S.E.C. Real Estate Observer

Although it was not a subject that the family would ever discuss, it is alleged that Lance’s paternal grandfather was a half-breed Seminole from Florida who grew up when such ancestry was a liability.

The life of Hopkins “Hank” Henry Haden, III depicts an adventurous, independent and competitive ‘deal making’ spirit reflecting the roots of his Texas City, Texas, upbringing.

Steve England was born in 1946, and raised on a 3,000 acre irrigated farm and ranch southwest of North Platte in Lincoln County, Nebraska. The farm was complete with 300 head of cattle, crops and hay and was operated by his father and two of his uncles.

“Good afternoon sports fans and welcome to Heinz Field where your World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers begin their campaign for another magnificent year.” Seated in seats 1 and 2, Row AA, Section 111, Don and his son David are eager to see Don’s beloved Steelers get off to a strong start. Although David longed to see his Red Sox playing their final games, Don loved football. David had driven from Boston, where he practices as a cardiologist, picked up his father in Rochester, and made the trek to the opening game.

It’s been said that the most valuable compliments are those that come from one’s peers. Virgil Opfer, a Past President of the Society of Exchange Counselors (2004), is certainly well regarded in many circles. Within the commercial real estate brokerage community, and among educators, S.E.C. members, and his fellow G5 investment partners, Virgil is highly respected.

Larry Browning has gone through his life using the philosophy that his father, whom he describes as a man of honesty, imbedded the following into him when he was a child: “Your word is your bond, always tell the truth.” This statement is reflective in all aspects of Larry’s life.

Debbie Sullivan, S.E.C., was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a child, she moved with her mother and father, Hattie and Elbert Steele, to Mount Airy, North Carolina, which she referred to as “Mayberry.”

Wichita has lost one of her outstanding citizens with the passing of Jack R. Hunt on Tuesday, July 22, 2008. Jack was born October 13, 1921, and was placed into an orphanage soon thereafter. As a youngster, Jack existed without a last name until attending school required that he have one. He selected the name Hunt from a local fireman, Dick Hunt, who had befriended him in his youth [...]

A visit with Ken during the 40th Anniversary Year of the S.E.C. was a personal opportunity, difficult to match, especially for a relatively new S.E.C. candidate. The life path of this very unique man, who endured many personal and career changes, not so uncommon during his era, is an enjoyable venture worth sharing [...]

For those of you who did not know Rosebud has a middle name — that name is Lefebvre. That does not sound very Texan. How does someone living in Houston, Texas, have such a middle name? Well, Rosebud’s father was born in White Plains, NY, to French-Canadian parents, and was raised in a convent in Montreal, Canada, for seven years after his mother died. Then, after only an eighth grade education, he started a very successful plumbing business in the basement of his house during the depression. [...]