Very so often, it is worth stepping outside of our beautiful Estes Park mountain view to see what is happening in the wider real estate world. This year, that meant heading to San Diego for Inman Connect, a gathering of some of the sharpest minds in our industry. Three full days of speakers, panels, and conversations left us inspired, challenged, and maybe just a little sunburned.
The beauty of a conference like Inman Connect is that it gives you a mix of learning and living. You walk away with fresh ideas, a deeper understanding of where the industry is headed, and a reminder of why you chose this career in the first place. You also walk away with stories you could never have predicted.
From the moment the conference kicked off, it was clear that real estate is changing faster than ever. There was a lot of talk about how technology and AI are shaking things up, but the best speakers reminded us that the heart of this business has not changed. Buying or selling a home is one of the most personal, emotional, and important decisions in a person’s life. The tools may evolve, but the value of trust, relationships, and local expertise will always be the foundation.
One theme that stood out was how much people crave a genuine connection. Social media, videos, and even AI can help us reach people in new ways, but it is the human touch that makes it all work. We came away with a notebook full of ideas, but also a renewed commitment to showing up for people the way we always have in Estes Park, with care and local knowledge that only comes from living and working here.
Of course, it was not all conference rooms and note-taking. San Diego was at its best, with perfect weather and food that could convince even the most devoted mountain dweller to spend a little more time by the coast. The Homes.com party was another highlight. It was a chance to connect with industry icons from across the country without the formalities of a panel or a schedule. There were great conversations, new friendships, and more than a few stories that probably should not be put in writing.
One evening, Bryce and I went out for seafood. We both ordered swordfish, and I had to laugh when I heard myself repeating something I have said for years: “I’ll eat seafood if I can see the boat it came in on.” In this case, the boat was probably still in the harbor. It was fresh, perfectly cooked, and the kind of meal that makes you forget for a moment you have a conference to get up for the next day.
And then there was the Tony Hawk incident. One day during lunchtime, I walked into what I thought was the right event. I was not on the list. I told the person at the door I should be on the list, and somehow they waved me through. Five minutes later, I was standing next to Tony Hawk, shaking his hand, and getting my picture taken. It was not planned, it was not part of the schedule, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
We are back in Estes Park now, ready to put the inspiration to work. The mountains are still here, the elk are still wandering across the road, and our commitment to helping people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives is stronger than ever.
Skateboarding lessons, however, are still not on the calendar since Grampa Gerald and Hudson got kicked out of the skate park together… however, that’s a story for another time.
