Get Up And Get On It E-Book

Dana Frank

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Seitenzahl: 286

Beschreibung

National Bestseller!

A compelling story of entrepreneurial determination

Are you ready to embark on an inspiring journey of resilience and success, especially for those often facing daunting challenges in our society? Dana Frank's debut book, Get Up & Get On It! A Black Entrepreneur's Lessons on Creating Legacy & Wealth, is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of individuals from marginalized communities, such as People of Color and women navigating the male-dominated business world.

This captivating narrative traces its roots back to 1950 when Gerald Frank, a determined Black man, arrived in Seattle at the tender age of 18. Fleeing the violence of Detroit and the suffocating grip of Jim Crow Laws, Gerald carried nothing but dreams and drumsticks in his heart. His unwavering belief that he could carve out a better life set the stage for an incredible journey. Today, over 70 years later, the real estate empire forged by Gerald and his wife, Theresa, in Seattle's Central District continues to flourish under the guidance of the third generation of the Frank family. But theirs was not a journey paved with silver spoons.

In Get Up & Get On It!, Dana Frank paints a vivid picture of the hurdles her family faced. Dana herself confronted racial barriers as her father made unconventional business choices. When her parents' thirty-two-year marriage ended in a bitter divorce, Dana and her mother emerged as fearless business partners, facing the brink of bankruptcy left by her father. Their story is a testament to fortitude, perseverance, bravery, and unrelenting hard work. As a single mother and entrepreneur, Dana learned the power of leveraging her network, staying true to her story, and envisioning a brighter future.

Today, as the President of The TD Frank Family Properties, Dana's mission is clear: to teach how to create generational wealth by working smarter, not harder. She emphasizes a timeless truth: "Equity grows, cash erodes," and reveals how real estate investments can be a game-changer for future generations. Dana firmly believes that anyone, regardless of their birth circumstances, can rewrite the trajectory of their lives.

Get Up & Get On It: A Black Entrepreneur's Lessons on Creating Legacy & Wealth offers:

• Personal stories filled with humor and invaluable insights on reshaping your inner narrative.
• A straightforward yet potent approach to building generational wealth through the R.E.A.L. method: Research, Expand, Amplify, and Leverage connections.
• Guidance on gaining advantages, progressing, fostering empowerment, and achieving success in wealth-building through real estate.
• A treasure trove of historical photos that illuminate the family's ties to challenging real estate markets and their connections with the vibrant music scene of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, featuring Dana's uncle, Quincy Jones.
• Original social-justice poems penned by Dana Frank herself throughout the book, amplifying the narrative that People of Color can indeed "Get Up and Get On It!"

Get Up & Get On It: A Black Entrepreneur's Lessons on Creating Legacy & Wealth is a compelling story of determination that challenges conventional paths to freedom. It is essential reading not only for business influencers, entrepreneurs, executives, and philanthropists but also for anyone seeking inspiration and the keys to unlocking their full potential. Dive into Dana Frank's remarkable journey and discover how to rewrite your own story of success.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

COVER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

COPYRIGHT

DEDICATION

FOREWORD

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

1 FIRE STARTERS

2 GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE

HOW TO START BUILDING YOUR REAL ESTATE EQUITY

IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

STOP SPENDING, START SAVING

FINDING THE DOWN PAYMENT

RENT TO OWN

FIND A PARTNER

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL ASSET

3 RACISM AND RIGHTS

BOTH SIDES OF THE EQUATION

BLACK AND BROKE IN AMERICA

4 BANKING WHILE BLACK

REDLINING

PROPERTY OWNERSHIP BY BLACK FAMILIES

CLOSING THE GAP

THE SEARCH FOR FAVORABLE TERMS

CHANGE IN THE AIR

WHERE ARE THE MINORITIES?

