Bernie Stephan

I was born near Hamburg, Germany, to my German parents as an only child. When I was four, we immigrated to Canada seeking safety and opportunity. Choosing Winnipeg, however, turned out to be a chilly mistake. After thirteen years of snow shoveling and frozen winters, we had all had enough—and moved to California.

Finishing my senior year at Newport Harbor High was a joy, and I was fortunate to start college at UC Irvine in 1965, its very first year. My first professional role was as a computer programmer with Pacific Telephone & Telegraph. While living in San Francisco, I met my wife, Jerilyn—now my partner of 55 years. After a year at the base of Russian Hill, we purchased our first home in Mill Valley.

We raised our two children in San Geronimo, where I helped start a public Montessori program, served two terms on the board, and coached youth soccer for seven seasons. My commute changed drastically when Pacific Bell relocated its Accounting Systems group to San Ramon. After retiring from corporate IT, I did consulting for several large firms, but the frequent-flier miles lost their charm—I wanted to work closer to home and family.

In 1990, I began my second career as a real estate appraiser, which led to my current profession as an independent real estate broker. Over the years, I launched three RE/MAX offices—two inPetaluma (RE/MAX Marina) and one in Novato (RE/MAX Marin Pros)—managing over 50 agents and brokering more than 3,000 transactions. When the 2008 recession hit, I chose to close those brokerages and refocus on serving homeowners and estate administrators navigating major life transitions in Marin and Sonoma Counties.

My company, Eco Realty, reflects my deep concern for our living planet. Since 2005, this connection between how we live and where we live has been central to my work, my politics, and my activism.

Jerilyn and I are blessed with four grandchildren, ages two to twenty-five. Like so many seniors, I find the connection with younger generations among life’s greatest rewards.