look ahead over the next 3-5 years and establish key priorities and goals to ensure the long-term success and health of the community.

Annual planning can often lead to a focus on day-to-day activities, which makes it easy to lose sight of future investments. Start today by creating a clear vision for the association, planning for reserves, and communicating this plan to all members." 

 — Robert G. Smith | President, South Region

"When I joined FirstService Residential, my background was in strategic planning, project management, process improvement, and operational systems across various industries. New to Florida, I was searching for an outstanding organization with a clear vision, high-performance standards, and values-driven leadership.

Through networking, I was introduced to the South Region team and joined as VP of Operations and Strategy—a role that perfectly aligned with my skills and offered an exciting entry into one of South Florida’s most dynamic industries."

"It’s a twofold approach. First, embrace your passion for your home and community by using your board role to shape essential business decisions with immediate and long-term impact. These decisions will benefit the community as a whole and each individual who calls it home.

Second, ground these decisions in facts, data, and insights from trusted sources, and ensure your assumptions are well-validated. This will give you confidence in the strength of your choices. As a board member, you are essentially part of the executive leadership of a large organization—your community. It’s a meaningful and noble responsibility, and we thank you for your dedicated service."

— Stephanie Parker | President, South Florida, Condo-HOA Divsion

"I've been in real estate management my entire career, initially stumbling into the industry during college when I took on a part-time role as a leasing coordinator for the student housing community where I lived. That opportunity quickly grew into a management position, and over time, I developed into a leadership role.

About five years ago, I was ready for a new challenge and knew I wanted to join a company that prioritized its people and was passionate about delivering exceptional service. That’s what brought me to FirstService Residential and ultimately into the role I hold today.

What I’ve always loved about this industry is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—not only on the physical well-being of a community but also on the lives of the residents and guests we serve. Whether it's a simple task like pressure washing or a large-scale amenity renovation, our work leaves a tangible reminder of what we’ve achieved together with our clients. Equally rewarding is helping new homeowners settle in or building lasting relationships with residents—those moments are truly unmatched. This industry is built for people with the heart of a public servant and the agility of the private sector, and I’m proud to be part of it."

"With so much happening—from legislative changes to pricing pressures—it’s crucial not to fall into the trap of trying to tackle everything at once. No business can thrive if the leadership team attempts to do it all, immediately.

My advice is to align with your peers and management team on the top 2-3 priorities that will have the greatest impact on your community in 2025. Your management team can guide the process, ensuring everyone has a voice and helping you reach a consensus on the most important goals."

— Amy Sanchez | President, Central Florida