AMPLIFYING MY DISSATISFACTION

PERSISTENCE PAYS

5 HBIC (HEAD BITCH IN CHARGE)

RAGS TO RICHES WITH ROSEMARIE FRANCIS

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AS A WOMAN

HBICS OF THE FUTURE

6 ALL IN A DAY'S WORK

PRACTICALITIES OF THE JOB

NEW TENANTS AND TURNOVER

“BASTARDIZING” YOUR PROPERTIES

HIRING MAINTENANCE WORKERS

FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOUR PROPERTIES

MR. W AND HIS MENTAL ILLNESS

7 RENT AND EVICTIONS

NO RENT? NO DOOR

TERMINATING TENANCY WITH CAUSE

TOO MUCH FOR A CAT

THE EVICTION THAT COULDN'T WAIT FOR THE LAW

8 IT'S THE LAW

THE DCLU VERSUS GERALD FRANK

THE REVERSE-REVERSE

THE PENDULUM SWINGS

9 THE FAMILY BUSINESS

WILLINGNESS TO PARTICIPATE

EARNING OUR KEEP

FAMILY IN COURT

THE ROLES WE PLAY

SUCCESSION PLANNING

10 FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY

11 ACHIEVING IT ALL

PURPOSE AND RESILIENCE

TUTU TIME

WHAT I LEARNED FROM GARY ABOUT ACHIEVING IT ALL

SUCCESS IS A MINDSET

MENTAL HEALTH CHECK

MAKE TIME SERVE YOU

12 PAY IT FORWARD

GIVING THANKS AND GIVING, THANKS

SELFLESSNESS

MY FAMILY OF ROLE MODELS

IMPACTING OTHERS, BIG AND SMALL

MY JOYS OF GIVING

MY CALL TO YOU

13 MASTER OF MY FATE

EPILOGUE: YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

REFERENCES

INDEX

NOTES

END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

Guide

Cover

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Foreword

Preface

Introduction

Begin Reading

Epilogue: You Can't Take It With You

Acknowledgments

About the Author

References

Index

Notes

End User License Agreement

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PRAISE FOR GET UP AND GET ON IT

“My niece, Dana Frank comes from a family of entrepreneurs, whose hard work shaped a powerful destiny.”

—Quincy Jones,Music Producer

“Dana's goal in writing this unconventional business book is to amplify her voice and to help level the economic playing field.”

—Daymond John,Shark Tank

“Written in clear, engaging prose, Dana Frank weaves an inspirational tale of familial wealth generation, real estate savvy, and business advice. I couldn't put this book down.”

—Dolen Perkins-Valdez,Author of Wench: A Novel

“As a former chief of police, I understand the importance of empowerment and financial stability in fostering safer and more resilient communities. What sets this book, Get Up and Get On It: A Black Entrepreneur's Lessons on Creating Legacy & Wealth apart is its emphasis on not accumulating wealth but also on the importance of building legacy that extends beyond monetary success.”

—Carmen Best, Former Seattle Police Chief and Author of Black in Blue: Lessons on Leadership, Breaking Barriers, and Racial Reconciliation

“As the founder of a foundation dedicated to empowering youth through mentoring and financial literacy, I recognize the urgency of equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. Dana's book offers a roadmap for individuals from all walks of life to break free from limiting beliefs and chart a course toward prosperity. As a former NFL player, I've witnessed first-hand the financial challenges many athletes face, and Dana's book, Get Up and Get On It, demonstrates principles needed to change that narrative and create generational wealth.”

—K.J. Wright, Former Professional Football Player, Founder of the Wright Way Foundation

FOREWORD BY

DAYMOND JOHN

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND SHARK TANK INVESTOR

GET UP AND GET ON IT

A BLACK ENTREPRENEUR’S LESSONS ON CREATING LEGACY & WEALTH

DANA FRANK

Copyright © 2024 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved.

Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.Published simultaneously in Canada.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is Available:

ISBN 9781394198696 (Cloth)ISBN 9781394198702 (ePub)ISBN 9781394198719 (ePDF)

COVER ART & DESIGN: PAUL MCCARTHY

To my mama, Theresa Frank,

and in memory of my father, Gerald Frank

FOREWORD

I had the pleasure of meeting Dana Frank, a remarkable woman, along with her son and business partner, Brett, during a privately scheduled Game Changer Meeting in the heart of New York City. Our discussion revolved around the crucial importance of using our platforms to change lives, particularly for individuals belonging to marginalized communities. Dana, with her incredible family history, shared their impressive accomplishments of a Black family building and maintaining a multi-family apartment business that began in 1950. For over seventy years, this business has supported three generations, truly showcasing their grit and resilience. Dana's ultimate goal in writing an unconventional business book was to amplify her voice and contribute to leveling the economic playing field.

