Steve’s enthusiasm and commitment to the industry immediately gained recognition among industry specialists and consequently, the number of associations seeking his expertise grew tremendously.

Nearly 15 years ago, Linda Schiff of Barrington Bank and Trust noticed the high quality of work being performed by FROST and encouraged Steve to become a member of Community Associations Institute of Illinois (CAI). Steve eagerly signed up, attended as many events as possible and eventually became a member of the Community Development Committee. It was not long before he became a familiar face and was asked to run for CAI’s Board of Directors. Once elected to the Board in 2008, he was asked to sit on the Finance Committee and in 2009 became Board Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee for the next five years. Today Steve still sits on CAI’s Finance Committee as Co-Chair. When speaking with Ania Dresher, Accounting Manager for the CAI Illinois Chapter, about her experience working with Steve, she said, “He has been a driving force on the Finance Committee to develop budgets, financial policies and internal controls. He has automated portions of the accounting process that have made my job easier. I feel better just knowing that Steve is looking over the chapter’s financials.” Cheryl Murphy, Executive Director of CAI Illinois Chapter joked that, “Steve comes to the Finance Committee meetings with 8-lbs of paper.” She said, “We joke about this but it shows the amount of care and diligence he puts into reviewing CAI’s financial statements. His leadership on the committee is invaluable and he has helped guide the Chapter into the future to make sound decisions.” In 2013, CAI–Illinois was awarded the CAI National Achievement Award for Finance Policies and Financial Strengths. Cheryl said, “We won this award in large part due to the work done under Steve’s leadership.”

Steve’s hard work and dedication was recognized by the CAI Illinois Chapter in 2012 when he received the Olympus Award, which honors the profound influence of an individual in the development of the Chapter. As a result of Steve’s commitment to educating board members, homeowners and property managers, he consistently encourages them to join CAI as well as other educational organizations. His commitment extends beyond CAI-Illinois. He is a member of several industry organizations, many of which he has presented for, such as ACTHA, ABOMA, CAI- Wisconsin, the Cooperator and Lakeside Development Corporation. Steve has been a guest speaker on Common Interest Radio, co-hosted by Bill DeMille and Tim Haviland, discussing various accounting and tax issues affecting associations. He has been quoted in the Chicago Tribune and The Chicagoland Cooperator several times and has written numerous articles on hot financial topics for the condominium and homeowners industry. His articles have also peaked national interest, resulting in requests for him to provide consulting and tax services for both residential and commercial associations in several states.

Steve’s influence in the industry is obvious, but many may not be aware of the profound influence he has had on me and the other members of the association team at FROST. I first began working with Steve when I joined FROST in 2003. His enthusiasm for the condominium and homeowners industry is infectious and I knew that I wanted to work on whatever he was working on. Through his guidance and belief in me, I developed that same passion for this industry and continue to learn from him every day. From speaking engagements, to sales calls, to writing articles, or any other aspect of our work with associations, Steve has always included me and our team in the process. He is encouraging and has always provided opportunities to develop one’s knowledge, abilities and interests. It is the rare individual who can lead with compassion and inspiration that drives one to work hard and go above and beyond expectations. Steve has done this not only for me, but for our entire team. Steve’s humbleness is something to be admired. Despite his many contributions and achievements, he will rarely take any of the credit and instead shares it with those around him. He is the first one to tip his hat and congratulate another on their success. In everything we do here at FROST, Steve always says, “We are a team.”

This philosophy is how he

approaches clients, co-workers, his staff and all industry professionals.

Steve’s commitment to his work with associations is obvious to those of us who know him best. He spends countless hours educating clients and industry colleagues, conducting industry research and developing his team at FROST. When it comes to the condominium and homeowners industry, whether a big event or small, whether speaking or just a guest, you will likely find Steve Silberman in attendance. At the office, we affectionately refer to him as “Super Silberman” as he is always there when we need him and always manages to get the job done, no matter what it takes.

Innovation is rooted in prior experiences, current needs and future expectations. Steve has proven to be a leading innovator for the association industry. He is always looking toward the future by educating and encouraging his clients, board members, property managers and organizations to plan for tomorrow.

Whether he is speaking about

budgeting, reserve funding plans or using technology to automate accounting processes, forward is the direction he is facing. In 1978, Steve envisioned the future of FROST and its potential impact on the association industry. Through his efforts, expertise and recognition, the firm has grown from the trusted advisor to a few associations to now being the trusted advisor for over 400 associations. Today Steve Silberman is respected throughout the industry, but most of all, he is admired by his team here at FROST.

Effective

November 2, 2015 , FROST has merged with Marcum LLP, a top national accounting firm, where Steve will continue to expand his team and lend his expertise to associations, nationwide.

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