Don Tufto

Don was a competitor about my age that passed away recently.  I had known him about 30 years or so.  He sold lots often by reserving a hotel room and putting up big maps and photos of his lots.  He would have an open house in the hotel.

  Another scheme he had was to buy property at foreclosure sales. He gave seminars on how to do that.

 He was a member of the Columbus Farmers Club that I started and he was later involved with the Ohio Rural Developers Association, which I also started. He wouldn't pay his dues, though, but we sent him the invitations and info anyway.  I think that is one reason we became close friends.

 The last time I remember seeing him was at an open house near Buckeye Lake that he had advertised. I stopped by, and it seemed abandoned. But I went in and he appeared from the shadows.  He always had a lot to say, an he had many opinions on our business, our industry, and everything else. He seemed to be a one man show, as I don't recall ever meeting and employee.

 Don was a tough competitor and a good friend, and I will miss him.