SCIENTIFIC ABOUT SUCCESS! Michael Lindberg translates science start-ups to commercial real estate
by Tara Gilligan Reimer ANACORTES, WA—August 26, 2022 Michael Lindberg neatly sums up commercial real estate, as he aims to take it from particle to portfolio. “Residential real estate caters to emotion while commercial focuses on financial growth. As a result, many commercial contracts are off-market, the pace is aggressive, and the goals are numerically defined," explains the newest commercial broker to RE/MAX Gateway. ... Applying the science The startling part of Michael’s story is in his applied science. He’s trained as a molecular biologist. Michael received a Bachelor of Arts degree in molecular biology from Pitzer College, a prestigious school and part of The Claremont Colleges. As a scientist, he performed research at Fred Hutch, scaled a lab at Keck Science Department, and most notably, started a microbiology lab at the University of Washington. The transition from biology to real estate may not seem natural, but Michael breaks it down with compelling quickness. “Real estate is one of the most entrepreneurial and collaborative industries. I saw an opportunity to distinguish myself in life science real estate, having a background in science and a family in real estate.” Michael’s familiarity with commercial real estate starts from growing up in the business. Parent Maria Lindberg began the Lindberg Group in 2002 as a RE/MAX broker and is hailed as a “rock star” by RE/MAX Gateway owner Lori Reece. Representing the new generation of brokers, Michael says, “My purpose in real estate is to distinguish RE/MAX Commercial Gateway in the Pacific Northwest.” ... Adding value This broker continues a thoughtful discussion with some takeaway points. “As brokers, I firmly believe our job is to add value beyond providing data,” says Michael. “Technology is changing, and so are we. We leverage technology to strengthen relationships and provide clients with digestible analytics, resources, and supporting evidence.” He wraps up, “The purpose of analyzing a client’s portfolio is to refresh, recapitalize, and repurpose commercial real estate. We have a team of talents who can provide that proficiency.” ... Connecting at the molecular level Michael learned and led laboratory start-ups and management. Building, restructuring, and managing labs require business planning, scaling for costs, achieving sales numbers, and analyzing assets. Michael says the team is key, especially a commercial cadre with complete skills. He offers up a hypothesis on real estate talent. “Real estate brokers are often exceptional at sales—and sometimes not as great at organization,” he describes. “Administration leaders are excellent at organization—and not necessarily as strong in sales.” Michael emphasizes that clients and successful brokerages need both kinds of power. The Lindberg Group partnered with RE/MAX Commercial Gateway to build an exceptional team in order to provide exceptional service. About RE/MAX Gateway RE/MAX Gateway is named for its breathtaking Anacortes entrance to the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. Owned by Lori Reece, with Laura Bird as designated broker and branch manager, this full-service real estate brokerage is known for agents who specialize in residential and commercial real estate. Lori’s team, sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re at RE/MAX Gateway. Learn more at nwhomesonline.com.
Queue up for this broker! 'It's all about serving your client'
by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM, WA—August 24, 2022 From Bali to Bellingham, Quentin Sermet has traveled and lived, observed and learned. Thanks to his parents and grandparents in Indonesia and France, he’s a global citizen. With one year completed at RE/MAX Whatcom County, he is now an independent agent. … Seeing the contours With traveling and gaining life experience, Quentin says he can identify the contrast between cultures—including languages, manners, relationships—which has aided him in seeing variations within the real estate business. Quentin explains that he now understands that real estate is “not a sales pitch.” Rather, he says, “It’s all about serving your client.” Importantly, Quentin points out, “Bellingham is a small market.” That density makes the relationships, especially with other brokers, key to preserve and strengthen. … Traveling the world Quentin’s ability to read a room or a market comes from his beginnings. Born in Los Angeles with some time in Walnut Creek, California, he moved to Indonesia when he was six years old. He lived in Bali for 12 years with his family. That’s where he picked up French and Indonesian, too, languages noted on his broker website and bio. “I understand the specific and varied needs of people from all walks of life,” Quentin says. That’s all strength in real estate. … Working with people he admires Strength also brought him to the front door of RE/MAX. Quentin works out at the same mixed martial arts gym as well-liked and respected broker, Emily Wyss. Quentin explains Emily convinced him to interview at her brokerage. He interviewed at other companies, but you all know the familiar refrain. “What RE/MAX has done in Whatcom County, plus the education and the people! That’s why I’m here,” says our world traveler on why he calls this brokerage home. … Going beyond expectations In his website bio, Quentin writes honestly about being “young, committed, and energetic” in his chosen field. Quentin sums up, “Real estate is never the same, never boring.” Need a collaborator on a deal, a connection to a sweet villa in Bali, or a recommendation for a Pacific Northwest fishing or camping adventure? You can go to Q. And, lucky for us, you can find him learning, working, and practicing his passion at RE/MAX. About Us Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built. # # #
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR BRINGS HEFT, IN CONTRACTS AND WORK ETHIC
