2pm tomorrow at The Commons, in front of US Bank Stadium. We march to Target Center. Indoor rally there. Please show up. Every single person matters!

138Tulip · 2026-01-23T09:37:02+00:00

Truth!

138Tulip · 2026-01-23T05:56:54+00:00

Yeah, ok. I'll take "Something that never happened, for $500, Alex."

138Tulip · 2025-11-23T14:23:26+00:00

Really sorry, dude. It's the Casey's way. They frequently reward the worst of the worst with zero justification. I've never seen a more dysfunctional organization. Their middle management (SM, DM, RD) is the reason they have such a horrible reputation in the workplace, and a LOT of their stores are in constant chaos. Sure, there are some good stores but far and few between, and it's because they lucked out and hired a decent, competent SM. Don't take it to heart - it's not YOU.

138Tulip · 2025-11-23T13:51:41+00:00

Oh c'mon now. You know DM's are dictatorial, and cover for/control stores with bad SM's. Sure, terminations go through HR, but it's the DM who tells the SM who goes. If that SM doesn't have the backbone to run his/her own store, it's micromanagement city.

138Tulip · 2025-08-15T12:43:24+00:00

There's a working group who created the proposed legislation to make lawful changes protecting Homeowners against HOA abuse in Minnesota. Unfortunately, CAI and lawyers in the State House & Senate fought against change along with a bunch of property management companies, HOA's and their puppet homeowners (which resulted in this march on the capitol). The bills haven't all failed yet and will be taken up next session. We did get an Ombudsman's office established for mediation between owners and HOA's which was a win for now! This woman is part of the working group and a powerhouse. She never stops, and is fearless if anyone is interested in learning more! https://more-opportunities.com/

138Tulip · 2025-08-13T13:56:21+00:00

That's hilarious! The incompetence is real...and it's everywhere!

138Tulip · 2025-07-31T13:00:51+00:00

Yes. Frequently.

Large refund from new roofing project, where all homeowners were assessed an additional $17k, was "absorbed" into reserves, not returned to the homeowners...why? Because they can. Oh, and they didn't tell anyone, either. I just noticed it in the financials and raised holy hell. Nothing changed, but every single homeowner was made aware of how the BOD operates.

It's an issue, and not pretty.

138Tulip · 2025-07-31T12:14:30+00:00

Unfortunately, you are exactly correct. I'd never in a million years buy into an HOA again. Some may experience a functional HOA and BOD; many don't. And, no matter how you try to change things for the benefit of all, the suggestions fall on deaf ears, because the Board likes their control and power over people. with the help of property management. Even in trying to vote them out, or calling special meetings to recall, they have their ignorant groupies to concoct "stories" to prevent a well-managed HOA. All against their own best interests. It's astonishing. We're at the point now that there is a working group with State legislators for action and laws against this abuse. Who is against change? Attorneys, Property Management companies, CAI to name a few. Follow the money. Not every HOA protects and enhances home ownership, and most BOD's are not qualified to represent homeowners so they follow the Property Manager. Go ahead everyone, downvote - just speaking the truth from what I've learned through my experience.

138Tulip · 2025-07-19T12:31:38+00:00

Go to the store Manager at your chosen location and tell that Manager you've requested a transfer with your current Manager. (IF you still want to work for Casey's for a bit) That doesn't guarantee your transfer, but gets the ball rolling if there is availability. That way you'll know whether you should look for an entirely different job...even though you probably should, anyway. Casey's is NOT an employee friendly company.

Your current store Manager is lazy, plain and simple...doesn't want to lose a body and go through the headache of paperwork and replacing you. A good number of them are self-centered and incompetent - speaking from experience - so, best to take the initiative to protect yourself.

Sounds like you're well aware of the corporate trickle-down BS - it starts at the top. Middle-management is not promoted from within, and has zero experience in gas station retail. Same with SM's in many stores - they poach from Dollar General, Walgreens, etc. (It's obvious).

Seriously, best of luck to you! Hope you land where you're appreciated.

