An elephant in the Pacific Northwest? One would naturally think of the Portland Zoo, but this elephant can be found on Fishhawk Lake.
Aerial view of Fishhawk Lake, Birkenfeld, Oregon
Courtesy of Art Mitchell
It has been a four year trek through my own Serengeti, embarking on the journey of going into real estate at the age of fifty and living fulltime at Fishhawk Lake. Although a different locale than Stefan Swanepoel's Surviving Your Serengeti, a fable comparing personality characteristics in humans to animals in the Serengeti, my tale of self-discovery tromps through any geographic lines and ties us together, from the Serengeti to Fishhawk Lake, making it seem as if my home on a lake in the coastal range of Oregon and the plains of Africa are one and the same.
Photo Courtesy of David Bryen, Fishhawk Lake homeowner and friend
This fable of Swanepoel's, told through the eyes of Zachariah, guide and teacher define the skills that I encompass as those of the trumpeting, rumbling, insightful and empathetic Communicating Elephant. Swanepoel mentions towards the end of his book that Zachariah himself is a Communicating Elephant. In his dedication, he writes, "my Zachariah, my mentor and Dad". I find myself in good company.
Communicating Elephant A Self Portrait
As I traverse across Fishhawk Lake and back several times daily, it has taught me many lessons about survival. After my first year, in 2006, I faced potential tragedy in my new business when in December of 2007, a massive flood occurred, rushing over the dam and spillway, smashing culverts, taking out roads, along with mudslides,ultimately destroying or damaging approximately 75 homes in less than 12 hours.
"That's it", I thought to myself, my new career in real estate has ended. Yet persistence, common in the animals of the Serengeti along with the ability to build successful relationships while sharing a sense of community as well as truly listening to the concerns of one's neighbors helped us all trudge through the muck and rebuild our slice of paradise here at Fishhawk Lake. Some gave up and sold, others stayed put and rebuilt. Ultimately we are all stronger for it.
Photo Courtesy of David Bryen, Fishhawk Lake homeowner
My neighbors, The Comptons who survived BOTH the flood of '07 and winter of '08 at Fishhawk Lake, Birkenfeld, Oregon
2008 brought more mortgage debacles, and a terrible winter. Once again, by being an effective communicator and truly listening to the needs of my clients; both sellers and buyers, many of us came through it unscathed.
Northshore Drive, Fishhawk Lake, Birkenefeld, OR 97016
My Biggest Sale at Fishhawk Lake (until 2010) in the Winter of 2008 (Represented seller & buyer)
Listing Photo above Taken by: Gayle Rich-Boxman
2009 was my best year. Having the skills of the Communicating Elephant were paying off for me. Sellers were calling me to list, appraisers were calling me for opinions about Fishhawk Lake properties and buyers found me through the internet or simply driving through our community. Because we're friendly, people would stop and ask questions of neighbors, who would send them my way.
One of my many friendly neighbors at Fishhawk Lake, Bernie
2010 was a time for my neighbors and business contacts to ask questions of me. Is this a good time to sell? What is the value of my home? What's a good buy right now? Being their guide and teacher it was better to give "candid feedback" as Mr. Swanepoel describes of the Communicating Elephant. Having a "true dialogue" (and putting a positive spin on it, one of my strong points) "focuses on providing valuable and constructive commentary that allows the recipient to effect change. People who provide feedback in a constructive manner are most capable at truly connecting with--and helping--another person."*
One of my happy clients and new neighbor, Darlene Geyer, bought lakefront property at Fishhawk Lake from me Spring, 2010
More Happy Clients!!!
SOLD! My Largest Sale to Date (Their Lakefront home at Fishhawk Lake, Birkenfeld, OR,) in 2010
*Surviving Your Serengeti, pgs. 146,147
Surviving Your Serengeti by Stefan Swanepoel can be purchased on Amazon.com. A percentage of each sale of this book will go to The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), a global conservation organization.
Gayle Rich-Boxman
Broker, Vernonia Realty
Specializing in Fishhawk Lake Recreation Club
"Your Gateway to the Lake!"
Direct: (503)755-2905
My website: http://www.lakehomesatfishhawk.com/
My blog: http://fishhawklakerealtor.wordpress.com/
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