Real Producers Lane County

LANE COUNTY

C O N N E C T I N G .

E L E VAT I N G .

I N S P I R I N G .

TOP PRODUCER

A.D. SMITH KELLER WILLIAMS RISING STAR: Liz Churchill BROKERAGE SPOTLIGHT: Radcliffe Real Estate Team BUSINESS LEADER SPOTLIGHT: Hector Ariceaga REALTOR® LEADER SPOTLIGHT: Lori Palermo

NOVEMBER 2019

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TA BL E OF

CONTENTS We pro ud ly p rovid e the highest q uality of ser v ice a n d craft s m anship for each asp ect of your p roject. O u r dept h of knowled ge and exp er ience solid ify our be lie f t h at cu stom er ser vice stand s as the highest p r ior ity. We eag erly look for ward to wor king with you and m a k in g you r vision a reality. Give us a call, text or em ail toda y, an d let us get star ted !

SERVICE AREA • Eugene • Pleasant Hill • Springfield

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Publisher’s Note: The Real Producer’s Movement is Growing

Top Producer: A.D. Smith

Brokerage Spotlight: Radcliffe Real Estate Team

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Rising Star: Liz Churchhill

Business Leader Spotlight: Hector Ariceaga

REALTOR® Leader Spotlight: Lori Palmero

SERVICES OFFERED ADDITIONS & REMODELING • • • •

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Tammy Sue Schuck

Liz Hart

Steve Spohn

Owner/Publisher 503-317-6604

Writer

Photographer 541-953-3221 www.the-photoguy.com

If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at tammy.schuck@realproducersmag.com.

DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 Publishing but remain solely those of the author(s).

The paid advertisements contained within the Lane County Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2 Publishing or the publisher. Therefore, neither N2 Publishing nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies

www.realproducersmag.com • 5

PREFERRED PARTNERS

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

BUILDER Hayden Homes (503) 886-9178 www.hayden-homes.com BUILDER / REMODELER / REPAIR Overall Builders LLC. Daniel O’Reilly 104 S. Mill St Creswell, OR 97426 (541) 514-7657 DRAINAGE SOLUTIONS Innovative Underground David Craig (541) 852-6766 www.innovative-underground.com FLOORING & WINDOW TREATMENTS Imperial Floors Doug Gubrud 355 Lincoln St Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 342-5031 www.imperialfloorseug.com FOUNDATION REPAIR Solid Ground Foundation Repair Margie and Bill Van Dorn (541) 744-8998 www.getsolidnow.com HEALTH/WELLNESS New Leaf Hyperbarics & Massage Matt McCarl 1200 Executive Parkway suite 230 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 636-3278 www.newleafhyperbarics.com HOME REPAIR Willamette Valley Home Improvements (541) 913-8321 www.WVhomeimprovements.com

6 • November 2019

HOME WARRANTY First American Home Warranty Traci Hughitt (541) 844-5572 firstamrealestate.com HOUSECLEANING Maid in Oregon Dan Biagi 1056 Green Acres Rd Suite 102 Eugene, OR 97498 (541) 686-1954 www.maidinoregon.biz LENDER Director’s Mortgage Nick Carter 1500 Valley River Drive Suite 190 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 357-4823 x2801 www.diretorsmortgage.net Guild Mortgage Rhonda Stickney 360 E. 10th St. Suite 101 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 343-1995 www.guildmortgage.com Homebridge Financial Services, Inc. Heather Ducker 800 Willamette St. Suite 525 Eugene, OR 97402 (458) 205-2050 www.homebridge.com Summit Funding Inc. Davd Kammerer 44 Club Rd. Suite 330 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 868-1850 www.summitfunding.net

A S S O C I AT I O N D I R E C T O R Y

US Bank Tracy Karo (541) 505-3482 mortgage.usbank.com PHOTOGRAPHY The Photo Guy Steve Spohn (541) 953-3221 www.the-photoguy.com PLUMBING Twin Rivers Plumbing Sandee Gerber 1525 Irving Rd. Eugene, OR 97402 (541) 688-1444 www.twinrp.com PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Allen North Properties Gina Allen 207 E. 5th Ave. SUITE 232 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 359-0116 www.allennorthproperties.com RENTAL PROPERTIES Maple Grove Suites Keith Owens 3433 Baywood Street Eugene, OR 97404 (541) 653-7572 TITLE & ESCROW Fidelity National Title Lydia C. Miller 800 Willamette Street, Ste. 500 Eugene, OR 97401 (541) 683-5422 fidelityeugene.com

