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Family, Goble Properties, Random Thoughts,

Thankful for Twenty Things From 2020

This was a difficult year. Many have lost a loved one, or personally battled the virus, or been laid off. Some folks have worked long, exhausting hours to serve others. Small business owners have been hit incredibly hard.

My family dodged some of the pain, but not all. We knew people who were taken by Covid, and many friends/family have battled the virus. I know several people who simply can’t find work, including family members. Our business has seen a drop as our clients, almost all small businesses, have had to close. Some many never reopen.

During trying times I try …

Goble Properties, Junkyard Management, Leadership, Random Thoughts,

The Morning Welcome

Each morning when I arrive at work I say hello to the folks who sweep the streets, maintain the landscaping, pick up the garbage, and touch up paint on the curbs. They do the overlooked but crucial jobs, allowing the rest of us the luxury of focusing on our jobs.

My office is on the second floor of a shopping center. The retail businesses are on ground level, offering such things as health foods, jewelry repair, cooking utensils, and pizza by the slice. Most of them open about 10 AM.

Typically I arrive at my office around 8 AM. So …

Family, Freestarters™, Goble Properties, Leadership, Salvaged,

Freestarter™ Awards

Over a decade ago I invented the word “freestarter” because there was no word that quite fit the kind of person I was trying to describe. Part prophet, part entrepreneur, part artist, and part leader (often without followers) it became my own concoction of traits describing a unique individual. I wrote about them in my book Salvaged and posted a list of great Freestarters™ on my blog.

Then last year our family foundation decided to honor these Freestarters™ and give them long overdue recognition. The first four were announced in December, and we hope to honor another one every three …

Goble Properties,

The Power of Small Business

The young man, in his early 30’s, peppered me with questions about growing his small business. He asked good questions, which was encouraging since few people ask the right ones. Eventually the conversation shifted from growing the business to the purpose of business. And this is where it really becomes interesting.

“You know,” I said casually, “profit is like breathing. You do it to stay alive. But it’s not why you live.”

He stared at me, thoughtful, and took a deep exaggerated breath that made us both laugh.

This conversation happened a few weeks ago at the Christian Economic Forum…

Goble Properties, Wine Reviews,

Goble Properties Napa Retreat

Last week was the Goble Properties staff retreat in Napa Valley, and it was great to spend time with some of my favorite people. The last few years have been very busy so it was good to pause and take a deep breath. We hadn’t taken the time for a retreat in seven years — way too long!

We had breakfasts outside in the crisp mornings, rode bikes to nearby wineries, explored downtown Calistoga, and generally goofed off about half the time. Over the 3-day event we tasted wines at two different wineries: Lava Vines and Mi Sueno. In the …

Goble Properties, Junkyard Management,

Nobody Cares if You’re the Smartest Person in the Room

Many years ago, I joined a board of directors for a reasonably large organization. It was an honor to be invited, and I wanted to help the organization in the best possible way. As the board discussions covered finance, marketing, staff compensation, and any number of other issues, I did my best to offer my thoughts on all the subjects.

Perhaps I wanted to do a bit too much, though. After one particularly long conversation about a new campaign launch, one of the longest-serving board members, who was a good 20 years older than me, pulled me aside. He asked …

Goble Properties,

Integrity Matters

Here’s an important business lesson I learned from my father about business integrity. It happened on a hot summer afternoon in the mid-1970’s. I was with my dad as he was negotiating a deal with a contractor. Let’s call the contractor John. The negotiations were bumpy but still civil and respectful.

Suddenly my father let out a deep sigh, leaned back in his chair, and said, “Well, John, it doesn’t look like we can make a deal today.” Without another word, my father stood up, shook John’s hand, and turned toward the door. It was sudden, almost abrupt, and a …

Goble Properties, Junkyard Management,

Celebrating Abelardo

It was nearly 20-years ago when Goble Properties acquired Hopyard Village in Pleasanton. Along with the property came the perpetually smiling maintenance man, Abelardo. Always willing to take on any challenge, eager to learn, and ready to break into song when he wasn’t making small talk, Abelardo has been one of our most popular employees.

So when we found out he was just one history test away from becoming a US citizen, we knew we had to throw a party to celebrate. After daily jokes about his knowledge of Bunker Hill or how many justices sit on the Supreme Court, …