Each year, the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) honors a member that has made an outstanding contribution to the community, primarily outside the scope of the real estate industry. The criteria for the award, which is named after 1938-39 HAR President John E. Wolf, include leadership and service in charitable organizations, service organizations and special service organizations. For 2014, Mike Huff, broker-owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties, was selected as the HAR member most deserving to be so honored.
When HAR informed Mike that he was this year’s recipient of the John E. Wolf Community Service Award, his response was, “I wasn’t worthy. My people deserve this award and I accept it on behalf of them.”
Mike has dedicated more than 20 years to various aspects of the real estate industry and has grown his firm into one of the largest, with 39 offices in Houston, Austin, Lubbock, Amarillo, Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
As all those who know him will attest, Mike is never one to brag about his service in the community. In fact, he typically performs good deeds quietly, below the radar.
Mike’s spirit of giving began with his parents, whom he credits for giving him “a good foundation for life.” He said they taught him respect, honor and loyalty, which are core values he holds dear today.
Mike is a major donor to the Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation, which the HAR family considers to be close to our hearts. He also contributes generously to the Sunshine Kids, which is another charity that many associated with HAR hold near and dear.
“We try to pick out a few charities and work to do everything we can for them,” said Mike.
Mike is one of only two platinum R investors in HAR TREPAC, which means that he invests more than $10,000 each year to help protect the real estate industry and preserve homeowner property rights.
And now a personal story about Mike that exemplifies his unique spirit of giving:
One of Mike’s neighbors near the Heights office suddenly passed away. Mike was always there to help the family with tax bills or other issues or if one of the kids just needed a fatherly figure with whom to speak. That is just like him to constantly go that extra mile.
Asked to share his philosophy about community service, Mike said, “It’s not what we do for ourselves in life, it’s what we do for others, especially those who need extra help. I believe in respect and honor for all.”
There is a quote from Forbes that we at HAR believe fits Mike to a “T.” “Success will come and go, but integrity is forever.” That sums him up.
When not engaged in real estate, Mike is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys running—having completed more than 148 marathons, works on vintage cars and motorcycles, and above all else, enjoys spending time with his three children.
So you see, Mike is a busy man – but never too busy to give back. And as he now jokes, his “cover has been blown” as far as charitable and community giving is concerned.
Congratulations, Mike!