National Association of REALTORS® 430 N. Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60611-4087 800-874-6500 https://www.nar.realtor/

EAR YPN REALTOR® 2139 Centennial Plaza Eugene, OR. 97401 541-484-3043 https://www.eugenerealtors. org/resources/realtor-ypn/

Oregon Association of REALTORS® 2110 Mission Street SE, #230 Salem, OR 97302 / P.O. Box 351 Salem, OR 97308 1-800-252-9115

REALTORS® Political Action Committee https://oregonrealtors.org/ rpac/

Central Oregon Coast Board of REALTORS® P.O. Box 414 Florence, OR 97439 541.902.2560 officecocbr@gmail.com

2139Eugene Centennial Plaza Eugene, OR. 97401 Association of REALTORS®

2139 Centennial Plaza Oregon 97401 MemberServices@eugenerealtors.org Phone (541) 484-3043

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Eugene, www.eugenerealtors.com Springfield Board of REALTORS® Contact us at 541-505-9952 or email sbormembers@gmail.com

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The Real Producer’s

M O V E M isEGrowing NT Welcome to the Lane County Real Producers community! It is my honor to serve you all by bringing educational and inspirational energy to celebrate what has made you truly the cream of the crop in the Lane County real estate market. I look forward to highlighting your accomplishments, encouraging your dreams, and delivering recognition for your continued excellence in serving your clients.

Real Producers started as an idea in 2015 and is spreading across the nation like wildfire. We are now in 72 cities and changing the way the real estate community interacts across America. As we embark on this journey in Lane County, I promise to create platforms to connect and forums to recognize and celebrate what makes each and every one of you an icon. In the years to come, I hope to get to know you on a personal level and understand what has led to your success. I look forward to celebrating you at our events, providing tools to help you grow your business, and representing your passion for excellence in this dynamic industry we all share.

Here are some quick facts about Real Producers: Distribution: This magazine is sent

free of charge to the top 300 agents in the County by volume. Within this region, there are over 1,300 licensed active agents and those of you in this elite group are the cream of the crop.

You are remarkable and just to be in this group is truly a badge of honor!

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Content: This is all about you, the Lane

Events: Along with the magazine, we will host

County real estate community. We’ll do personal and unique stories on members in this community giving you a platform to inspire others. As we grow we’ll add fresh content focused entirely on you. In the coming months we will be adding a “REALTOR® Question of The Month,” “Agents Give Back,” and “Real Pets” sections. It costs absolutely nothing for a realtor to be in a story and we are always taking nominations for realtors who are worth celebrating.

various free events where we, the best-of-thebest, get together at reputable local venues to rub elbows, mastermind, have a good time, and make a better Lane County real estate community. We will communicate information about the events through the magazine, e-mails, and social media.

Our Partners: Anyone listed as a “pre-

ferred partner” in the front of this magazine is a part of this community. They will have an ad in every issue, attend our events, and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every single preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval,” in a sense. If you are looking to add to your arsenal of incredible vendors, look no further.

Contribution: If you are interested in contrib-

uting, nominating REALTORS® for certain features, know of top-notch affiliate partners who should be a part of our community, or would simply like to network, please e-mail or call me at any time as I look forward to hearing from all of you! I’d like to personally thank all of our business sponsors who partnered with us, as well as the many REALTORS® who helped bring Lane County Real Producers to life. We would not exist without you. I appreciate you all, and I’ll see you at the launch party!

TAMMY SUE SCHUCK Publisher Real Producers Lane County tammy.schuck@ realproducersmag.com 503-317-6604

www.realproducersmag.com • 9

top producer

By Liz Hart

A.D. SMITH

MEET

Keller Williams Realty sk anyone in the Real Estate industry who has ever met him, and people will tell you that AD Smith is one of the most humble and genuine people in the business. A family man, who gives back to the community in multiple ways, while still striving to make every client feel important.

13 years ago, however, when AD, his wife Kelly, and 1-year old daughter Abby boarded a flight from France back home, leaving a 6-year professional basketball career behind, the path to being the top-selling individual agent in Lane County was far less clear. According to AD, “I knew I wanted a career with flexibility and one where if I succeeded, I could really succeed, and if I failed then it was on me, but I had no idea what that career would be.”

