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John DL Arendsen, Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer (CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments)

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John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

John, I don't think generation has much to do with it to be honest, it will always come down to the individual.  I think thorough interviewing of each candidate is your best bet.  They say millenials hope around a lot, but I'm one of them, and I'd still be with the first company I joined out of college were it not for the 08' market issues.

I've met some older folks with a great grasp on technology, how to use it, and how to market with it effectively & efficiently, and younger people that don't know anything beyond facebook and Yelp.  Likewise, I've seen older & younger people with varying levels of work ethic.  Boils down to the individual, their fit in the position, and how badly they want it.

Jan 20, 2015 02:30 AM
Rainmaker
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Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

I would prefer the boomer due to hands on experience.

Jan 21, 2015 02:09 PM
Rainer
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Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

This is a hot button topic.  I would never choose by anything other than the ability to handle the job.  Generation should never be a factor in hiring....period!  

Jan 21, 2015 04:08 AM
Rainmaker
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William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I will take experience over book smarts anyday.  Common sense will always win out in my opinion.

Jan 20, 2015 01:35 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

What is the focus of the position?  Is it managing people?  Is it social media and technology?  Is it sales manager?  All of the above?

I like the idea of an experienced person (probably a Boomer) who brings a wealth of experience, a confident calmness, enthusiasm and a desire to continue to learn and teach.

In my mind, that person would bring a great blend of old school work ethic and customer service with social media and technology.  As a side note, I've found that top salespeople often make poor sales managers.

No one with even the slightest sense of entitlement should be considered.

Jan 20, 2015 01:27 AM
Rainmaker
1,574,666
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

Experience - successful experience - is a lot more valuable than any degree for the same price. 

Jan 21, 2015 07:46 PM
Rainmaker
236,403
Liane Thomas, Top Listing Agent
Professional Realty Services® - Corona, CA
Bringing you Home!

I vote Boomer. Experience is priceless and the right Boomer will bring more to the table. My personal experience when hiring in my team, older workers tend to stick around. Younger workers are looking for the next best thing....

Good Luck!

Jan 21, 2015 08:00 AM
Rainmaker
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Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

Having just read an article stating that the majority of young folks won't take a job unless they can bring their phone or tablet - and using them during work hours - I'd go with the boomer!

Of course there are exceptions, but far too many young people today don't have any work ethic at all. They've spent too many years having everything handed to them.

Jan 21, 2015 05:42 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Gene Riemenschneider You're absolutely right. But I'm amazed at just how flexible and open to learning us ole farts really are. I'm 69 and didn't get my RE brokers license until I was 65.

I tried the retirement thing when I turned my construction and manufactured home biz over to 2 of my 5 kids. But I was bored withing 6 months. I don't fish or play golf often and can only surf for a couple hours a day if that.

I'm finding there's a lot of ole folks out there like me that are just plain bored. Retirement's not all it's cracked up to be. Especially since our lifespan is so much greater nowadays God willing.

Jan 21, 2015 03:13 AM
Rainmaker
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Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Old Guys Rock.  That being said I would take a look at other intangibles and go with the best.  If you go with experience make sure they are flexible and not locked into old models.

Jan 21, 2015 02:57 AM
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Dan Harstine
Century21 Integrity Real Estate Group - Warsaw, IN
Warsaw, In Real Estate Residential, Lake, Commerci

Millennials can bring a different approach and energy but plan on a learning curve to real world realities versus the theories of academia.  There is defintely no loyalty beyond their facebook friends so it may be a short term employment.  Just looking to build resume time. Baby Boomers are typically a longer term and can bring stability and less emotional baggage to the office....usually.  I agree that it really comes down to personality, to be a team player.  If the person has the skill set you are seeking, works well with others, positive attitude, problem solver and takes ownership of the position, give them a shot.  

Jan 21, 2015 02:45 AM
Rainmaker
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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

The millennial will probably not stay long but may bring you to new heights while they are there. It depends if you want stability or very progressive thinking.

Jan 19, 2015 11:53 PM
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Tammy Adams ~ Realtor / Podcaster
Maricopa Real Estate Co - Maricopa, AZ
A Maricopa Agent who Works, Lives & Loves Maricopa

I say the person most qualified for the job.

I have seen "mature" folks who are just as bad as some of the stereotypes of "younger" folks. Remember, we all age, but if someone has bad work habits they will have them until the day they die. LOL.  I've also seen (and been) a very responsile go getting younger person. Now that I'm moving from the middle to the more mature, I still say...The one most qualified.  We have to click and they need the skills necessary to do the job and the commitment. 

Jan 22, 2015 07:13 AM
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Kimo Jarrett
Cyber Properties - Huntington Beach, CA
Pro Lifestyle Solutions

It depends on the skills they possess to produce their tasks, doesn't it?  Experience is more valuable to me but most experienced and productive managers are already working and their compensation demands might be more than is budgeted, so as Thomas, #54, states, more information is necessary in order to provide an answer.

