If there is a project in town, a bit of work going on somewhere around the county, there’s a strong possibility Rick Hamilton will be involved. It seems that way, at least. Hamilton works as a commercial sales and leasing specialist for Coldwell Banker. He also creates custom signs and graphics through his own company, RAHamilton Co. He is active with the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and dabbles in a few other things, as well. Hamilton has lived in Lake County for the past 21 years, but he started visiting with his family from Berkeley long before that. His sister moved to the area first. His parents next. Hamilton just followed the signs.
1. Are signs everywhere?
There are people who don’t notice, but they are giving directions all the time. Signs, signs, everywhere signs. I probably sing that in the shower two times a week. Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the signs.
2. And you need them in real estate.
Yes, it all goes hand in hand.
3. Is it difficult to create a good sign?
It does take some thought. You don’t want it too busy. Some people want fancy fonts, but you need a font that’s easy to read.
4. It’s probably tedious to look through fonts.
No, it’s kinda fun. I have over 1,500 fonts in my computer. I can scan them pretty quickly.
5. Is real estate on the rebound?
It is. People invest in stocks and savings, but a lot of people should have investment properties in their portfolio. It brings balance.
6. The most basic real estate investment lesson is …
Invest in a commercial building with tenants. You have to know you will get a return.
7. What’s the difference between commercial and residential real estate?
Commercial is a lot easier, to me. With residential, you have something like 14 pages of documents. With commercial there are maybe four or five pages. Business people know what they want. I started my first business in ‘79. I relate to business people well.
8. So you’ve seen ups and downs.
Oh, yeah.
9. The late ‘70s or late 2000s — which was worse?
I would say this last recession. But I’m diversified — I also make canvas awnings. When you’re diversified you know you can survive. I’ve never considered myself unemployable.
10. If you could put one message on a sign …
[Laughs] I don’t want that in print.
