I’m in New York City for the 2010 Inman Connect Real Estate Conference and RE Bar Camp NYC 2010. Couldn’t sleep, so I took a quick walk around my hotel, The Royalton. It was 3:00am, and 28 degrees outside so I didn’t last long. Here’s a quick look at midtown Manhattan at 3:00am. All natural lighting, hand held, with no re-touch or cropping (hey, it’s late…)

This city is truly amazing… the architecture, the people, the sheer size…

As we ring in a new year, it seems prudent to review last year and set some goals for the upcoming year. Years in Corporate America left a sour taste in my mouth for “five year business plans”. It is hard enough to plan for next month. Five years in this day and age is a lifetime. Heck, at this time five years ago I’d had my real estate license for four months. Today we own our own brokerage 18 agents and offices in two cities.

A lot can change in five years.

So we’ll focus on the upcoming year, knowing full well that the plan will likely morph and change significantly. (Fair warning, insufferably long post ahead.)

Looking back on 2009

From both a personal and professional perspective, 2009 was a great year. The blog grew, the brokerage grew, the kids grew, and my circle of confidants and friends grew.

The Blog:

Often it blows my mind when I ponder what this blog has evolved into over the last 4+ years. In 2009, there were 633,558 visitors from 192 countries that generated 2,079,034 page views. 2,909 currently subscribe by RSS feed. Over 60,000 people stopped by 50 or more times in 2009.

The home search page was the most visited page, but the series of posts on the home buyer tax credit gave it a run for the money.  In early February when news of the tax credit first broke, we had our all-time high daily visitor count of 13,120 and in the 10 day period from Feb 5 – Feb 14, over 85,000 visitors generated almost 200K page views. It was crazy! (Many of those posts get traffic every day, 11 months later.)

If you are curious, visitors from Japan spent more time on the site (by far, at over 23 minutes/visit) than any other country. For countries with over 300 visitors, those from Greece spent the least amount of time on the site. I don’t know what, if anything, this means. . .

We released a major redesign on November 27 (check the home page if you haven’t seen it yet) but it’s not done yet. Next up is restructuring the navigation menu to provide easier access to more content as well as building “sub-blogs” to house some of this content.

I don’t have the vocabulary to properly convey my thanks to all those that stop by to read here, whether it’s one time, or you are a regular. I deeply appreciate those that take the time to stop by. Without you all, there wouldn’t be much point.

The Brokerage:

When 2009 rolled around, we had eight agents all operating out of the Phoenix area. By the end of the year, we’d opened a branch in Tucson and the total agent count had grown to 18. Thompson’s Realty agents had 91 transaction sides in 2009, missing our goal of 100. That miss is my fault, and has nothing to do with our agents.

In late July, we completely changed ThompsonsRealty.com, converting the site over to one designed and hosted by the great folks at Real Estate Webmasters. A lot of work remains there to fully take advantage of all REW offers.

Late in the year we began to implement an electronic transaction management system. This, combined with electronic document signatures has made us about as “paperless” as one can be in a business that generates paperwork by the truckload.

But all the cool tech tools on the planet won’t provide the most important thing to our clients – premier customer service. I leave that to our world-class agents, who I am so very proud of. They are what makes this brokerage successful.

Life:

I honestly can’t count how many very cool new people I met in 2009 that I now call friends. Some I’d “known” online for a long time before we finally met In Real Life. Others I met for the first time. In addition to all the new friends, relationships grew with many other longer-term friends. You folks are all incredible people, and after my family are the most important part of my life. Thank you.

The kids had two milestone birthdays in 2009 with James turning 18 and Lauren turning 16. They have both grown, faster than I would have liked, into amazing young adults. That’s due in no small part to Francy. Every day I look at my wife and wonder how one person manages to be everything one could ask for in a wife, mother and business partner. I’m completely in awe of her.

Looking ahead to 2010

The Blog:

For 2010, my goal for Phoenix Real Estate Guy is to reach 3 million page views, roughly a 33% increase, and we’ll do a little restructuring with home search options to hopefully provide the home searcher with a more complete solution to their home search needs. The types of articles written here probably won’t change much. Yeah, they wander all over the place from hyper-local to national real estate issues and everything in between. I could probably “do better” by focusing more but that’s just not going to happen. At its base level, the blog is what it is. The look and functionality may change, but there will continue to be local news and info, discourse on real estate issues, along with random musings and rants.

The Brokerage:

2010 numeric goals are simple – close 200 transaction sides and hire 10 more kick-ass agents. At the agent level, I’d like to help each of our agents increase their business by 50% in 2010.

These goals may be easier said than done. They are aggressive, but I think we’ve got a collection of amazing agents with innovative ideas and we can pull it off. We’ll find out in 12 months. . .

