Innovator in Association Steve Silberman P

assion, dedication and leadership are words often used to describe Steve Silberman and his contributions to the condominium and homeowners industry. It was 37 years ago in 1978 when Steve began his accounting career with Frost, Ruttenberg and Rothblatt, P.C. (FROST). It was here that he was first exposed to the condominium and homeowners industry; a time when FROST provided services for only a few associations. His desire to learn more about the industry was instant and he spent countless hours researching and attending seminars to learn everything he could about the industry, which naturally included accounting rules and tax laws affecting associations.

Steve’s research led him to the conclusion that the firm still had some things to learn about accounting rules and tax laws for associations and thus made it his mission for him, his team and FROST to become the industry experts and trusted advisors for condominium and homeowners associations. As Steve has always said, “If you only do a few of anything, you cannot be an expert.” Armed with the passion and the knowledge, he networked with other industry pioneers, such as Bill DeMille, then with J.S. James and Company, now with Chicagoland Community Management, Inc., Linda Schiff with Barrington Bank and Trust, Steve Bloomberg then with Moss & Bloomberg, now with Chuhak and Tecson, P.C., and the late Mark Pearlstein of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, to name a few. In an effort to share his knowledge and growing expertise, he frequently presented to property managers and association board members about association finances, taxes, the importance of fiduciary responsibility and best industry practices.

20 | COMMON INTEREST® A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter

By Amanda Paton, CPA

Accounting

CPA, Frost, Ruttenberg & Rothblatt, P.C. - Now Marcum LLP