The Certified Realty Story

How One Man Made A Difference

Certified Realty's beginnings are traced to post-World War II Portland, Oregon.  There, a young ensign named Don Widing had just completed years of military service with the Merchant Marines.  His tour of duty took him to exotic countries of South America, plus India, Australia, Hawaii before statehood, and the Arabian Sea. 

Ensign Donald J. Widing Veteran, World War II  Don's Wife Shirley at Oregon State  Shirley receiving the Oregon State 'Little Colonel' award from Oregon Governor McKay

Don enjoyed his service and travels, but was glad to be home and soon headed out on another journey almost as unpredictable.  In sending Don to Officer's Training School in Alameda, California, the US Military had clearly recognized him as a leader.  As he returned to postwar civilian life, Don brought these now-honed leadership skills with him.

Don Widing in front of Sandy Blvd. Location

Don Widing at work

     In 1946, Don began selling real estate, learning the business at several local firms.  In 1950, he founded Certified Realty Company.  Before long, Certified Realty was involved in virtually every aspect of Oregon real estate.  This included handling the sale of homes, farms and commercial properties, along with construction, subdivision development, business opportunities, industrial properties and even insurance.  Certified Realty was involved with many impressive accomplishments, including representing Freightliner Corporation in their acquisition of land for the location for their new Portland production facility.

    Don's involvement in so many different areas remains impressive.  Early on he realized he was dealing with people, and they always came first.  As a result, Don was respectful, worked very hard to be fair (often at his own expense) and provided excellent service, never forgetting 'the customer is always right.'  Don was personable and could relate to virtually anyone and from every station of life. 

     Certified Realty eventually grew to multiple offices with a capable staff of salespeople, secretaries and support crew.  Given this long tradition of assisting buyers and sellers throughout much of Oregon, the firm continues to sell real estate not only in the Portland metro area, but throughout the Willamette Valley, including the Salem metro area and much of Oregon.  Certified Realty is also one of the first Oregon real estate firms to fight racial discrimination and hire a minority salesperson. 

     Many employees remained at Certified Realty for decades, the surest sign of a satisfying work environment.  These included office manager extraordinaire Nancy Schnackenberg, super-salespersons Ralph Dehler and R. A. "Rod" Radmacher, plus insurance man and "Jack of all trades" Max Johnson.  A vital part of Certified Realty for many terrific years was Don's close friend, business partner and fellow former Merchant Mariner, Andy Fuhrer.

      In the 1990's, Don handed the ownership and operation of Certified Realty to sons Bruce & Roy Widing, who share more than four decades of real estate experience between them.  Since 1950, many firms have come and gone, but Certified Realty is still going strong.  We hope you've enjoyed this story that shows how the vision of one man can make a positive difference in the lives of so many others.