Numbers are nice and everything, but the single most important component of the brokerage is the client. Period. Our clients demand superior service and flawless real estate transactions from knowledgeable agents. And that will never be compromised in the pursuit of increasing business. Ever. In fact, we’ll find new and better ways to serve our clients in 2010.

The Real Estate Industry:

In the past, I’ve done my fair share of whining about the “real estate industry”. Specifically some of the bone-headed moves made by local, state and national real estate associations. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has been tied to my whipping post for a long time. You may have even read my (woefully neglected) blog “NAR Wisdom” at one point. Today, I’m officially retiring NAR Wisdom. I’ll leave it up, but I don’t plan to post to it any more.

This does NOT mean I’ve just rolled over and admitted defeat. Nor does it mean that I won’t chime in when associations do stupid things.

On the contrary, I’ve decide to get more actively involved in trying to change the way these bureaucracies function. I’m now serving on several association committees:

National Association of Realtors:
Multiple Listing Issues and Policy Committee – Member at-large
Business Technology and Information Systems Forum – Vice Chair
Conference Program Subcommittee – Member

Arizona Association of Realtors:
Communications & Technology Committee

Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service:
Technology Committee

While I firmly believe that writing about issues is participating, and helpful, the only real way to affect change in these organizations is to participate in them. It takes a lot of time, and significant personal resources, but it’s important. These groups have a direct effect on real estate agents (hence an indirect effect on the real estate interested public as well) and it is time to do whatever must be done to affect change and help bring these groups into the 21st century.

Local Activism and Involvement:

I live in a rapidly growing town that is facing all sorts of budget woes. I live in one of the largest metro areas in the nation that suffers at times from an identity crisis. Many think we have no “Phoenix Culture”, that nothing (short of 115 degree summer days) that makes us “unique”. I have kids in school that face budget cuts that could impact the rest of their lives.

In 2010, I’d like to expand my efforts to help in all these areas.

Today I joined the Gilbert (AZ) Small Business Alliance. I’ve recently been serving on the Board of Advisors for the Phoenix Innovation Foundation, and will continue to do so. It is my hope that Thompson’s Realty can continue to sponsor events like Ignite Phoenix and The Highland Jazz Festival.

And much to my wife’s chagrin, I’m looking out for openings on the Town of Gilbert’s Boards and Commissions. Been down that road once before on the Human Relations Commission. Now if a seat were to open on the Planning Commission. . .

Life

Last but not least, the most important goal of 2010 and the rest of time – be a better friend, husband, and father.

Hopefully writing and publishing these goals will provide me with a little accountability. If you read this far, congratulations! If you haven’t written down your 2010 goals, get busy. You’ve only got 364 days left to meet them.

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas.

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas songs. All quite different, all by very talented musicians. I hope you enjoy them.

Please scroll to the bottom of the post for an update from Governing Board President Thad Stump.

It was with dismay that I read an article in yesterday’s Arizona Republic that the Gilbert Public Schools board is reviewing and considering eliminating 25 courses from the Gilbert Junior High and High School curriculum (source).

Of even greater concern is Board President Thad Stump’s comments that he feels several courses offered in high school should not be classes, but should be turned into extracurricular activities.

Apparently Mr. Stump specified that yearbook, jazz band, marching band, and academic decathlon are among the programs he considers extracurricular.

“I equate marching band with football,” Stump said. “Football has always been extracurricular.”

With all due respect Mr. Stump, that’s a ridiculously short-sighted and ignorant statement. Why some might even say it’s an asinine statement.

You equate marching band with football?

Why, because the marching band plays at halftime of football games?

Why, because both the marching band and the football team wear uniforms?

I’m struggling here with equating participating in a competitive sport with learning music and practicing an art.

My daughter participates in the Highland High School Jazz band, Symphonic band and Marching band. She practices for hours, attends band camp during the summer and weekends, and attends competitions on weekends.

And you want to make jazz band and marching band an “extracurricular activity”. Jazz band is “A-hour” and marching band is “9th hour”. Yes, she gets credit for these classes. But if you and the Gilbert Public Schools board vote to force these classes into being “extracurricular activities” then there simply won’t be enough hours in the day for her to participate.

Help me explain to my 16 year old daughter that has committed a significant portion of her life to music how to chose between Jazz band and Marching band. Help me explain to her why even if she is willing to go to school early, stay late, and take all her classes required to graduate, that you won’t let her play in the band.

Yes, YOU WON’T LET HER PLAY IN THE BAND. Turn these classes into extracurricular activities and you are forcing her to give up some of her music.

I understand budget restrictions. That’s why I willingly pay a fairly significant amount of money every year for my daughter to participate in band. That’s why I give up my own personal time to help the band.

