Another Great Day of Caring in the Books

In 2002, we at Pearce Real Estate wanted to mark the first anniversary of 9/11 by doing something positive, that would make the world a little better.  That year, we chose many projects in many towns that we serve, doing everything from painting to yard work, to filing and stuffing envelopes, and even cleaning up a park.  Over the years, we have served dozens of area organizations, often returning to help out in later years, sometimes with bigger projects, and now in one venue at a time.

Today, we celebrated the 18th Pearce Day of Caring by going back to The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, where we famously cleaned up the grounds, including the pool, after Hurricane Irene.  This year, 40 of  us spread out over the yard and all three floors of the building, painting, filing, moving boxes, staining decks, and performing whatever tasks the staff had for us.  We even gave a class in basic computer program shortcuts!  After our work, we had our usual pizza fest, then some of us stayed to finish up the painting jobs.  

We couldn't have asked for better weather or a better cause, and we always feel good when we take the time to come together and do in a different way what we individually try to do every day--give back to the region that supports us and our business.  I am never prouder to be a Pearce Pro than on Day of Caring, and I'm grateful to the team that devotes its time every year to helping others.



My Sabbatical

I am perhaps one of the unusual people who has stayed in the same job for most of my adult life.  I have been running Pearce Real Estate since the mid-1980s, after leaving the practice of law to work with my father in late 1981.  Although it's challenging and absorbing, and I love the people with whom I work, this seemed like the right time for me to take on a new challenge for a little while.

Connecticut Hospice has been a part of my life since childhood, when my father was on the Board and his best friend was the Board Chair.  Over the years, we have represented them in real estate transactions, including the move into their current location.  Pearce Real Estate has done a Day of Caring there, after Hurricane Irene, which was shortly after my father died there.  I have always known what a special place it is.  When I was recently asked to help them, after a period of turbulent management change, I didn't hesitate.  I agreed to become the interim CEO, and I started almost immediately, a few weeks ago.

It has been the most intense professional experience of my life.  There is so much to do, and I am also trying to master a new field.  However, I have great people working with me, and CH has extraordinary employees, who believe passionately, as I do, in the mission of Connecticut Hospice.  They have supported me every step of the way, and thanked me for coming to work every morning.  What happens in that building, and in all the places where CH delivers home care, is a labor of love for every staff member.  I am privileged to have been asked to lead such an amazing organization.

I am also blessed with a terrific team at Pearce Real Estate, where everyone clapped, or even cried with joy, when I said that I was going to spend the next year at Connecticut Hospice, They, too, are extraordinary people, and always in my heart while I work to make Hospice thrive.  I am proud of the work they do as well, and the professionalism with which they assist clients with all types of real estate needs.  Nanette Pastore, who is running Pearce in my absence, is the best partner any executive could ever want--talented, hardworking, caring, and committed.  She is more than ready for this challenge, and she deserves all the support she is getting from everyone.

This blog will continue, as well my commitment to Pearce Real Estate, although most of my time is fully taken at the moment!  I look forward to continuing the dialogue about issues in buying and selling, and to your ongoing readership.