“I’ve found that if I focus on my client’s needs first, any of my individual goals will get accomplished.”

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Smith started his career at Keller Williams in 2006, and quickly rose through the ranks to become their highest selling agent. As his career grew, AD became the top-selling individual agent in all of Lane County (Per RMLS Stats 2007-2019). When Smith joined Keller Williams Realty, the market was crashing and hundreds of agents were leaving the field, giving up, and finding other work.

Smith, not knowing any different, was able to persevere in what proved to be a challenging market. “I had to learn all the basics from A to Z. While no one would wish a market like we saw from 2006-2010, it very likely helped me build a solid foundation for my Real Estate career.”

Even given his success in Real Estate, AD is likely still best known in the area as a former University of Oregon athlete. Smith lead the Duck Men’s Basketball team as captain for three seasons, helping them to the Final Four at the NIT Tournament in 1999, and to the NCAA tournament in 2000. For many basketball fans, AD remains one of their favorite Ducks and one of the few local products to succeed at the higher levels of division 1 basketball. AD still ranks in the top 20 players all-time at Oregon in scoring, rebounding, and 3-pt shooting. After earning an MBA from the Lindquist College of Busi-

www.realproducersmag.com • 11

ness in 2000, Smith went on to pursue a 6-year basketball career in Europe.

Before their second daughter, Isabelle, was born, the Smiths decided to come back home to Lane County.

Both AD and Kelly grew up in the area and even though they were living in France at the time, the two bought their first home in West Eugene. “My wife’s family is from here, and mine as well. I went to high school here and then to Oregon.”

Lane County is home. The two have planted deep roots here. “It was nice after being gone for six years to come back to family.”

Now Family includes AD and Kelly’s 3 daughters, Abby, Isabelle, and their 9-year-old, Lizzie. “One of the reasons I chose to go on this path is that flexibility of being in charge of your own schedule. Even if that means I might be busy, I can still block out times for kids’ practices. I think two of my big strengths is that I can be extremely efficient and organized. To me, those family items are absolutely every bit as important as any work responsibility I might have. Sure, I have work commitments, and sometimes that means nights and weekends, but it doesn’t have to be every night or every weekend. It’s a great career when it comes to that.” This focus on balance, efficiency and individual attention is what makes AD Smith so appealing to clients. It’s also a strategy he employs in all areas of his life. “I’ve coached all three of my girls on every basketball team they’ve ever been on, and every soccer team they’ve ever played on. I feel like I have a balance where my clients know I’m available and not just coaching my kids all the time, and my kids know I’m around. Ten years from now I could strive to be the highest selling REALTOR® in Oregon, but if I wasn’t a good Dad and husband, then really, what’s the point?”

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It’s not his style to take the easy way. That individuality is what helps Smith stand out in an oftentimes cutthroat competitive market.

“I think that I want to do well, but I’ve found that if I focus on my client’s needs first, any of my individual goals will get accomplished. If I were to use a sports analogy, you don’t always have control of the outcomes of a championship game, but you can control the day to day process. I think for me that’s probably the carry-over.”

Aside from coaching his kids, AD and his brother Burdy host a free annual basketball clinic. “When my brother and I were growing up, we were not kids who could afford camps. We struggled to pay for shoes, so any paid camps were out of the question.

After being overseas for so long, I had time to think about what I wanted to do when I came back.” Since 2006, at the Annual Smith Basketball Clinic, AD, Burdy and friends host 250 kids free of charge at a one-day basketball clinic. Smith doesn’t use the clinic as a space to foster or promote his brand knowing that the more focus is on the kids then the more rewarding it will be for everyone. “I think it’s a fun clinic and a good community event. It doesn’t need to be a marketing tool where I follow up and ask if they know of someone looking to buy a home.

I think to do that would lessen the experience for all, myself included.” The Smiths have hosted the

clinic for 14 years with well over 3000 total attendees. “We get awesome reviews from parents. I think we have amazing volunteers and that helps us put on a really good event…There’s a demand for it, to have a free and quality clinic and my brother is an amazing partner to run it.” The event includes 40+ volunteers annually and t-shirts for all the campers. “It’s great to not only have my kids take part as campers & counselors but having both my brothers and their families help just makes it that much more special”.

Burdy’s son Luke is one of the top high school players for his age in the state and his daughter is a 5’10 12-year-old point guard.

