Regardless of whether you are starting a new business, meeting with a city official for the first time, or reviewing a tentative map, nobody likes surprises. You do business with people you know because there is a consistency to your relationship, a history together of expectations met all around, creating a high level of mutual trust and confidence. The uncomfortable or sometimes downright frightening element of surprise is no longer a factor. As I look at the people I admire most and who are truly successful, they all have one thing in common: the ability to develop and nurture great relationships. The successes in my life are due in large part to the colleagues, clients, teachers and friends I've connected with.

Jeffrey DeMure, from Builder Digest of California Magazine