MICHAEL ANDERS and STEVEN WONG

"Sweet Land of Liberty"

by Toni Marie Everhart
photography by Tim Park Photography

Never underestimate the value of that pivotal time in life-your college years!

Michael Anders (freshman from Montana) and Steven Wong (sophomore from Hawaii) met at Lewis and Clark College in 1987 in Portland, Oregon. Founded by Presbyterian pioneers in 1867, the school's motto is Explorare, Discere, Sociare (to explore, to learn, to work together). In college, Michael and Steven had similar interests and similar friends...one man learning about marketing and management and the other finance and accounting. Two men raised in different parts of the U.S., but instilled with similar values from their families…integrity and hard work. Both saw the potential and career opportunities Portland offered to graduating college students. Both had an appreciation for and an interest in exploring the international business scene, and although they took different routes, both spent time in Japan. Both men were entrepreneurial from an early age, encouraged by family tradition. Both gravitated toward the real estate industry for different reasons, and yet discovered a common purpose. Uniting their complementary educations, skills and experiences in 1999 to work together, forming NW Realty Group…they inspire others by fulfilling the motto of their alma mater…to explore, to learn and to work together.

This is the story of two very bright and inspiring men who offer vision and hope, leadership and integrity, in the true American spirit of our great country…our Sweet Land Of Liberty!

So often we take our country's liberties and opportunities for granted. Traveling and working around the globe, primarily within Asia, Steven has seen, first-hand, the life, health and working conditions of people in other lands. We can learn about our own freedoms and explore the world vicariously as we see through Steven's eyes the wide-spread adversity facing others daily. While we take for granted--more of a right than a privilege--our education, jobs, books and food, others struggle for the next meal for their children. Bright young people lack opportunities to develop their potential in dead-end jobs…if there are any jobs at all. Envision a beer with friends this evening after work…in other countries, people would have to save for years to be able to afford such an entertaining luxury! Steven says, "We are very blessed in America!"

Freedom to say and do what we want, pursue our lofty goals and own a home are indeed the sweet fruits of our liberty!

Michael was determined to pursue his goals, expanding on the skills and experience he had earned selling insurance and marketing new construction research to developers, builders, suppliers, subs, utility companies and government agencies. He'd gotten his real estate license before he left for Japan and had developed a forte working with developers and builders. His strong interest in continuing to interact with builders and developers led him to work with John DeCosta, DeCosta Properties, in developing a succession and acquisition plan for that company.

Inspired and enthusiastic after working with DeCosta Properties in sales for two years and managing for one year, Michael acquired the company and earned his broker's license. In the year 2000, the year he and Steven joined their entrepreneurial and innovative visions, they changed the company's name to NW Realty Group.

Until that point, Steven had amassed three years' experience in finance/accounting and operations at a biotechnology company and three years' international marketing experience with high tech products. Those 26-hour international flights and global economic conditions persuaded Steven back to Portland, where he had several real estate investments...But not before he met his bride, Shari, an OB/GYN, half way around the world in China. Now that's what I call romantic!

Michael receives special recognition from Stan Peterson, Executive Director for YMCA, for outstanding fundraising efforts.

Motivated after graduating from college to invest in a Portland condominium with his grandfather, Steven astutely utilized his finance and accounting education to leverage that first asset. Multiple refinances afforded him opportunities to acquire several duplexes and a triplex and ultimately to enter the home building arena. Eleven years later, Steven now owns and manages 13 properties, has his REALTOR®'s and associate broker's licenses and is a Diamond Member of the Million Dollar Club of the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS®.

Discovering their common purpose brought Michael and Steven, longtime friends and proven leaders, to the ultimate conclusion of forming a business partnership…and thus NW Realty Group. According to Mike, "NW Realty Group is a boutique shop, whose niche is cultivating business with builders and developers, marketing our services as an in-house marketing team for small to large builders." Steven says, "Integrating developers' and builders' business philosophies with our own, as well as providing the best service possible, makes our company unique and innovative." Both agree the size of their company (2 principals, 12 agents) allows them to balance management and sales while maintaining their niche, providing flexibility and innovation for clients and agents. Mike says to be innovative, you must "think outside the box."

As a team, Michael and Steven have personally produced over $30 million in home sales in the past 10 months. The partners want to maintain managed growth and to create an environment that makes it financially rewarding for agents to work there. They say they are always looking for good agents to help their business grow.

Current client sites include two subdivisions for Hayden Homes in Clark County; two subdivisions for Abney Revard, one in Oregon City and one in Tigard; a subdivision in Tualatin for Crystal Park Construction; a subdivision in Troutdale for Winkler Development; a project in Beaverton for Sunset Investments; as well as individual lots for Harvey Construction.