It is undeniable that entrepreneurship is responsible for changing the world, as every product or service we encounter traces its origins back to someone's powerful idea. My own journey as an entrepreneur began during my childhood, growing up with a single parent who taught me the value of creativity and resourcefulness. My mother showed me the ropes of how to sew, and fashion became my passion. I started stitching and printing early logos of my brand FUBU, which stood for the acronym For Us, By Us onto various apparel items including t-shirts, hockey jerseys, and sweatshirts. What began as a small venture matured into a phenomenon as my friends and I became business partners, ultimately transforming FUBU into a six-billion-dollar company. Before we were able to get to that point, though, we were denied bank loan after bank loan. Fortunately, my mother banked on us and took out a second mortgage on her home for $100,000. This experience taught me that passion and collaboration with family and others can empower us to achieve great things. Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind the world's progress and innovation, and I'm proud to play a part in that.

In my New York Times best-selling books, The Power of Broke and Rise and Grind I emphasized how entrepreneurs possess a unique perspective on the world, crafting stories of empowerment and success. Dana's account of her family's journey perfectly exemplifies this notion. Gerald and Theresa Frank, both Black individuals who grew up during the era of segregation, faced countless obstacles and discouragement due to the pre-determined narratives of defeat. However, the Frank family refused to let these perceived limitations actually hold them back. In Dana's book, she showcases the incredible resilience and determination of her parents as they followed their hearts, tapped into their creativity, and relied on their instincts to change their lives and achieve true success. Moreover, the book serves as a testament to the responsibilities and challenges of being stewards of a family legacy.

What Dana's family has achieved is not just the result of privileged trust funds. They were only able to accomplish this level of success through unwavering determination and perseverance instilled within a family working together to thrive and improve their lives and communities. This is the true essence of success, and Dana's book will provide readers with a complete and unfiltered account of how the Frank family accomplished this, along with valuable tools and insights for readers to embark on their own paths of success.

So, I ask you: How do you plan to change the world and leave a positive legacy? And more importantly, what is holding you back? What story do you listen to every day—the one that defeats you or the one that empowers you to pursue your dreams? This book aims to ignite the spark of bravery within you, enabling you to claim the abundant life you truly deserve by harnessing your strengths and talents for yourself and your family. Entrepreneurship is the key to lifelong happiness and fulfillment.

Keep grinding,Daymond JohnFounder & CEO of FUBU, “The People's Shark”from Shark Tank, New York Times BestsellingAuthor, and Investor

PREFACE

Dear Reader,

We are so glad you found this book. In it, you will uncover an extraordinary tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of wealth and legacy that has been the driving force behind our family for generations. We, Brett, and Taryn, are incredibly honored and humbled to introduce you to our mother, Dana Frank, and her remarkable journey chronicled in “Get Up and Get On It, A Black Entrepreneur’s Lessons On Creating Legacy & Wealth.”

This book unveils the inspiring story of our mother and grandmother who have been a beacon of strength and wisdom in our lives. It delves deep into the extraordinary life of our grandfather, whose vision paved the way for our family's enduring legacy. Our grandparents continually defied the odds and broke barriers, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible for a Black family in an era plagued by racial discrimination and financial injustice.

Growing up, we witnessed firsthand the unwavering dedication and tireless work ethic of our family lineage. They taught us that wealth is not merely measured in monetary gains but in the lasting impact we have on the world around us. You will come to understand how our mother as a second-generation steward of what her parents created, instilled in us the knowledge that true equity grows through arduous work, and a deep sense of responsibility towards others.

We have been fortunate to inherit a legacy founded on resilience, and the courage to challenge the status quo. As we, too, strive to carve our paths in the world, we are guided by the wisdom passed down from generation to generation. And we shall never forget the hardship and sacrifices that this legacy took to acquire.

We encouraged our mother to share this book with the world, as it not only commemorates our family's journey but also serves as inspiration for others. To everyone reading these pages, we hope you find solace, motivation, and a renewed sense of hope in knowing that with persistence, faith, and unity, you can overcome any obstacles and build a legacy that transcends time.

With love, gratitude, and hope,Brett and Taryn

INTRODUCTION

I am a Black woman, a wife, mother, business-owner, landlord, and property owner. The business I steward as general managing partner is already a legacy generator: I'm the second generation enjoying the fruits of the previous generation's vision and labor, and I take great pride in the fact that my lifelong work has also created a legacy for my children and future generations.

