A seasoned REALTORⓇ who has spent over two decades building trust in Lincoln, Don Dahlquist’s phenomenal career has never been about chasing recognition or paychecks.

“My satisfaction has always come from taking good care of my clients and being there for my family more than anything else,” Don shares.

 

Growing up on a farm in Oakland, Nebraska, Don’s early years were shaped by a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from UNL, and though he initially planned to return to farming, the farming crisis led him down a different career path.

“I rode horses as a boy, and just loved living on the farm,” Don recalls. “I thought for sure I was going to graduate from school with an ag degree and go back to farm life … But life doesn’t always work out the way you intended.”

Instead, Don found himself owning and operating two Amoco service stations from 1981 to 2001. However, life took another significant turn when Don suddenly needed more flexibility in his schedule to care for his young son as a single father.

"I enjoyed the process of buying and selling the commercial real estate that I owned and thought real estate would be a good fit for me," he explains.

 

In 2001, Don transitioned into real estate, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a knack for business. Reflecting on his early days, Don fondly remembers the mentors who helped shape his illustrious career.

“Before I started, I went to speak with Chuck Winkler, a retired agent and broker-owner in Grand Island who was very encouraging. My mentor in Lincoln was Donna Melichar; she really trained me and sadly died too young. Doug Hanna and Dan Mlnarik were also helpful when I started out.

“I have been fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best, most experienced agents in the business in my office from day one, and they were all willing to share, encourage, and assist whenever I needed it,” he adds.

Over the years, Don has built a solid reputation for his professionalism and received numerous awards, including: Newcomer of the Year (2002), Agent Choice Award (2015), Realtor of the Year (2016); Donna Melichar Ultimate Professional Award (2020); Leader’s Circle Top 10% (2017-2023), and the President’s Award for Integrity (2023).

"Receiving the Donna Melichar Ultimate Professional Award was a big one for me; Donna was somebody that was very influential,” he notes. “The Agent Choice Award also meant a lot to me to be viewed so highly by my peers, as well as to be recognized with an integrity award because I worked hard over the years to earn that trust and respect.”

 

To this day, Don's business is built almost exclusively on referrals, a clear indication of the lasting  relationships he has nurtured. To him, that is still the most fulfilling aspect of his career after all these years.

"My client-focused approach has been the cornerstone of my success,” he affirms. “There’s no better feeling that having the folks I serve refer me to their family and friends.”

His advice to up-and-coming agents is grounded in consistency and education.

“Learn as much as you can, as fast as you can,” Don suggests. “I believe the knowledge I gained from getting my GRI and CRS designations within the first few years of being licensed was a game-changer.  There’s really nothing new or secret about the business, learn from others and implement what fits your personality and goals.”

 

Outside the office, Don’s family is his pride and joy. He and his wife Rochelle enjoy music, travel, and spending time at their countryside property. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Emily, along with their soon-to-be grandchild, live in St. Louis. His bonus daughter Ellie and her husband Ben, and their son August, are in Omaha, while bonus son Jake and his wife Hannah reside in Denver. Don looks forward to spending more time with them as he transitions into what he calls “pre-tirement.”

Don also looks forward to more spontaneous adventures with Rochelle. The couple often hit the road in their truck without a set destination, and the trips are chronicled by Rochelle in an online travel log to share with loved ones..

"My wife and I also have an 'appointment' every morning at 6:45 for a cup of coffee, devotions, and a game or two of whatever our current favorite is," he smiles. “This morning, we played a few games of Backgammon over breakfast.”

Music is another significant part of Don's life. A quasi-professional musician, he plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass, performing in various groups and on his church worship team. He also stays active by lifting weights and working on their acreage with his new tractor.

Giving back to the community has always been important to Don. He has been a TeamMate school mentor since the program started at his church in the early '90s, participates in Kiwanis Club activities, and regularly contributes to his company's charity donation process.

For Don, feeling successful is all about achieving balance in life.

“I would define success as being able to provide for my family, have the free time to participate in my hobbies, and never having to sacrifice my own standards,” he offers.

 

As Don eases back from the day-to-day duties of real estate, he is confident in leaving his clients in capable hands. Heidi Brandt, who has been working with him for the past three years, is taking over his business slowly but surely.

"We have a mentor program in our office and I mentored plenty of others, but Heidi impressed me as being incredibly sharp. I asked her to cover for me a few years ago when I was on vacation and when I returned from my trip, I followed up with my clients. Every one of them thought she was great," Don beams. "I’ve learned as much from Heidi as she has from me."

Looking ahead, Don plans to stay connected to the real estate world, albeit in a smaller capacity, while focusing more on family, music, and travel.

“I have always been straight with people and easy to work with,” Don concludes. “But I really just want to be remembered for taking great care of my clients.”