Kayla Swanson

Giving Back to the Next Generation: Ghertner & Company Partners with Benton Hall

Ghertner & Company is proud to support Benton Hall Academy, a private school in Nashville for students with specialized learning needs.

As part of its Giving Back to the Community initiative, Ghertner & Company recently donated $500. One of our Ghertner & Company associates has a child who attends Benton Hall and has benefited from the school’s support.

Benton Hall serves students in grades 4-12 and had 55 students in the last school year.

Founded in 1977, Benton Hall was established to offer a curriculum designed to challenge each student to his or her highest intellectual and creative abilities.

Ghertner & Company believes in supporting organizations that make a profound difference in our community. To learn more about Benton Hall Academy or donate, visit www.bentonhallacademy.org.

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The Power of Connection: Essential Communication Tips For Your HOA

Effective and clear communication is at the heart of every successful community association. Keeping homeowners updated about upcoming events, important updates, and the financial status of their community association creates transparency around board decisions. It shows homeowners the board is committed to their community’s needs.

Emails: This channel is a great way to communicate with your homeowners for quick, timely updates. Emails can be used in various ways, from sharing upcoming events to communicating trash service changes or sending reminders about community rules. Ensure that homeowner emails are up to date and that any emails that bounce back are promptly addressed.

Newsletters: Community newsletters offer a valuable opportunity for positive communication. They highlight community events and accomplishments and communicate important news to homeowners. Newsletters are lighter than other types of communication, allowing for a break from more serious communications needed throughout the year. As a bonus, give the newsletter a fun name to create community spirit!

Social Media: Social media pages or groups shouldn’t be considered an official form of community association communication. Instead, these groups should be utilized as additional contact points for community news. Event page features on social media can help boards promote community events and track attendance. Boards should set clear standards about what is allowed, who monitors the group, and how people can join. If participating in social media, boards should consider adding cyber insurance to their policy for protection against potential risks.

Meetings: Whether a board or an annual meeting, meetings are a powerful communication tool for your community. Ensure meeting minutes are prepared promptly after meetings and are available for homeowners to view. Even if individual members disagree, the board should always project a united presence when homeowners are present. Homeowners need to see the board working collaboratively for the good of the community, rather than engaging in internal arguments.

To learn how Ghertner & Company can help you effectively communicate with your homeowners, including leveraging our exclusive owner’s portal, request a management proposal today at https://ghertner.com/request-for-proposal.

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Ghertner & Company Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Ghertner & Company proudly supports Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville and its commitment to building strong communities across Middle Tennessee.

A pivotal element of Habitat for Humanity's operational model is the ReStore. Powered by donations, this retail space offers a diverse range of home goods at accessible prices. It serves as a valuable resource for residents seeking materials for renovation projects or unique furnishings.

ReStore is unique in that 88 cents from every dollar of profit earned goes directly back into Habitat for Humanity to help support land purchases and development of Habitat communities.

One of Ghertner & Company’s teams recently volunteered at ReStore for an afternoon of team building and giving back. They sorted, organized, and priced donations in the warehouse.

“This was such a rewarding experience, and we were all glad we participated!” said Dr. Angela Stone, CMCA, AMS, Director of Education and Development at Ghertner & Company.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and ReStore, and how you or your community can volunteer, visit www.habitatnashville.org.

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Revitalized Clubhouse Enhances Wynbrooke Community

Community associations offer homeowners a variety of amenities, including clubhouses. Clubhouses are great for community events, and some communities allow homeowners to rent them for private events.

Wynbrooke HOA in Hendersonville, TN, recently completed renovations for its clubhouse, which started last fall. Fresh paint, a new kitchen backsplash, new doors, furnishings, ceiling fans, and light fixtures brightened up this space, making it warm and inviting for homeowners.

These improvements make the clubhouse more enjoyable and contribute to the overall appeal and value of homes within Wynbrooke.

A homeowner volunteered to take on the project and coordinated the work, picked all furnishings/accessories, and worked with the board on the budget.

Way to go to the Wynbrooke community for working together to improve your space!

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Gallatin HOA Celebrates 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Spring and summer bring warmer weather to our community associations, and we love to see communities get outside and take advantage of it!

Carellton HOA in Gallatin, TN, recently celebrated Easter with an Easter egg hunt and golf cart parade featuring the Easter Bunny.

Around 100 children participated in the eighth annual event, with a whopping 1,695 eggs to hunt, including several special prize golden eggs for grabs.