I am not beholden to anyone for anything, save the renters that rely on us to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing. I am financially independent; I make my own decisions—even if it is frustrating sometimes for my husband, who tongue-in-cheek calls me an “askhole” because I ask his opinion and then do my own thing anyway.

My business is unique: I can think of no other profession where strangers will deposit money into your bank account every month. And I'm inspired to help other Black people see the possibilities and to take the steps to invest in real estate, become housing providers, and begin to change the statistics that tell us Blacks are financially worse-off than Whites in America.

If you are not working to build a future for yourself, you are most likely supporting and building someone else's dream. You may have the desire, capability, capacity, and even means to change the narrative of your life, but something is holding you back from doing so. Are you waiting for someone else to take the wheel and fighting self-motivation? Are you too tired from your day-to-day life and find there is no time in your schedule to invest the time? Is self-doubt creeping in that you will not succeed? Are you concerned about what others might think? Or have you just bought into the tale that dictates you stay in your lane because there's less traffic?

You've been told not to color outside of the lines of life, not to draw too much attention to yourself or your ambitious dreams. Perhaps you followed your parents into their profession, or you took their solid advice and became one of the traditionally respected occupations, such as a doctor or lawyer. Even with a great degree and respected job, you still feel your paycheck is not commensurate with the hours you put in or the lifestyle you see others enjoying who seem to have a secret ingredient. Do you feel envious watching others excel as they build for themselves as you go through the drudgery of performing for someone else?

The clock is ticking. Daily, we are forced to consider the consequences of our action or inaction. Work. Rest. Work. Repeat.

Across America, only 45% of workers say they are either satisfied or extremely satisfied with their jobs (Weinstein, n.d.).

Only 20% feel very passionate about their work, while 33% believe they have reached a dead end in their career, and 21% are eager to change their careers. Older workers are the most satisfied and most engaged in their work. Younger workers are the most distressed, and they feel the least amount of loyalty to their employers. Small-firm employees feel far more engaged in their work than their corporate counterparts. Job security, healthcare coverage, and professional development are valued above additional compensation. Looking at these statistics, if only 45% are satisfied or extremely satisfied with their job, that leaves a majority who have become worker bees who live for the weekend.

It's the dread of what I call Smonday, when Sunday can't be enjoyed to its fullest because of preparation for Monday. The 6:00 a.m. wakeup call, followed by the routine of your morning coffee and your drive into work, which has become so robotic you don't even notice the crossing guard ushering the school children across the intersection.

We all know them. The sadness shows in their tired eyes. It is evident in their poor customer service, short temper, and lack of enthusiasm for what they are unconsciously doing. They often struggle with their weight because at the end of the day they are too exhausted to even consider physical exercise. They lack joie de vivre and cannot find a path out of the trenches of debt and the vicious cycle of just getting by.

We've all heard the saying that if you love what you do, you really don't work a day in your life. Take a moment and visualize what it would look like if you could create the life you desired. I'm certain for most that vision would include disposable income, more free time, less stress, and the ability to generate annuity income. Perhaps you would splurge when you travel so that when you get on an airplane, your seat would be 2A rather than the middle seat in row 28.

Doesn't the prospect of creating income that could enhance your lifestyle, even when you are not on a time clock, make you smile? How great would life be if you could make money while asleep, or better yet, at play? One of the greatest feelings is having the autonomy of being your own boss and not having your every move dictated by somebody else, the bliss of not having to worry about how you are going to pay the bills, and the security of knowing that regardless of a health emergency, family trauma, or your children's higher education. It's all covered. This feat also comes with the flexibility and freedom to take vacations when the inclement weather in your home city becomes unbearable. There would be ample time to indulge in your favorite activities: fitness, golf, tennis, wine clubs, or travel. Perhaps the dream includes a second home in a ski resort or sunny golf community. And, of course, your luxury car would take you to the finest restaurants in town. With your former paycheck, you would have settled for the least expensive item on the menu, or it would have been a matter of going into debt for special occasions. That meal you enjoyed would have long been digested, only now as you pay it off, with interest, you experience acid reflux and wonder if it was worth it.

I recognize that you may feel beaten down by a system where the odds are stacked against you, but if any part of that vision is appealing, what is holding you back?

