by Brian Brady
Commercial Real Estate Finance Expert
Structured Debt and Equity
Licensed Real Estate Broker in AL, CA, and FL
Home, of course.
Anybody who followed his World Cup trip to South Africa saw the glow on his face, in his Facebook pictures, and the longing in his heart, on his Facebook status updates. Social media are interesting platforms. They have the power to bring you much closer to people you’ve met or allow you to learn more about those you’ve yet to meet. I “met” David on Active Rain, was drawn to the Zillow brand because of him (and Drew Meyers), and am grateful to him for supporting the inaugural real estate social media marketing conference.
I’ve battled with, yelled at, drank beer with, collaborated with, and tried to support David Gibbons for a number of reasons but, in the end, it’s all about mentschkeit. David G from Zillow is the type of guy you want on your team….and you want to play on his team, too.
I”m not going to cry about his departure because between Skype and Facebook, Seattle is not much farther than Jo-Berg. My goal today is to remind you of the single most important lesson we learned, from David G: What Would David Gibbons Do?
The WWDGD lesson is to represent yourself positively online and always sell your brand. The trick is in the delivery. David G. never skulked and pounced, like a sleazy corporate pitchman. David G. was always part of the conversation, offering ideas, debating, and developing best practices. If there was ever a spokesman for the ” RE.net“, Davig G would be that guy. Why? He lives in our world.
So I’ll just say “Hamba Kahle” to David G. I’d say I’ll miss him but I doubt I’ll notice he’s moved.
Diane Tuman says:
Well put, Brian. He is a great guy and was the perfect person to represent Zillow in the RE.net with his passion for the industry, excellent listening skills, and sense of fairness, all packaged with his South African flair. I know he’s leaving us now, but I have a feeling David will resurface in the states. Either that, or we all have to start making plans for a road trip to SA.
July 23, 2010 — 5:44 pm
Teri Lussier says:
>we all have to start making plans for a road trip to SA
ROAD TRIP!!!!
Brian, You are so right about his updates from SA, his words just glowed, and it was obvious how happy he was.
There is going to be a void at Zillow, I think.
Best to you, David G.
July 23, 2010 — 6:30 pm
Greg Swann says:
Good on ya, David. I wish you every joy in your new life back home.
July 23, 2010 — 7:45 pm
Brad Coy says:
Goal accomplished, Brian. A great reminder in what David offered to both the online and offline space of Real Estate.
A true warrior spirit and from what I understand, an unofficial Bloodhound. 🙂
July 23, 2010 — 10:23 pm
David G says:
Sala Kahle Brian and thank you! Start planning that road trip – it would be awesome to see you in SA.
Cheers to the Bloodhounds; this has been a great place to learn and debate our industry – I’ll be keeping an eye on you all.
July 24, 2010 — 10:03 am