So how does a guy who succeeded on every team he’s ever been on go against the grain and not build a large real estate team for his business? Simple. His support staff led by licensed assistant Jesse Ellis is small and proven, and the support he gets is all behind the scenes. The direct contact and face time are AD’s responsibility. “I think a lot of our industry has gone to a more team-based approach…and if you look at the top 10 selling agents over the last few years all except me and maybe one or two other agents, are all teams. What I tell clients is that their system works just as well as mine does. The top agents sell just as many homes as I do but if my clients need something, they will hear directly from me. I think a lot of buyers prefer working with someone that they not only trust, but that they can call or text easily. That’s really worked well for me even if it’s different than what others are doing in the current market landscape.”

AD is often remembered as a smart and competitive player on the court, but it wasn’t the competition that drove him to a career in real estate, nor what has kept him at the top. “Of course, you always want to try to be at the top of your game. I think in this career the building of relationships and taking care of people is more important than trying to be number one on a sales list.

You want to do well in everything you do, but again, not at the expense of the process. When I look back on my basketball career I similarly reflect more on the process and relationships than the wins and losses.” Smith may go just a little bit against the grain, but really, he is going back to the way real estate used to be done.

From his humble upbringing with his two brothers, raised by a single mom most of his childhood, to his basketball career, to giving back, and on to parenthood and real estate, Smith puts his heart in to everything he does.

He is professional, but there’s a unique quality about him that lets you know he is looking out for you. His strengths as team captain at the U of O carried over into his business, and he brings that to the table as a coach and father as well. According to AD, “That strive for balance is ever ongoing but I think it’s a worthwhile goal.”

Judging from AD’s reputation with colleagues and reviews from clients AD seems to be accomplishing those goals. “When my basketball career ended and I hopped on that plane home from Europe for the last time, I didn’t know I would have a career in Real Estate. I’m so very thankful it has worked out this way.” www.realproducersmag.com • 13

HOW DO YOU SEE THE REAL ESTATE MARKET CHANGING OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?

Real estate is a fascinating industry as standards and practices are always shifting and evolving with the invention of new technology. I’m not concerned about technology replacing agents.

Real estate is a relationship based business. Since most people will only buy or sell a home 2-3 times in their lifetime, they are going to want to use a realtor they trust to guide them through what is many times the largest financial endeavor they will undertake, and that will always be true.

WHAT IS YOUR HISTORY IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY?

R EA L

ESTAT E

T EAM Ella Torabinejad

Fun, Integrity, Training, and Thoroughness.

brokerage spotlight

By Liz Hart

WHAT MAKES RADCLIFFE REAL ESTATE TEAM UNIQUE?

We are a small group of 6 agents dedicated to building and fostering positive, relationship-based businesses in real estate. Each one of us is in real estate for different personal reasons but we all identify with our company’s core values of Fun, Integrity, Training, and Thoroughness. From a life spent in the Eugene area, there is just something very special about Creswell. People take care of one another, the businesses support the residents and vice versa.

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I have been in real estate for over 6 years now. My interest in houses has always been there, but one day I realized I could use my degree in Economics, coupled with 5 years of residential construction experience to really provide great industry advice to folks beyond the norm. I started off with very little guidance.

There were a few key mentors who made my entry into real estate more positive and I will always be grateful for their help, but on the whole, I had no clue what I was doing and no clear path to find answers except to just learn by doing, trial by fire.

This didn’t sit well with me. I have always been a coach, so my career in real estate transitioned to more focus on training in my third year. I became a member of the leadership council creating the “productivity committee” which was in charge of creating and scheduling all training in the brokerage (teaching several courses myself during this time for other agents). After that year, I transitioned into a more formal role as a new agent mentor and coach. I taught about 25 brand new agents total in a course that was the schooling after you finished real estate school We all identify with our company’s core values of and passed your license exam. Everyone in real estate knows that the state exam does not prepare you to actually conduct real estate. This was our on the job training for freshly licensed folks. I like knowing that people who have the passion to HOW DO YOU SEE RADCLIFFE REAL ESTATE help others can have the support to go out and provide good serGROWING AND EXPENDING OVER THE NEXT vice to our clients instead of the standard in our industry which FIVE YEARS? seems to be sink or swim. So right now we do a once a week team When we opened our doors in 2018, we did so with meeting and as the head broker my role in that is to make sure a commitment to serve our clients and community everyone understands and knows what every legal document at the highest level possible. That will remain our is that we use in transactions, or we go through and talk about goal in the years to come. As the President of this some hot button issue that’s in our industry right now. We have company, I am less concerned with physical expananother segment of that meeting where I talk about something sion or number of agents in our brokerage, and am related to personal growth and business. Something like building more focused on how positive our relationship is relationships with clients, or how to address challenges. It’s rewith our surrounding area. The growth we wish to see is that of a strengthening of trust in us as expert ally the one time a week we all get to see each other. My passion for training, teaching and educating will always continue. It is level real estate professionals and caring members something I am passionate about fostering in my life and in my of the community. ability to contribute to others.

