It’s all about the culture
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of people ask me the same question:
“Greg, why don’t you open your own brokerage?”
And I get it. It’s a natural thing to wonder—especially for agents who’ve been in the business for a while, found some success, and built a solid reputation. In many industries, the next step after you’ve “made it” is to go out and start your own thing.
But for me, that’s not the path.
Not because I don’t want to grow. Not because I lack ambition. But because I’ve been in this business long enough to know what I know, what I don’t know, what I love doing—and what I don’t. And more importantly, I’ve come to deeply appreciate something that doesn’t show up on a spreadsheet or commission statement: culture.
That’s what makes Red Oak Realty so special to me.
The Power of Culture
Culture isn’t just about company picnics (though ours are great—more on that in a minute). Culture is about values. It’s about the people you surround yourself with. It’s about the way a brokerage shows up for its agents, its clients, and its community.
At Red Oak, the culture is grounded in something incredibly rare: a leadership team that is entirely made up of smart, kind, and experienced women—starting with our owner Vanessa. These are people who lead with integrity, who care deeply about doing things the right way, and who support their agents with a level of generosity and wisdom that’s hard to find in this industry.
They don’t just hand down rules or throw motivational quotes at us. They listen. They lead by example. And they’ve built a thriving environment where agents are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and grow—without ever sacrificing who we are or how we treat people.
Knowing My Lane
I’ve also learned over the years that owning a brokerage isn’t just selling homes—it’s managing people, compliance, payroll, tech infrastructure, branding, liability, and so much more. And while some agents thrive in that world, it’s not what lights me up.
What I love most is what I get to do every day: work with people, help them navigate life-changing transitions, and be deeply rooted in the communities I serve. I get to focus on my clients, the market, and the stories that make each home unique—without having to worry about running a business behind the scenes.
Red Oak allows me to do all of that with full support, top-tier resources, and a group of colleagues I genuinely respect and enjoy working with, and a deep back office support team from experienced Transaction Coordinators to a top of the industry marketing team. That’s a gift, and I don’t take it for granted.
A Moment That Captures It All
We recently had our biannual Red Oak company picnic at the Temescal Beach House and it was a blast. These kinds of events may seem small, but they’re a powerful reminder of what makes this place different. There’s no pressure. No posturing. Just good people, bringing their families and reconnecting and having fun together.
I spent most of the day catching up with colleagues—many of whom I’ve known since the very start of my career. Case in point: this photo. That's me with Herman and Barbara, two incredible agents and even better humans. I've known them for nearly two decades, but we mostly work in different cities so we don’t see each much these days. I loved seeing them again—swapping stories, laughing, remembering old clients and crazy deals—such a highlight of the day.
In fact, I was having such a good time talking with everyone that this is the only photo I took… for the entire day! And honestly? That feels just right. Sometimes the best moments don’t need to be documented, don’t need to be on Social Media. They just need to be enjoyed.
So, Why Don’t I Open My Own Brokerage?
Because I’ve already found where I’m supposed to be.
I’m proud of the work I do. I’m proud of the community I serve. And I’m proud to be part of Red Oak Realty—a place that values connection, integrity, and excellence.
To the people who ask if I’m going to open my own shop: thank you for thinking I could. But trust me—I’m right where I want to be.
If just want to talk about what this market means for your plans, let’s brainstorm. The right preparation and strategy can turn today’s market into a successful sale.
COMMUNITY CORNER
Our First Biannual San Leandro Red Oak Realty Blood Drive was a huge success!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated or stopped by to say hello. The Blood Bank collected 34 units of blood—enough to help save more than 100 lives. That’s not only a remarkable contribution, it’s also the most blood ever collected at a Red Oak blood drive. I’m incredibly proud of our community. You’re all heroes. Save the date: Our next blood drive will be on October 8—I hope you’ll join us!
I’m excited to share that my next Sheffield Village Walking Tour is coming in August! As many of you know, Maryann and I called Sheffield Village home for 17 years, and over time, I’ve become a bit of a local historian. The neighborhood was designated a historic district by the City of Oakland in 2005, and I’ve been proud to lead these tours in partnership with the Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA).
OHA is a volunteer-supported nonprofit dedicated to preserving Oakland’s architectural and cultural history. I work hard to make each tour unique and engaging—for first-timers and returning guests alike.
If there’s a story you’d like me to include or if you live in the Village and would be open to having your home featured as one of the stops, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Rock in the Redwoods: Saturday September 6. This is a great benefit for Camping Unlimited which is a non-profit charitable organization that provides out-of-home respite to parents and caregivers of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Their programs provide relief from the daily demands of care and supervision, while fostering independence, nurturing responsibility, developing competence and building lifelong friendships. They provide a warm and supportive atmosphere of planned permissiveness that encourages community, recreation, education, fun and adventure. The Band Little Marvin and the Gardeners will perform and the paella is amazing too!
And finally, I’m always looking for new ways to support and celebrate our local community. If there’s a neighborhood event you’d love to see, I’d love to hear your ideas.
HOMEOWNERSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH
With the 4th of July just around the corner, it's the perfect time to review your home’s fire safety. Between backyard barbecues and festive fireworks, summer celebrations can bring an increased risk of accidental fires—especially in dry and windy areas like ours.
Here are a few quick tips to keep your home and neighborhood safe:
- Clear Dry Brush & Debris: Trim back vegetation, clean gutters, and remove dry leaves and branches—especially near your home and fences. Embers can travel!
- Water Your Lawn: A green, well-watered lawn is less likely to catch fire. Bonus: it looks great for guests.
- Inspect Outdoor Lighting & Electrical Cords: Check for frayed wires or overloaded extension cords if you’re decorating or setting up a sound system outside.
- Skip the Sparklers. Even sparklers can reach 2,000°F! If you must, always supervise children and use over nonflammable surfaces, away from dry grass or trees.
- Have a Hose and/or Fire Extinguisher Ready: Just in case—better safe than sorry. Fire can start, and spread quickly
- Know Your Local Rules: Many cities have restrictions on fireworks. Check your local guidelines to avoid fines (and fires).
Let’s celebrate responsibly and protect the homes and community we love. Have a safe and joyful Independence Day! ????????
Need help getting it done? I’ve got trusted local pros I’m happy to refer—whether it’s HVAC service, window cleaning, or anything in between. Just let me know!
INSURANCE
How’s your plumbing? We’re continuing to see insurance companies asking more and more questions when renewing policies. And one big item that’s moved to the front of many of their lists is plumbing. And specifically, whether or not you have galvanized plumbing pipes.
Unrelated to insurance, I had to recently replace the main water line for a duplex we own. There was lower water pressure that we traced to the main line which was properly original form the 1940’s. Sure enough it was failing but the replacement wasn’t as expensive as you might think. Thanks to a great plumber I know!
RECIPE
Martha Stewart’s All-American Classic Margarita
Ingredients (per drink):
- 2?oz (60?ml) Blanco (silver) tequila – choose 100% blue agave organic for the best flavor
- 1?oz (30?ml) high?quality triple sec
- 1?oz (30?ml) freshly squeezed lime juice (about one organic lime)
- Ice
- Coarse salt (for rimming)
- Lime wheel (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Rim the glass – Moisten the edge with a lime wedge, then dip it into coarse salt.
- Fill – Add ice to a shaker and add tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Shake – Vigorously shake for about 10 seconds, until the shaker is frosty.
- Serve – Strain into the salt-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Why It Works
- Only three key ingredients—no sour mix or gimmicks—so quality matters. Use fresh lime juice, good agave tequila and Blanco is key, and high?quality triple sec. And you don’t need to overuse the tequila. You can always make more.
- Shaken, not stirred – shaking chills and dilutes just the right amount for an optimal sip.
- Salt rim – optional but highly recommended, as it heightens the flavors.
TRAVEL
We had a lovely, warm anniversary trip up to Calistoga to “take the waters” as they say. We were only gone for a few nights but it felt like a week. Aren’t those the best trips? We soaked. We got sun. We read. And we went to our favorite restaurant Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc in Yountville.
Next for us : I’m off to Seattle for a whirlwind National Park trip with my cousin Scott and his 12-year old son JP. Then to Kona for a week to celebrate yours truly big birthday. Thanks for all your Big Island tips. Keep them coming.
What are your summer plans?
RESTAURANTS
Restaurant of the month: Sfizio – A Fresh Pasta Gem in Oakland
Sfizio is one of those rare, neighborhood finds that instantly feels like a favorite. From the moment we walked in, the chill charm and hand-written chalkboard menu hinted at the thoughtfully crafted experience ahead.
Gluten Free pasta? Absolutely stellar. I tried the tagliatelle with morel mushrooms, peas, and crème fraîche, and it was divine—silky, rich, and perfectly balanced. The homemade pasta had just the right bite, and you could taste the freshness in every forkful. Sfizio offers a NON gluten-free option too, so don’t worry.
A standout surprise was the grilled local squid—tender, flavorful, and lifted by the deep, smoky salsa negra and bright purslane. It was one of the most memorable squid dishes I’ve had in the Bay Area. And I’ve had a lot of squid!
We didn’t make it to dessert this time (we ran off to the movies and popcorn!), but the savory side of the menu was so satisfying that we left full and happy.
And as a bonus, we bumped into colleagues Marion and Todd just as we were heading out—clearly, word is spreading!
Sfizio is a must for pasta lovers and anyone who appreciates simple food done right. We’ll be back soon.
If you plan to go, make reservations, and we’d love to meet you there!
MOVIES/THEATRE/TV
After that absolutely delicious dinner at Sfizio (seriously, I’d follow that squid to the ends of the earth), we headed over to the Piedmont Theater to catch The Phoenician Scheme—Wes Anderson’s latest. Expectations were high. Hopes were soaring. And then... it started.
What unfolded was less a cinematic thrill ride and more like watching a very stylish slideshow at half speed. The plot dragged its feet like it was wearing wet socks, the intrigue never really showed up, and the characters had the emotional depth of Ikea furniture instructions. We didn’t care about any of them—if one of them had turned into a dolphin and swum offscreen, we wouldn’t have blinked. In fact, at one point I actually dozed off. And I wasn’t alone.
