Building a career in real estate is a journey filled with challenges, high stakes, and countless late nights. But throughout my career, one aspect has been a constant foundation of support and balance: my family. In a field where the pressure to succeed can feel all-consuming, family has kept me grounded, offering perspective, purpose, and motivation. I firmly believe that any success I’ve found in real estate has been due, in large part, to the support, balance, and insights I’ve gained from my family. Here’s a look at how my family has influenced my journey in real estate and why I believe keeping family close is one of the greatest keys to sustained success.
The Importance of a Supportive Partner
One of the pillars of my life has been my wife, Christine. We’ve been married for over 38 years, and throughout this time, she has stood by my side, supporting me through every decision, risk, and success. Real estate can be unpredictable, and like any business, it comes with financial highs and lows. Having Christine’s unwavering belief in my vision has been invaluable, particularly during the tougher times. She’s been a sounding board for ideas, a calming presence in stressful moments, and my biggest cheerleader through every milestone.
In the early days of my career, I often had to spend long hours on projects, sometimes away from home, trying to establish myself. During those times, Christine managed to create a warm and supportive environment for our family while also finding ways to be involved in the business. Whether helping with office tasks, giving feedback on projects, or just lending a listening ear, Christine has always been an active part of my journey in real estate. Her contributions may not show up on a balance sheet, but they’ve been essential to everything I’ve achieved.
Teaching Our Kids the Value of Hard Work and Integrity
Our three adult children have also been a big part of my life in real estate. From an early age, I’ve made it a priority to teach them the values that I believe are essential in both business and life: hard work, honesty, and respect for others. When they were young, I’d take them along on site visits and even let them participate in small parts of the business to help them understand the importance of diligence and integrity.
As they grew older, they began to see the bigger picture of what I do, the risks involved, and the rewards that come with perseverance. Whether or not they choose to work in real estate, I wanted them to learn that success isn’t just about financial gain but about adding value to others and working with honesty. To me, leaving this legacy for my kids—one that emphasizes character and integrity over profit—is one of the most significant successes I could hope for.
Balancing Family Time and Business Responsibilities
One of the biggest challenges for anyone in real estate is achieving a healthy work-life balance. Projects can be all-consuming, with deadlines, client meetings, and on-site issues sometimes taking priority over everything else. However, family has been a constant reminder for me to take a step back, to ensure I’m present in the lives of those I love.
Making time for family doesn’t mean sacrificing business success. In fact, I believe that striking this balance has actually made me more effective as a real estate investor and developer. When I spend time with my family, I return to work with renewed focus and clarity. Family time offers a mental reset that allows me to approach business challenges with fresh eyes and a clearer perspective. It’s a reminder of what truly matters and keeps me grounded in a field that can sometimes feel like a constant sprint toward the next deal.
Lessons in Resilience from My Grandchildren
Now that I have two grandchildren, I’m seeing everything from a new perspective. Watching them grow has been a reminder that success isn’t just about what we accomplish today but about the legacy we leave behind for future generations. Their presence has given me a renewed motivation to create projects that not only benefit clients and investors but also serve the community and contribute positively to the world they will inherit.
Kids have a natural resilience and curiosity, which is something I’ve tried to emulate in my own approach to business. When a project hits a snag or a deal doesn’t pan out as expected, I think about how my grandkids would approach a challenge—with curiosity, persistence, and an open mind. Their fresh perspective reminds me that every challenge is just a stepping stone toward something greater.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
For me, family isn’t just a support system; it’s an integral part of why I do what I do. Real estate is a means to provide, create, and ultimately build a legacy that I hope will impact my family and the community positively. Every development, every land acquisition, and every project is an opportunity not only to achieve professional goals but also to set an example of responsible, ethical business for my children and grandchildren.
Building a family legacy is about creating something meaningful that reflects our values. I want my family to look at the projects I’ve developed and feel pride in the contributions we’ve made to the community. Whether it’s preserving a piece of history on a ranch or creating sustainable housing solutions, I see my work as a reflection of the values we hold dear as a family.
Family: The True Measure of Success
In the end, real estate success is not just about the properties you own or the profits you earn—it’s about the people you share it with and the values you uphold. My family has been my anchor, my motivation, and my greatest achievement. Through their support and influence, I’ve been able to navigate the ups and downs of the real estate world with a sense of purpose and perspective.
As I look forward to future projects and adventures, I’m grateful for the role my family has played in shaping my journey. Success, to me, is as much about the memories we make together and the legacy we leave as it is about any business achievement. Family has taught me that true success is measured not only by professional milestones but by the love, support, and lessons we pass on to those we care about. And that, more than anything, is what I’ll always strive to carry forward.