Next Level Living Podcast

In this episode of Next Level Living by Nextier Insurance, Cory and Summer introduce Elise Hunt, one of the most unique individuals he knows, brimming with eccentric, fun, and childlike optimism. Discover what makes her personality so infectious and why everyone is instantly drawn to her "Elise factor"! In this insightful podcast, Elise also shares her journey from a captive agent to an independent broker, offering invaluable perspectives on California HOA insurance and how to navigate the ever-changing market. Learn about:Understanding HOA Insurance: Gain clarity on the complexities of homeowner's association insurance in California.Maximizing Options: Discover the benefits of working with an independent broker to secure the best HOA insurance policies and pricing for your community.Building Strong Relationships: Hear Elise's secrets to nurturing close female friendships and maintaining vital connections, even with a demanding schedule.Transformative Life Experiences: Be inspired by Elise's incredibly optimistic outlook after her breast cancer journey, and how it reshaped her perspective on life and gratitude.The "Elise Factor": Uncover the infectious optimism and unique personality traits that make Elise so captivating.This podcast is a must-watch for California HOA board members, property managers, and anyone seeking inspiration, practical advice on HOA master policies, and a fresh perspective on life. Optimize your understanding of California community association insurance and be motivated by Elise's incredible story!📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Give us a 5 Star Rating to help others find this podcast!

Wendy Bucknum’s story is a masterclass in leadership, service, and saying “yes” to opportunity. From her start as a budget analyst to becoming Mayor and Chair of CAI’s Federal Legislative Action Committee, Wendy has built a career around advocacy, housing, and making communities better.In this episode of Next Level Living, Wendy shares how she turned her HOA and city council experience into real influence at the state and federal level, what’s next for housing and insurance reform in California, and why collaboration—not competition—is the key to lasting impact.In this episode:• How Wendy’s HOA background launched her into public service• The reality of advocating for housing and insurance reform in California• Why community service and leadership are more connected than you think• Lessons in humility, overcommitment, and saying “yes” wisely#nextlevelliving  #CaliforniaHousing #Leadership #CommunityAdvocacy #HOA #PublicService

Florida’s condo collapse changed everything—but is California next? In this episode, we sit down with HOA attorney and community developer Doris Goldstein to talk about the rising challenges facing aging buildings, board leadership burnout, and why most HOAs are running on impossible expectations.Doris shares how her journey from journalist to Harvard Law grad led her to shape some of America’s most iconic communities—and what every HOA board and property manager needs to learn before disaster strikes.If you live in an HOA or manage one—this episode will change how you see your community.Watch more episodes of the Next Level Living Podcast for insights on leadership, real estate, and community living.You can learn more about the Condo Wonk at https://condowonk.com/📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com

The real estate market in Orange County is shifting—rising interest rates, tight inventory, and skyrocketing HOA insurance costs are changing the game for buyers and sellers alike. In this episode of the Next Level Living Podcast, hosts Summer Blazer and Corey Neubauer sit down with Damian DeBlis, realtor and real estate investor, to unpack what’s really happening right now.From all-cash buyers dominating the market to HOAs hitting owners with massive insurance assessments, Damian shares his perspective on how to prepare, position, and protect yourself in today’s market.📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com 

Think your HOA is fully protected? Think again. In this Next Level Living episode, we sit down with Scott Clements to uncover the hidden risks most HOAs overlook when it comes to insurance, liability, and community protection.📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com 

What does it take to lead with integrity, build extraordinary teams, and create a legacy that lasts?In this episode of Next Level Living, Markus Ashley shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected leader in business and family. He opens up about the principles of servant leadership, how to inspire teams with vision, and why grit and faith matter more than titles.We also dive into his passion for innovation, the role of AI in business, and how leaders can balance growth with people-first values. Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or your own family, this conversation will give you practical wisdom and lasting inspiration. 📱 Connect with Markus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-ashley/ 📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com 👍 Like this video if you found value, and comment below with your biggest takeaway!

What happens when you leave the corporate world, take over your dad’s law firm, and try to build something bigger? Steve Tinnelly joins us to share how he scaled a 5-person practice into a 40+ employee powerhouse and the personal and professional challenges that came with it. We dive deep into: • The risk of taking over a family business • How to build company culture from the ground up • Why most HOA boards are doing it wrong • How to lead with vision — not ego This isn’t just about law. It’s about leadership, legacy, and learning the hard way.

Matthew Holbrook, CEO of Action Property Management, joins us to unpack what it really means to lead in today’s world and why your HOA’s reputation might be more about leadership than anything else. From redefining management to building influence through emotional intelligence, Matthew shares how his company is changing the game with zero acquisitions and all values. You'll hear why they ditch “we’re a family” language, how they interview for humility, and what one question reveals about someone’s character instantly.   You can learn more about Action Property Management at: www.actionlife.com 📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com Follow if you found value, and comment below with your biggest takeaway!

You might know Chip McAllister as the winner of The Amazing Race or from his roles on TV in the 80s, but the real story is what happened after the spotlight faded. In this episode of Next Level Living, Chip shares how he rebuilt his life multiple times. From acting to entrepreneurship to becoming a top real estate agent. We talk legacy, mindset, navigating hard challenges, pickleball, and how to find purpose when the cameras stop rolling. This isn’t just a story about winning, it’s a masterclass on what to do after you win.-------Join Chip's latest venture at Pickleballplaymate.com📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com  

Join Summer Blazer and Corey Neubauer on Next Level Living as they sit down with Arthur Perez of Purpose Roofing! Discover how Arthur transitioned from real estate and industrial laundry to building a thriving roofing business with a profound mission. Learn about his hands-on approach to philanthropy, the power of faith in business, and the transformative impact of technology like ServiceTitan and drones in the roofing industry. This episode is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and heartwarming stories! You can learn more about Purpose Roofing, go to https://purposeroofs.com 📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com 👍 Like this video if you found value, and comment below with your biggest takeaway!

