Don Brent Wensauer
President, Property Management Services, Inc.
Don Brent Wensauer is a distinguished independent real estate professional and the founder and president of Property Management Services, Inc., based in Oklahoma. As a practicing attorney, he will soon celebrate his 45th year in the legal profession. Throughout his career, Don has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to hard work, personal growth, and the communities he serves, making him a respected figure in the legal and real estate sectors.
Early Education and Formative Years
Don's journey began in Oklahoma, where he attended Northwest Classen High School. There, he actively participated in various extracurricular activities, including the debate team. His dedication to sports was also evident as he earned a letter in wrestling and was recognized as an outstanding athlete during his senior year. These early experiences played a key role in shaping Don's strong work ethic and drive for excellence.
While many of his high school classmates chose to attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Don opted for a different path. He enrolled at Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, where he spent two years before briefly moving to Dallas. His journey led him to Sebastopol, California, where he lived in a commune on an estate previously owned by Charles Shultz, the creator of the beloved "Peanuts" cartoons.
In California, Don worked as a grape picker in Napa Valley alongside migrant workers. This experience offered him invaluable insight into the lives and struggles of working-class people, which would later influence his approach to his professional and personal life. It was a formative period that gave him a deeper understanding of the importance of hard work and community.
Though Don had initially hoped to complete his college education at the University of California in Berkeley, he soon realized that the financial burden was too great. As a result, he decided to return to Oklahoma and enrolled at Southern Nazarene University, where he pursued a major in philosophy and religion. This decision was a defining moment, laying the foundation for his intellectual and personal development.
Law School and the Decision to Pursue Legal Studies
After completing his undergraduate studies, Don decided to attend the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law. He believed that earning a law degree would offer him flexibility and open many doors, regardless of the career path he chose to follow. Don worked night shifts at a freight dock to support himself during law school, which only strengthened his resolve and connection with the working class.
Don's hard work and dedication paid off when he graduated from law school and became a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association. His legal education and experience would serve as a strong foundation for his future ventures, though it was not long before he found himself drawn to the world of real estate.
Real Estate Investment and the Road to Success
While still in law school, Don Brent Wensauer entered the real estate investment world in partnership with his father. What began as a side venture would ultimately become Don's primary professional focus, surpassing his initial interest in law.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. During the Oklahoma oil and real estate boom, Don’s investments began to show promise. But when the market crashed, he faced millions of dollars in debt. The prospect of bankruptcy loomed large, but Don chose a different path. He decided to dissolve his partnership with his parents to protect their assets. Despite his attorney's advice to file for bankruptcy, Don refused to take that route. Instead, he focused on negotiating with creditors willing to work with him. His efforts paid off, and he eventually repaid all of his debts.
Don could rebuild his real estate investment portfolio by choosing not to declare bankruptcy, which later flourished under tax-deferred conditions for several years. Today, Don manages a real estate exchange fund, where he and his team work quickly to identify investment opportunities. They are given just 45 days to secure deals, as failing would result in significant capital gains taxes.
Don's workday is often filled with managing large residential portfolios, including houses and apartments, which are later converted into more manageable commercial properties. The process involves identifying motivated sellers and "soft targets," with offers often exceeding millions of dollars. Although the work is demanding and stressful, Don thrives in the fast-paced environment, finding satisfaction in the challenges it presents and the results it yields.
Professional Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Don Brent Wensauer has earned numerous accolades and recognition. While at Southern Nazarene University, he was honored with the Presidential Honor Award, an acknowledgment of his academic excellence and leadership qualities. At the University of Oklahoma’s College of Law, Don earned a spot on the Dean’s Honor Roll, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Don is a proud member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and the American Bar Association. His legal background has proven invaluable, particularly in his real estate endeavors, where understanding complex contracts and legal matters has been essential to his success.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Don has always placed a strong emphasis on giving back to his community. He is an active volunteer at First Step, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, and he also participates in the Behind the Walls ministry, which provides outreach and support to Oklahoma prison inmates.
Additionally, Don is a member of AMBUCS, a civic organization that donates therapeutic tricycles to disabled children and veterans. Through his philanthropic efforts, Don has significantly impacted the lives of individuals who face challenges, demonstrating his deep commitment to service and compassion for others.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Don Brent Wensauer has a wide range of personal interests. One of his passions is residential architecture and design. He recently built his dream home on a lakeside property, drawing inspiration from homes he admired in Naples, Florida. This project allowed him to combine his appreciation for beautiful design with his vision of creating a comfortable and functional living space.
Don also enjoys various outdoor activities, including snow skiing, snowboarding, hiking, skydiving, scuba diving, and motorcycling. These hobbies have been a part of his life since his time in Texas, and they continue to offer him excitement and adventure.
In addition to his love for outdoor sports, Don is an avid collector of contemporary art, unique timepieces, and classic muscle cars. These collections reflect his appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and design, all of which play an important role in his life.
Don Brent Wensauer’s life and career serve as a powerful example of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. From his early education in Oklahoma to his success in law and real estate, Don has continuously sought to challenge himself and positively impact those around him. His philanthropic contributions and dedication to his work have made him a respected figure in both the legal and real estate communities.
As Don looks forward to celebrating his 45th year in the legal profession, he remains focused on serving his clients, his community, and the causes closest to his heart. Don Brent Wensauer’s legacy of perseverance, service, and personal achievement continues to inspire those who know him.
