Rolf Crocker is a National Vice President of Associa and CEO of M & C Communities in Stockton, CA, and contributing author on this website and the HOA Manager NewsLine.

We all have busy lives. With work, staff meetings, board meetings, house work, yard work, family and personal activities we often do not take the time to read for self-improvement. Rolf finds time to do it all and more, so we tip our hat to him for his contributions. We hope his time spent writing articles, reading and reviewing selected industry and self-improvement books can help you narrow down the material which would most help you become more successful in the management business.

The Book Report
by Rolf Crocker– 
February 2010

John Maxwell says that getting older is a little like a roll of toilet paper – the closer you get to the end, the quicker it goes.  How true THAT is turning out to be!  The big question is a modification of that great line from then-Governor Ronald Reagan:  “Are you better off now than you were 12 months ago?”  I trust that, in spite of the hardships and challenges that living this thing called Life has hurled at you, you have taken an approach that betters yourself and those around you.  Have you grown, personally and professionally?  I trust that you have. 

It is in the grand tradition that we take this opportunity to look over the Book Reports for 2004 and highlight some ‘choice’ selections that you can place on your Amazon (or Audible) Christmas List. 

Execution – The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan (©2002 Crown Business). The difference between success and failure is - Execution.  However, typically do not consider Execution a ‘discipline’, in the way we do other disciplines, such as time management, diet or exercise. Bossidy and Charan take real-world examples of Fortune 500 companies, highlighting areas in which those companies have executed well and executed poorly.  4 Stars!

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln– 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers - James C. Humes (©2002 Three Rivers Press).  Ever wonder how people like Churchill, MLK Jr., Susan B. Anthony and FDR were able to command the attention of thousands, and even millions?  James Humes, author, historian, professor and former speechwriter for several presidents, explains the tools used by the some of the greatest orators in history.  Learn to use the ‘Power Pause’, the ‘Power Quote’ and the ‘Power Closer’.  Filled with stories and anecdotes, the book is a relatively short read at 199 pages.  4 Stars!

Beyond Success – Brian Biro, forward by Coach John Wooden (©2001 Penguin Putnam) John Wooden’s success as coach of the UCLA Bruins Men’s Basketball Team is legendary.  But did you know that he coached for 25 years before he won his first NCAA championship?  Author Brian Biro takes Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success, which contains 15 Secrets to Effective Leadership and Life and develops each secret into a powerful, embraceable life-concept. Full of stories from both Coach Wooden and author Biro, these principles applied can be life-transforming.  Highly recommended! 5 Stars!

Decision Making In Communities by Jasmine Martirossian (©2001 Community Association Press) The subtitle of this book, “Why groups of smart people sometimes make bad decisions” delves into the sociological heart of why groups of people, often professionals with degrees, can get so sideways in the decision making process.  This is not a ‘magic-bullet’ book, but rather gives the reader a comprehensive overview and understanding of the decision making process. A ‘must read’!   5 Stars!

(reprinted from December 2004)

Rolf Crocker

Rolf Crocker is a national Vice President with Associa and CEO of M&C Communities in Stockton, CA  and he can be reached at

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And I would like to say: Thank You.

I have had a unique opportunity over the last several months to travel around the country and teach board members and industry professionals on a variety of subjects. I have been amazed and heart-warmed at how many of you have come up to me and said, “Hey Rolf – I love the Book Report! I read it every month and have purchased many of the books you write about.” My number one goal in doing this is to expose industry professionals to books which contain ideas and concepts that will add value to their personal and professional lives. James Autry, in his book “The Servant Leader” has a list he calls “5 Ways of Being.” Number 5 on that list is something he picked up as a child from his grandmother who would say, “Jimmy, make yourself useful - do something!” This column is my attempt to do just that – to be useful. Thank you so much for the encouragement and positive feedback.

On Education and self improvement Rolf says:

"Continuing Education is the difference between survival and success. I am an avid (some would say rabid) reader. Periodically, The HOA Manager NewsLine and this web site will present reviews of books, that I double-your-money-back-guarantee will improve your mind, your soul and your bottom line…or at least 2 out of 3 (your choice)! But, like my television counterpart from ‘Reading Rainbow’ says – “Don’t take my word for it…!”

On where to get books? Rolf says:

"I have this for you – www.Audible.com . This is a wonderful way to get some of the best books on business and management (fiction and self-help too!). You can listen on your computer, load to an MP3 player or burn to disk. Make use of your travel time – invest in yourself."

To contact Rolf about books:

"If you have a book that has revolutionized you on some level, please feel free to share it with me at  Who knows – your ‘Book Report’ could end up here. In the meantime, keep up on your own ‘portable’ MBA – through reading!"