The most reliable source of new associations is a happy current board referring us to a neighboring building. The program codifies that — with thoughtful incentives that don't compromise our fiduciary duty (no cash to sitting directors).
CMG donates to a 501(c)(3) of the referrer's choice. No cash to the referrer themselves. Avoids §617.0832 / 720.303(11) self-dealing concerns.
Goes to the association's books · benefits all owners · 100% transparent. Approved at most-recent BOD meeting before disbursement.
Handwritten card · simple. Many referrers say this means more than the donation.
Per FL Bar + RESPA-adjacent prudence. Realtors who refer get strong working-relationship ROI · not cash.
A sitting board director who personally gets a $1,200 check for steering a neighboring board to their management company has — even if no rules technically prohibit it — created the appearance of self-dealing. The neighboring board, when they find out (and they always find out), will quietly distrust both the referrer and us.
The charity-donation model accomplishes the same goal — recognize that referring CMG was generous and helpful — without any individual director benefiting financially. The director's neighbors see the charity announced. Their reputation is enhanced rather than slightly clouded.
The 1-month fee credit at the referring association's level recognizes that the time and goodwill came from the whole board, not just one director · so the benefit goes to the whole association.
| Source | Referrals | Won | Conv. rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Existing CMG board members | 8 | 2 | 25% | Highest-quality source · 50% qualified |
| Existing CMG owners (non-board) | 3 | 0 | — | 2 in pipeline |
| Realtors / closing attorneys | 2 | 0 | — | 1 in proposal |
| FL CAI events / PCAM network | 1 | 0 | — | Adams Place lead |
| Inbound (web / micro-site) | 0 | 0 | — | Pre-qualified through proposal-only |
One form: target building name · contact (their board member if they have one) · context. Routes to Tizi for follow-up. Optional anonymity supported.
No reward fires on intro · only when target signs a management agreement. Avoids gaming · ensures the referrer wasn't naming wishful prospects.
501(c)(3) check via IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search before disbursement. Annual cap of $1,200 per referrer (no stacking gimmicks).
The new association is told, in writing, that CMG made a charitable donation in the referrer's name. No surprises. Builds trust pre-engagement.
If the referrer has any current/pending business with us beyond their own association (vendor relationship · personal services contract), reward goes to the association only · not the individual. Protects everyone.
Twice yearly, we ask referrers what worked + didn't about the program. Adjustments tracked in Wiki. Currently in v3 of the program · started 2022.
| Charity | Donations | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation | 1 | $1,200 | L. Park's choice · Capital Square referral |
| Tallahassee Museum | 1 | $1,200 | Camellia Oaks referrer's choice (anon) |
| Big Bend Hospice | 2 | $2,400 | 2024 cycle · 2 referrals |
| Boys & Girls Club Big Bend | 1 | $1,200 | 2024 cycle |
| Second Harvest Big Bend | 1 | $1,200 | 2023 cycle |
The "we should have a referral program" hand-wave with no actual rules. The fiduciary risk of cash directly to a sitting director. The boards who realize they'd recommend us if asked but never get asked.
FL §617.0832 fiduciary duty · §720.303(11) HOA self-dealing · IRS Tax-Exempt Org Search · RESPA awareness · CMG referral program v3 (Wiki).