Ready to get involved with social events in your community association? Contact your Community Association Manager at portal.ghertner.com for more information.

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Building Hope Together: Ghertner & Company Gives Back to Habitat for Humanity

Pictured (left to right): Tammy Frank, Homeowner Relations Specialist; Ghertner & Company Director of Social Media and Marketing, Jaye Kloss; Jennifer Keaton, Senior Director of ReStores; Jeff Bennett, Senior Marketing Manager

Ghertner & Company is committed to forming strong communities across Middle Tennessee and partnering with organizations that want to do the same, like Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville. Habitat brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope throughout the region.

Recently, Ghertner & Company donated $500 to Habitat for Humanity to support its mission. We are proud to manage Village by the Creek, a local Habitat HOA. For every dollar Habitat for Humanity receives, 88 cents goes directly to its efforts to support the local community.

A vital part of Habitat for Humanity’s funding comes from ReStore, its donation-driven retail stores.

“It would be really hard to do the work we do without ReStore,” Jeff Bennett, Senior Marketing Manager for Habitat of Greater Nashville, shared.

With locations in Nashville, Dickson, and Lebanon, homeowners in Ghertner & Company-managed community associations can support ReStore and Habitat for Humanity in several ways:

Shop: Find unique home goods and appliances at discounted prices at your local ReStore.

Volunteer: Give back to the community at a ReStore or a Habitat building site.

Donate: Contribute new or gently used items like appliances, furniture, and lighting. Habitat can bring a truck to collect donations on community-wide clean-up days.

Deconstruct: Before starting your next home project, donate your building materials to ReStore. Habitat will do the demo for free!

For more ways your community association can support Habitat for Humanity, please visit habitatnashville.org.

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Strong Partnerships, Strong Communities: Highlights from VENDORPALOOZA 2025

Successful community associations are built on strong partnerships. Ghertner & Company values working with vendors who understand the unique needs of community associations and deliver excellent service.

As part of our commitment to these crucial partnerships, we hosted our 2nd annual VENDORPALOOZA. Our spring vendor trade show introduced our Community Association Managers to new vendors interested in expanding their business relationships with Ghertner & Company.

This year’s event featured 47 vendors across various specialties, including landscape architecture, pressure washing, community security, fire protection, and more. It was an excellent opportunity for our managers to engage one-on-one with these professionals and explore how their services could help meet the evolving needs of our communities.

It was a fun-filled day for our associates and vendors with food trucks, games, and prize giveaways!

Events like VENDORPALOOZA reflect our mission: to deliver community association management excellence by building strong, collaborative relationships with our clients and vendor partners.

Thank you to all the vendors and associates who participated in VENDORPALOOZA 2025! We are already looking forward to next year.

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Elevate Your Community's Potential with Ghertner & Company's Expertly Trained Managers

When you partner with Ghertner & Company, you're working with a company that understands the full scope of community association management and the importance of investing in our team. Our comprehensive training program ensures every manager is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to serve your community with excellence!

Onboarding:  From day one, managers are introduced to the Ghertner & Company approach to all facets of community association management.  New managers also get hands-on experience by partnering with senior managers in the field, visiting properties, and attending Board meetings.

Industry Certifications:  Ghertner & Company encourages managers to pursue the Certified Manager of Community Association (CMCA) designation.  This national certification demonstrates a manager's competency to lead and manage a community association and guide boards through challenging situations.

Strong Board Relationships: As managers progress in their careers, so do their communities' challenges. Managers are trained to ensure compliance, budget management, protect property values, and streamline operations, directly supporting your Board's strategic goals and decision-making.

Discover the difference that a well-trained Community Association Manager will make for your community by requesting a proposal today.

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Understanding Your Community Association's Insurance Coverage

Unlike most community association management companies, Ghertner & Company takes extra steps to ensure your community has the right insurance coverage. Protecting your community’s finances and assets is essential, and just as homeowners insurance protects individual properties, community association insurance protects your community.

Various scenarios, from fallen trees on common property to injuries at the pool or damage to entrance monuments, highlight the importance of having the right insurance. Community association insurance ensures that the structures, services, and amenities you rely on remain protected, no matter what happens.

Key Types of Community Association Insurance

Property & Liability Insurance

Also known as a package policy, this is one of the most critical types of insurance for community associations. It covers common areas (e.g., fences, monuments, and amenities) in case of damage or loss and building reconstruction in condominium or townhome communities.

Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance

This policy protects the Board of Directors from personal liability related to decisions made on behalf of the association.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Ghertner & Company requires all vendors working with your community to carry adequate workers’ compensation insurance. However, your association should also have coverage if a vendor’s subcontractor lacks insurance or experiences a lapse.

Umbrella Policy

An umbrella policy provides extra liability coverage beyond standard policies. If your community has a pool or other high-risk amenities, Ghertner & Company strongly recommends this additional layer of protection.

Cyber Insurance

With the increasing risk of cyber threats, cyber insurance protects against financial loss due to malware or hacking. This is especially crucial for associations that pay vendors via ACH transfers.

Understanding Insurance Costs

Your association dues cover the cost of your community association’s insurance. Due to rising labor and material costs and increased natural disasters across the U.S., insurance rates in Tennessee are increasing by 25-50%. If your community files a claim, fees could be even higher.

How Ghertner & Company Ensures Proper Coverage

To prevent coverage lapses, Ghertner & Company has an in-house insurance auditor who:

  • Reviews policies annually to ensure proper coverage limits.

  • Works with Community Association Managers to secure adequate insurance.

  • Verifies that all properties and amenities are covered, particularly in developing communities.

Need More Information?

Insurance is essential to maintaining a strong and financially secure community. To review your community’s policies, contact your Community Association Manager at email@ghertner.com or log into your owner’s portal at portal.ghertner.com to view insurance certificates.

Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or insurance advice.

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Dr. Angela Stone, CMCA, AMS: Championing Education and Development at Ghertner & Company

At Ghertner & Company, the emphasis on education and professional development is a cornerstone of its approach to community association management. A driving force behind this commitment is Dr. Angela Stone, CMCA, AMS, who leads onboarding, training, and ongoing development for associates while managing a team of Community Association Managers, Community Associates, and Administrative Assistants.

A New Career Path

Stone began her journey in community association management in 2016, seeking a career change from her role as an adjunct instructor for the Dept. of Chemistry at Tennessee State University. Deborah Wallace, Director of Administration at Ghertner & Company, introduced her to an open manager position, and Stone saw an opportunity that aligned with her passion for education and collaboration.

“I loved the idea of community associations because they bring people together with a shared goal,” Stone explained. “It’s rewarding to be part of the process that helps them achieve those goals.”

Recognizing her teaching background, Wallace was confident she would excel not only as a community association manager but also as a team leader.

“Angela’s passion for education has allowed her to take her role to a new level, benefiting both her team and the company as a whole,” Wallace said.

Bridging Education and Management

In 2019, Stone was promoted to Director of Education and Development, the same year that she began her doctoral studies in Education at Tennessee State University. She earned an Ed.D. in May 2024, with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction. Her studies enabled her to design effective, customized training programs tailored to adult learners’ diverse needs.

“Understanding different types of curriculum allows me to customize training for each individual while maintaining a standardized path,” Stone shared. This personalized approach ensures that each associate is equipped with the tools to succeed.

Innovative Training Initiatives

One of Dr. Stone’s standout contributions is the creation of the “Law and Order: HOA” training program. Drawing inspiration from the popular TV franchise, the program features panel discussions with local HOA attorneys, offering practical insights into legal challenges faced by community association managers.

“As I advanced in my role, I noticed recurring legal questions from team members,” Stone said. “I wanted to create a more fun, efficient way to address these concerns.”

Chanel Mumford, a Community Association Manager, praised the program for its practical benefits.

“The training deepened my understanding of HOA laws and regulations,” Mumford said. “It’s helped me handle legal challenges more effectively while minimizing risks for the associations I manage.”

Empowering Associates and Clients

Dr. Stone’s leadership in education and development ensures that Ghertner & Company associates are prepared to provide exceptional community management services. Her focus on professional growth reflects the company’s dedication to supporting its team.

“One of my greatest achievements is fostering education and development for our associates,” Stone said. “By supporting their growth, we’re able to deliver the highest quality service to our clients.”

Through her innovative programs and commitment to lifelong learning, Dr. Angela Stone continues to shape the future of community association management at Ghertner & Company.

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2024 Manager of the Year Awarded to Theresa Savich

Theresa Savich, a Community Association Manager with Ghertner & Company, has been honored as the CAI Tennessee 2024 Manager of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes a manager who exemplifies exceptional dedication to advancing the community association industry.