When Mike's boss scoffed at the idea of a podcast in their niche, they could have given up. But Kara and Mike of HOA Pros pushed forward, and the results were shocking! Hear the incredible story of how their first episode blew up with 1200+ listens and why creating a "safe space" for their industry became an unexpected hit.

On this episode we sit down with Cang Le, seasoned litigator and HOA management expert, to explore how the art of storytelling wins cases and transforms community management.In this episode, you’ll learn:- The Power of Narrative: Why 60–70% of cases hinge on crafting a compelling story rather than dry facts- Courtroom Voice Mastery: How Cang’s “radio voice” background gives him an edge in both trials and board meetings- Deferred Maintenance & SB 326: What HOA boards need to know to trigger insurance claims and avoid costly repairs down the line- AI for Legal Pros: Practical tips on using ChatGPT and other tools to draft, revise, and streamline contracts and board communications- Peak Performance Hacks: Cang’s 5 AM routine, fitness habits, and mindset shifts that keep him at the top of his gameTimestamps 0:00 – Welcome & Wine Cheers 2:15 – Introducing Cang Lee: From Radio DJ Dreams to Litigator 6:40 – Storytelling in Court: Why Narrative Beats Evidence 12:30 – SB 326 Overview: Balcony Inspections & Insurance Triggers 18:05 – Leveraging AI: From Paralegal to AI-Powered Editor 24:50 – Morning Routine: Meditation, Interval Training & More 29:10 – Authenticity & Soft Skills: Managing Boards with Empathy 34:00 – Q&A and Final Takeaways 🔔 I hope you’ll subscribe and click the bell so you never miss an episode of Next Level Living!📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com 🎙️ Visit DryMaster's website for more info on Diana's Company: https://drymaster.com

In Episode 3 of the Next Level Living Podcast, we sit down with a veteran water-damage specialist from DryMaster—someone whose 15+ years in the field have saved HOA boards and property managers millions in restoration costs. Together, we walk you through everything you need to handle water emergencies like a pro:- My Rapid Response Protocols – I share the “golden hour” tactics I use to minimize structural damage and prevent mold growth the moment water strikes.- Choosing the Right Pros – Learn how I vet and secure reliable restoration vendors who show up fast, work cleanly, and keep billing transparent.- Navigating Insurance – I reveal insider tips on documentation, adjuster walkthroughs, and claim follow-through so you avoid costly delays.- Preventative Maintenance – Discover the simple inspection routines and board-approved upgrades I recommend to lower your risk profile (and reduce premiums).- Boardroom Ready – I even give you my favorite conversation scripts and slide templates to get emergency funds approved and homeowner buy-in at your next meeting.Stick around for our lightning-round Q&A, where we tackle listener questions on everything from sump pump backups to roof-to-foundation leaks. Whether you manage a 50-unit condo or a sprawling residential community, we’ve packed this episode with actionable advice to help you protect your properties, delight your residents, and safeguard your bottom line.🔔 I hope you’ll subscribe and click the bell so you never miss an episode of Next Level Living!📱 Connect with us for all your HOA Insurance Needs: https://nextierins.com 🎙️ Visit DryMaster's website for more info on Diana's Company: https://drymaster.com

Join Summer & Cory as they sit down with Amanda Gray, Vice President of Client Relations at Harvest Landscape Enterprises. In this conversation, Amanda shares:What inspired her to launch Harvest Landscape—and why she insists on putting people firstHow she’s using custom field apps and automated dashboards to boost efficiency and transparencyThe unique challenges (and opportunities!) of servicing Southern California’s desert communitiesWhy landscapers and insurance brokers need to collaborate on fire-safe landscaping practicesRapid-fire fun facts: from favorite holidays to first jobs in a VHS rental store!Whether you’re a homeowner, HOA manager, or landscaping pro, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas on how technology, community partnerships, and a positive mindset can transform your outdoor spaces.Subscribe for weekly insightsLike if you enjoyed this episode, and Comment below with your own landscaping questions!Follow Next Level Living: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextlevellivingoc/🔗 Learn more about Amanda & Harvest Landscape Enterprises: Website: https://hlei.us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvest_landscape/Timestamps 0:00 Intro & welcome 1:10 Amanda’s backstory & why she’s our first guest 5:00 Rapid-fire questions (favorite cuss word, holiday, first job) 8:45 Servicing Palm Springs, Indio & beyond 12:30 Tech talk: drag-and-drop field app & client dashboards 16:15 Collaborating with insurance on fire-safe landscapes 20:50 Building a positive, people-first culture 24:30 What’s next: The Dirt podcast & upcoming projectsEnjoy the show!

Welcome to the very first episode of the Next Level Living Podcast with Summer Blazer and Cory Neubauer! 🎉 In this kickoff episode, we dive into why we launched this show — blending real conversations about HOA insurance, community living, health and wellness, and the human side of doing business.You'll get to know Summer and Cory through some rapid-fire questions, bad dad jokes, and honest stories about growth, optimism, and building genuine connections in life and business. We believe real success starts with real relationships — and yes, sometimes it includes laughing at terrible lemonade jokes.Whether you're an HOA manager, a board member, or just someone passionate about community and leadership, this show is for you. We’re here to inform, inspire, and remind you that behind every policy, every meeting, and every challenge — it’s all about people.Subscribe and join us on this journey to live, lead, and connect at the next level.For more info, visit us at: https://nextierins.com/Follow us on Instagram at: instagram.com/nextlevellivingocFollow us on Facebook at: facebook.com/nextlevellivingoc