Jan 22, 2015 01:03 AM
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Thomas McCombs
Century 21 HomeStar - Akron, OH

Millenials would normally be considered more tech savvy, while Boomers would normally be considered steadier, more reliable workers.

But in each group there are the exceptions. So without more information on an individual job candidate you would have to ask some pointed questions that are connected to the work you need done.

Jan 21, 2015 10:27 PM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

How to Monetize Your Real Estate FB Page 4 Business I'm beginning to see that. I think I'm getting closer to a prudent decision. thanks!

Jan 21, 2015 10:02 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Marilyn O'Donoghue There's some wisdom in your words. It's amazing how many ole farts are tech smart and have a great work ethic and no baggage.

Jan 21, 2015 10:01 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Dave Kinkade and I think I did find Mrs. Right! Thanks!

Jan 21, 2015 09:48 AM
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Marilyn O'Donoghue
Long & Foster Avalon - Avalon, NJ

These are all great comments and I agree you shouldn't choose based just on age but the facts are the way we do business has changed.  So you may not choose by chronological age but their "technology" age.  

Jan 21, 2015 06:24 AM
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Kevin Flinn
Platinum Realty LLC - Kansas City, MO

It is tough to pick someone that you don't relate with. That is why you are leaning towards another older person like yourself. However, getting a younger person in the office might help you learn about that generation. That said hire experience for management and a younger person to groom. A good mentor will stock his pipeline full of future leaders.

Jan 21, 2015 06:05 AM
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Dave Kinkade
Home Locators Property Management Tampa Florida - Tampa, FL
Director of Marketing - Property Management

Praful Thakkar was referring to the DISC personality assessment test.  You can learn a lot about the way a potential applicant thinks based on the results.  It is difficult to influence the outcome of the test so the results can be quite revealing but in no way would I take them as gospel.  I've hired Millenials and Boomers and experienced the best (and worst) of both.  If you can find a solid, tech-savvy Boomer, I'd say you found the best of both worlds.  

Jan 21, 2015 05:55 AM
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John Rakoci
Eagle Realty - North Myrtle Beach, SC
North Myrtle Beach Coastal Carolinas

I'll take the boomer 90% of the time! Maybe 99% of the time!

Jan 21, 2015 04:47 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Gene Riemenschneider I hear ya. that's why I'm looking for some good folks. I'm way too old to keep up the pace I had even at 58. Besides Janis and I are hardly ever home anymore. She's always yanking me off on some adventure. But I guess that's not all bad either. LOL!

Jan 21, 2015 04:10 AM
Rainmaker
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Holly Weatherwax
Associate Broker, Momentum Realty - Reston, VA
A Great Real Estate Experience

I agree with many who have posted here that you need to look at each person as an individual. The salary and benefits are the same no matter who you hire. You need someone who can understand and implement your vision. Period.

Jan 21, 2015 03:41 AM
Rainmaker
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Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

John I don't see myself retiring.  Now maybe it is just me, but I like my job, but I do need to go at a slower pace than I used to.  I am 54.  I can no longer work 10-12 hours a day on a regular basis like I used to.  No longer want to drive 50k miles a year for work.  

Jan 21, 2015 03:22 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Dan Harstine Got that right. From the get go my kids never came and asked us for money. They always asked us what they could do to earn a few bucks when they needed something. We were very fortunate to have 5 wonderful children who were like that.

Jan 21, 2015 03:15 AM
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Dan Harstine
Century21 Integrity Real Estate Group - Warsaw, IN
Warsaw, In Real Estate Residential, Lake, Commerci

Work ethics is usually the result of good parenting. :)

Jan 21, 2015 03:12 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Pamela Seley, REALTOR® That's the way I'm beginning to feel. Great answer. Thanks

Jan 21, 2015 02:54 AM
Rainmaker
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Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

DISC them! Or even better - AVA them. Irrespective of their age, you'd know if they are a good team player or are ambitious bird.

Jan 20, 2015 01:14 PM
Rainmaker
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Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Baby Boomer, without a doubt.  Better work ethics for the most part.

Jan 20, 2015 10:58 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Jill Murty, Realtor Well, I was just holding out for many more astute answers and it looks, so far, like your still in contention! LOL! 

Jan 20, 2015 04:30 AM
Rainmaker
400,356
Jill Murty, Realtor - Orange County, CA
Movoto - Laguna Niguel, CA

John DL Arendsen - What do you mean "so far"?  ;-)

 

Jan 20, 2015 04:17 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

A Baby Boomer with forward thinking ideas would be my choice and with core values that match ours.  I have known some 80 and 90 year olds who can run circles around the millenials...A

Jan 20, 2015 02:59 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Jill Murty, Realtor Spot on and a thousand claps. If I could award a best answer so far it would be you. I couldn't agree more and you're absolutely right about good sales persons being lousey management material. Been there done that one. 

