Brian Febbo Enhances the Places People Call Home

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As VP of construction for RealManage, Brian Febbo relies on extensive experience in the multifamily building world to move his organization forward. In a conversation with ABQ, Febbo discusses his background, his expertise in a niche industry, his work at Mirasol at Celebration on behalf of the association’s board of directors, and the importance of his family life.

1. Can we talk about some experiences that cultivated your skills and leadership?

Early in my career, I worked extensively in the multifamily industry, overseeing large construction and renovation projects. That experience was pivotal, not just because of the complexity of the projects but also because of the diverse stakeholders involved. Whether managing contractors, communicating with executives, or engaging with residents, I quickly learned the importance of clear communication, transparency, and trust.

During a significant capital expenditure project for a multifamily client that presented a unique timing challenge, I had to navigate the interests of the equity group, management company, contractors, and tenants. I realized then how essential it is to create processes that simplify complex decisions for those without a technical background.

This experience directly translates to what we do at RealManage: simplifying large-scale capital projects and large loss claims for homeowners’ association (HOA) boards, most of whom are volunteers without prior construction experience.

At RealManage, the construction division focuses on helping communities by acting as both an educational resource and a construction advisor while supporting them with construction administration during the project. We ensure that the board members have all the information they need to make confident decisions, whether it’s a small repair or a multimillion-dollar project.

Tim Haynes, our CEO, has been instrumental in fostering a culture of support and empowerment. His approach to leadership—prioritizing the growth of his team and the communities we serve—has strongly influenced my leadership style. I’ve been fortunate to have always worked with leaders who prioritized my development throughout my career, shaping how I approach leadership today.

2. What’s the focus of your role now, and how do you utilize your expertise in such a specialized industry?

As VP of construction, I oversee a specialized division that assists HOA boards with large loss claims and capital projects. Our primary value lies in simplifying what can often be a complicated and stressful process. Most board members are not construction experts, yet they are responsible for overseeing significant projects that can involve millions of dollars.

We guide them through the entire project life cycle, from scope development and bid solicitation to contract negotiation and project management. For example, we recently helped a board manage a major roofing project following a natural disaster. By acting as the board’s facilitator and conduit between contractors, professional services, and onsite teams, we ensured that the project stayed on budget, on time, and within the specified scope.

RealManage’s proprietary technology also plays a crucial role. Our end-to-end platform provides transparent, real-time access to operational data, financials, and project timelines, giving the board full visibility. This level of insight allows them to make informed decisions and gives them peace of mind that the project is in good hands. The trust we build with boards through this process helps the current project succeed and strengthens the long-term relationship between RealManage and the communities we serve.

3. Are there any projects on your plate right now that you’d like to highlight?

One that recently stands out is our work with Mirasol at Celebration, a well-known residential area near Disney World. This large master-planned community presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. With its vast number of amenities and active residents, the scale of the projects we manage—ranging from infrastructure improvements to amenity upgrades—is significant.

What makes this project particularly interesting is the complexity of managing such a high-profile community with multiple ongoing projects. Our role ranges from scope development and bidding services to overseeing the construction. We ensure that every aspect—from contractor selection to project closeout—runs smoothly and transparently. In this case, our purpose-built technology has been crucial in keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged.

Mirasol at Celebration is a great example of how RealManage can take on large, complex projects and deliver results that exceed the board’s expectations. By simplifying the management of such a large endeavor, we free up board members to focus on the broader goals of their community rather than getting bogged down in the technical details.

4. What are the core components of your leadership style?

At the core of my leadership style is the belief that people perform at their best when they are empowered and supported. I focus on providing my team with the tools and autonomy they need to make decisions while being available for guidance and support when needed. This is especially important in an industry like ours, where the stakes are high and our work directly impacts people’s homes and communities.

One key component of my leadership is transparency. I prioritize ensuring that my internal team and the HOA boards we work with understand the why behind every decision. This level of communication builds trust and ensures that everyone feels confident in the direction we’re heading, whether it’s managing a $50,000 repair or a $10 million infrastructure project.

I also emphasize accountability. Our division operates much like a business within RealManage, and we are always mindful of the bottom line—both for our clients and for the company. By holding ourselves accountable for delivering quality work on time and within budget, we help our communities run efficiently and ensure that RealManage remains a trusted partner in HOA management.

5. What makes your life whole outside of your role?

Family is the cornerstone of my life, and everything I do professionally is ultimately for them. My career decisions have always been driven by the desire to provide a better life for my family, which is why I’ve been so drawn to the work we do at RealManage. The idea of helping to enhance communities where families can thrive resonates deeply with me.

“Our primary value lies in simplifying what can often be a complicated and stressful process. Most board members are not construction experts, yet they are responsible for overseeing significant projects that can involve millions of dollars.”

Brian Febbo

I spend as much time as possible with my family outside of work. In those moments, whether we’re spending a weekend together or I’m attending my kids’ activities, I find balance and perspective.

This family-first mindset not only grounds me but also informs the way I approach my role at RealManage. The communities we serve are often built around families—places where people want to raise their children, make memories, and feel safe. Knowing that the work we do helps create and maintain these environments makes what I do that much more meaningful.

In many ways, the values I hold in my personal life—trust, support, and creating a lasting positive impact—mirror what we strive for in our division. We help HOA boards manage their communities so that they can focus on the things that matter most, like fostering a safe, welcoming environment for families.

When I see the relief and satisfaction on the faces of board members and residents after completing a substantial project, it’s a reminder that our work isn’t just about construction or budgets—it’s about enhancing the places where people’s lives unfold. Improving and adding value to these family-oriented communities is incredibly rewarding because, at the end of the day, it’s about ensuring that families like mine have the best possible living experience in the places they call home.

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