All County Team man, in business and heart by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM, WA—FEBRUARY 17, 2022 True story. A guy works in a smelter (aluminum manufacturer) for 18 years, gets recruited to real estate by a chance fill-in at a clinch bowling league match (Mark Frye seems to turn up at exactly the right time), and completes a rookie year by putting together 50 contracts. You know where the story is going. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Lori Reece recently named Brian Hefter RE/MAX Whatcom County’s 2021 Rookie of the Year, praising his hustle and continuous learning. It’s where the story started that’s surprising. ... A good son “My dad made me get my first job when I was 14, to earn extra money,” Brian says. At 23, “I went to work for Reynolds in Longview, where my father worked.” From the start, Henry Hefter told his son, “You better work hard and not embarrass me.” Brian laughs, “That’s been my mantra ever since.” His father’s advice was dead-on for manufacturing. Smelting is physically demanding and dangerous, and smelters rely on each other for safe practices, less like a work team and more like family. Fortunately, Henry’s advice also applies to real estate, where your reputation is everything. Brian also had a loving example in his mother, Terry. “She taught me to be kind and keep my promises,” adds Brian. Every rookie needs sound coaching. Brian acknowledges his good fortune in parents who taught him what was most important in life. ... Mark Frye’s buyer broker Brian signed onto managing broker Mark Frye’s All County Team in late 2020 (https://www.allcountyteam.com/our-agents/mark-frye). Training camp was the Glen, the recreational mountain community that Mark reverse-engineered, conducting primary home contracts out of second- and third-vacation property buyers in Maple Falls, Washington. Working in one place made sense for Brian. “The Glen became my only focus until it became second nature to me,” he explains. In that one vacation community, the year-one broker learned fundamentals: 1) why to ask for a buyer agency agreement, 2) when to proceed to the next ask, a primary home, 3) and how much courage you need when you’re new. “The David Knox training was helpful, and I often thought about his 30-second rule, when I started to second-guess myself,” Brian explains. When you’ve taken a risk on a new career, it’s easy to ask if you can make it in the next five years, or ten. “Knox breaks it down: in the moment, in the contract, you just need 30 seconds of courage.” Besides learning fundamentals, Brian also invested in accredited training, extracting knowledge from recognized professionals. (Brian’s certifications come from these recognized industry leaders: National Association of Realtors, Certified Multiple Offers Expert Designation, e-PRO, and Accredited Buyer’s Representation.) Finally, he relied on his work ethic, learned from his father’s example. “I have two rules,” Brian offers. “Keep your customers happy. And treat people the way you want to be treated.” Brian is also careful to point out: “I would not have succeeded without Mark’s dedication to the Glen for years. Also, Julie and Shayla were just so helpful.” (Julie James is Team Manager while Shalya Lerner is Systems Manager.) Then Brian invokes the litany of names—the five pros on one team known as the CEO, CFO, IT & Marketing, and Directors of broker and client services. “I’m just so grateful to Lori-Lisa-Michael-Jennifer-Ashlee. RE/MAX feels like one, big family, where everyone wants the best for you.” ... Family man Has Mark Frye read all the studies of how happily marrieds and long-term couples can also be more successful? (Inc. magazine, “A Supportive Marriage Can Make You a More Successful Entrepreneur. This Study Shows Why,” by Minda Zetlin, Sep 2020.) Because when Brian says, “I owe everything to my wife” the interviewer thinks, three for three. Another All County man. Brian and Lisa have been married for almost five years. She’s a Lynden girl and, notably, Chief Operating Officer of Peoples Bank. “It took me until my 40s to find my soulmate,” Brian says quietly. “Lisa was the one who said, ‘I think you’d be successful as a broker.’” “Sharing your life with those you love is what it’s all about,” he adds. He sounds like the newest broker to All County: Justin Kirby describes his wife, neuro-ICU nurse, as “my hero.” Also, Brian echoes the guy who started it all: Mark refers to Julie James as “team manager” and “my beautiful wife.” Real estate pros, serious sports fans, and grateful husbands. A band of brothers, grinders, and achievers with blue-collar work ethics. These All County guys. ... Man in the middle When Brian’s Rookie of the Year win was announced company-wide, Mark took a moment to name every contributor on his team—Julie, Shayla, Lindsey, Josh—and ended with personable and heartfelt appreciation for Hef: “We all love ya, man.” Behind the scenes, Mark, ever the conscientious managing broker, was a bit concerned. While Mark had just received a write-up for his RE/MAX Hall of Fame award (https://www.nwhomes.net/blog/mark-frye-wins-remax-hall-of-fame-award.html) and new broker, Justin Kirby, also got a featured introduction (https://www.nwhomes.net/blog/trifecta-perfecta-frye-has-hef-now-kirb.html ), it was Hefter who was top concern. “What Brian has done—THAT is the most important thing,” Mark insisted. Sometimes our life’s path takes such a sharp turn that we surprise ourselves. We’re in our forties and meet our soul mate. We change careers and score success. We find power in learning and confidence in being uncomfortable. That’s the power of being a rookie. The man in the middle, the one learning from his lead and inspiring the other coming up, is always the most important. Ask Mark Frye and Justin Kirby. They’re thrilled to run with this Rookie of the Year. About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University & Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Her team, 90+ sought-after professionals, leads by serving thousands of clients and building market share. Learn, collaborate, be kind. When you’re doing all that—together—you know you’re in RE/MAX Whatcom County, the house that Lori built. Tara Gilligan Reimer loves to find the story in place and people. There’s always another story inside the published one, and in this feature, the backstory is about husband-and-wife team editing. Brian and his wife, Lisa, offered edits that helped make this story precise and tight. They followed the editing examples of Mark and Julie as well as Justin and Christina, in their previously published features. The All County Team runs well, all the way through. This is my eighth feature on RE/MAX, the best brokerage in Whatcom County and the agents who lead, with brilliance and passion.
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