The school is open during A-hour and 9th hour. The magnificent band directors are there and willing to give their time. So how exactly does cutting these classes save money?

The Gilbert Independent School district is blessed to have some of the finest band programs in the state of Arizona. They have incredibly giving band directors, supportive parent groups and some very talented and gifted musicians.

Been to a marching band competition lately Mr. Stump? Maybe not, because no football game was being played…

Did you catch a single performance of the Arizona State Champion Highland High marching band? Ever stop by Gilbert High School and see their award winning performance? Stood on the side of the practice field, in August, in the 115 degree heat, and watched these dedicated kids practice for hours?

For the record, I’ve got no problem with football, or any other competitive sport. They are wonderful programs. But to equate band with football is ludicrous. They are as different as night and day. That a president of a school board can’t see that is frightening.

Yes, frightening.

You hold a lot of power and control over my kid’s education. I completely respect the fact that board members are unpaid elected officials. I sincerely appreciate all the governing board members putting in their personal time.

But you all hold my children’s education in your hands, and the fact that you are so short-sighted and apparently completely unaware of the positive impact a music education can hold on a child’s future is worrisome, to say the least.

I implore you investigate this matter fully. You were presented with a panel’s recommendation on Tuesday and nine days later you’re scheduled to vote.

A vote that could impact my daughter’s education, and her future.

Think about that. . .

———

Gilbert Parents – this is a call to you to get involved. Even if your child isn’t in band, take a look at the courses that are on the chopping block. You elected the school board, make your voice heard. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17 at 7:00pm in the boardroom of the Educational Services building at 140 S. Gilbert Road. The board plans a final vote on these cuts at that meeting.

Members of the public can request to comment on the proposal at the meeting. They also can e-mail input to the governing board: board@gilbert.k12.az.us

If you are on Facebook, take a look at this grass-roots efforts by some of the Highland High students. Read what they wrote. Check out the planned “protest” at the school board meeting. Need VOTERS to help too!

Please don’t just stand by and let the Gilbert Public Schools board take such a significant action without hearing your voice.

—–

UPDATE 12/12/2009:  Here is the text of an email I received from Thad Stump, Gilbert School Board President. (reprinted with permission):

What are you doing reading a real estate blog on Thanksgiving?

Go watch some football, eat some turkey, loosen those pants, nap and spend time with your family and/or friends. Ponder all you have to be thankful for.

I’m thankful for my family and friends and those that have placed their trust in us to help them buy or sell a home. And you too, oh avid reader. I’d love to be able to thank each and every reader of this blog in person, but that’s not possible. Rest assured, you are greatly appreciated – more than you probably realize.

Photo Credit: Underwood & Underwood (War Dept.) c. 1918. U.S. Public Domain

Here I am, sitting in a San Diego hotel room at 4:00 in the m0rning, weeping like a baby…

Just a few hours ago, the Highland High School Marching Band won first place in the Arizona State Marching Band Championship!

My daughter Lauren is a member of that band.

I just don’t have the vocabulary or the writing skills to  express how proud of her I am, and how sad I am that I wasn’t there to witness it.

She and her band mates worked so hard for this championship.

Two hours from now, give or take a few minutes, will mark the one year anniversary of the tragic and senseless death of my daughter’s band mate, Kelly Tracy.

Those that have read here for a year on Phoenix Real Estate Guy may remember that around 6:00am on November 15, 2008, Kelly Tracy – just 16 years of age – was killed by a drunk driver when she was minutes away from joining her band to march in the Gilbert Days parade.

That day was, without doubt, the most emotional day of my life.

My wife Francy and I were volunteer “band parents” the day Kelly was killed and words can not come remotely close to describing what we felt that morning, as we stood in the band room surrounded by 150 kids when they were informed their friend had been killed.

As painful as that day was for us, and trust me it was agonizing, it pales in comparison to what the kids went through and was nothing remotely close to the pain the Tracy family has endured.

And yet, here we are – just one short year later, almost to the day Kelly died – and the band wins an Arizona state championship. On the same field where they marched last year on the day of Kelly’s funeral.

I am not an overly spiritual person, but it’s hard to imagine that Kelly wasn’t looking down from heaven last night, urging her friends on.

And they won. They are state champions!

I know for a fact that Kelly’s friends have not forgotten her.  They overcame the sadness from the loss of their friend, and amongst very strong competition, they won a championship. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kelly was doing back-flips in Heaven when the results were announced that her band were the state champions.

Lauren, I am so proud of you and your friends. I know how hard you all worked for this, and I’m sorry I wasn’t there with you when you won. Of course nothing will ever remove the pain of losing Kelly, but I assure you that she marched with you last night, and she is thrilled beyond belief. Congratulations sweetie!

