Leaning Into Legacy

Just cleaning up around the house, touching up paint, prep for bulk pickup, etc.. Time to think about Dad and my near 77 years, this month.

Reminiscing things I learned along the way...mostly from Dad: work hard, live frugal and avoid debt.

My sister and I had a custodial business (with Dad's help) by age 12...cleaning up the mess after union meetings at AFL-CIO on Monmouth Street. Big bucks...$12 per Saturday.

Age 15, carpenter's helper with neighbor, Mr.Brown, yes, your dad, Dwight Brown

Masonry work, age 14-17, weekend warrior with @ Bost Brothers Masonry, if temperature above 25°! Sweep snow off the roof and top out that chimney.

Age 18-27, Dad introduced me to a boss man at Hennis Trucking, part-timer, then later Pilot Frieght, paid for my college and a mortgage payment, while teaching Science in a neighboring county at age 21.

First home a small rancher in Lexington.

Age 27-37, painting with my first business partner during the Summer months...paid house off early!

Age 33, daughter born, now an amazing elementary principal with two amazing grands.

Age 35-37 first graduate degree. Left the classroom for position in administration, community relations, Lexington City Schools.

Stopped painting and built my first house, subbed out the various trades when needed for inspection purposes.

39-41, Second graduate degree and Superintendent's Certification.

Age 42, early retirement from Public Schools (20 years) to become Executive Pastor at a large, growing church in my hometown. Relocated in '93, home sold for a nice profit!! Paid cash for new home.

1996, launched Master Counsel & Associates, Inc. at age 48, then contracted with multiple denominations and coached numerous pastor's.

1997, built Second home in Clemmons, then followed by construction of our wooded Cabin in 2006, LaDonna's work featured in national magazine, Cottage Journal; Concepts By LaDonna, her DBA.

WSFC Planning Board 1998-2004.

Established first office location in 1997 then Wachovia Building (Winston Towers), truly an amazing story.

Leadership WS Alum 1997. Chaired LWS in 2010, helped launched Insight.

2000, became licensed Realtor as several capital campaigns required land acquisition.

Soon came MCT, Master Counsel Technologies (2001-2015) in partnership with a brother introduced by a Coaching client. Introduced Infra Software, now VM Ware to USA from Australia

2007-2014 Mayor of Clemmons.

2009, first of now six books, and blog site. Thx, Shae Bynes & Tori Thatcher for your encouragement!

2015 began focusing on commercial real estate, first large development, Deacon Place in WS, then Ariston Place in Bermuda Run, another amazing project coming soon!

2016-18 Chaired Clemmons Community Foundation, the board stewarding a Ten Milion dollar gift, becoming regional in impact, now The Shallow Ford Foundation.

2019, began dual citizenship in Blowing Rock! Love that escape!

Meanwhile, just returned from a safari with daughter and grandson in Tanzania, July 14-31, 2025.

Then, unexpectedly, Dad transitioned with military honors, September 4th. 1925-2025. He was only three months from completing his 100th year on earth.

Whew...fast life for both of us!!

Thanks Dad, hope I can sustain the legacy you initiated!!