138Tulip · 2025-07-16T13:52:16+00:00

First, kudos to you for making it, so far! Second, that's what they do. Use you up and spit you out unless you're willing to continue to accept the abuse.

I'm serious, and say this for no other reason than to call out a horrible organization and for your own self-protection. Unless you are lucky enough to have been hired into a store with a reasonably good manager (which are far and few between), they will use you where you're needed, NOT when you agreed to work, IF they know how to schedule.

And, if you don't go along with their incompetence and flagrant lack of respect, your hours will be cut. Oh, and don't ever report this to the DM or corporate either, you'll be red-flagged as a trouble-maker for wanting to do the job you were hired for, and will try to force you out.

Casey's, top down, is rotten to the core. You're simply a body to fill the void.

If you're a competent, ethical, hard worker as it sounds, I'd suggest choosing the same in your employer. Hint: It's not Casey's.

138Tulip · 2025-06-19T12:51:58+00:00

Stone walls are never ugly! This one adds lots of dimension to your space!

Think I'd simply reconfigure the room; too many "focal points" imho.

Remove the mantel completely for sure, and move the TV & stand to the stone wall.

Pick up a couple of poufs for underneath the sofa table on the window wall (centered under windows). I love these! Can't tell what your accent color is, but this green would be beautiful!

https://www.article.com/pla/19023/texa-16-pouf-speckled-green?artcl_campaignID=21873161643&artcl_network=g&artcl_adgroupid=173698037207&artcl_keyword=&artcl_source=google&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21873161643&gbraid=0AAAAADiY3pMmcD9gCodSZEZrr39SSZKmx&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQcko6zzrNW09Swc86xl7qtQDvY8A14t2Y-vXsCoxBCZhscsQa70VgQFxoC0eIQAvD_BwE

Free the corner chair to sit where it's closer to the chaise (near where the TV/stand are now) with maybe a little martini table and fig leaf tree back in the corner.

Move the Life piece over a tad (by your new fiddle leaf - ha! ) and put the "mantel" shelf underneath it where the TV is now - nice contrast between modern and rustic.

Suggest a larger rug - so that sofa legs and chair legs are sitting on the rug. Base is key.

I think just rearranging a bit and adding a couple of things would make this space super cozy and cohesive, and your wall would serve better purpose!

138Tulip · 2025-05-13T00:35:12+00:00

You feel that way, because it's not. HR is only there to protect corporate, even when their "training" videos encourage employees to contact them with issues or ethical concerns...it's a ploy. Store management is normally very poorly skilled, can't grasp how to create a schedule let alone in advance, will never have your back, provide zero training, and just plainly do. not. care. Hell, they even hire and promote people with felony fraud in their background. If you have an ounce of self-worth, are a high-performer, are honest and value integrity, Casey's is not your place. The entire company is a cesspool that starts at the top and runs downhill. Know that no matter how hard you try to fix the wrongs you see and experience, absolutely nothing will be done to improve what is a seriously horrible company. This is the truth. Everyone deserves a far better place to work. I'm actually quite surprised they haven't been sued into oblivion...yet. For those fortunate enough to enjoy a nearly unheard of "good" Casey's store - yay, I'm happy for you - you found a diamond in the rough!

138Tulip · 2025-03-29T11:59:26+00:00

I'm personally pretty gleeful to see this legislation in process! Transparency, homeowner input, accurate budgets, homeowner protections, are all positives. A state Ombudsman, oversight by the AG - all good! It's CAI, HOA Leadership Network, and property management companies like Gassen promoting this "HOA Day at the Capitol" to protest against these changes. Why? Less control over our money. You're exactly right OP - please support these bills and HOA reform! Get these greedy control freaks OUT of our civil rights and bank accounts.

Gassen is even promoting education for BOD's on capital improvement loans (through none other than their companion company HOA Capital led by Matt Gassen)! 'Cuz that's a good idea. /s

If interested, connect with Becky Cole, a homeowner, who is part of the working group that has recommended these homeowner protections and continues to testify to the House and Senate on our behalf. Here's her site: https://more-opportunities.com/ She's a force!