For more on Kelly and the legacy she leaves behind, read this article from yesterday’s East Valley Tribune – and bring a box of Kleenex..

For my Dad, Chaplain (COL) Jim Thompson, USA,  Ret. and all who have ever served.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you. 
– Author unknown

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.  – José Narosky

I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.  – Gary Hart

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms.  It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.  – G.K. Chesterton

America’s veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world.  – John Doolittle

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. –Elmer Davis

.

Hey! I’m growing a moustache to help raise awareness and funds for men’s cancer.

“Uh, dude you’ve already got a moustache,” you may be thinking.

Not any more!

For only the second time in… 25 something years, the ‘stache is gone.

Why in the world would I do this, and why now?

Because it’s Movember – a worldwide movement to raise awareness and much needed research funds for men’s cancer.

Prostate cancer will strike 1 in 6 men in their lifetime, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer afflicting men aged 18 – 35 (but us older guys are not immune).

Perhaps it’s just me, but I’m rather fond of my prostate and testicles and I have no desire to lose them. Or my life.

Funds raised will go the The Prostate Cancer Foundation and Livestrong.

So fellas, join our team and grow a mo! Ladies, you can join too and be a Mo Sista! (no donation required. A little publicity would be cool though.) We need your support!

And if you can spare ANYTHING, even a buck, you can donate here. Why not give up tomorrow’s latte and donate $5?

. . . ridiculous. Beyond my comprehension.

Kelly Tracy was 16 years old when Manuel Contreras-Galdean got behind the wheel of a car at 6:30 in the morning with a blood-alcohol level over twice the legal limit.

He murdered an amazingly talented, bright and caring young lady. He brought unimaginable pain and suffering to hundreds of Kelly’s friends. Very few can even remotely comprehend the suffering he inflicted on Kelly’s family.

Kelly was a member of my daughter’s High School marching band. My wife and I were volunteers with the band the morning Kelly was killed and we were present in the room when her band mates were informed of her tragic death.

Almost a year later I still can’t think of that day without crying.

Yesterday the Arizona Republic reported that Contreras-Galdean pleaded guilty to one count each of manslaughter and aggravated assault for his actions that day. A Maricopa County Attorney’s Office spokesman said he will face a 10½ year prison sentence for each count.

And he will serve those sentences concurrently.

In other words, he serves his two sentences together, as opposed to consecutively (or “back-to-back”) as had been previously discussed.

In other words, Manuel Contreras-Galdean will spend only 10½ years in prison for killing Kelly and hurting her brother.

10½ years.

For killing a 16 year old. A completely preventable tragedy. He chose to get drunk that morning. He knew the consequences (this was his third or fourth arrest for DUI). He gambled with Kelly’s life and she lost.

And he gets 10½ years.

Assuming he serves the full sentence, he’ll walk out of prison when he’s 42 years old. On that date, Kelly would have been 26. Twenty-six.

He will have another 40 or so years of freedom to enjoy when he gets out.

Kelly’s friends and family will only have memories. And thoughts of what could have been. And they’ll go through agony every November 15th, the anniversary of Kelly’s senseless and tragic death.

10½ years? That’s the value our society places on a human life?

In a post I wrote the day after Kelly died I said, “If he gets out of prison before he dies then a travesty of justice will have been served. I know I should be able to forgive him, but I can not. I’ll leave that to a higher and greater power.”

Well, a travesty of justice has been served. This “man” should rot in prison.

But he’ll be out in 10½ years.

Assuming of course he doesn’t get early release or time credited for “good behavior”.

10½ years.

It makes me physically ill.

Rest in peace Kelly. You accomplished more in your short life than the animal that killed you could ever dream of doing. Your smile will shine on forever.

.

It’s October, and that means it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So we’re going pink again to hopefully provide a reminder to anyone reading that you need to:

1) Understand early detection is key. Get a clinical breast exam,  mammogram and/or do a self-exam.

2) Think about how horrific this disease is and if you can, support breast cancer research and patients:

• The Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure is happening in LOTS of places. (The Phoenix event is Sunday, October 11).
• The Breast Cancer Society is a national organization based in Mesa, AZ that has a primary focus of providing direct help and financial aid to those suffering with breast cancer.
• Do you Twitter? Check out TweetsForBoobs.org! Send a tweet with the hashtag #tweetsforboobs and you’re pledging to donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Follow them @tweetsforboobs and they’ll keep track of your pledges and DM you your total. What a great way to use Twitter and social media to gather pledges and spread the word! Kudos to the Phoenix area peeps that put this all together.

No money? Understood. You can also donate your time, there are many organizations that need volunteers. Write a blog post. Tell a friend. Do something, anything to help stop this insidious disease.