10/22/2026
Many people know me through my work in real estate, but there is a lot more to me than just the work I do. So, I figured I’d share a few things about myself so you can get to know me A to Z.
A. I came to the Columbus area because of the Army. I was medically retired as an Infantry Officer prior to working in real estate. What started as an assignment eventually became home. I’ve lived on both the Georgia and Alabama sides of the river. From North Columbus to Lake Bottom on to Ladonia and Smiths Station I’ve experienced many of the different locations living in the Chattahoochee Valley. I also know just how fun moving is firsthand.
B. I love to travel. My favorite place to visit is Malaga, Spain. The most unique thing I’ve seen is the Sedlec Ossuary in Kutna Hora, Czechia. The coolest place I’ve been is underneath the Vatican on a Scavi tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. I tend to go off the beaten path. Sometimes it leads to cool experiences. Other times it leads to a generous helping of eel covering your eggs and french fries. Either way it creates a memory.
C. I am a huge fan of the outdoors. Whether it is camping, hiking, fishing, or anything similar I am 100% in. Sleeping in a tent makes you appreciate what you have, like the memory foam mattress back at your house.
D. I graduated from UCONN with a degree in Latino and Latin American Studies. Half of my college courses were taught completely in Spanish. And now I help people buy and sell real estate. I can tell you everything you want to know about your property as well as the political policies and trade routes affected today by pre-colonial logistics and macroeconomic shifts during industrialization in emerging markets throughout the Americas. TLDR: I planned on becoming an ambassador one day, and now I can tell you all about your mortgage in Spanish.
E. Perfect weather for me is 85 degrees and sunny. Otherwise the heat is on in my truck, on my steering wheel, and I’m wearing a jacket.
F. I am Catholic and go to St. Anne’s. You can find me at the Pacelli golf tournament and their football games. Likely with a jacket on.
G. I have three dogs. A German shepherd, a lab mix, and a yorkie. All three are 10. They all think they are puppies.
H. I got the best of both worlds being both a boy dad and a girl dad. Watching them grow and being a part of it has been the greatest gift life has given me.
I. I am one of the most competitive people you will ever meet. Board games and card games are my jam. Monopoly and Risk are two of my favorites.
J. I am a night owl. Early mornings are for flights and that’s it. I thrive on Hawaiian time. Eastern time not so much.
K. My favorite color is green. Specifically lime green. You’ll never see me wear it.
L. My favorite color to wear is black. Second favorite is grey. Makes decision making easier in the morning. Also makes matching easy too. Mr. Wonderful gives great fashion advice.
M. Favorite ice cream flavor? Banana chocolate chip. You should try it. It’ll knock your socks off.
N. My favorite sport to watch is Formula 1. I’m a huge fan of Max Verstappen. I watch every race, even the ones at 3 am. Du du du du…. Max Verstappen!
O. My college football team is Michigan. Go Blue! I refuse to step foot in the Horseshoe. Every time I’ve seen the team down south in the Big House, Michigan has won. So I guess I’m a good luck charm.
P. My pro football team is the Detroit Lions. It’s been rough, but it builds character. One day we will win a Super Bowl. I might be 95 when it happens, but there’s always a chance.
Q. I enjoy shooting sports and range days. Some habits die hard, and there are few things more satisfying than plinking 300 meter targets.
R. I also enjoy watching my kids play sports and cheering them on. Baseball and tennis are much more interesting when they are playing.
S. Being active is important to me. In my free time I enjoy doing Karate and staying in some sort of shape. I’ve run two Army 10 Milers, captained a team in 2015, and ran both races in under 68 minutes. Now the only thing that runs that fast is my mouth when I am describing a real estate deal, but I still go for walks and enjoy the fresh air.
T. I love to cook. It is my favorite hidden hobby. Dinners are my specialty. I enjoy making steaks, lasagnas, desserts, and omelets. It brings out my creativity and I get to eat what I make, so I get to win twice.
U. I really appreciate art. Banksy is my favorite modern artist. Invictus is my favorite poem. I enjoy good music in all forms and genres. I am fascinated by watches and enjoy collecting them. I’d like to attend Art Basel one day.
V. I have a map of the world on my arm, and a story behind every tattoo. They are all a part of me, and I appreciate good ink.
W. I love staring at architecture. Castles are very intriguing as well as cathedrals. I collect rosaries from every foreign church I visit. I have them from Notre Dame, the Vatican, Sagrada Família, and several others. The most recent one I got in Quito.
X. I prefer experiences rather than things. I have done shark tank cage dives, jumped out of planes, cliff dived from 60 feet, swam with dolphins, and backpacked Europe 4 times (twice solo). I like to live life to the fullest and build core memories I can fondly look back on when I’m 95 and the Lions are still disappointing me.
Y. I like to look at stars and the night sky. I don’t know the constellations as well as I’d like, but the night sky is beautiful. There is something about the vastness of space that really puts everything in perspective.
Z. I can only get my favorite pizza in New England. Broccoli and mushroom is phenomenal. Don’t knock it until you try it. Add bacon if you really want your mind blown. New Haven style crust is the only way to go. I worked in a pizza joint in college, so I’m basically a food critic.
And there you have it, 26 things about me that have almost nothing to do with selling real estate. If you made it through all 26, I’m impressed.
What do we have in common? Let me know in the comments.
Cal Knecht
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Magnolia Realty
📲 860-933-7022
📧 [email protected]
