Jan has been in Real Estate on Orcas Island for over 10 years and brought to this profession negotiating skills from his previous career as an American diplomat. He met his wife, Connie, in "the other Washington" (DC) while on detail to the White House. Connie was the North American representative of a German publishing firm. She calls Orcas "Bavaria at the Sea." He explains: "We fell in love with Orcas, bought our property on our first visit in 1988 and moved here the day after closing on our Capitol Hill home in 1993. We used an island architect and an island builder (Orcas is blessed with many good ones) and continue to be delighted with the result. We love living in the midst of such profound natural beauty as well as in an open, caring and supportive community. Real estate gives me an opportunity to introduce the best of the island to potential new neighbors -- and to meet a lot of really fine people in the process."

Jan has served as a Director of the Washington Association of Realtors and is past President of the Orcas Island Association of Realtors. His community activities have included serving on the Board of the Orcas Center (our theatre, concert venue and community center) and active support of numerous environmental and community organizations, including the San Juan Preservation Trust and OPAL Community Land Trust.

Continued involvement in international affairs are also a part of Jan's interests. He has served as an OSCE Election Supervisor in Bosnia and Kosovo and taught courses in Balkan affairs for Skagit Valley Community College. His diplomatic career was primarily in Central Europe, though he and Connie also spent four years in Africa immediately after their marriage. Other interests include hiking, skiing, swimming and ongoing efforts to conquer the course at the local golf club.