Meet Lisa Dennis | Chief Everything Officer & Association Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Dennis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
I own a company in the Association Management realm, aka HOA’s. When most people think about HOA’s, usually negative connotations pop up, i.e. Cynthia from Geico and the Karen’s in the world. What most people don’t realize that we actually help keep your property values intact, or even increase! The work that we do is to help elected Board of Directors make decisions that work in favor of an association. Do you live in a gated community? Well, your association is responsible for making sure the gate is in working order, insurance on all assets of your community, utility bills are paid, notices are given, keeping up with state laws, making sure your neighbors are paid up to date on their fees, driving through your community to make sure appearances are the way the developer envisioned, federal and state forms and taxes are filed in a timely manner, and answering questions. That is what we do. We are the bastions to make your community great! But a lot of people call us the enforcers, and not in a kind manner. People think we pick on them, or are mean to them, or hinder their right to do what they want with their property. When people move into an HOA, they are subject to the restrictions, rules and regulations that are on file with the county and passed through resolutions through meetings that are posted for all to see, and all are available to attend. Texas state law mandates that HOA meetings are conducted as an open meeting with at least 72 hours. Yes, Boards may have executive sessions, but they are NOT able to vote on anything, nor is anything supposed to be written. A summary of an executive session is to be given during the first open meeting after the executive session. As you can see, we do a lot. We do this because we love what we do. Association management companies do not have any power, as that power is invested with the Board of Directors of your HOA.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Magnolia Property Management Started in 1999, we started managing a rather large community right off the bat. By listening to their needs, and tailoring our business plan in the beginning to match their concerns, we have succeeded beyond our wildest dreams. Most management companies will try to put you in a mold with other communities, so you literally become a cookie in the cookie cutter world. Instead, we mold ourselves to that association. Even though communities may be next door to each other, and even have deed restrictions that are very similar, the Boards want their communities managed differently, and that is exactly what we do. The biggest lesson that we have had to learn is that even though all communities are unique, they all want the same thing. To be successful, have great curb appeal and making sure they are getting a great value from all off their vendors. Matching vendors to the needs of the neighborhood has been the hardest thing, but we have such a great relationship with the vendors that it has made our job super easy. I want the world to know that we are here for you, and we are usually the best fit for your community, but alas, Houston’s best kept secret. It would be nice if we could take over the world…one neighborhood at a time. But the reality and our motto is: …one neighborhood at a time, which literally means, better communication…one neighborhood at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The majority of my go-to places have sadly closed for one reason or another, but because of that, I found other things! If it was in the fall, a trip to Blessington Farms in Simonton has so much wholesome family fun and enjoyable, Shogun Japanese Restaurant on Grand Parkway is a good place to eat, Regal Cinema (fna Palladium) is great for when you just want some peace and quiet without having to talk with you guests (face it, you’ve thought of that)! Katy Mills Mall, Tanger Outlets in LaMarque, Anything in Galveston, Pier 30 in Freeport (take your dog there), Franklin Drive-through Safari in Franklin, Brennan’s Steakhouse by the Bayou, Ray’s Mexican in Katy, TX, NRG Stadium to watch Monster Trucks and any Bengals/Texans game (sorry, Who Dey!), and most of the dog parks. Of course, the Zoo, Museums and the Galleria areas are all nice, but I like to try to find things that are off the beaten path.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout-out is to my amazing staff. Without them, Magnolia Property Management is nothing. – Donnie Kramer – Director of Association Management – he has been with me through thick and thin for the last 7 years. He is the facilitator of all incoming communities that sign on with us. He is the rock when I may falter when I perceive things that are dire, when actually, it is just me misreading something. He is probably the most kindest person I have ever met and is caring with our clients. – Ryan Evans – Collections Specialist/Association Manager – he has been with us for a little over a year and has made an impact on collections within communities. He has also been a superb manager showing not only due diligence, but also due care for those communities that are smaller and attentive to their needs. He carefully explains his actions and what the impact may have, either good or bad, so the communities may make an informed decision. – Hayley LeBlanc – Office Assistant/Manager Assistant/Social Media Goddess – whilst she has been with us starting this year and stayed with us during the pandemic and made sure that all calls were answered and social media & website updated. She has been such a positive influence in our office that you can’t help but smile when you see her. – My CEO Roundtables that I’m a member of (Katy CEO Roundtable through Silver Fox Advisors and Renaissance Executive Forums), have provided me with insight on how to run my company better, become a better person and believe in me, even when I doubted myself. – My family – Larry, Lauren, Ryan, Charlotte, Chelsea, Donny, Andrew and Tazzy – without them, I would have never thought to get started in this. And my parents for teaching me that if you have an idea, grow with it. – And last but not least, my faith. I do believe that without God, nothing is possible. I’ve been blessed.

Website: www.magprop.com
Instagram: @katymommalisa
Linkedin: Lisa K. Dennis
Twitter: @lisakdennis
Facebook: Lisa Krause Dennis / Magnolia Property Management @magnoliapropmanagement