Gary’s contributions to the world of community association management were vast and impactful. He joined The Hignell Companies in 2002, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and an innate ability to navigate the complexities of property management. His dedication to creating harmonious, well-functioning communities was evident in the relationships he built with homeowners, board members, and colleagues alike. Gary’s approach was always personal—he valued people above processes and had a unique talent for resolving challenges with a sense of empathy and understanding.
Through his 22 years at Hignell, Gary’s commitment never wavered. He was not only a property manager but a consultant who provided valuable guidance to communities facing complex challenges. His expertise, especially in managing large-scale communities, condominiums, and single-family homes, earned him the respect of his peers and clients alike.
Gary's professional journey was defined by excellence and a continual pursuit of growth. A graduate of California State University, San Jose, with a B.S. in Business Management, Gary later earned his MBA from California State University, Chico. Before entering the world of HOA management, he dedicated over 16 years to an international nonprofit organization. This foundation in service carried through into his work at Hignell, where he always put people first.
Gary earned his CCAM certification through the California Association of Community Managers (CACM) in 2003 and later achieved his Portfolio Management Designation in 2016. In 2020, he added the Commercial & Industrial CID Management designation to his impressive list of credentials. His knowledge, combined with his compassion for those he worked with, made him a true leader in his field.
Beyond his career, Gary was a man deeply devoted to his family. In every role he played—husband, father, or friend—his love and commitment were evident. Family was the cornerstone of Gary’s life, and his passion for relationships extended far beyond his household. His warmth and genuine interest in the people around him were what made him stand out, whether he was solving a community issue or simply sharing a story over coffee.
Outside of work, Gary found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep love for travel, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, always seeking new adventures and places to experience. His appreciation for life’s wonders and his boundless curiosity inspired those who knew him.
From Michael & Kathryn Redman, Half a Bubble Out Marketing & Leadership Development:
"We had the pleasure of working with Gary for over 15 years. Most will know him as the focused, knowledgeable and professional property manager and consultant who they received a weekly blog or email from; or you may have had the pleasure of interacting with him on a live webinar. Gary was all these things, but behind the scenes we also had the honor of getting to know him personally. He was a fun, friendly, familiar presence at our agency's office, and always full of relevant, relatable stories."
Behind the scenes: Gary Taylor & Michael Redman hosting a live HOA webinar.
From Jennifer Treff, Senior Property Manager, Hignell HOA Management:
"Since Gary’s passing, I have had many conversations with people that he interacted with in the course of his daily life as a property manager and a colleague. Anyone who knew Gary thought of him as a friend. He instilled this feeling in others by showing considerable and genuine interest in everyone that he met. By the time that you finished a conversation with him, he knew everything possible about you. Where you were from, how many children you had and their ages and their interests, what you like to do on your off time….He never left a meeting with a question unanswered, this usually resulted in him being late for his next meeting. He couldn’t leave any encounter without making those connections. He would remember those things shared the next time you saw him too. One person told me that being the “next meeting” usually meant getting a call that he was running behind!
He was always willing to share his experience with the other managers on the team. His door was always open, even when it wasn’t. He never turned anyone away who wanted to talk whether it was business related or just catching up with a co-worker. Gary’s strong faith in God permeated all that he did both personally and professionally. Many people have shared that he was the person that they would seek out when they needed someone to talk with about difficult situations, his perspective and thoughtfulness were valued by all. Everyone in our office will miss him for a long time to come. We will do our best to serve others in the same manner that Gary did."
Behind the scenes: Gary Taylor & Jennifer Treff recording HOA FAQ videos.
Gary Taylor will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire HOA community. His legacy is one of kindness, dedication, and a genuine love for people and the relationships that make communities thrive. As we remember Gary, we celebrate not only his professional achievements but also the many lives he touched along the way.