Jan 20, 2015 02:06 AM
Rainmaker
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Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I would go for the Boomer.....being one myself.  Your questions are always interesting.

Jan 20, 2015 12:13 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I would hire the one that seems to be the best candidate.

Oct 29, 2017 06:40 AM
Rainmaker
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Troy Erickson AZ Realtor (602) 295-6807
HomeSmart - Chandler, AZ
Your Chandler, Ahwatukee, and East Valley Realtor

John - Think about what you want that position in your business to do, and figure out which person best meets those skills/abilities. It shouldn't really matter their age or experience.

Jan 23, 2015 11:53 AM
Rainmaker
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Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I think it depends on what you need.  A Millenial is quite tech savvy and can easily fulfill project needs that require technical assistance.  While a baby boomer understands relationship building and MAY not be as tech savvy.  

Jan 22, 2015 11:38 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

How to Monetize Your Real Estate FB Page 4 Business 

Jan 21, 2015 11:34 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Liane Thomas - Corona & Riverside Real Estate Couldn't agree more. Wasn't too long ago and I would have been one of them.

Jan 21, 2015 10:04 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Kevin Flinn Thanks for that, however, I really don't need a lesson about that generation as I've raised 5 Millineals. But thank you for stopping by.

Jan 21, 2015 09:59 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Marte Cliff Ha! from one ole fart to another............................

G R E A T   A N S W E R 

Jan 21, 2015 09:45 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

John Rakoci LOL! I know where you're coming from being an ole fart like me.

Jan 21, 2015 05:10 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Teri Pacitto Not sure about the PERIOD! It's looking more and more like a generation factor here for sure. Just not having a whole lot of luch with the youngsters. I guess the climate and the surf are really major factors. Might be different if I were in New York or Seattle. 

Jan 21, 2015 04:14 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Holly Weatherwax You're absolutely right and I'm finding myself leaning more and more towards that BBer.

Jan 21, 2015 04:11 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Dan Harstine Thanks! You're spot on about that. Excluding my own children I've been dealing with folks my age for sometime as well as some millineals and the BB's win out everytime. I have to say, however that my kids have exceptionally good work ethics and have never let me down in the past 10 to 15 years.

Jan 21, 2015 02:57 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Praful Thakkar LOL! That's pretty funny but I'm not sure what or who you mean when you say Disc them.

Jan 21, 2015 02:52 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Evelyn Johnston Certainly won't argue with that one since I R1.

Jan 20, 2015 11:42 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Ron & Alexandra Seigel Spot on! My folks were active well into their 70's until my Dad passed away. My 94 year old Mother doesn't work but she's as lucid and on her game as one could ever get and is at a loss without her IPad and Facebook platform. Bless her heart.

Jan 20, 2015 04:09 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

John Meussner You are absolutely right about that and judging from what I see from your photo and the way you write and conduct yourself professionally you would be a great candidate for anyone whose looking for someone with your skill sets.

However, it's just been entertaining more than anything to see such a dichotomous mixed bag of young folks looking for work nowadays. Perhaps its the geographical proximity of our work place to the beach or just the casual beach setting and surf culture so inherent here. Maybe if I was recruiting in the  Los Angeles or New York metropolitan area I might get a better cross section of serious candidates. Thanks for stopping by.

Jan 20, 2015 02:40 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Paul Vaughn Can't argue with you there at all. However, the only mellineals I've been able to find with any degree of technical and/or people skills of which we require both have been my own kids. I even tried hiring one of their friends but that didn't turn out so well. They just don't seem to have the work ethic and consistancy I see in Boomers and my own kids.

Jan 20, 2015 02:13 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

William Feela My sentiments exactly my friend. I'm seeing that play out day in and day out. Thanks

Jan 20, 2015 02:07 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Ron Marshall Ha! That's because I'm trying to use this platform for that of which it was intended. To as pertinent questions relative to an issue you are dealing with but don't have all the answers for. Thanks for your comment. I'm inclined to agree with you after just a half a dozen interviews.

Jan 20, 2015 02:03 AM
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John DL Arendsen
CREST "BACKYARD' HOMES, ON THE LEVEL General & Manufactured Home Contractor, TAG Real Estate Sales & Investments - Leucadia, CA
Crest Backyard Homes "ADU" dealer & RE Developer

Debbie Reynolds Believe it or not I've been more impressed with the progressive thinking and innovative prowess I've been seeing from BB's more so than Millennials. I was thinking along your same lines until I started interviewing.

Jan 20, 2015 02:01 AM