The Founders
Nick Segal, Hugh Evans, F. Ron Smith, Richard Stearns, and David Findley ("Founders") bring unique and proven talents, and are the driving force behind the vision of the Company. These Founders, who currently own all of the Company's outstanding shares of voting stock, each have approximately 20 years of experience in the real estate brokerage business and provide immediate credibility for a new company poised to establish a place in the communities the Company serves.
Hugh Evans
Founding Partner
Since 1990 I have successfully negotiated the purchase, sale, financing and development of real estate transactions totaling over $2.5 billion. My 25 years in the real estate industry encompass a broader range of experience than virtually any other broker in the area.
I have attracted clients with my holistic approach to buying and selling homes, and my work consistently reflects my belief that a home influences every aspect of your life – who you meet, what you do on the weekends, where you work, where your kids go to school; every relationship you develop throughout your lifetime is influenced tremendously by where you live. For this reason, I’m satisfied when I find the best home to fit my clients’ personalities, values, and lifestyles.
In addition to being an agent, I develop homes in some of the most prominent neighborhoods in Southern California. My custom built homes continue to set the high water mark for sales in Brentwood Park and the Pacific Palisades.
Currently, my wife of 4 years, Lauren, and I live in Brentwood with our two labs, Henry and Maggie and have recently welcomed our daughter, McKay, in this world on August 25th, 2010. We really take pleasure in mingling with our friends and neighbors at the local farmers market on Sunday’s, followed by brunch at Mayberry’s and let’s not forget the ever so essential pit-stop by Baskin Robbins 31 flavors for a healthy dose of Classic Chocolate, Coffee Delight or whatever else the heart desires!
Recently we purchased a home in Pacific Palisades, which for me epitomizes a sense of family and community. I consider it to be one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles and I am fortunate to be starting our family in a beautiful home there. When I am not working, I enjoy golfing, skiing, and family walks with Lauren, Maggie and Henry; although like many dog owners, it’s not clear to me who actually walks who!
Lauren and I really enjoy traveling as well. One of our many favorite places in California to visit is Ojai Valley Inn where we held our wedding ceremony. It’s such a serene, relaxing place in an intimate setting with a breathtaking backdrop of the Topa Topa Mountains. A perfect location to unwind and rejuvenate; and as we all know, “Location, Location, Location” is everything.
It is my life experience as a family man and my work as an agent and developer that has given me a first-hand perspective of the tremendous pressure and emotions involved in buying or selling a home. These attributes have driven me to develop long-term partnerships and friendships with my home-owner clients.
David Findley
Founding Partner
When I’m not working, I like to play the piano and walk the trails in Ojai.
I work often with local sellers and international buyers; and I feel honored to be named one of the Top 15 Real Estate Agents in the US by The Wall Street Journal. I’m a Realtor, a Certified Negotiation Expert with Partners Trust, a Graduate of the Realtor Institute, an Accredited Buyer’s Representative, a Certified Residential Specialist and a Credentialed Internet Marketing Specialist.
Nick Segal
President, Founding Partner
Born and raised in New York, I arrived in Los Angeles in 1984. Having attended a Quaker Boarding school called George School in Lower Bucks County, PA, and then graduating from Vassar College in 1983, I found my real estate passion at the tender age of 28. From day one, I threw myself into the game and learned like a sponge soaks up water. Through this 20-year ride, I’ve helped create DBL Realtors as a Partner in the firm while representing a full docket of buyers and sellers along the way.
I’ve managed hundreds of fine and talented individuals under my watch, created and taught classes on how to empower people to be better brokers and in the process, honoring all parties involved. For 12 years and counting, I’ve had the privilege to serve the Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles Board of Realtors as a Presiding Officer for the Professional Standards and Ethics Committee. I also chair the Board’s Greivance Committee and the Ethics Advocacy Committee.
Currently, I am enjoying the collaborative process of creating a magnificent company called Partners Trust Real Estate Brokerage & Acquisitions with the talents and caring of truly gifted colleagues. As President of Partners Trust, I am in an ideal place to make a difference in the world of real estate and, my goodness, we have an abundance of prosperity, joy and laughter.
With the loving and support I receive from my beautiful wife of 23 years, Deborah, and our two stellar children, Annie and Ted, to round out the vast majority of my waking days, I must be doing something right.
F. Ron Smith
Founding Partner
Real estate is my vocation and my passion. I have lived and worked in the Westside area for all of my career and many of my past clients have also become friends. When I go to the bank, or to the grocery store or my kids' school, I often see people I have helped find a home, and it's a great feeling.
I love hearing what they've done with their property and that they're happy. Or, that they've outgrown the property and want me to help them with their next home purchase. That kind of on-going relationship makes me feel a part of the community and that I'm doing something of value. I'm proud to say that I've been able to help more than 630 families find the home of their dreams.
My wife, Tracy, and I live in Brentwood with our two teenage sons, Evan and Brandon. Over the years, I've been involved with their private schools and community youth sports programs. I believe that my love of this area is expressed to my clients. My enthusiastic desire to enjoy every facet of Southern California has made me knowledgeable about more than just Real Estate. I can introduce my clients to a community and a lifestyle, not just find them a place to live!
The Westside offers so many enriching opportunities. Whether you enjoy great dining, shopping, bike riding, cultural events, the Sunday Farmer's Market or sports events at the local Rec Center - it's all available, year-round! Los Angeles is truly a great place to call home.
Richard Stearns
Founding Partner, Broker
Imagine growing up in Binghamton, NY. After graduating from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, I moved to NYC and lived there until 1984 when my wife Elizabeth and I moved to Los Angeles. The point is simple: I spent 25 years either freezing, wet or sweating! I have an acute appreciation for living in Los Angeles, especially in Santa Monica, so close to the ocean.
My clients share in my deep knowledge of the subtleties of the west side communities. The neighborhoods, architecture, schools, beaches, trails and commerce. And, of course, the real estate market. I maintain an up-to-the-minute accurate handle of the inventory, values and trends of the various micro-markets of the west side.
Finally, I take great pride in my communication skills and habits, and my technology and systems. My clients receive the very highest and most effective level of service available anywhere in Los Angeles real estate. Each and every one of my clients is critically important to me and benefits from my 24/7 tenacity and attention to detail.
I continue to sweat every day but now it's from running, swimming, hiking, biking or something fun you can do every day in LA!
