In CAI’s Common Ground feature “Advancing Community Management”, Gar Liebler, founder of TechCollect, shared his perspective on what’s next for the industry—and it’s not just about technology.
The next generation of community association leaders will face challenges that look different from those of the past. But as Gar points out in the article, leadership fundamentals still matter: empathy, transparency, and accountability will always be core to effective community management. The difference now is how these values are delivered.
“The next generation of community leaders will bring fresh perspectives to long-standing challenges. They’ll leverage technology while maintaining the human touch. They’ll balance the needs of diverse stakeholders while honoring the unique character of each community they serve. Our responsibility is to create the conditions where these leaders can emerge and thrive.”
Building the Right Foundation for the Next Generation
What does that mean for today’s community managers, management companies, and boards? According to Gar, it starts with culture and support. Leaders who will successfully navigate the next decade of community management need tools that work with them, not around them. Solutions that free up time on manual work will empower community managers to focus on communication, relationships, and stewardship. The ability to focus on what truly matters – building stronger communities – means that managers will feel more empowered in their role as well, reducing turnover and mitigating recruitment challenges,
Technology plays a role, but it’s only one part of the equation. Leaders must be equipped to:
- Navigate increasingly complex legal and financial environments
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with homeowners, regardless of background
- Guide boards toward fiscally sound decisions
- Stay connected to the character and values of each community
“When neighbors gather for cookouts, when children safely play in common areas, and when seniors find connection rather than isolation, these moments reflect the invisible but essential work of community management professionals. This is our opportunity to elevate, to innovate, and to humanize our industry. Take the high calling of community and shape it into a profession with purpose.”
Creating Space for New Leaders
As Gar emphasizes, it’s up to today’s industry innovators and company owners to build an environment where community managers see their job as a true path to leadership – perhaps even owning their own management company in the future. That means:
- Investing in education and mentorship
- Removing friction from operational processes
- Embracing tools that enhance, not replace, the human touch
- Championing transparency and integrity in all aspects of management
At TechCollect, we couldn’t agree more. Our goal is to help management companies operate more smoothly so leaders at every level have more time and headspace to focus on what matters: serving their communities with care and clarity. That’s the core value behind the solution we employ – when we can recover AR faster through prebuilt communication paths, workload is reduced, board relations run smoother, and most importantly, homeowners feel like they are being serviced with empathy and respect.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud to see Gar’s voice represented in Common Ground and to be part of the ongoing conversation about advancing community management. As the next generation steps forward, we’ll continue supporting their work; not just with technology, but with a shared commitment to leadership, service, and community.
To learn more about how our solution drives the call for new leadership in community management, we invite you to attend our solutions-based virtual meeting on June 17th. Here you’ll get a rundown of what our technology does, what’s new in our full solutions with Equity Experts and CAMCounsel, and how our AR recovery technology accelerates career development for community managers.
