Meet Jack’s Friend, Art Greenberg

 

“Sap and bark,” a true definition of friendship. But even this might fall short in describing the relationship between Art Greenberg and Jack Chivers. This friendship goes back to the 70’s and as DelRae, Jack’s wife states, “They really are like brothers, jabbing each other every chance they get, yet carry a deep-deep respect for each other.” But who is Art Greenberg?  What has he been doing for a living?  Who is the man that Jack so trusts he named him the godfather of his youngest son? Great questions, wish I had the answers. One thing was very evident as the interview started, this was NOT going to be about Art, he wanted this interview to be ALL about Jack!

We started doing these interviews at Jack Chivers Realty so people could get to know the vast array of friends and clients in Jack’s world. They are successful people, each having knowledge in certain areas that we can all glean something from. So, with that in mind, it was time to do the interview with Art Greenberg. The questions were prepared and the phone call was placed. From there it went south! The idea was to get background on Mr. Greenberg , but in short, all he wanted everyone to know, was that ”Jack Chivers is a great man.”

Pressing him for information on what he did for a living proved to be an effort in futility. He has sold several businesses, but now, he says, “he’s a landowner.”  Luckily, Jack had filled in the background on his friend of four decades. Jack summed it up like this, “There are two economic engines in Grand Forks, UND and Art Greenberg.” When that statement was shared with Art, he wanted nothing to do with “that kind of talk.” “There are a lot of people that made things happen In Grand Forks,” he related austerely. So, the question was rephrased, “Did you have a lot to do with commercial development in Grand Forks in regards to getting companies to come?” He spared no gruffness in stating, “Of course, it’s just like Jack does. You have to call someone to let them know you’re alive. Sometimes Grand Forks isn’t on the horizon.   We’re not an ‘A’ location, we’re a ‘B’ location. You have to get out and find your customers. They may find you, they may not. That’s with any business, not just real estate—any business.” He went on to praise his real estate comrade, “Like Jack does! Why’d he go out west, why’d he do all that? Jack’s road trips are WONDERFUL! I did a road trip last year to South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming looking for a deal. The point is I think that says a lot about Jack and his business. He’s DRIVING the market in Detroit Lakes—that’s what’s he’s doing.  I think it’s great, just great!”

In doing research before the interview, DelRae had made the comment, “Jack and Art share the thrill of the deal.” Art concurred, “Oh yes, it’s fun to make things happen, that’s why you do it. I’m 75 years old, you don’t need the money at my age, but it’s fun putting the deal together. In a good deal, everybody’s happy, buyer and seller.” It’s obvious the two of them have shared that experience together. “We’ve been close a long time. We’ve done a lot together. We’ve done deals together—it’s been fun. Jack’s a hell of a guy. As far as I’m concerned, Jack’s a NICE person. I’ve never seen him out of line…ever!” With this statement the last question was posed, “What have you learned from Jack?” Without hesitation Art said, “Be honest! If Jack says something, that’s what it is. It’s not made up, it’s not flowery. There’s no ‘BS’ in his game and he’s always on the top of his game. He’s very honest.”

It was only a 10 minute conversation, and it was made perfectly clear, that Art would never do any interview except for Jack. The loyalty and depth of this friendship is truly inspirational. Here are two very successful businessmen and when everything is stripped away what exists is a friendship that has lasted a lifetime. If we could all be so lucky to have the kind of a friend Jack has with Art Greenberg we too would be “successful.”