In Get Up and Get On It: A Black Entrepreneur’s Lessons On Creating Legacy & Wealth, I will take you behind the sometimes-messy scenes and share the successes, the grit and grind, the racism, and the hardships our family experienced and overcame in the hopes I can inspire you to ignite a flame for you and your family's future. Growing up, my father had a simple yet poignant saying: “If you don't do nothing, only one thing is for sure, ain't a damn thing gonna happen.” Although my father passed away more than 25 years ago, the lessons and vision that he saw from behind his ever-present dark-tinted glasses still resonate with proven tools to create legacy. Certain lessons are timeless. Although my father's chosen vehicle was real estate, much of what I address here is universal in family businesses.

Some see investing in real estate as a gamble. To some degree, I understand; however, it's like playing table games in Vegas, and this time, the odds are in your favor. Values will rise, thus creating equity. People will always need a place to live; therefore, you are investing in a product for which there will always be demand. You will have pride of ownership when you drive by and know that you are a part of shaping a neighborhood. You will impact people's lives who live in your community. And should you decide to go into business with your family, you are creating a lifestyle and legacy that most can only envy. In what other profession can you have an investment where strangers put money in your bank account monthly? One where you can create annuity income providing one of life's necessities and be your own boss?

In these pages you'll read about the rather typical poor Black origin story of my father, Gerald Frank, and how it influenced his rather unconventional approach to building wealth. It wasn't always pretty, it wasn't always what I thought was right, but Daddy had a vision, and nothing was going to get in his way. You'll be introduced to the powerhouse that is my mother, Theresa Frank, and how together they got started in the real estate investment business—without having a down payment or a mortgage—that continues to provide for our family today.

You'll see the steps you will need to take if you take my advice and want to begin investing in real estate to become a housing provider. You'll hear me talk frankly about racism, banking while Black, being a woman in business, and the unvarnished realities of a typical day's work in the life of a housing provider. You'll get a glimpse into what's involved in the all-important process of rent collection and the complexities of tenant eviction, how the trends with rental housing laws have swung to squarely favor the tenant—even when doing so threatens to prevent landlords like me from being able to provide the very housing we so desperately need.

You'll also get to explore what it means to work with family and to create that multigenerational legacy. My family called it “passing the baton,” and if you're just getting started, this book shows you how to be the first leg in the relay and pick up the baton.

You'll read about why some people are able to achieve it all, and why I know that you can too. You’ll be prompted to think about giving back and paying it forward and be urged to feel the fear and do it anyway. That's what it means to be a Fire Starter.

And that's where we begin.

1FIRE STARTERS

A Fire Starter is born with passion, drive, and vision

They don't accept the narrative at birth they were given

The life of living paycheck to paycheck and barely getting by

Waiting to collect social security when their time comes to die

Fire Starters aren't born with silver spoons or a trust fund

They refuse to be invisible and have their dreams shunned

They fight unjust systems, speak up, and protest the unfair

So the marginalized and those left out of the script will also get their share

Fire Starters' ambition is more powerful than settling for less and joining the masses

I witnessed this tenacity, grit, and grind from behind my father's glasses

My mama's DNA is a gumbo of beauty, class; she's wise, determined, and strong

My parents, my best teachers, giving lessons I was blessed to receive and now blessed to pass along

Success is earned from hard work: if you don't try, you have no one else to blame

At the end of your journey, what will be your legacy, and how big will be your flame?

—Dana Frank

My parents, Gerald and Theresa Frank, were Fire Starters. A Fire Starter is one who ignites a flame for his or her future and doesn't accept or listen to the narrative that society has given. Fire Starters change the trajectory of their own lives and hopefully that of generations to come. Fire Starters don't accept the narrative that may be based on the color of their skin, their family's economic status, where they were born or educated, or their lack of education, birth defects, lifestyle, past mishaps, poor decisions, birth order, or sex. Fire Starters create their own narratives, despite any obstacles before them, and live on their own terms.

Gerald and Theresa Frank

The most important factor is that despite all the bad cards in life being stacked against them, my parents forged ahead and lit a flame that still burns three generations later. My father, a Black child born in the Jim Crow era, came of age when laws mandated racial segregation, which invoked violence, poverty, and a melancholy existence, with a grim outlook for the future. Jim Crow was a character created by a White actor wearing black makeup meant to demean and make fun of African Americans.

