EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP: Don continues to be at the forefront of his profession in the service he provides. He ranked 29th out of 1000 Santa Barbara real estate agents in listings sold over the last 10 years . He is among the 5% of real estate agents who have achieved the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation for knowledge and performance over a 10 year period as well as the Graduate, Real Estate Institute (GRI) Designation with over 90 hours of live instruction and testing. Don is also in the top 1% of active full time Real Estate Agents who returned to College to earn a Degree in Real Estate. This achievement far exceeds the educational requirements of any other real estate designation. In addition, Don is a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), a designation designed to meet the specialized real estate needs and opportunities of senior citizens. To enhance his personal growth and communication skills in serving his clients, Don joined Toastmasters and he achieved the Advanced Toastmasters Gold (ATM-Gold) designation.
EXPERIENCE: Having lived, attended schools, worked and raised a family in Santa Barbara, Don has a unique and in depth knowledge of Santa Barbara County. Don worked in management positions in the field of public recreation and parks. Before entering the profession of real estate he was General Programs Supervisor for the City of Santa Barbara Recreation Department. In his first year in real estate he distinguished himself by selling his first open house in Montecito and becoming "Rookie of the Year." Since then he has been a top producer for over 23 years in his association with Coldwell Banker and their predecessors.
PRAISEWORTHY SERVICE: Don has a reputation for "Performance That Exceeds Expectations" and in meeting his client's needs. His friendly approach and professional service far exceed traditonal real estate service provided during the sale and purchase process, negotiations, and while the property is in escrow. You are never forgotten. As a result, Don has many satisfied clients who have benefited from the results of his service and provide many referrals. (Client Testimonials)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Don knows the importance of a good neighborhood. Under the motto "An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth A Pound of Cure", Don started a neighborhood watch program involving some 275 homes. This included selection of Street Captains and committee meetings, bi-monthly newsletters, annual neighborhood picnic, and street garage sales. After five years of service as president of the organization he continues to function as an assistant to the president. For his efforts, Don received the rarely awarded company "Eagle Award" for community service.
Don believes in giving back to the community. Don has been supportive of youth, and served for approximately five years as Cubmaster of two local Cub Scout Packs as well as past Chairperson of the local "Friends of Scouting" fundraising campaign. Don was also past president of his Toastmasters club.
California Salesperson's License, California Association of Realtors
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, University of California, Santa Barbara
Master of Science, Recreation & Parks Admin., California State University, Sacramento
Associate of Arts Degree, Real Estate, Santa Barbara City College
PERSONAL PROFILE: Don, with his two older brothers Jerry and Karl, was raised in Santa Barbara. In his youth he played football in high school and college. He also was a member of the high school swim team, Boy Scouts, and Key Club. He later served in the Army Reserves.
Don and his wife Holly have been married for over 40 years and have three adult children, two sons and a married daughter. They are proud Grandparents of four young children. Don's idea of a fun vacation is backpacking in the wilderness with his extended family to Mount Whitney, Yosemite, etc., and in the local Los Padres Wilderness area (School House, Santa Cruz, etc.). But Don's first love is his family followed by tennis and the wonderful and inspiring escape to nature during vacation.
