Charity: Big Brother’s and Big Sister’s
By Rich Henrich
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve Sanchez, a Marine on a mission to serve community through sound principles of vision, leadership and integrity. In our current state of affairs, the political landscape may not seem so attractive. But when you need a tough situation to be handled, you send a Marine. Since leaving his eight-year military career, Mr. Sanchez has ventured into business and serving community through his board appointments to several non-profits.
A few short years ago, real estate broker Scott Wilson offered to mentor Steve if he agreed to work for him. “I said yes. You need a mentor. I’ve learned the ropes of life and business because of him and a few other great mentors in the Marines and throughout life. Whether real estate or city council, it’s great to be able to seek the guidance from experts,” says a gleeful Sanchez.
One of the keys to his success is having a good mentor. In the military Steve Sanchez learned a lot of logistical skills and how to adapt instantly and to modify when things don’t go as initially planned. “We have a saying that amateurs think tactics but professionals think logistics,” says Sanchez. Having the ability to make split second decisions and being responsible for leading a team of people since he was twenty-five years old, helped develop his ability to be a confident leader with integrity. He says, in politics, people stay too long. “They should find a mentee and groom them to take over like they do in the military,” asserts the leader.
After a career in military, Sanchez spent time in advertising and sales but real estate has allowed him the opportunity to give back and serve his community on an even greater level. “With politics it’s really about my desire to serve and give back. I got involved in my community with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and a lot of other non-profits across the valley,” he explains. He feels he has more to offer and whether active with the Chamber of Commerce or having worked with the state legislature, he believes City Council is another way to serve his country by serving the local. His passion to serve and make a difference is evident.
Although Steve has received recognition for his military accomplishments, he considers the greatest award to be the reward he receives from helping those in need. “This article is such a surprise! I was really quite shocked to be included. In the military, I received a few honors but thank you as well for recognizing me,” says the humble man. He’s a lover of people and animals and life and it pours from his inner most being. “I love being awake. I’m up every day at 4am ready to go!”
A few years after the military, Steve faced a near death experience. He went to a friend’s house and was trying to help get some uninvited guests to leave. When he stepped into the middle of the situation, he felt something then saw the blood coming out. He says his military training kept him calm and the doctors claimed his healthy lifestyle really gave him a fighting chance. “Death doesn’t scare me. I knew I was alive. It really affected the people around me more. I was really touched by the support of the community. The lesson is you never know,” says the retired Marine.
As a member of the Board for Leadership Coachella Valley, Steve recently asked the class, who they admired most. The question helps the future leaders see qualities and traits that they will develop to lead the Valley in the years ahead as business and civic leaders. I asked Steve who he looks up to and with a chuckle, he says “it depends on what era!” Joking aside, he says his broker, Scott Wilson. “He guides me on how to be successful. Not a day or deal goes by that I don’t learn something from him. I hope along the way I will be that person for someone,” he states proudly.
Sanchez loves history and especially anything about the Constitution! He says he wishes more people would find “the glue to our society” more interesting. An avid reader of Roman and American history, he strives to keep his mind, body and spirit finely tuned. Part of that, is being involved with his community and helping others, like Big Brothers and Big Sisters. “I’m fortunate to be where I am. I’ve had it rough at times, we all have. Here’s this kid who needs a mentor to show him the good in life. Heck, I get to be a kid again, too!
