Don Hickling is a Bay Area native, born in Castro Valley, with deep roots in this vibrant region. His childhood was spent in Hayward, where he graduated from Hayward High and later pursued a degree in Kinesiology at Cal State Hayward (yes, it will always be Cal State Hayward to him). Don has a unique connection to the Bay Area, with two sets of great-grandparents who migrated here in the 1880s, settling in Oakland and San Francisco.
Don earned his degree in Kinesiology, a field that shaped his understanding of physical activity and wellness. Not satisfied with the opportunities at the time in the fitness and educational fields, Don took a leap of faith and entered the insurance field. Through perseverance and steady growth, Don crafted a nice niche market for himself. Over the years, Don has developed a knack for connecting with people from all walks of life, a skill he carries into his current realtor role.
Don's fascination with the Bay Area's real estate market has been lifelong. Watching home values soar since his parents purchased their home in 1966 and having experienced the market firsthand with his own purchase in 1997, becoming a real estate agent was a natural progression after retiring from the insurance industry.
Calm, relatable, and solution-oriented—these are the values Don brings to the table. He's been described as a calming presence, and his ability to listen and relate to his clients' stories is a strength he cherishes. Don would say, "What I do, I do well." Whether it's coaching, skiing, cooking, or imitating cartoon characters, he brings dedication and quality to everything he undertakes. Don finds success in doing things well, a principle guiding his approach to personal and professional endeavors.
Don has served as a board member for a men's shelter and the Hayward Education Foundation in the past. His interests are vast, from coaching baseball to being a ski instructor, swim coach, and basketball enthusiast.
His interests are vast, from coaching swimming, baseball, and basketball, to fitness and wellness training, education, current events, technology, philosophy, history, food, and wine. Only to name a few.
As an "Area Specialist," Don offers a unique perspective shaped by his diverse life experiences. From coaching a swim team in San Leandro to skiing in Lake Tahoe, working in insurance in Pleasanton and Alamo, and being a homeowner in the Lake Shore Area of Oakland for over 25 years, he brings knowledge to the real estate market.
Don finds joy in fun, in having something meaningful to do every day. His passion lies in delivering quality results, a standard by which he measures his success. If you're considering buying or selling a home in the Bay Area, Don Hickling invites you to connect with him, your dedicated Area Specialist. Let's embark on this journey together—whether through a phone call, email, or text, Don is here to address your real estate needs in the Bay Area and beyond. Let's get started!