My father came into the world during these turbulent and repressive times in Detroit, Michigan, on December 27, 1931. Detroit during this era was an industrial hub. The manufacturing of tanks, airplanes, weapons, and of course automobiles transported Blacks and Whites from Southern states looking for opportunity. As resentment over inequality and the economic shock just following the Great Depression rose, my teenage father witnessed the race riot of 1943. He watched his city burn as social unrest over the poor living conditions, unequal access to goods and services, and racism reached a boiling point.

My father's family maintained their home in a segregated area of town. They had a large extended community, which became like family, and they looked out for each other. There was a large contention of minorities who moved into small, subdivided apartments in an area known as Black Bottom. Violence broke out, and no White people were killed; however 17 African Americans died at the hands of police, 675 were injured, and damages amounted to $2 million (Detroit Historical Society, n.d.). The city was ravaged until 6,000 army troops arrived and the riots ceased.

Black people being beaten by the police and racially motivated killings are still part of a sad reality in our lives. We have witnessed George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery—among so many others—all thriving individuals who had dreams, hopes, and aspirations, whose lives were cut short because of one thing: their skin color.

The prospect of becoming the largest Black landlord in the Central District of Seattle, owning an estate with detached guest apartments for his daughters, an in-ground swimming pool, views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier, driving a fleet of classic cars, raising offspring with private school educations, or traveling the world from Europe to Africa as he one day would, was as farfetched as any fairytale.

But my father never gave in to settling and accepting that where he came from was his fate.

My grandfather, Houston Frank, was a soft-spoken, kind, and gentle man who warned his ambitious son not to rock the boat. Houston suggested Gerald's other option would have been to follow the masses of his generation and look for one of the highly sought after jobs at Chrysler or Ford Motor Company. My father watched his friends go to work, exhausted, after a daily 4:00 a.m. wakeup call and a hard double shift on the assembly line, with two 15-minute cigarette breaks. At the end of 2 weeks, their paychecks were not enough to enjoy a decent meal, let alone establish savings. He watched as his grandmother saved for a year to purchase her new lemon-yellow sofa, which she covered in plastic to keep it unscathed. Each Sunday as the family would gather for one of her Southern meals, Great-grandma would yell, “The davenport is off limits!” She died having never once sat on the plastic-preserved furnishing, and it was passed along to one of her needy relatives. This was not the life Gerald Frank envisioned.

He grew increasingly sick of the disparity he was forced to live. His mother, Evelyn, was a fair-skinned beauty, with keen features and wavy auburn hair, who could pass for White. My father recalled going to a local diner with his mother and the owner berating Evelyn for bringing her chocolate-skinned child inside. “Lady, can't you read? No Blacks allowed!” he shouted pointing at little Gerald.

On Mother's Day, when my father was 17, Evelyn, only 37 years old, died after a short illness. The loss, the plighted circumstance of his life, and limited options for better days, prompted my father to change the script and create a new narrative.

He headed to the Pacific Northwest and Seattle, nestled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, where he enrolled at the University of Washington. Segregation was still in effect; however, there was great promise here, the living was more tolerable than life had been in urban Detroit.

He was a budding musician, and during the early 1950s, Seattle was a boom town for the music scene. This period produced the likes of Ray Charles, and many famed musicians who performed at clubs like the Black and Tan Club and included talent like Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Duke Ellington, with whom my father traveled for a period. My father's first love was music, and he was an accomplished drummer and organist.

However, upon his arrival in Seattle, he found another love: real estate. My father was a quick student, and he recognized the value in owning real estate and that it would be a rapid path to earning long-term income. Music would become a side gig, and at only 18 years of age in 1950, he made an improbable decision and purchased his first investment property. My father had lied about his age and had steady work, playing drums in different nightclubs. Clubs such as Bird Land, and the Mardi Gras brought integrated crowds nightly. One night as the band took a break, my father started a conversation with a regular. The patron, a middle-aged White man, shared that he had a house for rent; however amenable he was to selling, he just hadn't found a buyer. It was a single-family home located in the Montlake area, not far from the University of Washington where my father was attending classes. My father struck a deal with the owner and acquired the property by working off the down payment. His services included maintenance work and drum lessons for the seller's son. My father was open to bartering, and he did not shy away from work. He convinced the owner to carry a contract, meaning the monthly mortgage payment of $47 was paid directly to the owner, and the owner in turn paid the bank.

My father subdivided the house, finishing the basement and creating three additional units. He rented out sections to his fellow university students to cover his expenses and pocket some income for himself.

Theresa Frank (left), Seafair Queen 1950