Don King and Austin King

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES

Photo Credit: Jacob Harr harrcreative.com

Name:

Don King

Brokerage:

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services of Michigan

How many years as a REALTOR?

32

What awards have you achieved individually?

Certified Residential Services, Legend Award of 25 Years, Chairman’s Circle, BHHS Hall of Fame, Many More

How many years have you been in Business together?

5

What did you do before you became a REALTOR?

Graduated from Canaseraga High in 1981, Joined the United States Marine Corp in August 1981-1992, Received my Real Estate License in 1989

Did you always know, or hope, that one of your children would go into Real Estate given your success?

I did not know that any of my 3 children would work in my profession, they went to college, one in Education, one in Art and other as a Child Life Specialist. I worked hard to establish my business with over 2000 past clients and had hope that someday one of my family members would be interested.

What are some things you have learned from your son in regards to Real Estate?

Austin is very compassionate, intelligent and respectful. He has a strong desire to learn, to be personal and understands that each transaction may be one of largest investments any one person may make in their lifetime. We share new ideas, success stories and strengths.

What are you passionate about right now together in your business?

I am excited to watch him grow not only in numbers but also with his relationships with others, his wife, family and friends. He has great knowledge, a strong desire for success and willingness to be compassionate.

What is your favorite part about working with your son?

I am blessed to have this opportunity. We have very similar goals, enjoy meeting people and understand each others way of thinking. Together we can brain storm and work through issues. Also we enjoy our time away with our families whether camping, hunting or golfing etc.

What ways does your son encourage you the most?

He has a positive attitude, always wants to help and has the willingness to learn. He has the mentality for attention to detail and ethics are amazing.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your son?

I am blessed to have this opportunity to work and enjoy my off time with my best friend. I am excited to see him succeed not only financially but spiritually and emotionally. Real Estate can be demanding, intriguing and rewarding! He has a plan and it has been a pleasure watching him succeed.

WE SHARE NEW IDEAS, SUCCESS STORIES AND STRENGTHS.

In the spirit of Real Producers: What is something that not many people know about your family?

Coming from a small town in New York to a new city and new occupation with no experience was a challenge. With the traits the Marine Corp instilled in me “Learn to Overcome, Adapt and Improvise” and with the continuous support of my family I choose to be successful. I put in the time yet learned to take time for family functions/events. I believe in continued education to this day and I chose to surround myself with people that had the same goals, beliefs and success.

Thank you! I cherish and am very thankful for my family, friends, clients and colleagues. I have had a great career and so excited to see my son do the same.

Name:

Austin King

Brokerage:

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

How many years as a REALTOR?

5 Years

What awards have you achieved individually?

Real Producers 13 Under 30, Grand Rapids All Stars

How many years have you been in Business together?

5 Years

What did you do before you became a REALTOR?

I graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelors in Education. I worked in the Rockford School District and EDU Staff. I was also coaching baseball at Aquinas College.

Did you always know you wanted to go into Real Estate given your Dad’s career choice?

No, actually as a kid during the “take your child to work day” I was brought to the office and never saw myself doing this as an occupation. Of course, all I saw at that age was the office side of the job and not actually what the full job description of a Real Estate Professional or REALTOR included.

What are some invaluable things you learned from your Dad in regards to Real Estate?

Literally everything. He has been an idol for me in this business. I have been extremely fortunate to learn from one of the best in the industry in West Michigan. The attention to detail, communication, and service back to the community are just some keys that have helped me achieve success in Real Estate. We relish our sphere of influence and our continued referrals are our “Lifeline” and biggest compliment.

What work characteristics do you feel you’ve inherited from your Dad?

A few of them are patience, attention to detail, communication, and the “cooperative work approach”. Also included are educating, informing, and becoming an expert in the market and our service area. Invest into your business and help others do the same. Sharing our investment approach and ideas with our clients. The investment approach to real estate is not only a key to our future and retirement but our clients as well. Lastly, how to love. How to love your job, your wife, your friends and family, and to love yourself. How to love clients and strangers. Everyone is your friend. Build bridges, don’t break them.

What is your favorite part about working with your Dad?

Getting to spend a lot of quality time together and bouncing ideas off of one another. Being able to have an incredible mentor and an Idol to talk to about business tactics and strategy. Our relationship is one of the strongest out there. His knowledge of 35 plus years in the business mixed with my generational knowledge and ideas have allowed for continued success.

What ways does your Dad encourage you the most?

In the toughest times of this business, which we all know can be overwhelming, he is there to talk, guide, and assist me. He always has had confidence in me and boosts that through continued referrals, communication, and positive reinforcement.

What are you most proud of when you think of working together with your Dad?

Just the leader in the industry that he has become. He gives back to GRAR, works on committees, continued success in the business itself, and most importantly still being a loving husband and father to his wife and 3 kids. His family is by far number one, but his business, friends, and clients are SO important to him. He just recently became a 25 Year National Legend in Real Estate. An incredible feat that will never be taken from him and something he has worked so hard for. He is the hardest working, yet most humble, and most caring person I know. Personally, I would say he is a super hero.

In lieu of Father’s Day, is there anything else you want others to know about your Dad?

Congratulations on all of your Real Estate Achievements over the years. It is something very few have done and will do. You are the hardest working person I know. But more importantly, thanks for being my Dad. We have been through a lot together from baseball, golf, cabin buddies, and working together. I cannot thank you enough for teaching me all the valuable lessons, caring for me, guiding me, and most of all loving me. Your family, friends, clientele, and co-workers are so proud to know you. Have a great Father’s Day!

Don King and Austin King - Top Father/Son Team