A young couple playing hard to get at the age of 13 turned into a married Clarkston couple that knows their way around the block.
Once upon a time, Hank and Barb Hogan started their life together in Birmingham. Hank was the proud owner of the Eccentric Newspaper in Birmingham at the time. The couple lived in the Birmingham area, until Hank sold his portion of the business to his partner to start a new venture.
What were Hank and Barb going to do? With their combined background they had several options. Hank has a large amount of experience in several fields. He is a lawyer, was president for the Michigan Press Association(MPA), Chairman on the Board of Review in Independence Township, Governor Emeritus of Cranbrook Academy of Art and even served on the legislature. Hank knows his stuff.
Barb has always been involved in the community. Once the couple’s children grew up- Patti, Kathy and Michael, Barb decided to go back to work. She worked for Premier Travel Agency in Birmingham, and continues to work for the agency from her home.
With plenty of ideas on how to spend their time, Hank and Barb were asked by an employee of Maxbrook, why they didn’t go into the real estate business. Once that option became available, the two did their research and decided to try the field out. They attended the North Oakland Board of Realtors, and began their new journey.
The Hogan’s moved to Clarkston in 1985. They started working for Maxbrook Realtors in 1993, and have been quite busy since.
‘I remember when we first moved here,? said Hank. ‘Clarkston has come a long way.?
The Hogan’s sell high-end homes throughout Northeast Michigan. They cover; Metamora, Oxford, Lake Orion, Ortonville, White Lake, Commerce and the surrounding areas, such as Waterford and their hometown, Clarkston.
The two have been very successful in Clarkston, and have generated many relationships and recognition from area citizens.
‘My favorite part about Clarkston is the relaxed feeling,? said Barb. ‘The focus is on family and I really enjoy it.?
She added that she likes the comfort of walking through the village and knowing a majority of the people.
‘I-75 is like the Mississippi River where all trade goes up and down it,? said Hank. ‘Clarkston is a pocket where you can escape that, but still reach destinations in 25 minutes.?
When they find the time, Hank and Barb are active outside their work. They love to travel and see art in other countries, learn its history and collect.
Hank and Barb enjoy the Detroit area, especially while spending an evening at the symphony or museum. They also spend time in Birmingham where they visit with old friends. But most importantly, Hank and Barb love to spend time with their children and five grandchildren, Kimbi, Steven, Patrick, Laurel and Megan.
‘I guess you can say we are very curious,? said Barb.
They love to participate in Clarkston events, such as Taste of Clarkston, and the yearly parades. Hank even dressed up as Ben Franklin at one parade and passed out copies of the constitution. The Hogan’s agree that Clarkston is a very special place. They love the security of knowing their business, knowing their neighbors and going home to their beautiful home on Deer Lake.
‘One of the most beautiful memories I have of Clarkston is walking through the village after it snows and drinking a cup of hot chocolate from the bakery,? said Hank.
Hank and Barb Hogan are, without a doubt, very energetic and enjoy staying busy. They do not see themselves ever retiring. If they stepped away from real estate, they would move on to something else.
They are exactly the kind of determination that makes Clarkston a special place to live and work.