By Jason Helzer, MBA, CMCA®, AMS®, RowCal

After nearly two decades in Community Association Management, one lesson has been proven over and over again: success in this field is very dependent on the quality of the relationships we build, not only with Boards but also with our business partners who help us accomplish our Associations goals. 

From budgeting and board meetings to vendor coordination and resident concerns, nothing happens in isolation. We rely on a network of skilled professionals—landscapers who care for our grounds, plumbers who keep systems running, insurance agents who protect our assets, attorneys who help us navigate legal waters, and many more. If we treat these professionals as mere vendors or transactions, we miss the bigger picture. They’re not just service providers—they’re partners in building vibrant, well-maintained and well-run communities.

Respect: The Bedrock of Strong Partnerships

Respect, in this context, transcends simple politeness. It's about acknowledging the expertise, time, and effort our partners invest. It manifests in several key ways:

• Clear, Honest Communication: Responding promptly, defining expectations clearly, and being upfront about goals and challenges sets everyone up for success. It also means taking time to listen—really listen—to their feedback and concerns.

• Fairness and Transparency: Ethical partnerships thrive when everyone is treated equitably. That means honoring contracts, paying on time, avoiding favoritism, and running competitive bidding processes based on merit—not personal relationships.

• Appreciating Expertise: Our partners often have specialized knowledge we don’t. Respecting their experience, seeking their advice, and avoiding micromanagement not only builds trust—it often leads to better outcomes.

• Professionalism Matters: How we show up—on calls, in emails, and in meetings—matters. Being prepared, respectful, and constructive shows we value their time and professionalism.

• Sincere Recognition: A simple thank you, a quick note of appreciation, or public recognition when a job is well done—these go a long way in building goodwill and encouraging excellence.

• Integrity: Maintaining honesty and transparency in all our dealings is non-negotiable. This builds trust and forms the foundation of a reliable partnership.

• Accountability: We must take responsibility for our actions and commitments. This includes owning up to mistakes and working collaboratively to find solutions, not assigning blame or fault on a partner to avoid responsibility. 

• Objectivity: Our decisions regarding vendor selection and contract management should be based on objective criteria, free from personal bias or conflicts of interest.

• Confidentiality: Respecting the confidentiality of sensitive information shared by our partners is crucial for maintaining trust and a professional relationship.

• Compliance: Adhering to all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines governing our industry ensures that our partnerships operate within a framework of integrity and legality.

• Higher Quality Services: When partners feel valued and respected, they are more likely to go the extra mile and deliver exceptional service.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Strong relationships can lead to better pricing, as partners are more willing to offer competitive rates to trusted collaborators.

• Proactive Problem Solving: Open communication and mutual trust facilitate early identification and efficient resolution of issues.

• Long-Term Stability: Cultivating enduring partnerships provides a stable network of reliable professionals, reducing the time and resources spent on constantly seeking new vendors.

• Enhanced Reputation: Our reputation as ethical and respectful managers reflects positively on the communities we serve and our own professional standing.

Ethical Values: The Compass Guiding Our Interactions

Respectful partnerships are intrinsically linked to ethical values. Our actions must be guided by principles such as:

The Payoff: Stronger Communities, Smoother Operations

When we build real, respectful relationships with our business partners, we all benefit:

Final Thoughts

Community management isn’t easy. It’s a demanding, high-touch profession that requires a lot of attention, organization and care, and it’s so easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks. But by stepping back, we see the truth: our business partners are crucial contributors to the health and success of every community we serve.

As experienced managers, it’s our job to lead by example and set a tone that invites trust, cooperation, and mutual success. By showing respect, honoring ethics, and cultivating these partnerships with care, we build more than just professional networks—we build communities that thrive. 

About the Author: Jason Helzer, MBA, CMCA®, AMS® is the Director of Management for RowCal’s Denver office. He has over 19 years of experience providing stewardship and leadership to jointly owned properties, common interest communities and the people that manage them.