Thomas C. Engblom
Author and Speaker
Thomas Engblom, PhD, is a Regional Account Executive for a national bank and a former association manager. He has been published extensively in industry journals, magazines, and books. He was awarded a doctorate in Business Administration from North Central University, his dissertation dedicated to a job satisfaction analysis for Community Association Managers. Engblom is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) by the Institute of Real Estate Management, and a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) by the Community Associations Institute.
The Experience and Education of a Lifetime
Hi, I'm Tom!
I have spent a lifetime working, studying, and having fun. I try to pass along what I've learned from working hard and studying hard, but I also try to make life just a little more fun and enjoyable for friends and readers. I hope you enjoy my books and they make your life richer and more rewarding. Remember: It's not about where you started, but where you end up!
Chapter 01
Sneak Peek
Check out the first pages of my new book, Working From Home.
Introduction
From Florida to Graduate School and Back
Travel was commonplace for me prior to the pandemic. For eighteen years, I traversed the Midwest as part of my career. My job was rewarding to my clients and me.
During the pandemic, that all changed. My “wings were clipped,” so to speak. I was relegated to a cubicle—my at-home office—like millions of others.
Fortunately, the situation was bearable as my girlfriend and I had planned in advance for dual living retirement. Our love was everlasting even after enduring life’s bumps, bruises, ridicule, and heartbreak. Having a soulmate who understands and supports the other’s endeavors during trying times is unifying. But despite our fortune, I learned a great deal about the hardships and benefits of remote working.
A brief autobiographical note: in 2016, Angela, my beautiful girlfriend, asked me to live with her in Panama City Beach, FL.
As a “test case” for future living, we rented a one-bedroom condominium. I commuted to and from Illinois and multiple Mid-west states in my territory from November through March. My travel regimen became so familiar, I could repeat it from memory.
When I was on the road, Angela took advantage of the time alone and began shopping for a home, which translated to: Things were working out and she thought we were ready to get a place together. She was aggressive and looked at over fifty properties, outling her corresponding needs and wants with an overview of each property. As I returned from each trip, there was a new property for me to review. We finally found a two-bedroom, two-bath place in a particular association.
In 2017, we rented out the property. The rental income helped me pursue graduate school in Illinois while Angela remained in Florida as a resident. Travel continued to be a common part of my life; I ping-ponged back and forth from Illinois to Florida regularly. The distance made our hearts grow fonder, and the emotional and practical pat-terns of movement and travel were ingrained in our minds.
In 2018, several things started coming together for us, almost simultaneously! We got engaged. I received a PhD. And we built a home in Florida with the intent of it being our retirement home.
We started 2019 with goal-making and renewed invigoration for life. We remembered the saying by Joel Osteen, “Life is flying by. You don’t have time to waste another minute being negative, offended, or bitter. If someone did you wrong, get over it and move forward.” We decided to adhere to that advice and got married!
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Reviews & Recommendations
"Tom is a very special banker...a fun guy and also gets things done. Mutual of Omaha is lucky to have such an accomplished banker with such a broad range of experience and expertise."
Brad Schneider, CPA, The Alliance of Community Assoc
"I’ve known Tom for the better part of 3 decades, and in that time have watched him transition from a property manager to a leader in the fields of Community Association, Real Estate, Education, and Lending. During the COVID shutdowns,
he seamlessly transitioned from his extensive travels to working from home. He not only maintained but increased his presence and client base, all while working remotely. As an educator, teacher, mentor, and leader, Tom is a singular individual, and his book
provides unique insights into his experiences."
chuck McCrimmon, Pres., Dakota/Evans Restoration, inc.
I" have known and worked with Tom for approximately 20 years. Tom is a pro's pro who knows the ins and outs of the Community Association industry. In addition to his extensive knowledge of how Associations work and their lending needs, Tom is a ""regular guy"" who can talk to anyone at their level. In our business you live off your reputation for timeliness and integrity and Tom gets first rate marks for both."
Robt Nesbit, Chairman, Nesbit, Kovitz, Shifrin, Nesbit
"Tom is one of the most persistent and motivated people I have ever had the chance to have on my team. He smart, sincere, and hard-working. He cares about the client, his co-workers and his company. To top it off, Tom is just a great guy."
Phil Lamb, Managing Dir., Sansoneo
"As Owner of Condominum Management Associates (CMA), I found 'Working from Home: Making It Work for You' to be an incredibly valuable resource for both myself and my team. This book offers practical advice and insightful strategies for successfully working from home and navigation life journeys while managing a condominium business remotely.
One of the key strengths of this book is its relevance to the unique challenges faced by condominium management owners. It recognizes the responsibilities of overseeing properties and managing a team can be challenging, especially when working from home. The Tom provides practical solutions and guidance that directly apply to the specific needs of individuals and groups condo management businesses.
The book covers a wide range of topics that are essential for condominium management owners working remotely. It addresses effective communication strategies, team coordination, and maintaining efficient operations. It also delves into topics such as job satisfaction, positive outcomes, and being productive.
I appreciate that the book acknowledges the importance of technology in facilitating remote work for condominium management owners. It offers valuable insights on selecting and utilizing the right tools and software to streamline operations and improve productivity. Tom’s recommendations are practical and consider the specific needs of condo management professionals.
Furthermore, the book provides guidance on managing and motivating remote teams. It offers strategies for fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and maintaining team morale. These insights are particularly relevant to condo management owners, as building a cohesive and efficient team is essential for successful operations.
Tom’s writing style is clear, concise, and easy to understand. The book is well-organized, making it easy to navigate and reference specific topics. Real-life examples are included, which help to illustrate the practical application of the strategies discussed.