Jennifer Radcliffe

This is the first city I have lived in where people seem to genuinely want to foster and nurture a cohesive sense of greater community. We were not able to be based in Creswell before starting our own brokerage. We do go where the work is, but being in Creswell reflects our mission to have a relationship based business versus the more common transaction-based agents.

www.realproducersmag.com • 15

Please consider making a donation to Wiggly Tails Dog Rescue.

Wiggly Tails is a 501(c)(3) dog rescue, so all donations are tax-deductible.

541-654-4259

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN LEADING YOUR OWN TEAM?

I know that I am the leadership lid on my company. In all honesty, the biggest challenge for me in leading a team, as this is likely true in many different industries, is not always knowing the best way to motivate or support each individual team member. I spend a lot of time listening to podcasts from other incredible business owners so I can constantly be growing my skill set to assist and grow those around me.

Tana Weston

HOW ELSE ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH THE CRESWELL COMMUNITY? Dana Bankus

YOUR OFFICE IS PET-FRIENDLY. YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES OFTEN BRING YOUR DOGS TO WORK. TELL US HOW BECOMING A PET-FRIENDLY OFFICE HAPPENED?

I love my 4 legged fur babies! I am a firm believer that a life lived with a pet is a life lived with lower blood pressure, better mental and overall physical health. One of the many reasons we left our previous brokerage is that there was a strict no pet policy in that office. I found stress levels to be much higher than what we have around our office space these days. Another reason I knew that pups at the office was a must was that I would go on listing appointments and get just as excited to meet the family pet as I would the people. Dogs are goofy and can provide much needed comedic relief on a tense day. Agents are happier, more relaxed. It’s hard to be upset when you hear a funny squeaky toy going down the hallway.

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HAVE YOU HAD TO FACE ANY ISSUES WITH PET ALLERGIES OR FEARS OF DOGS SO FAR?

No, not yet. We have office policies about each dog’s behavior and they have all their shots. And we do have a policy about barking level because that’s the thing in an office that most people will complain about. Especially with being on the phone a lot, with a barking dog in the background it can be hard to focus. So we make sure that we are still upholding a professional space.

YOU PERSONALLY HAVE WORKED WITH THE CHARITY WIGGLY TAILS, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR CHARITY AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT THEM?

I was introduced to Wiggly Tails when I adopted my small dog Cooper back in 2016. I was instantly impressed by the fact that this organization is completely comprised of fosters m(there is no kennel or interim housing facility for the rescued dogs). Cooper’s foster mom, Vivian, went above and beyond to bring him to adoption events on the weekend, and to my house for an in-home meet and greet with my other dogs. Cooper has been such a sweet blessing in my life, and I know I can’t foster or adopt all the dogs that

need homes, so I wanted to team up to be able to give a little back to the volunteers who give so much of their time for these pups. Now we hold a once a year event called “Santa Paws” where folks can bring their dogs and get seasonal photos taken for free. We have a raffle, puppies up for adoption, as well as treats and goodies for humans and canines. It’s a really fun, feel-good event.

My favorite part is always getting to meet people’s furry family members. This last year we booked the Creswell Community Center, and that’s our plan this year. We wanted to keep the event in Creswell because one of the people who runs Wiggly Tails is also from Creswell.

I am a publicly elected official to the South Lane County Fire and Rescue Board. I have served the last 2 years as Vice President and just got reelected this last May. During my time we have passed a bond that allowed us to replace old unsafe vehicles with better vehicles, and the district worked diligently to increase ISO ratings so fire insurance rates significantly decreased for households in South Lane.

I am so proud of this organization for its positive community involvement.

