Father's
Footsteps

My father was a man shaped by duty and service. My grandfather was a surgeon who answered the call of his country not once but three times — twice during World War II and once during the Korean War. His sense of patriotism ran deep and formed a deep sense of patriotism with my father. I remember the pride in his voice when he'd speak of his father, my grandfather, who was a military surgeon and eventually retired as a colonel.

Growing up, I often wondered how those years of service had molded him. The war had left its mark, not just in the stories he rarely shared, but in the way he approached life — with discipline, structure, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

A Man of Many Hats

Dad was a jack of all trades. A farmer, a traveling salesman, and a real estate broker — he wore these hats with equal determination. It was as if the war had instilled in him a need to constantly prove his worth, to provide for his family in every way possible.

His diverse career path meant we moved frequently, crisscrossing Northern Oregon. Each move brought new experiences, new challenges, and, for me, a growing fascination with houses and properties. Little did I know then that these constant relocations were laying the foundation for my future career.

The Real Estate Seed

"Dana, come look at this house," Dad would call out, his eyes scanning the property with a keen business sense. I'd trail after him, absorbing his comments about location, structure, and potential. Real estate wasn't just a job for him — it was a family affair. Between Dad, my uncle, and a couple of aunts, the world of property deals and negotiations was as familiar to me as the smell of fresh-cut hay on our farm.

We looked at houses everywhere we went. It wasn't a special outing — it was just part of our everyday life. I realize now that those countless house tours were my first real estate classes, taught by a man who understood the value of a good investment.

The Harsh Teacher

But life with Dad wasn't all valuable lessons and exciting moves. His parenting style was challenging, to say the least. "You're doing it all wrong!" he'd bellow, his face red with frustration. The two days a week he was home from his traveling sales job were often filled with tension. Mom had taught us to problem-solve and figure things out on our own. But to Dad, our solutions never seemed good enough.

His verbal outbursts were like sudden storms — intense, frightening, and leaving destruction in their wake. It was hard to reconcile this angry man with the father who was so respected in his professional life.

The Roots of Resilience

Looking back, I can see how Dad's behavior stemmed from his own struggles. His military background likely instilled a rigid sense of 'right and wrong,' leaving little room for the creative problem-solving Mom encouraged. These experiences taught me a valuable lesson: everyone has their struggles, their contradictions. Dad's harsh words pushed me to be different, to find a kinder way of dealing with frustration and challenges. In a way, his negative example shaped my positive approach to life and business.

The Business Mentor

Despite his shortcomings as a parent, Dad excelled as a businessman. His frugality and financial acumen were impressive. "We might not have much," he'd say, "but we'll make it stretch." And stretch it he did.

I remember sitting with him, poring over stock reports and investment portfolios. He taught me to understand market trends, to see the bigger picture beyond just day-to-day finances. "In farming, you only get paid once a year," he'd remind me. "You've got to make that money last."

These lessons in financial management have been invaluable in my real estate career. I learned to think long-term, to see potential where others might not, and to always be mindful of the bottom line.

The Power of Loyalty

If there was one virtue Dad held above all others, it was loyalty. His friends weren't just friends — they were extended family. To this day, I can't count how many "aunts" and "uncles" I have who aren't related by blood but by the bonds of Dad's unwavering loyalty.

This loyalty extended to his business practices, too. When Joseph's economy took a downturn and the mill closed, Dad didn't just move on to greener pastures. He brought his workers with him to Boardman, ensuring they had jobs and could provide for their families.

"Your word is your bond," he'd often say. "In business and in life, be someone people can count on." This lesson has been the cornerstone of my own business philosophy. My clients aren't just transactions — they're relationships I nurture and value.

The Unexpected Teacher

Dad's influence on my life and career has been profound, though not always in the ways he might have intended. His harsh words taught me the value of kindness and patience. His business acumen showed me the importance of financial literacy and strategic thinking. His loyalty demonstrated the power of building and maintaining strong relationships.

In real estate, these lessons translate into a unique approach. I strive to be the calm in the storm for my clients, guiding them through the often emotional process of buying or selling a home. I leverage my financial knowledge to ensure they make sound investments. And above all, I prioritize building lasting relationships over quick transactions.

Dad's legacy is complex, a mix of harsh realities and valuable insights. But isn't that true of life itself? In navigating the complexities of my relationship with him, I learned to navigate the intricacies of the real estate world. For that, despite everything, I am grateful.

As I work with clients today, especially seniors who remind me so much of my parents in their later years, I carry these lessons with me. The structure and discipline, the business acumen, the loyalty — all of it comes into play as I guide them through one of the most significant transitions of their lives.