A Saturday night, a complicated negotiation and two very patient husbands.
Last Saturday night, Steve Benmor and I were in Stratford for an evening of music, wine and time together.
At least, that was the plan.
Of the two and a half hours we were there, I think I spent approximately 20 minutes actually sitting with my husband.
The rest of the time, I was outside, speaking with multiple parties, navigating a complex real estate negotiation and working toward a resolution that would help a family move forward.
Meanwhile, Steve was inside, enjoying his wine and listening to the music.
He took a photograph through the window and sent it to my parents with this message:
“I love my wife and I love The Graff Group. This is me on the inside of the bar looking out on a Saturday night. Lots of people to talk to!”
When I saw it, I laughed.
But it also made me think.
The people behind the professionals
Cheryl has been in real estate for 45 years. I’ve been doing this for over three decades.
Between us, that’s a lot of interrupted dinners, postponed plans, weekend phone calls and family moments that have had to accommodate the unpredictable nature of our profession.
And behind both of us are two men who have lived alongside those careers.
My dad has supported my mom throughout her real estate journey, just as Steve has supported me throughout mine.
They’ve seen the successes, the challenges, the emotional investment and the countless hours that go into doing what we do.
They understand that our work is rarely just about a property.
It’s about people.
And sometimes those people are navigating divorce, estate matters, financial pressures or major life transitions.
These aren’t always situations that can be wrapped up neatly at five o’clock on a Friday afternoon.
The invisible support system
In service-oriented professions, we often talk about dedication, commitment and going above and beyond.
But how often do we acknowledge the people who make that dedication possible?
The partners who wait patiently while we finish a call.
The families who understand when dinner is delayed.
The people who listen when we need to decompress after an emotionally demanding day.
The ones who celebrate our successes and help us find perspective when things don’t go as planned.
Their contribution may not appear on a sales report or in a client testimonial, but it is very much part of the story.
And while I’m incredibly proud of the work Cheryl and I do, I also recognize that our passion has required patience and understanding from the people we love.
That is something worth acknowledging.
Beyond the Sale
The transaction we were working on that Saturday night ultimately moved forward.
But this particular Beyond the Sale isn’t about the details of that transaction.
It’s about what was happening on the other side of the window.
A husband enjoying his wine, listening to music and patiently waiting for his wife.
And a father who received that photograph and probably understood the situation better than anyone after 45 years of marriage to a woman in real estate!
Dad and Steve, thank you for your love, patience, humour and unwavering support.
We couldn’t show up for our clients the way we do without the people who show up for us.
And to everyone supporting a spouse, partner or family member whose work doesn’t always respect the clock, this one’s for you.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful part of Beyond the Sale is recognizing the people who make it all possible.
With love and gratitude,
Samantha
The Graff Group Toronto
Experience. Empathy. Results.
