Arrow Liver: My Dad

On Father’s Day, I asked my dad, Chris, if I could interview him for the site. He started laughing and asked why I wanted to interview him.

I can guarantee you this is no pity interview. I didn’t want to interview him simply because it was Father’s Day. My dad is a straight up Arrow Liver. Anyone who has worked with or met my dad, can attest that Chris is The Man.

31 years as a Commercial Real Estate Broker, Chris is as relentless and as dedicated as they come. His extreme attention to detail and loyalty to his clients have led my dad to become one of the top brokers and business leaders in Portland.   But if you had a conversation with my dad, you’d never know he was so successful. He doesn’t care about the recognition and actually despises talking about himself. He’s way more interested in what’s going on in other people’s lives, a trait that has proven invaluable in the workforce.  Born and raised in Portland, Chris grew up just around the corner of our current family home. He played soccer throughout childhood and all the way through Lincoln high school, where his team won a state title. I would eventually follow his lead. At Lincoln, Chris was an all-around nice guy, but he had his mischievous days. For instance, he played a role in helping lift a teacher’s car onto the stadium bleachers.

After attending University of Oregon as a business major, Chris got into Real Estate and hasn’t looked back since.

I just looked up all the awards he’s received over the years; Oregon/SW Washington Investment Broker of the Year (2005, 2007-2009), Office Broker of the Year (2004, 2010), the Bill Naito Award (2005, 2007), NAI NBS Top Producer for ten years running, BOMA’s Broker of the Year three times, and the list goes on… I always knew my dad was great at his job, but he never mentions these accolades. He always remains extremely humble and focused on his priorities.

Chris attributes his success to some great mentors, his supportive team and putting in the hours.

Away from work, my dad mans the grill better than anyone I’ve ever met, is a sucker for a good chick flick, and is never short of “dad” jokes. Most of all, he has been one of my biggest supporters. Growing up, he’d coach both my brothers and my sporting teams and has attended every possible event of ours. He always offers a helping hand and is the one person that we know will be there for us no matter what.

This is no pity interview.

My dad is an Arrow Liver.

Name: Chris Johnson

Age: 54

Hometown: Portland, OR

Profession: Commercial Real Estate Broker

Years at profession: 31

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

I need to go get a workout in 

What is your morning routine?  

Get up around 4:30-5, shave, brush my teeth, go to the office, send a couple emails, record my voicemail for the day, go workout, come back to my desk and work until I quit sweating, shower, then get back to work

What did you love most about where you grew up?

I loved being able to skateboard to high school. I lived where the road was a steep downhill all the way to Lincoln. I loved being close to downtown, and being able to go to the beach and the mountains in an hour

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Two things: You have two ears and one mouth so listen to people versus talking and have a little fun every day

Who is your definition of successful?

Warren Buffet. He’s been successful because he’s doing what he truly loves to do, and at the end of the day, gives his money away to charities

Why do you do what you do?

Because I couldnt get another job (there’s one of his “dad” jokes),  I like the people I work with,  I truly enjoy what I do, and I like the flexibility of having my own schedule and being able to spend time with family and friends 

Is this where you thought you’d end up?

Yes

How are you different than the average?

I put in the hours every day and I put the interest of my clients first and foremost 

What habit contributes the most to your success? 

I am very detail oriented. I make a lot of lists and goals

How do you spend your free time?

Relaxing at Black Butte or the Coast, barbecuing, vacuuming, getting the hair off Jake (our dog), watching sports, barbecuing, traveling, and golfing-but if you watched me play you’d wonder why 

Biggest setback? 

Not investing more at a younger age

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

Personally: Raising three amazing children and having the best wife in the world. 

In Work:  The relocation of Wieden & Kennedy to the Pearl, as that helped launch the development of the Brewery Blocks which I was fortunate to represent the owners in selling in 2007

What do you wish you knew as a kid? 

 One thing I did try do as a kid was to always respect my elders.  My grandfather was my mentor growing up

What’s your dream meal? 

A big bottle of red wine, Filet Mignon, a baked potato, and a wedge salad

What is your biggest challenge, what do you do to manage this challenge? 

Juggling multiple projects. I manage this by prioritizing, using a tracking report, but most importantly I have surrounded myself with a great team

What is the weirdest scar you have and how did you get it?

The one on my neck when I attempted to jump over the picket fence when I was six years old to try and get my baseball out of my neighbor’s yard

If you could trade live with one person for an entire day who would it be?

Mark Cuban would be interesting, but I would want to make sure I did it the day they played the Trail Blazers so I could cheer them on front row

If you could only keep five possessions what would they be?

phone, car, tv remote, a good bottle of red wine, and a foam roller

What skill would you like to learn and why? 

 Even though I am musically challenged, I do wish I had learned how to play the guitar

What is your favorite mobile app?

ESPN sports and I’m a big fan of Siri