Tod Christensen, Managing Broker, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
Q: How did you become interested in your career field?
A: Actually a very good friend of mine who owned a real estate company hounded me for years to become a Realtor. Eventually I gave in; now 25 years later he expects me to thank him every year!
Q: What is the greatest reward of your job?
A: I do very little personal selling anymore. My primary role is hiring and training Realtors, so my greatest reward is watching someone enjoy the success that I’ve been fortunate to have.
I hire a lot of teachers who are used to working hard, being underappreciated, and getting paid far less than they are worth. Then I get to watch them take off in a field where all those same attributes are needed, but they get paid much better and instead of dreaming of things they want they are now planning for them.
Q: Where would you like to vacation next; why?
A: I’ve never been to Scotland, and I would like to go there next. I’ve been to Ireland and loved it, and my older brother said Scotland was like Ireland on steroids. So I need to see that!
Q: If you could have dinner with any three to five people dead or alive, who would they be?
A: Love this question! I’m going to discount all religious leaders so it doesn’t turn into a debate.
1. Abraham Lincoln. I think he had the hardest job of all and would love to hear some personal perspective.
2. Robin Williams. I’m not a huge celebrity fan, but he seems like a lot of fun and was genuinely a nice guy.
3. Winston Churchill for the same reasons as Lincoln.
He had an amazingly difficult job, so I wouldn’t mind sharing a brandy with him.
4. Will Rogers. My roots, and to some degree my current life, are all cowboy, so talking to the first really famous cowboy entertainer would have to be interesting!
Q: What is your favorite Prescott activity?
A: I’m really going to stereotype myself! Prescott has so many fun little things to do, but my favorite is still a night of dancing at Matt’s Saloon. Not too many of those western bars left, and a night on the dance floor with a good partner is about as good as it gets.
