David grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As he tells it, “I had a great childhood. We lived on a block with twenty-seven boys and two girls, everyone within four years of each other. It was the very ‘American, Norman Rockwell’ neighborhood. To this day we are all very close.” He contributes his belief in the values of good business and work ethics to the standards of most Pittsburghers, that of hard work and compassion.
When asked about a favorite childhood story, David replied, “ I would have to say many of the Dr. Seuss stories. At the time, they seemed funny. As an adult and parent reading them to my children, the books have a real meaning and it is quite humorous to see it in the eyes of the children.”
David has been in real estate for over twenty years. “I enjoy the opportunity to create the reality of someone’s dream. A home is the most important asset/purchase that a consumer can buy. The emotion is significant. I enjoy satisfying the customer and making their life better.” He has worked with many large and small firms including Thomson Properties, Hines, Intrawest and East West Partners as well as developing some speculative homes on his own. Currently, he is consulting on two real estate projects in Colorado.
The meaning of “being in the right place, at the right time” comes to mind as David relays how he met his wife, “I met Larah in Vail. We were both tourists visiting Vail. I followed her all over Colorado for two days…then she came to Los Angeles on a fly through and we met again (all in the same week). We then traveled over many oceans to see each other and finally made a commitment to move to Denver together. We were married the next year and now have two children.”
What’s important in your life? Family
What’s in your future? International development
What are your volunteer activities? Co-Chair CBCA (Colorado Business Community Arts) The Advocacy Group, Governor’s Council, chaired the Governor’s Cup Road Race, SCFD (Scientific and Cultural Facilities District) Tier 3 Funding – financial allocation, Colorado Symphony, Newborn Hope, Children’s Hospital, University of Denver Alumni, Kappa Sigma Alumni
What’s your favorite social event? Dinner with four to six people
Favorite restaurant? New Saigon
Who is the most interesting celebrity you’ve met? Mikhail Gorbachev. I am amazed at what he tried to do for his country. His vision and insight were extraordinary, maybe a bit too much at that particular time.
If your life were a movie, whom would you like to play your part? Cary Grant
Do you have any pets? No
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? That I have lots of character. There are special brick formations and wood patterns that represent unique thoughts. The way the windows let the light in and the way that the family room invites conversation and friendship through warmth and light are very special features.
What word describes you best? Tenacious
How would you like others to describe you? Compassionate and considerate
What was your first job? Selling shoes
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Perfectionism
What is the trait you most deplore in others? Laziness
What is your greatest indulgence? Travel
What is the best gift you’ve ever given? A 25th Anniversary party for my parents. It was a surprise party and we brought in all of their original wedding party from all over the world. We conducted the party just like a real wedding.
What is the best gift you’ve received? Life
What or who is the greatest love in your life? My Grandmother, because she was there for my childhood
What is your current state of mind? Challenged
What do you consider your greatest achievement? My two children (boys, age 3 and 4)
What is your most treasured possession? The two kids
What is the quality you most like in a man? Mental strength, confidence
What is the quality you most admire in a woman? Confidence that is represented in peacefulness within themselves
Favorite books/writers? Wallace Stegner, Crossing to Safety, and Sidney Sheldon for fun
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? To listen
Do you have a motto? Live life now and live it 100 percent
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you? Got into some trouble in Las Vegas…but can’t go there!
If you could come back in another lifetime, what/who would you like to be? Why? JFK. He was able to do so much for the people. While conducting politics, he led a glamorous life as well.
What are your hobbies? Other interests? I really enjoy the sports of skiing, running and biking.
Who is your mentor? Dan Ritchie
What would you most like to be remembered for? Caring for others
If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would it be? Explore all of the continents
What do you like about the town you live in? The people, the culture, outdoor lifestyle and the weather
