Fathers and Sons - Steve Levine's Commentary

I guess that it is only natural for a father to look at his newborn son and want him to experience all of the wonderful things in life that he had growing up. How wonderful it would be, for the dad to be able to share his knowledge, expertise and experiences with his son, in hopes that (just maybe), that son would want to make some of the choices that his dad had.


I remember when my oldest son (Jason) was born some 33 years ago, I was hoping that he would be as passionate about Scouting as a boy as I had been and that he would want to join up, work hard and have the same fun that I did and eventually, make it to the rank of “Eagle Scout.” Eagle was an accomplishment that eluded me as I am just not a good swimmer and would have trouble saving someone else’s life, not to mention my own.

Jason joined Scouting as a Cub Scout at eight years old and somewhere around twelve, decided that Scouting wasn’t for him. He said that he just wasn’t having any fun. I asked him how he could not have any fun, camping, hiking, fishing, etc., and he answered, “Dad, those are things that YOU enjoy, but not me!”

I was devistated.

I soon realized that my dad let me choose my boyhood and teenage activities (Boy Scouts, wrestling team and marching band) and did not try to steer me to them or to any others. Jason is a fine young man with many talents and abilities, that he did not learn from me.

Neil & Anita Reed, founders of Realm Real Estate Professionals and the proud parents of this month’s cover honoree, Eric Reed did not push their youngest child toward any one activity and certainly did not try to recruit him for the “family business.” Neil shared with me that “We just let Eric make his own choices in hobbies, activities and later, careers and supported him in whatever he wanted to do. It was Eric’s choice to bring his knowledge of technology to Realm and use it to help our agents be more successful and our company grow.”

But, make no doubt about it, Eric, now the President of Realm, is a top producer in his own right and works with Neil and Anita to keep growing and improving their company of over 700 agents. You will definitely enjoy Eric’s story!

This month, we shine the spotlight on three amazing companies who are changing the way agents look, sell and service their clients.

In our “Lender Profile”, we feature the great folks at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
Torrin Polk (a member of the REE Publisher’s Advisory Board) and Ronda Turkus and their management teams are taking agents, builders and their clients to the “Next Stage” of home mortgages. Wells Fargo is one of the most recognized “brands” in retail banking and mortgage loans.

Sona MedSpa is a name that I have been hearing allot about lately throughout the realtor community. They do a fantastic job of helping you “look better, feel better, and be better!” My wife and associate publisher, Barbara went through some of their treatment plans before my step-daughter’s wedding last month and is now a “living testimonial” for their incredible services. Who else better to write the article? She looked even more beautiful at the wedding!

Finally, we feature Mr. Alex Nizhni and his company, AccuShow. AccuShow is quickly becoming “The Yardstick” by which all other showing and scheduling services should be judged. Our cover honoree, Eric Reed of Realm has become a huge fan of theirs. When you read their story, you will understand that there really is a major difference in how AccuShow handles their service and you, their clients!

At this point, you should have also noticed the special insert this month. Our good friends Andrew White and Candy Lynn George of Allied Home Warranty want you to know that there is a difference in home warranty companies as well. We are very proud that they have chosen REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVE to ensure that their brochure and application get into YOUR hands. Please give them a try if you have not already!

As always, good reading, good sales and “Happy Father’s Day” to all of you dads and sons with sons!

Success to you!

Steve Levine
Publisher