Andrew Brock, President of Digital and Technology Services and Global Chief Information Officer at Associa, has overseen significant transformations in the company’s IT landscape. Associa, a residential real estate giant with multi-billion-dollar revenues, employs 15,000 people across 350 offices worldwide. Brock's journey from a finance manager at PepsiCo to a leading figure in real estate technology innovation exemplifies the power of cross-functional expertise and strategic leadership.
Brock's career began in corporate finance, where he quickly distinguished himself by automating his tasks, freeing time to partner with IT leaders and understand the broader business implications of technology. This early initiative set the stage for his future roles, culminating in his move to Associa. At Associa, he faced the challenge of modernizing a fragmented IT infrastructure that suffered from frequent downtimes and inefficiencies.
Upon becoming CIO, Brock spearheaded investments in new platforms and integrations, transforming Associa’s IT department into a profit center. He launched digital business lines that generated revenue, reinvested in innovation, and developed a mobile app that facilitated community interactions and management. These initiatives not only improved system reliability but also fostered a culture of excellence and stability within the IT department, boasting a 98% employee retention rate over the past decade.
Brock’s leadership extended beyond IT improvements. Recognizing the fragmented nature of the residential property management market, he repurposed Associa’s development group to build digital products, such as an online platform for HOA fee payments. These products, initially designed to reduce costs, were later marketed to other firms, creating a new revenue stream for Associa. This strategic move allowed Associa to scale its acquisition growth strategy and adapt to the prop-tech era.
In response to the growing success of these digital ventures, Associa spun off a new entity, HOAM Ventures, with Brock as President and CEO. HOAM Ventures focuses on driving real estate innovation through private investments, further solidifying Brock’s role as a pioneer in integrating technology and real estate.
Brock's journey illustrates the importance of cross-functional experience and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities. His work at Associa and HOAM Ventures underscores the potential of technology to revolutionize traditional industries and drive sustainable growth.