One of my favorite end of summer events is movie night at the fire house. This is a completely free event put on by SLCF&R where families can come and get hot dogs and popcorn, there are several different stations set up where kids can go up in the truck, experience a smoke room, there’s a big blow up slide, and you can learn what the fire fighters in their neighborhoods are doing. Then when all that is over they set up a big screen and everyone brings a lawn chair to watch a movie together outside. The children’s movie is always picked by the elementary school.

Korenza Jones

www.realproducersmag.com • 17

rising star

By Liz Hart

A Realtor With

HEART You used to be an educator, what inspired you to make the switch from teaching to real estate?

I’ve loved real estate since I was a little girl and used to opt to watch a local show called “Hats Off to Real Estate with Betty Snowden” instead of morning cartoons! I had always planned to sell real estate during the summers and teach during the school year, but after losing my son I decided a change would be good. So, I jumped in with both feet and made real estate my full-time career.

Do you feel that being an educator has helped you be a better agent?

Absolutely! The real estate market is so complex that most people need someone to teach them the ins and outs of the whole process, so it’s a natural fit. I teach my clients and prospective clients every day, and just like with teaching, I’m always learning new things as well. Also, collaboration is a major part of education and I find that my ability to collaborate directly impacts my ability to successfully negotiate deals for clients and build great working relationships with other REALTORS®.

What is the most rewarding part of working as a REALTOR®?

Getting to see the smiles and excitement on the faces of my clients when I welcome them to their new home.

MEET

LIZ

What is the most challenging part?

There are plenty of challenges! Real estate is a rollercoaster, financially, mentally, and emotionally!! Not all deals come together, so for me, seeing people disappointed or upset if a sale doesn’t work out, is the hardest part of the job.

Tell us about some of the things you do outside of real estate?

Any hobbies or other interests?

HYBRID REAL ESTATE 18 • November 2019

I love to travel and learn about new cultures. I even find host families and supervise high school exchange students through a program called CIEE. I also really enjoy the theater, dance, and Broadway shows. The Hult Center may be my favorite spot

in town (plus I’ve worked there for 14 years, since Grad school, it’s my “for fun” job)! I’m your typical Oregonian too and like lots of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, and spending time on or around water when the weather’s nice.

Aside from working, I know you spend a lot of your time and energy helping with charities that benefit children such as Ronald McDonald House and programs related to Congenital Heart Defects. Do you want to talk about why these charities are so important to families?

Families who have children with complex medical conditions that require lots of appointments and hospital stays often need to travel out of town to receive care from specialists. Without the Ronald McDonald House (RMH), many families wouldn’t be able to afford to stay near the hospital while their child was receiving treatment. Many RMH charities provide a myriad of programs and services to families for free during these times of need, including providing meals, respite, childcare, and even counseling.

Another big number that isn’t talked about as much as it should be, is that approximately 1 in 100 children are born with a congenital heart defect (CHD). Some are more minor than others and only require check-ups, like a small murmur for example, while other conditions require open-heart surgeries, and some are even considered fatal if they require a heart transplant. When a family is faced with suddenly needing to take their newborn to see a Cardiologist, no matter how small or large the issue is, it can be terrifying. We need more research and studies to help prevent, treat, or cure CHDs, and even though CHDs are so prevalent, it’s often an underfunded area in the medical field.

www.realproducersmag.com • 19

Tell us a little about how these kinds of charities have personally impacted you and your family.

When my son was born with a rare and fatal heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, or HLHS, I was thrust into a world I knew nothing about. We were lucky to find out about the condition when I was 19 weeks along, so I had time to do some research and connect with fellow CHD families online before he was born. Thanks to the RMH up at Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital in Portland, we stayed next door to the hospital and I could be by my son’s side through those first four months of surgeries and recovery till we could take him home. When my son was just 7 ½ months old, we were informed that the next surgery wasn’t possible and we needed to move to California for an undetermined amount of time to await a heart transplant at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, as there are no pediatric transplant centers in Oregon.

We had just 2 days from the time the decision was made to get down there for an in-person evaluation. Nearby hotels were all full and we were prepared to sleep in the hospital lobby, but when we were just an hour outside of Palo Alto, we got a call from the RMH at Stanford, that they had a room available for us. That was the beginning of a yearlong stay, we could never have afforded if it wasn’t for RMH. During that time, I made friends with other RMH families who became our support system. Luckily, my son grew well enough to have surgery instead of transplant and we got to come home and enjoy life outside of the hospital. Fast forward several years, and my son, at the age of four, went into heart failure on Mother’s Day, so we were life-flighted to Stanford once again. We stayed another four months before we lost our son. The family we had created at RMH flocked to our sides to support us, physically, emotionally, and even financially. They continue to be a constant support today, and I know they will be for the rest of my life.