Savich began her career with Ghertner & Company in 2010 as an administrative assistant and transitioned into a management role just two and a half years ago. Her journey reflects a remarkable commitment to professional growth and service.

“What I like most about being a manager is that I can do good and possibly help in all situations,” said Savich.

CAI TN Executive Director Faye Ellis praised Savich for her collaborative spirit, reliability, and unwavering dedication.

“If you give her an assignment, you can bet that it will be accomplished without supervision and with excellence,” said Ellis. She also highlighted Savich’s instrumental role in surpassing chapter fundraising goals for 2024.

Savich herself shared how meaningful her involvement with CAI TN has been.

“Being involved in CAI TN is very rewarding to me as a Community Association Manager,” she said. “It has shown me how to grow inside and out.”

Congratulations to Theresa Savich on this well-deserved recognition of her hard work, dedication, and contributions to community association excellence!

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Carellton HOA Celebrates Christmas, Gives Back to Community

Santa and Mrs. Claus brought holiday cheer to the Carellton HOA community in December during their festive holiday celebration. The duo delighted residents with a parade around the neighborhood, accompanied by an escort from the Gallatin Police.

After the parade, over 60 families, including children and even their furry friends, had the opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus and capture cherished holiday photos.

Adding to the spirit of the season, the community once again came together to support a good cause, collecting donations for Toys for Tots for the second year in a row. It was a heartwarming event that showcased the joy and generosity of the Carellton HOA.

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Watermill HOA Celebrates The Holiday Season Together

As the holidays approach, Ghertner & Company-managed communities are celebrating together. Santa Claus visited Watermill HOA in Lebanon during their second annual holiday party. The community also collected donations for a toy and food drive. The local fire department came out and let the kids check out their fire trucks.

Happy Holidays to all the communities we manage!

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Giving Back to Our Kids

As part of its Giving Back to the Community Initiative, Ghertner & Company donated $500 to Our Kids. For over 18 years, Ghertner & Company has supported this local Middle Tennessee nonprofit that provides medical evaluations and crisis counseling to children in 47 Middle Tennessee counties. In 35+ years of work, Our Kids has evaluated more than 31,000 children. To learn more and support Our Kids, visit www.ourkidscenter.com.

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Vendor Trade Show Provides Education and Networking for Board Members

Ghertner & Company prides itself on the different ways we support Board members. Educating and supporting Board members in all aspects of community association management is key to our work. For 11 years, our vendor trade show has been a unique opportunity for us to introduce Board members to selected community vendors. This year, we had workshops focusing on the relationship between reserve studies, banking and HOA insurance, as well as a workshop on HOA compliance.

Thank you to the Board members, vendors, workshop panelists and associates who participated in this event.

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Clarksville HOA Builds Community with Chili Cook-Off

Ivy Bend HOA in Clarksville hosted its first-ever chili cook-off in October. Around 55 neighbors enjoyed the event, which included a bounce house, football, ice cream, a lemonade stand, and games like cornhole and horseshoes. Board president Josh Bedingfield described the community as close-knit and said the Board hosts events like this to build on that comradery.

“From an HOA perspective, we really just enjoy doing things for the residents when we can,” Bedingfield said.

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Not So Scary Ways to Support Your Community Association

Halloween is around the corner, and for some homeowners, being a part of a community association can be more spooky than sweet. Both your community association Board and Ghertner & Company (as your association’s management company) want you to see the treats, not the tricks, of living in and supporting your community association. Today, we’re sharing some not-so-scary ways to support your community association. 

Abide by the community rules

Living in a community association means following the rules outlined in the governing documents. These rules help protect property values, maintain the common areas and make your community a safe and enjoyable place to live. The governing documents also outline what maintenance responsibilities belong to the homeowner, and which are covered by the community association. Being clear on the rules and responsibilities that apply to you as a homeowner will improve your community association experience.

Be a good neighbor

We all know the golden rule—treat others the way you want to be treated. There’s no better place to follow that than your community association. Being respectful toward your neighbors and getting to know others in the community (through community events or other ways) can help create a community everyone wants to live in.

Volunteer for a spot on the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors for your community association is a group of volunteer homeowners elected to their positions for a specific term. The Board makes decisions for your community as outlined in the governing documents for that community, ranging from financial to maintenance and others. Being a part of the Board allows you to have direct involvement in your community's short- and long-term future. Elections for Board members typically take place during an annual meeting. If you’re interested in running for a Board position when it's available, contact your Community Association Manager.

