Energize in 2009

People often ask me why Schell Brothers is different, why I left one of the best-known national builders to work for a local company.

The difference is our culture. It's in the way we work hard and play hard together. It's in the way Chris Schell inspires us with endless optimism, motivational thoughts and tools, and it's in the financial knowledge that he bestows upon us.

Our company hosted a Realtor Expo this week: Energize in 2009. Not only did Chris present an economic update before a slew of attendees, but he also shared tactics he personally uses for staying motivated, for staying positive, and ultimately, for building and maintaining happiness. In addition, one of my colleagues at Pepper's Creektold a powerful story, in which his army experience in Iraq taught him that if he could laugh with friends - even in the worst situations - he knew he'd be ok. And, finally, we brought in a local Realtor, who, after struggling with his weight for many years, is now an Ironman athlete. He shared his success secrets for how he lost - and continues to control - his weight, how he experienced an "aha" moment, where he knew his life had to change.

That was me. I needed an "aha" moment at my previous job, and it came when I was introduced to Schell Brothers. It was then that I fully realized that homebuilding (even for the big guys in charge) can be about more than profit shares. That it's about putting smiles on peoples' faces, both customers and employees.

Being part of the Schell team has renewed my love for this industry and has completed energized me for the good things to come in 2009 and beyond, especially at The Vineyards.

In parting, I'll leave you with another quote from Chris Schell...

"Your achievements, unlike the stock market, are highly correlated with your expectations of your achievements."