The setting had promise (as always with Anderson), but even the beautiful symmetry couldn’t distract from the fact that nothing was happening. There were a couple of bright spots: Tom Hanks and Bryan Cranston popped in briefly like two uncles who got lost on the way to a better movie. And Bill Murray as God? Amazing idea—wasted opportunity. The film was too wrapped up in its own twee cleverness to let even that divine cameo land.
By the end, we felt like we’d sat through a very long inside joke... without ever being let in on the punchline. Someone stood up and loudly cheered as the credits rolled, but this being Oakland, I;m sure they were being ironic. Maybe they just wanted to wake everyone up. Stylish? Sure. Entertaining? Not so much. At least the popcorn was good.
We loved this season of Hacks, and stalled out on The Studio, but have you seen Tina Fey’s TV adaptation of Alan Alda’s The Four Seasons? Do yourself a favor and start bingeing tonight. What are you watching?
MUSIC
I write about David Lowery a lot here—he’s one of my all-time favorite songwriters. Last month, I shared thoughts on his work with Camper Van Beethoven and Cracker. Now, he’s released a solo album that he describes as something of an autobiography.
Lowery has said people have asked him for years to write a memoir, but he always resisted. Why? Because most rock autobiographies follow the same tired formula: broken childhood, early struggles, eventual stardom. That just wasn’t his story. He didn’t come from money, but he had loving, supportive parents. He went to college (where are my Banana Slugs at?!), started a band (CVB), and within 18 months of releasing a record—with a song blowing up on MTV and alt-rock radio—they were opening for R.E.M. in arenas.
So instead of a book, he wrote songs—three LPs worth—and released them as Father Sons and Brothers, a deeply personal and beautifully crafted album that I’ve been really enjoying.
One standout track is "Vending Machine," which reflects on the time he got sober. His sponsor told him he needed to find a “higher power,” and when David pointed out he was an atheist, the sponsor replied, “See that blinking vending machine? That’s your higher power—because it is strong enough not to drink.”
It’s raw, honest, and classic Lowery—witty, unpretentious, and packed with insight. Highly recommend giving it a listen.
My TOP 10 Essentials for a Great 4th of July Party
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or a block party blowout, here are the must-haves to make your Independence Day celebration one to remember:
1. Red, White & Blue Décor
Duh, I know. Bunting, flags, paper lanterns, tablecloths—show your patriotic spirit with festive decorations. Bonus points for themed plates, napkins, and centerpieces!
2. A Star-Spangled Playlist
Set the mood with a playlist of upbeat summer hits and Americana classics. (Think Springsteen, Ray Charles, Beyoncé, and a little John Philip Sousa for flair.)
3. All-American Eats
Burgers, hot dogs, grilled veggies, and corn on the cob—don’t forget potato salad and watermelon slices! For dessert, go classic with apple pie or get creative with red-white-and-blue cupcakes.
4. Cold Drinks Station
Set up a cooler or drink cart stocked with iced tea, lemonade, soda, beer, and festive mocktails. Keep everyone refreshed and hydrated—especially if it’s a hot day. Oh course some all American beer and wine! And nothing says strength in diversity like Margaritas!
5. Fun & Games
Lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga keep guests entertained. For kids, try water balloon tosses, hula hoops, or a DIY patriotic scavenger hunt.
6. Fire Safety Readiness
With fireworks inevitable, and grills in the mix, have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby. Clear dry brush, water the lawn, and follow local fireworks laws to keep things safe. Follow my Homeowner tips of the month above!
7. Shaded Seating
Create cozy zones with umbrellas, pop-up tents, or shaded picnic areas. Provide a mix of chairs, blankets, and even lawn cushions for lounging.
8. Sparkler Station (or Glow Sticks for Kids!)
If sparklers are allowed in your area, keep them in a safe spot with a bucket of water nearby. For a kid-friendly alternative: red, white, and blue glow sticks!
9. Sunset Lighting
As the sun goes down, keep the vibe going with string lights, candles in mason jars, or LED lanterns. The right lighting sets a magical tone for the evening.
10. A Perfect Viewing Spot (or DIY Fireworks Alternative)
If you're near a public display, plan for good viewing! If not, hand out patriotic party favors, light-safe sparklers, or stream a major fireworks show on a projector.
Bonus Tip: Always Invite Your Neighbors!
A 4th of July party is a perfect excuse to build community. Whether you're welcoming new faces or catching up with old friends, it's a great way to make your neighborhood feel like home.
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
Greg Novak was our selling realtor. His communication was excellent, and he laid out a plan for sale which he followed exactly as he said…he made a great effort to make the sale which was successful in the end. John B.
I have more than 50 five-star reviews from previous clients. You can use this link to read or write a review about my real estate services: Zillow
REFERRALS
Always happy to talk with you or your friends about your Real Estate goals. I know many great agents who work throughout the country so if you’re thinking about a move…Call me. Let's brainstorm!
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