Support community associations

Laws created by legislators without the knowledge of community associations can potentially harm communities. Homeowners can partner with their Boards and association management company to voice support or concern about local and federal laws that affect community associations. At the state and national level, the Community Association Institute (CAI) leads these kinds of efforts and occasionally asks Board members and homeowners to contact their legislators about key issues.

For more answers to your questions about how to support your community association, log in to your owner portal at portal.ghertner.com, email the Ghertner & Company Homeowner Service Center at email@ghertner.com, or contact your Community Association Manager directly.

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Ghertner & Company Hosts Board Members, Vendors for First Annual Golf Classic

On October 7, Ghertner & Company welcomed 130 people, including Board members, vendors and associates to Old Hickory Golf Club for our first annual golf classic. Different vendors sponsored the event and provided fun swag and activities at certain holes on the golf course. Our Board members and vendors are essential to our service, and we wanted to use this event to thank them for their commitment to community associations.

Our event sponsors included Land Corps Landscaping, Accuworks, Bouvier Insurance, Commercial Restoration Company, Kaman & Cusimano, LLC, Landscape Workshop, Landscape Services, Inc., Music City Roofers, National Roof Company, Northwest Exterminating, Robins Insurance Agency, Rolling Suds, Roof Doctors, Rose Paving, LLC, Russell Landscaping and True North Developers.

Thank you to all the players and vendors who participated and the associates who helped organize this event.

Defining Governing Documents for Community Associations

The governing documents for a community association outline the roles of the Board, the responsibilities of homeowners and more to help the association run smoothly. Each document has a specific purpose, and when it comes to the day-to-day activities of your community association, the Board and your association management company look to the documents to guide decisions.

State Laws

Almost every state has statutes governing condominiums and homeowner associations. In addition, most associations are subject to the state corporations’ code. Association governing documents are almost always trumped by state law. But, when association documents conflict among themselves, the declaration or proprietary lease carries the greatest weight, followed by the bylaws and then the rules and regulations.

Bylaws

Bylaws address association operations, such as procedures for meetings and elections, and specify the general duties of the Board.

Declarations and Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions

Declarations (also known as master deeds) create planned communities. These contain restrictions that regulate residents’ behavior, define owners' rights and obligations, and establish the association’s responsibilities.

Resolutions—Rules and Regulations

Board members adopt rules and regulations. Rules and regulations are recorded as board resolutions. Resolutions must be consistent with the declaration or proprietary lease, the bylaws and state law.

To view your community’s governing documents, please login at portal.ghertner.com and look for the Governing Documents folder under the Documents section.

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Essential Fall Maintenance Tasks For Your Home

As the crisp fall air replaces the warmth of summer, it's time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Taking a few proactive steps ensures your home is cozy, energy-efficient, and protected from the elements. In addition, take the time to prepare your lawn and landscaping for colder weather to ensure a beautiful home inside and out.

Update your window treatments. Summer’s light window blinds and sheer curtain panels won’t keep the frigid air from creeping in on a cold night. Consider switching to a denser curtain fabric for the winter months to keep your home feeling cozy and your heating bills low.

Schedule appliance check-ups. A licensed professional should check your HVAC system, air ducts and water heater to ensure all elements are in good shape for the change in weather—especially if any appliances worked overtime during summer months. Fall is also a good time to change the filter in your HVAC system.

Prepare your lawn and landscaping for cooler weather. Spruce up your lawn and landscaping by removing dead plants, weeds and debris to prevent disease and pests. Apply mulch around your plants to insulate roots and retain moisture. Aeration and over-seeding your lawn get nutrients to the grass’s roots and improve the look of your lawn.

Don’t forget the attic. Check for leaks in the roof, possible cracks in attic windows and insufficient insulation. With the help of a licensed professional or advice from your local home improvement store staff, you can shield your attic from harsh weather.

Replace weather stripping. Doors and windows need extra help holding heat inside your home. Inspect all door and window perimeters for cracks or tears in your current weather stripping. You can also add a second layer of protection with temporary weather stripping applied over your existing seals.

Deep clean and declutter. Thoroughly clean your home’s nooks and crannies inside and out. Ensure electrical cords, outlets, and air vents are dust and clutter-free; tidy up garages and storage areas; and clear any debris from your home’s exterior, especially around vents and drains. In addition, change the batteries in your smoke detector if you’ve not yet done that this year.

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