From constant turnover to complete transparency: Kiel & Christopher's story

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For Christopher and Kiel, serving on their co-op board isn't just about governing a building – it's about protecting their home. As President and Treasurer respectively of their 12-unit New York City co-op, they've experienced firsthand the evolution from self-management to finding the right property management partnership. "I wanted to bring more transparency to shareholders," says Kiel, who joined the board shortly after purchasing his first piece of real estate with his wife in 2020. Christopher, who has lived in the building since the 1980s, recalls the challenges of self-management. "We're working people," he explains, noting that a building fire ultimately prompted them to seek professional management. What followed was a journey through multiple management companies, each presenting its own set of challenges.

The search for the right fit

The building's experience with traditional management companies highlighted common pain points for small co-ops. High turnover of property managers meant constant retraining. As a small building, they often weren't prioritized by larger management companies. Insurance requirements became particularly problematic, with one company's policies threatening to impose unsustainable costs on the building. When Kiel discovered Daisy, what caught his attention was the modern approach to property management. "I really liked the idea of the dashboard, and I liked the idea of guaranteed response rates within a few minutes," he shares. Christopher, with his IT background, was equally impressed by the digital accessibility, "The fact that I could go to my computer or to my phone and look stuff up really sold me on the company."

The transformation

The transition to Daisy marked a significant shift in how the board operates. Some key improvements included:

• 24/7 accessibility: The team is available through multiple channels, ensuring support even during off-hours
• Digital tools: Every shareholder has access to an app for direct communication
• Financial transparency: Board members can monitor accounts, track payments, and delinquencies
• Streamlined communication: Dedicated tickets and discussion threads keep projects organized
• Professional support: From contractor coordination to building improvements, the board now has expert guidance at their fingertips

Looking to the future

The board is able to focus on the future, including structural updates and energy-saving initiatives. "We're now in the best position this building's been in in a long time," Christopher notes, crediting the combination of active board involvement and reliable management support. For Kiel, the biggest change has been peace of mind. "What I'm so happy about is how I have such less stress as a board member, knowing that I have a partner on the other side of this, as well as everything I need at my fingertips. "This partnership approach – blending engaged board leadership with professional management support – has created a foundation for the building's continued success and improvement. As Kiel puts it, "It's that healthy balance of us being involved, the management company being involved, and having more of a partnership and knowledge sharing."

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