In working with developers and builders, Michael provides a strategic service to his clients by researching and evaluating the marketplace-he is licensed in Oregon and Washington-at times locating land for acquisition and development. To better understand his builders, Mike, along with his colleague, John Meogrossi, built his first spec home in 2000 and is in the process of building his second, which will be completed in 2002. He says, "Taking time to know what the builders go through and educating myself about the business provide me with a strategic advantage. Knowing the environment the builders are in allows me to service my clients better." Mike divides his time between looking for land and evaluating the marketplace, managing/selling client subdivisions and resale. Membership in the Home Builders' Association of Metropolitan Portland, the National Association of REALTORS® and the Portland Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® also provides Mike with forecasting, networking and educational benefits.

Ron Abney, President, Abney Revard, Inc., expresses his appreciation for Mike's sales' skills:

"Mike Anders and NW Realty Group have represented Abney Revard's projects in Vancouver, WA (Columbia Heights), Tigard, OR (Autumn Hill), and Oregon City (Barlow Crest). Mike has displayed the attitude, integrity, effort and professionalism that we expect and desire of our sales organization. His attention to detail and his working relationship with his agents and others have made him a valuable member of the Abney Revard team.

Mike understands the nuances and differences between new home sales and resale, which is very vital in this industry. Escrow periods may be as long as six months for presales, and the ability to communicate the buyers' desires, as well as satisfy our requirements, takes a hands-on approach to many various issues. Mike continues to demonstrate this ability along with his sales team."

Steven has a special enthusiasm for first-time home buyers. He says, "It's exciting for them, so it's exciting for me." He uses his tax and finance/accounting background to help clients with this "huge financial decision." Walking clients through the financing details or helping them move, Steven says, "There is nothing that is 'above and beyond' in terms of caring for clients." His integrity and leadership are borne out of his respect for the opportunities and blessings he's received in his life.

Jim Winkler, developer, Winkler Development, endorses Steven's skills enthusiastically: "Steven Wong is a winner. He is smart, hard-working, honest, responsive and effective. I could not ask more from a broker."

Steven loads food for his Meals on Wheels route.

Molly Mink, developer, Gilbert Brothers, agrees: "Steven evidenced a work ethic beyond compare. At all times, he did what needed to be done. His customer service is genuine, and he is able to build a good rapport with purchasers."

Christian Gladwell, mortgage broker, Lending Solutions, adds: "Steven really understands the mortgage financing process, which makes my job easier. He is an excellent real estate broker, and his clients love him!"

The reward for Michael and Steven of all their hard work is that developers are now coming to them! Developers are referring other developers--a virtual evolution and result of their goal setting, honesty, integrity, credibility and excellence.

Michael and Steven are two leaders that inspire others with courage and hope. Encouraging the hearts of new agents, clients or those in need in the community, these two men exemplify the true American spirit and vision of greatness. They both contribute to the community through service to two pillar organizations: YMCA and Meals on Wheels.

Michael serves on the board of the Northside Family YMCA because he values the programs that they provide to the community and because the Y's values are important to him.

"The YMCA Board of Trustees adopted five values as a basis for all YMCA operations, staff development and program development. To better remember these values and basic Christian principles, the YMCA has assigned a color to each value. Kids can remember the color and associate it with the word:

• Love = Red, like a red heart (caring, compassion, acceptance)
• Respect = Golden Yellow, to reflect the golden rule (honor, without prejudice)
• Honesty = Blue, to be true blue (integrity, truth-telling, trustworthiness)
• Responsibility = Green, responsible to the earth and fiscal responsibility (reliability, accountability, perseverance)
• Service = Rainbow of colors, because to serve involves all of the above words/colors (giving back, sharing, altruism, charity)."

Children are important to Steven too…especially little Kristen, his and Shari's two-year-old daughter. Steven says Kristen can brighten up a hard day, and she puts everything in perspective-something every parent can relate to.

Steven also loves seniors and is active with Loaves & Fishes, The Meals-on-Wheels People, whose mission seeks to enrich the lives of seniors and assist them in maintaining independence by making nutritious food, social contacts and other resources easily available. Steven has made the time for four years to volunteer a couple of hours a week. He does it all: delivers meals, flips beds, locates missing eyeglasses and even dumps the trash. And why? He says he's thankful for everything he has (good childhood, good family, good friends, good business) and wants to give back.

Steven and Shari with daughter, Kristin

Being successful, one might think there would be no time to be involved in a meaningful way with those less fortunate. But both Michael and Steven are balanced and realistic. They enjoy their community work, their family and friends, and sports. About success and their individual philosophies about business, Mike says, "You've got to work hard, treat people right, and do the right things." Steven encourages others by saying, "Things could always be worse. You just have to pick yourself up in tough times." He adds, "I try not to get too high or too low; I like to stay around the equator. It keeps me sane."

Well, that's the heart of this story for now...the value of true friendship, the making of a strong business partnership, and two men enjoying our country's liberties and inspiring others by taking advantage of the opportunities we are granted in this great land.

God Bless America, Our Sweet Land of Liberty!