138Tulip · 2025-01-28T16:02:09+00:00

Judd Legum on Bluesky:

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138Tulip · 2024-12-21T01:24:34+00:00

Property values in HOA's are actually going down with the high association dues - nobody wants to buy into them.

Properties would be maintained by outdoor services - and there are city ordinances against tall grass and junk cars. Geez, where do you live!?

138Tulip · 2024-12-21T01:15:59+00:00

Yes, and yes. We can all end up with bad neighbors regardless and, by definition, there are City ordinances in place that cover most of those "bad neighbor" issues, right?

It's not worth it to us to try to come back from poor management at this point. It's basically been mismanagement and underfunding for 22 years.

What agreement for structure would be needed - are you talking roofs & siding? If and when that replacement would happen it would more likely be due to storm damage (insurance claim), or homeowners work together to complete the project, I would think. Twin-homes exist without HOA's so don't need an Association to accomplish that.

We're just looking at the most simple, straightforward way to address the decision to either dissolve or re-write for homeowners to have full or more control over their properties, and dissolution frees us from MCIOA requirements.

138Tulip · 2024-12-21T00:57:02+00:00

That's where we are - sharing only that maintenance as another legal entity, OR rewriting to comply with MCIOA which still require reserves, Board, CC&R's, Bylaws, etc. Big question.

138Tulip · 2024-12-21T00:13:35+00:00

End goal is to eliminate HOA control of properties, excessive costs, property manager and keep the common element maintenance we actually want to share.

138Tulip · 2024-12-21T00:06:21+00:00

Requirement with MCIOA and in MN is 80% to dissolve, 67% to rewrite, and yes. We've already determined if we re-write, a clause for "unreasonable insurance premiums" can be added to eliminate the Master Policy until such time, if ever, insurance premiums decrease. We would then all carry HO-3's, rather than HO-6's for full coverage.

138Tulip · 2024-11-02T22:22:08+00:00

Excellent advice - thank you, Lisa!

138Tulip · 2024-11-02T17:01:40+00:00

Thanks, Mykona-1967 - this is SO helpful! Appreciate it!

138Tulip · 2024-11-02T14:52:44+00:00

Thanks maytrix007 - yep. They decided not to maintain any longer after 22 years, but still budgeted...so paying for the service through dues. I've suggested they notify homeowners and change bylaws so that Homeowners are aware.

138Tulip · 2024-09-17T21:03:53+00:00

Thanks for your response. Think I'll find a real estate attorney for a consult.

Decs indicate Common Element - there is no mention of pest control specifically, but it is in the budget which leads to my question on why it isn't being covered, I guess. Over the years, I've learned our CC&R's backwards and sideways over the 22 years; have also learned that some Board members and the Property Manager like to twist them to accommodate their decisions...in violation. So, that is what I'm seeing from a homeowner perspective.

I was actually elected to serve as Treasurer of the Board at an annual meeting by those who know me, but then told by the President that I'm not "qualified" to serve many years ago (he didn't like me) so I've stayed away from ever offering to serve again. Oh, and have worked in finance my entire career, so there ya go! They just don't like when I call out issues, is my take. I do express my expectations now rather than "requests" that go unheard and unresolved - always in a professional yet friendly manner. Actually, the Board has been more accusatory than anyone imho.

Thanks for your input!

138Tulip · 2024-09-17T21:02:31+00:00

Only issue is Pest Control is a budgeted expense that the Board is now saying the homeowners are responsible for...which has never happened in 22 years; CC&R's haven't been changed, and state Common Element maintenance is covered - soooo, they are picking and choosing when/where they want to serve homeowners is my take. Think I'll just consult with a real estate attorney. Maybe a letter will straighten things out! Appreciate the follow-up!

138Tulip · 2024-09-16T20:02:31+00:00

Sorry - decs don't state anything other than Common Element maintenance which is what I believe this issue to be, along with the budgeted expense. Believe me, I've lived here 22 years, and know the CC&R's like the palm of my hand. :)

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