It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since Harold Shumacher passed away. As the founder of The Shumacher Group, he shaped not only the company but also the lives of those who had the privilege of working with him. The lessons he imparted, both through his actions and words, have guided me in countless ways, and as time passes, I find myself reflecting more deeply on what I’ve learned from him.
Running a company, managing people, navigating personal challenges—these are all things that Harold faced with grace and wisdom. In the years since his passing, I’ve had to continue his legacy while also making my own way. Looking back, there are a few of his core principles that have stuck with me, and they continue to guide me each day.
I often look to my colleagues at The Shumacher Group for their guidance and I reached out yesterday to Steve Josovitz, Irving Jacobson, and Kathy Thirolf, who have all played the role of mentor in my career.
Irving recalls that Harold would often suggest that as we go through life to keep your eye on the donut, not the hole. It’s tempting to grasp for the easy things and easier to forget why you are doing so. Irving may not realize it, but he often reminds me to do the same—I am always amazed at how often brokers from other companies will tell me that they have recently talked to him, are working on deals, and how Irv always seems to know every project in every Metro Atlanta town and beyond—an amazing trait Harold also had.
“Harold always impressed me with his consistent attitude of being in continual communication with his team, industry folks and in doing the right thing,” Kathy said to me. She continued, “Harold was a die-hard teacher, always introducing you and including you in one of his business meetings so that in a short time, you were well acquainted with what and who was moving and shaking in the community. When asked to join the group, his selling line was ‘we always have fun, and we always eat‘”… Harold was and still remains one of the best all-time “bosses” in general, and that I have been privileged to work for.” Kathy is never shy about “suggesting” I get the team together, reach out more often, and be more involved in the day-to-day goings on of each broker and agent at TSG. This continues Harold’s legacy and is something I appreciate immensely.
While on the topic of eating, Steve laughed that “Harold stressed the importance of always networking with as many people as you can and from all different walks of life, different industries, sales people, etc because everyone has something to teach you and you never know when they will be of importance at a later time—and, of course, this was always done while eating. Harold once told me ‘I don’t play golf, I eat. I take clients and others to lunch and dinner instead of hunting for a golf ball in the woods.’” Steve then added, “be sure to always take care of the folks who refer you business—Harold liked to say it was ‘found money’ and typically leads more business”
One of the first things Harold taught me was the delicate balance between patience and persistence. In business, it’s easy to want everything to move at lightning speed. But Harold showed me that sometimes, the best decisions take time. Whether it was working through a negotiation, considering the right person to hire, or simply evaluating the next step for the company, he understood that progress doesn’t always happen overnight.
Yet, at the same time, Harold knew that persistence was key. He taught me that even when things seem slow, you must keep pushing forward. Not at a frantic pace, but with steady, focused effort. There is power in persistence, especially when it’s tempered with the wisdom of knowing when to act and when to wait.
I’ve always admired Harold’s ability to get the best deal for our clients, but he did so without compromising on fairness. One of his greatest strengths was his commitment to treating everyone—clients, brokers, partners, and competitors—with respect. He wasn’t about cutting corners or taking advantage of others. Instead, he believed that by being fair to the opposing side, you’d create a better long-term relationship, one that might come back to you when you least expect it.
Harold’s health struggles in the last year of his life were something none of us anticipated, but they offered some of the most profound lessons. Seeing him face his health issues with such dignity reminded me of the importance of taking care of ourselves—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Harold taught me that while work is important, it should never come at the expense of your well-being. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me, especially in the face of the long hours and stress that come with the juggle of running a company and taking care of my clients.
Perhaps one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn came from a terrible falling out with a close friend and colleague. The situation was something I wish I had handled differently. I often think about how Harold would have approached it. He was never one to hold grudges or let personal issues cloud his judgment in business. He always taught that relationships are more important than any deal. In retrospect, I can see how I could have been more patient, more understanding, and more forgiving. I didn’t handle it as well as I should have, and it’s a mistake I will carry with me. But I’ve learned from it, and I will strive to do better in the future.
Above all, Harold taught me the importance of family. At the end of the day, the reason we work so hard, the reason we put in the long hours and face the inevitable challenges, is to be able to spend time with those we love. Harold would often say that work should create pride and a sense of purpose, but it should never consume you. Work is a means to an end—it’s the way we make a living, but it’s also the way we create the life we want for ourselves and our families.
Through him, I’ve come to understand that the ultimate goal isn’t just success in business; it’s balance. It’s making enough so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with those who matter most. It’s about finding joy in the work you do, but also making space for the things that make life truly meaningful: family, friends, and personal fulfillment.
Harold Shumacher’s impact on my life has been immeasurable. The lessons he taught me are not just about running a company; they are about living a life of integrity, patience, and balance. As I move forward, I carry these lessons with me, using them to guide decisions, navigate challenges, and most importantly, to create a legacy that honors the values Harold instilled in me. It’s not just about running a successful business—it’s about doing so in a way that makes myself proud, brings joy, and leaves a positive impact on those around me.
Here’s to the next chapter, and to the lessons that continue to shape me every day.