So you are really plugged in to the local culture, not just through helping with charities and doing real estate, but through your alma mater, University of Oregon. What is your favorite college sport to watch?

I love watching Duck football…

OOOOOOOO!!!

The Ducks are so successful in athletics and academics, but what do you think defines success for you, both personally and in your career?

Success for me looks like doing things that would make my son proud, like paying it forward by donating time, items, and money to charities in his honor, helping friends and family, and generally living by the Golden Rule – do unto others, as you would want others to do unto you. Professionally, I feel successful if my clients walk away happy and willing to refer me to others based on the service I’ve given them, and if other REALTORS® and associates feel like they’d want to do business with me again too.

SUCCESS for me looks like doing things that would make my son proud, like paying it forward

by DONATING TIME, ITEMS, and MONEY to charities in his honor, helping friends and family.

Is there any advice you would give someone thinking of changing careers and going into real estate?

Don’t do it! Just kidding. I’d suggest they take a hard look at their finances first off. Personally, going from a salaried position to purely commission based, where I don’t get paid till a deal closes and now I’m responsible for paying double the taxes along with health and life insurance and retirement, has required a lot of planning and careful budgeting. Next, meeting with and learning about what the different agencies in town offer and their fees and commission splits is important.

So many people just jump into the first company they speak with and don’t realize till they’re already involved just how much it really costs them. Every REALTOR®, just like every real estate deal, is unique and different, which is one reason our profession is so special!

Please consider making a donation to CHD research.

Visit https://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/get-involved/ 20 • November 2019

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Hector Ariceaga, MBA Vice President – Area Manager Lane County First American Title Company

business leader spotlight

Hector Ariceaga MEET

First American Title Company

Laser focused on strategic partnerships

By Liz Hart

There’s a reason Hector Ariceaga is considered a leader in his field. It’s not just his twenty plus years of experience, starting in 1998 at Oregon Title Company, and now over 17 years with First American. It’s not just his Harvard Degree, or because of the four years he served, appointed by the President of the United States, as a board of directors to the Federal Home Loan Bank. It’s because of his forward-thinking, his application of his wide range of experience, and his versatility. Though all that other stuff doesn’t hurt.

“I know all the different angles and sides,” Ariceaga says. “I have a really big view of the whole industry. The real estate side, the financial side, and now the title and escrow side.” Not only does this help Ariceaga as a leader, but also in his consultations with lenders, brokers, and other clients. He helps with navigating social media, keeping up with technology, and simplifying the title process for everyone involved.

22 • November 2019

Ariceaga started out selling real estate in the Portland area, and worked as a broker for seven years.

Before that his bachelor’s degree is in industrial engineering, and he went on to get a master’s degree in business administration and technology management. On top of that he went to Harvard Bussiness School studying corporate governance. “So my background is a little bit nerdy,” he jokes, but the varied education gives him a wide scope lens on the types of things he faces every day. “I love everything we do, all the technology, social media, even music videos, and all the new things that are always coming up.

I spend a lot of time researching and learning, and I love to pass along all that information to real estate agents for them to improve their business.”

A local agent recently said about Ariceaga “It’s the little things he does, the attention to detail, that sets him apart.” She goes on to explain how she received an invitation from Ariceaga that was weeks in advance so she could put it on her calendar, beautifully done, and followed up with a reminder from her RSVP. In contrast she described his competitor’s invitation to a similar event as sloppy, only 48 hours notice, and unorganized. “People copy him because he’s the best.”

This esteem could make Ariceaga arrogant, on the contrary, he knows that it’s not a one man show. He couldn’t be successful without a successful and supportive team. “What sets us apart is that we really take care of each other internally. We have a collaborative culture and it spills over into our customer care.”

This is the personal, local touch Ariceaga and his team bring to the Lane County market.

They may be a nationwide company, but the employees at First American Title Company are living, buying, and exploring locally. And when the employees are engaged with the community it comes through in their business practice. However, Ariceaga doesn’t forget to take advantage of that nationwide power. “We have a lot of amazing tools and resources from being a nationwide company. And we are always first. A lot of those marketing tools and resources title companies use, we were the first to roll them out, and then our competitors have no choice but to copy us in order to keep up.”

