Donald Gilman
Name/Title/Company: Donald Gilman CEO/salesperson L. Lance Gilman Real Estate
Number of years with company: 3
Number of years in the profession: 3
Last book read: The Four Agreements
Favorite movie: Magnificent 7
Favorite musical group or genre: Chris Stapleton
Spouse, kids or pets: Wife, three kids, three dogs and two horses
Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position.
Donald Gilman: I started the residential side of L. Lance Gilman Commercial Real Estate about three years ago. The Tahoe Reno Industrial Center started booming and I felt it was a good time to expand our brand.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Gilman: My father, Lance Gilman, has been in the real estate business here in northern Nevada since about 1985. I felt it was time to follow in his footsteps and because I have been around real estate my whole life it was a natural fit for me.
NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field?
Gilman: The bond I have with my father is the most rewarding, next to seeing the faces of people buying their own home for the first time.
NNBW: What is the most challenging part about your job?
Gilman: Keeping pace with the older generation is most challenging. Work is most important to them and there is no slowing down. At times this is hard for me as my family comes first and my career is second. I try my best to be at all of my kids’ functions and not miss their victories.
NNBW: What advice would give someone who wants to get in your profession?
Gilman: Expect to be on your toes the majority of the time. React fast and don’t let things linger.
NNBW: What was the best advice anyone ever gave you either professionally or personally?
Gilman: Kris Thompson once told me not to get so involved with my business life that I miss the truly great moments in my family life. He said money comes and goes but your kids only grow up once.
NNBW: Has there been someone who was especially influential in helping you establish your career or in reaching your higher goals? If so, who and how?
Gilman: Absolutely, my father has been my mentor in business and without him challenging me every day I don’t believe I would be in the position I am today. He pushes me to strive for greatness.
NNBW: Is there any educational advancement that is essential for someone in your career field?
Gilman: Continuing education classes in real estate are most beneficial.
NNBW: How do you manage your time between the responsibilities of your profession and your personal life?
Gilman: I try to surround myself with good people who are capable. Some of them are race horses and some are not but they are all genuine people with big hearts. I try to create a team atmosphere and set individual goals for them. This creates valuable and motivated employees without me having to micromanage them. Then I can focus on my family when needed.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Gilman: I bucked hay for Sierra Feed after school every day for two years in high school.
NNBW: What did you dream of becoming as a kid?
Gilman: I wanted to be an architect.
NNBW: What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work?
Gilman: Camping with my family.
NNBW: Is there a nonprofit or charitable organization that you like to donate your time to?
Gilman: I belong to the Honorary Sheriff organization for Washoe County.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like about living/working here?
Gilman: My family moved here when I was 6 years old from San Diego. With all the recreational things to do in this area it would be hard to imagine myself anywhere else.
