Profiling Frank Howard Allen Realtors Chairman Larry Brackett in our Best of the North Bay issue is a no-brainer. Not only has his company been voted tops in our readers’ polls many times, but he’s also just a flat-out nice guy.
Brackett and his wife, Brennie, bought the company in 1989. “Real estate was my third career, following investment counseling and teaching second grade,” he reveals. “The challenge of being in sales, the opportunity to be an independent contractor and my previous investment and teaching experiences—which prepared me to be sensitive to meeting others’ needs—all made me a real estate natural.”
Are you a native of Marin County?
Well, almost! I’m a fourth-generation San Franciscan (three of my four grandparents arrived in San Francisco prior to the Gold Rush). My paternal grandparents had a summer home in Marin County, to which they moved after the 1906 earthquake. My father graduated from Tam High in Mill Valley; I first moved to Marin in 1966.
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
I like a cat’s sense of independence.
At what time of day do your feel your best?
Morning through mid-afternoon, particularly if I don’t have wine at lunch.
Are you a high- or low-maintenance person?
Low. I’m very capable of taking care of myself and don’t require an extensive support system.
Do you say “good-bye” quickly, slowly or not at all?
When the activity or party’s over, I like to say good-bye quickly.
Have you ever helped a total stranger? If so, how?
Yes—and not infrequently. Recently, I was at the gas station, and a woman, who was parked next to me with three children in her car, had forgotten her wallet. She was concerned she might run out of gas going home to get it. I ran my card for her. She was crying as she drove away.
How did you meet your spouse?
I met my wife at Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco. I was the second grade teacher, and she was room mother. We had lots of fun field trips that year.
What food do you hate?
Litchi nuts.
What about your personality makes you a good realtor?
I listen carefully to what others are communicating.
What type of museum do you most like to visit?
I’ve always loved automotive museums.
What childhood dream has come true for you?
I’ve been able to have lots of fun with cars. I really enjoy learning about—and driving, whenever possible—unique and rare automobiles.
What song would be absolute torture to have to sit through over and over again?
Johnny Cash’s “Born to Lose” is a terrible song.
If you could look into the future, what one thing would you want to know?
Is there an afterlife?
What’s the most interesting country you’ve ever been to and why?
Unbelievable things are taking place in the United Arab Emirates Dubai, creating an interesting blend of Middle Eastern and Western cultures.
What’s your favorite holiday of the year and why?
My favorite holiday is Halloween. Until UNICEF interjected its fund-raising efforts, it was the only holiday that was just for fun with no religious or other significant reason to celebrate. Fortunately, UNICEF didn’t ruin the “just for fun” atmosphere.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
Poverty and all its ramifications.
What was your favorite childhood snack or candy?
Ritz crackers with peanut butter. It’s still a great snack.
What’s one fashion trend you hope never comes back?
Dirty looking low-riser jeans.
What’s one question you’re asking yourself these days?
How can I be more supportive of the sales associates in our company?
What’s something mischievous you’ve done?
My cousin was involved with a group that was attempting to keep the Hamilton Field airstrip operational after the Air Force left, so he had a key. Late one night, after the company holiday party at the Officers’ Club, we did acceleration runs on the airstrip. I was in my late 50s, driving a new model Mercedes. As I reflect on that, I can’t believe I was so stupid…but it was great fun!
