Leadership Roles

Many firms in the reserve study field describe themselves as “industry leaders,” often based solely on the volume of reports they produce. However, production volume and marketing reach are not, by themselves, indicators of leadership or professional excellence.

At Facilities Advisors, we believe leadership is demonstrated through innovation, professional standards, education, and meaningful contributions to the advancement of the reserve study profession.

Advancing the Reserve Study Profession

Facilities Advisors has played a central role in transforming reserve studies from an industry service into a recognized professional discipline. We were instrumental in the creation of the International Capital Budgeting Institute (ICBI), which established the Generally Accepted Reserve Study Principles and Generally Accepted Reserve Study Standards in 2015. These standards created a framework for consistency, accountability, and professional practice within the reserve study profession.

ICBI also established continuing education requirements for reserve study preparers, reinforcing the importance of ongoing professional development and technical competency.

Professional Leadership

Facilities Advisors CEO Gary Porter serves as President of ICBI. He also served as National President of Community Associations Institute (CAI) in 1998 and was one of the three founding members of the CAI Channel Islands Chapter in 1979.

In addition, Mr. Porter serves as a director of both the Associated Reserve Planners (ARP) trade organization and the Budgeting Professionals Credentialing Board (BPCB).

Mr. Porter’s multi-disciplinary background has been instrumental in the development of the unique position Facilities Advisors holds in the community association industry.   Mr. Porter’s early career training in architecture has influenced the development of an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to reserves.  Mr. Porter is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Facilities Management Professional (FMP).  He also holds CAI’s Reserve Specialist (RS) designation and was the first individual to earn the BPCB’s Registered Reserve Consultant (RRC) credential—the only reserve credential requiring formal coursework and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. He also authored or coauthored several educational courses for reserve professionals, including:

  • Reserve Study Fundamental Concepts
  • Performing High Rise Reserve Studies
  • Performing Country Club Reserve Studies

Facilities Advisors partner Greg Libke serves as President of ARP-USA (Associated Reserve Planners) and oversees the organization’s annual conference. He also serves as a director of ICBI and coauthored the educational course Performing Country Club Reserve Studies.

A History of Innovation

Facilities Advisors has consistently pioneered advancements in reserve studies, maintenance planning, and facilities management. Our history of innovation reflects our commitment to improving professional standards, methodologies, technology, and client outcomes.

Selected Industry Firsts

  • 1982 – First to prepare reserve studies based on an association’s maintenance program
  • 1986 – First to publish a book dedicated to reserve studies
  • 1986 – First to publicly distinguish between reserve studies and capital budgets
  • 2002 – First to publicly identify limitations in the reserve study model commonly used within the community association industry
  • 2003 – First to integrate maintenance planning and reserve studies into the “Reserve Management Plan” concept
  • 2003 – First to adopt standard financial reporting protocols within reserve study reports
  • 2003 – First to identify detailed cost elements in component pricing methodologies
  • 2003 – First to redefine reserve “components” as “Reserve Activities” to better reflect budgeting realities
  • 2003 – First to challenge the limitations of the traditional “four-part test” for reserve components
  • 2003 – First to adopt inflation-adjusted methodologies for percent-funded calculations and disclosures
  • 2003 – First to standardize disclosure of long-lived components not included in funding studies
  • 2003 – First to include projected expenditures for non-physical reserve items such as engineering studies
  • 2003 – First to formally issue a “Preparer’s Report” within reserve study reports
  • 2003 – First to include a “Summary of Significant Assumptions” section in reserve study disclosures
  • 2005 – First to offer browser-based reserve study software
  • 2006 – First to create an electronic field data capture tool using Excel
  • 2013–2014 – First to create and implement a comprehensive set of reserve study standards through ICBI
  • 2014 – First reserve study company to prepare comprehensive maintenance plans for clients
  • 2015 – First to publish a comprehensive 400+ page guide to reserve studies
  • 2016 – First to utilize credentialed maintenance experts for on-site analysis
  • 2020 – First to use digital imaging technology for precise building measurements and 3D building models
  • 2021 – First to present an educational course on Reserve Study Fundamentals
  • 2023 – First to present an educational course focused on cost principles and component pricing methodologies
  • 2023 – First to implement advanced measurement technology capable of measuring distance, elevation, and volume
  • 2023 – First to create maintenance software designed specifically for the community association industry: F7 Maintenance Planner
  • 2024 – First to create industry-specific maintenance activity tracking and documentation software: F7 Maintenance Tracker
  • 2024 – First to create a comprehensive online reserve and maintenance activities database
  • 2024 – First to develop an online electronic data capture system integrated with a reserve and maintenance database
  • 2024 – First to employ LiDAR technology to create accurate electronic floor plans and measurements for interior association spaces
  • 2025 – First to identify and implement the full range of cost elements associated with replacement cost analysis
  • 2025 – First to apply multi-data-point valuation methodologies to refine and validate cost estimates
  • 2026 – First to programmatically capture component history data to support useful life and replacement cost analysis
  • 2026 – First to programmatically identify assets excluded from reserve funding plans to improve asset completeness evaluation
  • 2026 – First to develop and implement an integrated facilities management platform for the community association industry: Facilities 7

Setting the Standard

Facilities Advisors continues to lead through innovation, education, professional standards, and technology development. Our commitment to advancing the reserve study profession has helped shape many of the practices and methodologies widely used today.

We do not simply participate in the profession—we help define its future.