WAO Partner Profile: Erik Wilde
Erik Wilde
Associate Broker, Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe, Ojai
Profile by OVLC member, Lisa Aronson
It is important to me to keep Ojai, Ojai. – Erik Wilde
Erik Wilde has loved the Ojai trails since childhood, and continues to enjoy them regularly with his family (his wife Amber, his 5 and 2 year olds, and one on the way). As a residential and commercial realtor in the Ojai Valley since 2008, Erik works with the full range of clients, many of whom are younger families from Los Angeles. He fulfills what he views as central to his role as an Ojai realtor, an obligation to the community to be an ‘Ojai historian and librarian,’ conveying his love of the Ojai Valley to prospective buyers. Aspects of this role include acquainting prospective buyers with the history, preservation goals and beauty of the Valley. As a Wild About Ojai partner, Erik contributes to the preservation of Ojai and introduces his clients to the vital role the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy plays in the preservation of the Ojai Valley’s beauty and continuity.
Erik actively nourishes childhood friendships, from his school days at Matilija Junior High School and Nordhoff High School, and actively develops relationships with Ojai’s newcomers who he comes to know through his role as realtor (“Real estate is a relationship business.”). As a side note, as I was interviewing Erik on the outdoor sidewalk café of Java Joe’s, Erik was greeted by any number of friends. Erik is an active community member, participating in the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation and as the upcoming 2017 President of the Ojai Valley Board of Realtors. He is also the upcoming 2017 President of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce.
Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe, Erik’s home base, works with properties from Oak View to the Upper Ojai as well as the Rose Valley niche market. Although there is an ‘inventory challenge’ (a high demand with limited available properties), there are at any one time about 80 to 100 active properties for sale. When Erik returned to Ojai as a licensed realtor in 2008, he and his wife “leaned up,” and, fortunately, over time, the real estate market has become much more healthy and active. It is easy to see why Erik is successful as a realtor and community member here in Ojai, with his easy and friendly manner; passion for his work, family and friends; and dedication to “keeping Ojai, Ojai.”
Who We Are
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) owns and maintains about 2,000 acres of open space in the Ojai Valley–protecting the views, trails, water and wildlife for all to enjoy. If you’re a hiker, mountain biker, trail runner or equestrian, you’ve probably been on our trails in the Valley View, Ventura River and Ojai Meadows preserves. As a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, we depend on your donations to help us protect these amazing open spaces. We can’t do it without you.How Wild About Ojai Works
As a member of Wild About Ojai, Ojai Food Taxi is donating 1% of its sales to the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy to protect and maintain Ojai Valley open space for your use and enjoyment.How The Money Is Used
It costs over $100,000 a year to maintain OVLC preserves. This includes keeping them clean and patrolled, building and maintaining trails, and providing parking and informational signage. Funds raised through Wild About Ojai help to offset some of these costs.Who Participates
Businesses of any kind are strongly encouraged to participate. If you sell a product or service to a customer or client, we hope you’ll join the program.
