Reviewed By Rolf Crocker

The Book Report - July, 2011

This will be a unique Book Report for me, one that I will tell you up-front that I cannot write objectively. The reason is that I had a front row seat for almost four years of the author’s story. In the interest of full disclosure, Craig Huntington was my boss during my time at Community Association Banc. I started out with CAB as a Regional Account Executive for Northern California and ended as National Sales Manager for their software program. When I started in August of 2004, CAB was at $320 million in deposits. Upon my departure, they were at $1.3 billion in deposits – an amazing growth story by anyone’s estimation. This book is the story behind the man who drove that growth.

Risk: A Road Worth Traveling by Craig Huntington with Mark Graham (©2011 Published by Craig Huntington). This is more than just an autobiography. This book contains the philosophy and the journey of the man that made a big thing happen that has had direct, far reaching and long lasting impact on our industry.

What I like about Craig’s approach is the mix of telling his story along with the philosophies and beliefs that shaped him. Starting from ownership of his first nightclub in Santa Barbara at the age of 23 through today, Craig goes into his decision-making process throughout the journey. It’s one thing to say “Look at what I’ve done!” It’s another to show the process behind it. Here, Craig does not skimp – he opens it up, warts and all.

In particular, I like Craig’s “Don’t Do” list, some of which are:

• Don’t worry about things you have no control over
• Don’t wait too long to act
• Don’t discount other people’s feelings
• Don’t forget: Family First
• Don’t ever stop believing in yourself

As with any vocational journey, there is the good, the bad and well, you know the rest. That said, what was accomplished by the Craig Huntington and the crew that rode with him was nothing short of remarkable. The fact that the entity he drove to success continues to this day is a testament to the fortitude of all who were involved, past and present.

Risk: A Road Worth Traveling is entertaining, informative and gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at someone from our own industry. Someone once said it’s not bragging if you can do it. This book is definitely worth the “Risk.” 4 Stars!

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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