We encounter many bright and creative people and one of the brightest was Ron Lien. He had a long history in real estate and development and built the first condominium in the State of Washington (on the water in Madison Park).
He owned some “swamp land” in Bellevue which he subsequently sold a major portion of for the creation of the Bellefield Office Park. He retained a major parcel across the street. This parcel was developed into the Bellefield Residential Park. This project subsequently won major awards for architectural and environmental excellence.
Ron asked us to acquire a unique parcel in the Wallingford District from Unocal Oil. The development of this parcel is still a part of their portfolio. Following that Ron and his partners (his son Terry Lien and Martin Nelson) asked us to assist in their acquisition of another prime former Unocal site at the north end of Broadway in the Capital Hill area of Seattle.
We assisted their development company in the sale of retail elements in two of their condominium projects and we have represented them in their search for other high quality locations and retail leasing.
One of their major investment partners passed away and the estate in partnership with the Lien development entity needed to liquidate their interest for estate purposes. The most dangerous element in creating business relationships is bringing about solutions involving different people and personalities. A client referral from an attorney relationship seemed like a perfect fit 1. An introduction lead to the formation of a new entity to buy out the old partner. Another client problem solved.
Concerning Ron Lien
Ron Lien was one of the most big-hearted guys I have ever met. Ron was a fierce competitor, but he had this huge heart for people. Everyone he met was better off from having known him. He encouraged, he took time for you, he would drop what he was doing to help or talk, or be there for you. He mentored a lot of people, and had a ton of people that just loved him to death; I am one of those people.
He encouraged me, he lifted me when I was in a very bad place in my life. He was humorous and would encourage you with his special personality.
They do not make guys like this anymore. He understood that people are first and foremost, in this life, not money; relationships were 90% of the game for Ron, and that was his brilliance. He understood people and knew that no endeavor was worth doing unless he put people first.
Ron wasn’t a push-over and he was a street fighter, but like many self-made men, he had an enormous heart. He lit up the room and touched hearts!
Ron was the man that touched me the most in my life, and even though I saw him just, occasionally, that was enough to inspire me. Knowing that I had Ron as a friend, and in my corner, was an enormous blessing to me and my family. He was like a Dad to me and I miss him a lot!
Great, great man, he is sorrily missed!
This world is all about the dollars and all about “self”, people could care less about their fellow man, or even family and friends, for that matter, not Ron! He was the real-deal!
Ron was successful, but he genuinely loved people and made a mark on this world with so many people. I was one of them.
Phil