Don Enos

Independent

Realtor

Throughout my life, I've had the privilege of living in some of the most beautiful parts of the United States—California, Montana, Arkansas, and Washington State. My work and personal adventures have taken me to 49 of the 50 U.S. states, many of them several times over the last 30 years. I've also explored nearly every Canadian province, spent time in Mexico and Germany, and ventured through many other parts of the world, including backpacking through Chile’s dramatic Tierra del Fuego, with unforgettable stops like Cueva del Milodón, Torres del Paine National Park, and the Chilean fjords. I’ve even had the chance to dive in the Galápagos Islands, a truly magical place that left a lasting impression. These travels, through mountain ranges, coastal towns, major cities, and remote villages, have offered more than just passport stamps and scenic views. They've created deep connections, meaningful experiences, and stories I’ll carry for a lifetime. Along the way, I’ve also taken on physical challenges in nature—like climbing Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount Shasta, and Mount Hood. Those climbs weren’t just about reaching the top; they reminded me that real growth often comes in moments of effort, discomfort, and presence. When I tell people I’ve been to 49 out of 50 states, they usually guess that the one I’ve missed is Alaska. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I actually lived in Alaska for a summer with my aunt and uncle, an experience that sparked my love for the outdoors. I've returned many times for work and with my family, always drawn back by its wild beauty and calming spirit. So, which state haven’t I made it to yet? Ironically, it’s Hawaii. For my 50th birthday, I had planned to finally visit the Aloha State and complete my map. But COVID-19 travel restrictions made that trip impossible. And while I still hope to get there one day, the urgency has faded. My journeys through the other 49 states—and around the world—have filled my life with enough wonder, challenge, and joy to last a lifetime. In the end, it’s not just about checking off destinations. It’s about how each experience has shaped my values, deepened my understanding of people and place, and helped me show up more fully, in life, in business, and in community.

As home prices climb beyond the reach of working families, small businesses shutter, and schools face growing challenges, we must redefine affordable housing as accessible, community-rooted living, housing that allows families to live where they work, learn, and contribute. By investing in vibrant neighborhoods and partnering with schools and youth programs, we can ensure Blaine remains a place where families are supported, futures are built, and no one is priced out of the community they call home.

To attract and retain businesses in Blaine, we must build a climate where local entrepreneurs can thrive, cutting unnecessary red tape, prioritizing job-creating projects, and supporting policies that make it easier to grow and hire locally. Revitalizing our downtown with smart, mixed-use development and championing our working waterfront through strategic investment will preserve Blaine’s unique identity while fostering a strong, sustainable economy rooted in local opportunity. We need to open Blaine for Business