First let me to say to my clients: I love you. Thanks to you, I get to do the work that is so meaningful to me. I get to help you through one of your life’s biggest transitions, and I consider this a great honor. For many years, in the back of my mind, I’ve had the idea of wanting to show you how much I appreciate you, but I never hit on an idea that felt right. Then, earlier this year, while Art and I were enjoying an amazing made-to-order ice cream sundae at Benchmark, I idly mentioned aloud how fun it would be to book the whole place for a private party…and last Monday, about 100 of you came to my first ever Client Appreciation Party!
It was one of the most rewarding events of my life, and now I am looking forward to doing something like this every year. Benchmark cooked up an endless stream of artisan pizzas and tasty side dishes, followed by fresh peach pies and made-to-order sundaes with lots of fun toppings for all ages. Grown-ups had all the beer and wine they wanted, and kids got to run around with new friends. Several generations mingled in the buffet line and around the tables, and many of my clients discovered that they knew each other. I was so happy to see people I’ve known over the course of my career, including the nice folks who hired me 23 years ago to sell one home and buy another. I met them at an Open House I was hosting in their North Berkeley neighborhood — my very first home sale!
Next year, I’d like to take over a movie theater, or perhaps Albany Bowl, or maybe cater a huge BBQ at a local park. Got ideas? Let me know, and I’ll see you there!