Reserve Data Analysis, Intl.

Becoming A Professional

Have you thought about becoming a professional reserve analyst and/or starting your own reserve company or just improving your skills with the company where you are?

Hi, my name is Edwin Edgley and I am the founder of Reserve Data Analysis.  Quite some years ago, after serving as Director of Property Management for the Girl Scout organization and then becoming a professional manager for homeowners associations, I realized that very little information was available to property managers for preparing or evaluating reserve budgets for their clients.  This eventually lead to my developing the RDA Reserve Management Software program in 1980 and the beginning of the very first professional reserve analysis company in the United States in 1983.  Yes, I am considered by many to be the "father" of this industry.

My professional education was to become a teacher, and though I have served as a volunteer in this respect, having stumbled into this profession, I never actually taught as a profession.  However, education has always served me well and I truly believe that the best consumers and competitors in this industry are educated ones. 

In line with this thinking, I have never held "trade secrets" from my fellow colleagues and freely share my information with anyone that is interested.  If you are a member of the Community Association Institute or familiar with their professional "Reserve Specialist" designation, you will see that most of the standards, information, definitions and requirements have come directly from our company, and are reflected in the earliest reports and information we have prepared since 1983.  I along with several colleagues were instrumental in the development of the CAI Reserve Specialist designation program and I personally have served as the past Chairman of the CAI Reserve Specialist Committee. 

Where to begin

The first step one should consider in exploring this field is specialized training.  This particular career requires expertise in many differing areas and professions.  In some sense you could say we are like property managers as our services are necessary for the proper management of any community or project.  When evaluating the condition, useful life and remaining lives of components, you might think of us as appraisers, and indeed many of the first preparers of reserve studies were from the appraisal industry.  When looking at buildings and equipment we utilize skills similar to mechanical or civil engineers.  When incorporating information into financial budgets and reports, we are likened to the accounting profession.  Indeed we are the "Renaissance" man or woman in this profession as we learn a little about everything without the sole specialization in any singular field.

If you are interested, consider the following options:

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  Specialized Training Programs

We offer several basic training programs from introductory to advance.  All fees are on a per session basis.  Thus, the more people that sign up for a program the less cost per individual.

Take a look at the program agendas by clicking on the links and determine which one best fits your needs:

• Board Member Training - Free locally, $250 standard fee.
• Management Company Personnel Training, 1 hour program - Free locally, $250 standard fee.
• Management Company Personnel Training, 2 hour program  - Free locally, $350 standard fee.
• Professional Reserve Specialist Training, 1 day program - $1,200 (includes lunch and study materials).
• Professional Reserve Specialist Training, 3 day program* - $3,600 (includes lunches and study materials).

All educational program fees are structured for the general Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area.  Additional travel costs vary, and can be expected range from an additional $600 to $1,800 for the location of your choosing.  Call for additional specific information:

1-800-359-5015

*Required in order to qualify to apply to become an RDA affiliated office

Become A Reserve Data Analysis Satellite Office

Why not consider becoming an RDA Satellite Office and own your own business? 

First, you must complete the standard "Professional Reserve Specialist Training - 3 day program" and then apply and be approved for further training and enrollment in the RDA Satellite Office Program.  This additional training, once approved, is at no charge and can be expected to last up to 3 months while you learn the basics.

Once we both feel you are ready, you will find yourself running your own business as a professional in the reserve preparation field.  Our support is on-going and in return you agree to a "royalty fee" for the use of the RDA software, trade names, marketing materials and business information.  This fee is based upon your gross income and you only owe fees for contracts and payments you have received.  This makes it quite easy for anyone with a related background to enter into this field.

Check out the details by reviewing a copy of our Satellite Office License Agreement at the attached link.  Pay special attentions to the underlined sections as these are the frequent areas that are negotiated at the time of the contract.  And, when you are interested in more information, give us a call!

1-800-359-5015