A 20 Year Milestone- Nathan O'Connor

It was 20 years ago that I first heard of Nathan O'Connor.  I was still living in New York and Jeff was excited about Nathan who had accepted a job offer but couldn't start for a couple of months as he was closing out the terms of employment at his current job.  As the days ticked on, Jeff became more anxious about making sure that Nathan was committed to joining the firm.  Jeff reached out weekly to check in and keep him on the "hook".  What Jeff didn't know at the time is that Nathan is truly a man of his word; commitment and loyalty are an innate part of his being.  Nathan never wavered in his plans to work at the firm, but enjoyed the extended wooing process.  Once Nathan started working the talk and praise from Jeff continued to grow.  I can still remember thinking I have to meet this guy and see if he lives up the hype.   It was almost a year later that I joined the firm and finally met Nathan.  Over the past 14 years it has been a pleasure working with Nathan and getting to know the man that lives up to the hype!

LINDSEY:   Nathan, tell everyone a little about yourself. 

NATHAN:   Born in Evansville Indiana, moved to Renton when I was 8 and consider myself a born and raised Rentonite.  I say that proudly even though Almost Live used to pick on Renton a lot back in the day. Currently live in Kennydale-Renton with my amazing wife, Angela.  We have been married for 13 years but going on 25.   We have traveled the country and world and could not imagine living anywhere else than here in the PNW!

LINDSEY:  Can you share a little about your family?

NATHAN:  My family means the world to me!!  I am grateful that all of my immediate Family is here in the greater Seattle area and that I get to see them on a regular basis.  My Mom is my superhero!   I have two younger sisters who are twins and they have blessed me with 5 nieces.   I don’t have any children, just one Fur Baby.  Her name is Cali and she’s not really a baby anymore, she’s a 12-year-old cat and of course I’m her favorite.

LINDSEY:  What is something that would surprise us about you?

NATHAN:  I have an extreme fear of heights, but I love a good rollercoaster, it doesn’t make any since.

LINDSEY:  What three words do you feel best describe you? 

NATHAN:    Compassionate, Loyal, Reliable.

LINDSEY:  Sticking with three, what are the top three highlights of your life?

NATHAN:

1.    Becoming an Uncle 5 Times Over.

2.    Marrying my amazing wife Angela on a beach on the Big Island of Hawaii.

3.    One of my fondest memories that popped into my head a few days ago was remembering the look on my Dad’s face when I graduated from Western Washington University, he was so proud!  We lost my dad 8 years ago this month.

LINDSEY:  Do you have a mantra or personal motto that you live by? 

NATHAN:  Be of Service.. Listen.. and Love.  Another one is: No excuses, no regrets.

LINDSEY:  What is the best vacation you have ever had?

NATHAN:  This is a tough one.  My wife is a Travel Agent and we love to get out and see the world.  I would have to say our first trip to Thailand in 2012 was one amazing adventure.  The people were so friendly and happy, food was delicious, rode bare back on giant elephants, random encounters with monkeys, visited beautiful temples, relaxed on the amazing beaches.

LINDSEY:  What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? 

NATHAN:  Anything active:  On the weekends I’m hiking, Monday-Friday on my lunch break you can find me at the gym lifting weights.  I used to run but knee pain limits how much I can do now.  I also like to collect things like Football Cards, Star Wars Figures, Rocks, and Coins.

LINDSEY:  What is your favorite sport?     

NATHAN:  Football!!! - Growing up I was a diehard Raiders fan but at some point, I converted to a Seahawks Fan.   Not really sure when or how that happened, either way GO HAWKS!!

LINDSEY:  What is your favorite thing to do in the PNW?  

NATHAN:  Hiking is basically what you can find me doing almost every weekend.  Last month I logged endless miles on Washington Trails and can’t wait for Summer!

LINDSEY:  If you could have only one adult beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?

NATHAN:  I am a huge fan of Georgetown Brewing and would say their IPAs – Lucille and Bodhizafa.

LINDSEY:  What is your favorite food/meal?

NATHAN:  I used to be a very picky eater growing up: Grilled Cheese, Spaghetti , Pancakes but thanks to my wife she introduced me to Indian food.  So Indian food is without a doubt my favorite. 
A couple of my favorite spots – India Gate in Bellevue/Eastgate and Naan-N-Curry in Renton.

LINDSEY:  If your house was burning down, what is the one non-living thing you would save? 

NATHAN:  Since all my pictures are now in the Cloud and don’t have to worry about them…. I would have to say my Vintage 1970’s Olympia Beer Signs.

LINDSEY:  If you were stuck on an island, what three would you want to have with you?

NATHAN:  Flint, Hatchet, and Spear Gun- I’ve watched a few episodes of Survivor.

LINDSEY:  Before working with MWM, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had? 

NATHAN:  Police officer for City of Clyde Hill – I have been Pepper Sprayed a few times, many hours of firearms training, and got to spend a week at the Washington State Patrol Academy learning how to drive fast.

LINDSEY:  How long have you been with MWM and how do you define your role?

NATHAN:  I joined MWM in 2005 and can’t believe how fast the past 20 years have gone by.  As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun!  My Role at MWM is a Relationship Manager and my number one objective is to ensure all of our clients have a great experience with the firm, are happy, satisfied, and confident with their financial decisions and picture.

LINDSEY:  How did you hear about MWM?

NATHAN:   A former colleague of mine that I admired, crossed paths with Jeff and learned about the opening at MWM.   They advised me to consider the opportunity and that I “had to” meet Jeff.  I reached out to MWM and after a grueling interview with Norma I got to meet Jeff and the rest is history.  

LINDSEY:  What is your favorite part about working at MWM?

NATHAN:  My favorite part and what is most rewarding for me, is getting to know our clients on a personal level, building strong relationships, educating, and helping to make informed decisions.  Working for a family owned firm where there is a sense of family and team.

LINDSEY:  Which of our core values most resonates with you?

NATHAN:  I’m sure it is obvious the Family value is extremely important to me.  Authenticity is another value to the firm that aligns with my personal beliefs.  We are approachable, reliable and trustworthy in all that we do. 

LINDSEY:  What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t working with us?

NATHAN:  I think I would probably go back into Law Enforcement or maybe try teaching.

LINDSEY:  Nathan I want to thank you for taking the time to share more about yourself with all of us.  I know that you are not one to enjoy being the center of attention so I will keep my wrap up brief.  We are honored to have you as a member of our work family and appreciate all that you give to everyone around you each and every day!