Hector thinks it’s really cool to be coming up with all the new stuff first in the industry. Despite his passion for technology, Ariceaga doesn’t let it distract him from what’s important. “We are laser-focused on our strategic partnerships. We don’t have a huge sales team, or employees that are going out to get as many clients as possible. We do everything by appointment only. We want to build our clients’ trust.” Providing that quality of service is what First American Title Company is all about.

It doesn’t just apply to clients either. First American has a reputation in the industry of being the type of company people want to work for. Word gets out in a small community and people start to see that culturally Ariceaga runs an office that walks the walk and talks the talk.

www.realproducersmag.com • 23

PROFESSIONAL

“Our employees have a longevity and we are very proud of that,” he is bragging now. Rightfully so as some of the best talent in the escrow business has chosen First American.

We have been photographing homes and business in and around Lane County since 2004, and know how to get the best out of every photograph we take. We use only professional equipment and software to give you the highest quality product.

Hector Ariceaga himself and his wife Gabrielle have been married for over twelve years. They have lived in Lane County for three years and are looking forward to exploring more of the area as empty-nesters soon. “We’re very excited about that,” Ariceaga says. A self-proclaimed computer nerd tech geek who loves working on gadgets, but also loves getting to the gym and lifting weights. “I try to be as healthy as I can be.” He says with a smile.

FULL SERVICE

We can do it all. Still photos, video, aerials, whatever your imaging needs are, we have the expertise to make it happen.

That passion for technology keeps Ariceaga on the forefront so that First American can appeal to younger clients. “We are a local company, with national resources. We are always going to drive this industry forward. We are unique with high talent and forward-looking leadership,” he says. That’s the way it has been at First American for a long time, and so long as Hector Ariceaga is Vice President Area Manager, it will continue that way.

Randy Tergesen Mortgage Loan Officer Eugene 541.465.4172 randolph.tergesen@usbank.com NMLS#: 1164983

Still images for our real estate clients are typically delivered with a 24 hour turnaround, sometimes same day. Most other services are done in 2–3 days.

Feel at home with a variety of mortgage options.

usbank.com/mortgage

Tracy Karo Mortgage Sales Manager Eugene 541.505.3482 tracy.karo@usbank.com NMLS#: 502221

FAST SERVICE

First American Title Company has been around for over 120 years, since 1889. A nationwide company with local goals. “We expect to be here for another hundred years,” Ariceaga says. “Not a lot of companies can say that and we love taking that responsibility.”

- Fixed- and adjustable-rate options - FHA and VA mortgage loans - Low down payment options - Financing available for a wide price range of homes Call today to learn more.

Ronelle Kuhnhenn Mortgage Loan Officer Eugene 541.465.4102 ronelle.kuhnhenn@usbank.com NMLS#: 635147

Rachel Patrick Mortgage Loan Officer Springfield 541.465.4132 rachel.patrick@usbank.com NMLS#: 1539550

Jesse Bennett-Pietz Mortgage Loan Officer Springfield 541.632.7565 jesse.bennett@usbank.com NMLS#: 1211205

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2019 U.S. Bank 61701c 5/19

24 • November 2019

OUR GUARANTEE

We want you to succeed. That means that if you aren’t completely satisfied with our work we will do it over at no cost to you. If necessary, we’ll even pay someone else to photograph your home if that’s what it takes. Period.

CONTACT US

The Photoguy is based in Eugene, Oregon, and owned and operated by Steve Spohn.

PHONE AND TEXT: 541-953-3221

www.realproducersmag.com • 25

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ES TA TE realtor® leader spotlight

LORI PALMERO

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2020 President of the Oregon Association of REALTORS®.

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Lori is active in the community serving on the Springfield Board of REALTORS® Board of Directors since 1994 , serving as President in 2000, 2004, and 2007, currently serving as Principal Broker Director. She is a charter member and Past-President of the Lane County Chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS®, served on the Mayor’s Business Advancement Team and the Springfield Housing Summit, serves on the Executive Board of the Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) as well as the incoming 2020 President of the Oregon Association of REALTORS®.

Lori was honored as the Springfield Board of REALTORS®, REALTOR® of the Year in 1999 and 2013 and WCR Businesswoman of the year in 2005. She continues to volunteer her time with the REALTOR® organization, Springfield High School Athletics Programs and Food For Lane County.

26 • November 2019

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