Life Lessons:
Jennifer Montague Clark
Are you happy at the moment?
Without a doubt. Unless I’m sitting in traffic. Then chances are I’m not happy.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Be nice to your mom and to all the underdogs out there.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
This is the year that many of my best friends and I turn 40. Erin, my friend since we were eight, was the first to turn this year and I’ve adopted her philosophy; “Forty, so f*** it!”
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
I’m on a quest to get my mojo back! Most of my 30’s were spent getting pregnant, being pregnant, or recovering from pregnancy (3x). So now that I’m turning 40 this year, I’d like to start looking and feeling a little bit more like the old me. Even just finding time to take a shower every single day would be a good start!
What’s your secret to happiness?
Not comparing my family’s situation to anyone else’s.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
I have a very loving and affectionate family. Hugs and kisses from my boys are all I need to remind me what is most important and how blessed I am.
What’s your biggest regret?
Instead of starting college my freshman year, I had an offer to travel to Namibia, Africa to assist family friends in filming a National Geographic special. That would have meant starting college a semester late, so I didn’t go, which I now regret. At the time a semester seemed like forever and I didn’t want to fall behind all my friends. What I learned from that was to seize opportunity and to follow my own path without giving thought or worry to other’s paths.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
Will, my 6 ½ year old son has both Down Syndrome and Autism. I think the most important things I’m teaching his two younger brothers, Spencer and Harrison, are to be strong and independent so that they have the strength, courage, and self-confidence to stand up and protect people that don’t have the ability or resources to protect themselves.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
I’m way too turbo, all the time, and I would like to slow it down. I’d also like to find a way not to be annoyed with people who aren’t turbo, too.
Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
I am proud that, for the most part, I call my own shots. I’ve created a life and a career that provide me freedom, flexibility, and security. I can be the mom I want to be because I have a career that allows me to be to there for my children. And I can be the career woman I want to be, because I have a family and support structure that allows me the time to work in the field that I love.
When were you happiest?
When I’m in balance. A happy day to me has kid time, husband time, work time, girl time, and some me time (not necessarily in that order). Then add in Hawaii and a margarita and you have my happiest day.
What ten words best describe you?
Turbo (see above), loyal, impatient, logical, creative, principled, skilled, passionate, generous, imperfect.
Jennifer Montague Clark is the Founder of The Home Co Realtors, Inc, which offers a variety of real estate services. She often collaborates with her husband Steve on projects through his company, RFC of San Francisco, which is a well-known remodeling & home improvement company.
She received her M.A. in Marketing Communications and went on to manage major projects for Volkswagen, Kraft Foods, and 3Com. Skills she brings from her prior corporate existence to the field of real estate include creative problem solving, skilled negotiating, strong attention to detail, remarkable organizational ability, and a client-centered focus.
Jen is a proud 3rd generation Oakland native and since 2006 has been happily married to Steve (despite the fact that he is a 3rd generation San Franciscan!). Together they have three young sons, and enjoy traveling in their (sparingly) free time, in addition to renovating their new home.
