Frankly Speaking

About two and a half years ago, Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey died from complications from a variety of illnesses which culminated in a severe bout of pneumonia from which he would never recover. In the aftermath of his passing his fellow band mate and lifelong friend Don Henley, announced that this would be the end of the Eagles. He pondered how it would be possible for the band to continue after the loss of Frey, whom had been such an integral part of the band. This was not unfamiliar territory for this band. In 1975 just 4 years into their meteoric careers, lead guitarist Bernie Leadon left the group. At that time, the answer to the opportunity was a wonderfully successful guitarist named Joe Walsh. Walsh (born in 1947) had enjoyed great success prior to joining the Eagles. And, has been an anchor since joining the band in 75. Fast forward to January 2016. And, the passing of Frey. Henley’s assertion that the band could not continue was premature at best. You see, that in the w...

Hello: In 2007, the world ended and it was nearly impossible to sell real estate because buyers sensed a shift in the market and realized that if they waited, it was likely that they could get the property cheaper. In the years leading up to this time, buyers knew two things, if they were breathing they could get a loan. and, if they held the property for just a few short months, they could expect a substantial profit as their reward. Much the same as in the Great Depression of the 1930's, it was pure greed that fueled the runaway market and, drove its collapse. Realtors were not immune to the effects of this collapse. Many lost their families, their homes, and, their businesses. Many of those have yet to recover today. In our offices this past week we spent a great amount of time analyzing the lessons that we learned from the demise of this seemingly never-ending (we now know that they always end) real estate cycle. The following are the lessons ...

Good Morning, This past week I read (for the sixth time) one of my all time favorite books. It is by the famous author Napoleon Hill who wrote the book Think and Grow Rich. This book is a classic that should be on everyone’s “Must Read” list. However, today I want to take a moment to talk about his other book. One that I believe is far more relevant. Even if it is not as well known. The book is called Outwitting The Devil. And, it is about a (mythical) conversation between Hill and the devil. This book was written two years (1932) after Think and Grow Rich. But, because it was deemed to be too controversial for the times, it was locked in a vault not to be made public until 2011. And, I believe, that this book is as valid today as it was the day it was written. In 1932 the world was just beginning to recover from the Great Depression. In 2011 we were just starting to see the seeds of recovery from the worldwide financial collapse of 2007. In 1932, the world was brought down by ...

# WeekendWishes   Good morning, Today is Mother's Day. And, it is my hope that you take a moment to reflect on the influences that ALL of the mothers in your life have had on you. I say that because I have never met a mother who was not both a teacher and a nurturer. My own mother was like a best friend as I was growing up. She at times was bigger than life itself. And, at other times vulnerable to the pressures of life. She taught me how to enjoy life. And, for that, I will always be grateful. And, while it is not possible for me to express my love and gratitude to her today. If I could, I would want her to know that there is not a time when I think of her that it doesn't bring a smile to my face. And, a warmth to my heart. At different times in my life, the other mothers in my life coached me, molded me, and guided me to be the person that you know today. Some were aunts (Jeanie, Carmen and, Betty) and I owe each of them for the lessons that they taught me. At othe...

#WeekendWishes , It is often said that we are the median sum of the 5 people that we associate with most. If they are successful, we are more likely to be as well. Because, we will model the behaviors that they demonstrate. Buy into the values that they espouse. And, commit to the path that they walk. To be clear, the people who would be in your “Five” may very well be different depending on the subject at hand. For example someone who is very accomplished in business may not be a good fit for my “Religion Five”. And, someone who I rely on as a confidante for Fitness, might not be a good fit for my “Business 5” . It should be noted that people will move in and out of your “Five” (if we are being purposeful about our associations) because, of our growth. Their growth. Or, a lack thereof by either party. I have a friend who is by any measure my best friend. He knows all that there is to know about me. And yet, he still likes me. I know, go figure! But th...