Bancroft Maintenance: Brakes, Business, and Building Bridges
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
In Bancroft, when the thermometer hits −11∘C and the snow starts falling, you have to be flexible with your "Game Sheet". Today was officially designated a "Maintenance Day"—a chance to pivot from the office to the garage and the home office to ensure everything is running at peak performance.
Getting Under the Hood
The morning started with the satisfying click of a completed routine by 8:30 AM, but the real work began in the garage. I tackled a rear brake job on the truck, which turned into a bit of a saga after a trip to Canadian Tire for the wrong rotors and a minor battle with the vehicle's "maintenance mode". By 2:49 PM, the truck was solid, and I even managed to squeeze in a dishwasher repair before the afternoon snow-blowing session. There is a unique kind of therapy in fixing things you can actually see and touch.
The Art of the "No" (and the Follow-Up)
On the business side, today was a masterclass in professional boundaries. I had a tough exchange with a potential client, a seasoned investor who pushed for a commission reduction. I held firm at 5%, believing that if I can't negotiate for my own value, I can't be trusted to negotiate for my client's equity. However, after some reflection and a "nudge" from my partner, I sent a bridge-builder email to keep the door open. It’s about being firm on value but soft on people.
Navigating the "Safe" Storm
Real estate isn't always smooth sailing. I’m currently navigating a "bummer" of a situation at a listing sale where a buyer is upset about a heavy safe left in a workshop. While the lawyers hash out whether it's a "fixture" or a "chattel," my advice to the sellers was simple: "relax" and let the process work. Sometimes, the best move in a storm is to stay still.
Closing Out
The day wrapped up with the things that matter most: making sure the driveway was clear for the family, catching up with old friends, and watching the Leafs take down the Oilers 5-2. Tomorrow, the goal is to get back on the sled and, weather permitting, reach Loucks Lake to retrieve some long-awaited estate records.
Stay warm, stay focused, and keep maintaining what matters.
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