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Lee Leibenson emigrated from South Africa in 1978, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Education and taught elementary school for several years. She entered the association management field fifteen years ago with a background in apartment management. She is a licensed real estate agent, holds the PCAM and CCAM designations and a Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture.

In 2002, lured by the beauty, climate and more “laid back” attitude, Lee moved from Orange County to San Diego. Having both daughters there and a job offer from The Walters Management Company was a great additional enticement. Her portfolio at WMC includes a master association, condominiums and planned unit developments. She happily enthuses about San Diego, but misses the shopping malls in Orange County.

When asked what was one of the funniest things she could remember happening in her management career, she mentioned that amusing situations are always happening. The secret to making community management a positive experience is to have a sense of humor and to remember that most issues are not the “fate of nations.”

“Just last week a homeowner called to report that she had witnessed another homeowner putting her hamster in the community association pool. I assumed the homeowner was upset about the obvious disregard to the rules and the health concerns. However, to my surprise, the caller was concerned whether hamsters can swim.”

When asked what is the greatest challenge she faces daily, Lee commented it is trying to keep a balance between work and home life. Night board meetings take a toll on one’s home and social life and it sometimes takes a concerted effort not to work late when the phones have stopped ringing and calm prevails.

Lee believes that to be successful in management, communication is the key. Actively listen to what people have to say, communicate in a way that lets people know you care and when discussing an issue have a defined end result and resolution.

Submit your “Funniest thing that happened to me as a Property Manager” story to appear in an upcoming issue of The Walk Through News! Arthur Raybold, Editor • araybold@gencoat.com

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