1. What is your name, which TSD schools did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
- David Powell
- Monroe Elementary, Conrad Ball Junior High, Loveland High School
- Class of 1989
2. What have you been doing since graduation, and what is your proudest accomplishment?
After college, I got my real estate license, and I have been a realtor for almost 27 years, serving clients in Northern Colorado. My proudest accomplishments are my three sons (Zach, Adam, Kyle), two stepsons (Walker and Will), and meeting my wife Lisa, who works with me at The Group, Inc. My proudest career achievement is the honor of helping people time and time again with one of the biggest decisions they will make in life, which is buying and selling a home.
3. What is your best memory of school?
Friends are the best memory! I was very lucky to have a great friend group to run around with. I still keep in touch with many lifelong friends from school and my best friend (David Stephenson); we met in preschool, and we both still live in Loveland. I also have many great memories of competing on the Loveland High golf team.
4. What was your biggest challenge during school?
Junior high was a bit of a challenge. Leaving elementary school and the realization of growing up, facing puberty, and a good friend moving away all contributed to a rough couple of years. I have always said from my experiences, and now, having raised my own kids, the middle school years are trying times in a kid’s life. God bless middle school teachers; they deserve a pay raise!
5. What do you know now that you wish your younger self had known?
The one thing constant in this world is change! I wish I would have learned to adapt quicker to the fact the world is constantly changing and moving in many different ways. I’m a firstborn who over-processes, which is sometimes a good trait to have and other times a challenge, so adapting to change doesn’t come easy.
6. What advice would you give to students in school now?
I probably sound like a dad now: You can always have good manners [and] show respect to others (even if you disagree with them) no matter their skin color, age, or how much or little money they have. My advice is to learn the true value of relationships and how to be a good friend and don’t sacrifice your character to try and impress others.
7. Name one person who changed your life for the better during school and how they did it.
I had a lot of great teachers and coaches over the years. My fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Heydt, was my first male teacher. I had a lot of growing up to do, and at the time, I didn’t care for him challenging me, and I didn’t really care for his firm approach! Looking back as I’ve gotten older, I truly appreciate him and the lessons he taught me.
A little over a year ago, I sold a home and then a piece of land to my elementary school principal, Mr. Ken Rethmeier. It was an absolute blast to reminisce about the past with him and his wife, Judy, and represent them. Mr Rethmeier is witty and has plenty of hilarious comments to share. Our relationship has come a long way since I was once in his office for getting in trouble in kindergarten!
8. If you could wave a magic wand and change something about your school years, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change much but I wish we would have had an open campus at lunchtime during our high school years. I also wish I wouldn’t have hit my second golf shot in the water on hole #7 at the Olde Course during regionals. It cost me a chance to qualify for state.
9. How did school prepare you for what you are doing now?
School taught me how to deal with success and failure, how to take responsibility for my own actions, and how to persevere during challenging times. What you put into school and life is what you get back. There are no shortcuts to achieving your goals and dreams!
10. What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I hope to continue to be a positive role model to people I come in contact with. Whether that be in real estate, coaching with our youth, or the Loveland community, I hope I am looked upon as someone who gave back for the greater good.