'Working from Home: Making It Work for You' is an invaluable resource for condominium management owners navigating the challenges of remote work. It provides practical strategies, insightful advice, and a comprehensive understanding of the specific needs of condominium management businesses. I highly recommend this book to fellow condominium management owners as it will undoubtedly assist in successfully managing their businesses remotely."
Ronald Gunsberg, president, cma
"' Working from Home: Making It Work for You' is a practical guide that offers valuable insights and strategies for successfully navigating the challenges and maximizing the benefits of remote work. This book provides a comprehensive approach to help individuals make the most out of their work-from-home experience.
Tom explores various aspects of remote work, including creating an efficient workspace, time management techniques, maintaining work-life balance, and staying motivated and focused. The book offers practical tips for setting up a productive home office, establishing boundaries between personal and professional life, and effectively managing distractions.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on individual needs and preferences. It recognizes that different people have different work styles and offers flexible advice that can be tailored to suit individual circumstances. Tom encourages readers to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for them.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its practicality. It provides actionable steps and exercises that readers can implement immediately. Additionally, it offers real-life examples and success stories from people who have successfully transitioned to remote work, which adds credibility and inspiration.
The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The author's friendly and supportive tone creates a sense of camaraderie, making the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor.
While the book primarily focuses on the positive aspects of remote work, it also acknowledges the potential downsides and challenges. It offers advice on how to address common issues such as isolation, communication difficulties, and maintaining professional relationships from a distance.
Overall, "Working from Home: Making It Work for You" is a highly informative and practical guide for anyone navigating the world of remote work. It provides valuable insights, actionable strategies, and a supportive approach to help individuals thrive in a home office environment. Whether you're new to remote work or looking to enhance your existing setup, this book is an excellent resource to help you make the most of your work-from-home experience."
Vic Juska, Reader
" 'Working from Home: Making It Work for You' is a practical guide that offers valuable insights and strategies for successfully navigating the challenges and maximizing the benefits of remote work. Tom provides a comprehensive approach to help individuals make the most out of their work-from-home experience.
Tom explores various aspects of remote work, including creating an efficient workspace, time management techniques, maintaining work-life balance, and staying motivated and focused. The book offers practical tips for setting up a productive home office, establishing boundaries between personal and professional life, and effectively managing distractions.
What sets this book apart is its emphasis on individual needs and preferences. It recognizes that different people have different work styles and offers flexible advice that can be tailored to suit individual circumstances. Tom encourages readers to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for them.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its practicality. It provides actionable steps and exercises that readers can implement immediately. Additionally, it offers real-life examples and success stories from people who have successfully transitioned to remote work, which adds credibility and inspiration.The writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The author's friendly and supportive tone creates a sense of camaraderie, making the book feel like a conversation with a trusted mentor.
While the book primarily focuses on the positive aspects of remote work, it also acknowledges the potential downsides and challenges. It offers advice on how to address common issues such as isolation, communication difficulties, and maintaining professional relationships from a distance.
It provides valuable insights, actionable strategies, and a supportive approach to help individuals thrive in a home office environment. Whether you're new to remote work or looking to enhance your existing setup, this book is an excellent resource to help you make the most of your work-from-home experience."
summer ellwood, reader
"I recently had the opportunity to read "Working from Home: Making It Work for You," and I must say, it was a truly insightful and helpful guide. As being a retiree and former owner of several businesses, it provided practical advice on how to make the most out of my work experience.
One aspect that stood out to me was the Tom's emphasis on tailoring the strategies to individual needs and preferences. This approach recognizes that everyone's work style is unique and provides a range of options that can be adjusted to suit personal circumstances. I appreciated encouragement to experiment what works best for me.
The book covered a wide range of topics, including setting up an efficient workspace, managing time effectively, and maintaining work-life balance. Each chapter was well-organized and provided actionable steps that I could implement immediately. I particularly found the real-life experiences rereading several of the chapters for a thought process of my past.
While the book primarily focused on the positive aspects of remote work, it also addressed potential challenges, such as isolation and communication difficulties. I appreciated the tips and advice provided on how to overcome these obstacles and maintain professional relationships from a distance.
Whether you're new to remote work or looking to enhance your existing setup, I highly recommend this book. It has certainly made a positive impact on my personal experiences in life.
john klopfenstein, reader
"I recently read 'Working from Home: Making It Work for You,' and I must say, it was a game-changer for me. As someone who has been working remotely for a while now, I thought I had figured it all out. However, this book opened my eyes to new strategies and tips that have significantly improved my productivity and overall work-from-home experience.
What I really appreciated about this book is that it doesn't just provide a one-size-fits-all approach. It recognizes that everyone's work style and preferences are different, and it encourages readers to find what works best for them. Tom provides a range of options and practical advice that can be customized to suit individual needs, which I found incredibly helpful.
The chapters are well-organized and easy to follow. Each one covers a specific aspect of remote work, such as setting up a productive workspace, managing time effectively, and maintaining work-life balance. I found the step-by-step instructions and real-life examples to be particularly useful in understanding how to implement the strategies in my own routine.
The writing style is engaging and relatable, which made the book an enjoyable read. It feels like having a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who understands the challenges of working from home. Tom’s friendly tone and supportive approach were motivating and made me feel like I had a mentor guiding me through the process.
One aspect that stood out to me was how the book addressed potential challenges and offered practical solutions. It tackled issues like isolation and communication difficulties head-on, providing strategies to overcome them. These insights helped me improve my remote communication skills and maintain strong professional relationships with my colleagues.
Overall, "Working from Home: Making It Work for You" is a must-read for anyone working remotely. It offers valuable advice, tailored strategies, and a supportive approach that can make a significant difference in one's work-from-home experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enhance their productivity and well-being while working remotely. It has certainly been a game-changer for me, and I'm confident it will be for others as well.
john klopfenstein, reader
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