The Positive Mental Effects of Skiing

Tom Velken has served as the owner and president of Viking Real Estate Group in Lafayette, California, for over 20 years. In his leisure time, Tom Velken enjoys skiing. Beyond the physical benefits it confers, skiing has the capacity to boost mental health.

Participating in sports is often a stress reliever, and skiing is no exception. A change of environment paired with a full-body activity takes the mind off the stresses of life, and the physical aspect can also reduce the release of chemicals that can lead to symptoms of depression.

Moreover, the natural light elevates mood and gives the body vital vitamin D, helping to keep the liver and kidneys healthy. Vigorous activity paired with the sunlight can improve sleep quality, as well as enhancing memory and the ability to learn new skills.

Skiing also improves concentration: studies show that snow skiers are more creative, more alert, and more able to focus on difficult tasks.

Historic Bassano del Grappa in the Veneto Region

Based in Lafayette, California, Tom Velken leverages over two decades experience in real estate finance, development, and acquisition to lead Viking Real Estate Group, which he founded in 1995. Having traveled extensively in Italy, Tom Velken’s favorite destinations include Lake Como and Rome, as well as lesser-known sights such as Bassano del Grappa.

Situated near Venice, Bassano marks the spot where Veneto’s fertile agricultural plains rise into the Alps. With archeological finds showing a settlement pattern extending to prehistoric times, the city was known as Bossianus by the Romans and was developed into a fortress in the 10th century AD that ultimately grew into a castle. A covered bridge was constructed around 1200 and reflected growth in commerce in the area.

With a location at a cultural crossroads, Bassano was fiercely contested through the 15th century and taken over by a number of rulers in succession, including the Vicenza, the Scaligeri, and the Milanese Visconti. Its primary products during the prosperous period of Venetian rule were wool, silk, and ceramics.

Today, Bassano is known for its quality grappa, which has been produced in the region since the late 18th century. The hard alcohol is created from parts of the grape left over from the winemaking process. A highlight for many visitors is strolling across the covered pedestrian bridge, which adheres to Andrea Palladio’s 16th-century design.

Striped Bass Fishing in California

Tom Velken, owner and principal at Viking Real Estate in Lafayette, California since 1995, is an experienced real estate professional. A full-service organization, Viking provides real estate investment and finance services. When not working, Tom Velken enjoys fishing and especially for Striped Bass.

California offers arguably the best striped bass opportunities anywhere in the country.  Stripers can be readily caught by recreational anglers during the spring and summer months in the San Francisco Bay and California Delta as well as the Central Valley rivers.  They are widely known as one of the strongest fighting fish found anywhere.

There were originally no striped bass in California. They were introduced from the East Coast, where they are found from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Alabama. The initial introduction took place in 1879, when 132 small bass were brought successfully to California by rail from the Navesink River in New Jersey and released near Martinez. Fish from this lot were caught within a year near Sausalito, Alameda, and Monterey, and others were caught occasionally at scattered places for several years afterwards. There was much concern by the Fish and Game Commission that such a small number of bass might fail to establish the species, so a second introduction of about 300 stripers was made in lower Suisun Bay in 1882.

In a few years, striped bass were being caught in California in large numbers. By 1889, a decade after the first lot of eastern fish had been released, bass were being sold in San Francisco markets. In another 10 years, the commercial net catch alone was averaging well over a million pounds a year. In 1935, however, all commercial fishing for striped bass was stopped in the belief that this would enhance the sport fishery.

Visiting Bellagio on the Shores of Lake Como

Tom Velken is the founder of Viking Real Estate Group, a full-service real estate investment company based in Lafayette, California. In his capacity as a company principal, he works directly with clients and engages in management tasks. During his leisure time, Tom Velken enjoys traveling with his family. He has visited the Lake Como region of Italy. 

The Rhaetian Alps frame Lake Como, which is one of Italy's beautiful attractions. Villages dot the shores of the Y-shaped lake, and one of them, Bellagio, has notable features that include steep cobblestone staircases, colorful dwellings, and bright gardens. 

Another attraction in this picture-perfect village is i Giardini di Villa Melzi, a tranquil park that offers unforgettable views of Lake Como. Moreover, the Basilica di San Giacomo gives visitors a taste of Italy's rich religious history, and a day of kayaking on the lake should appeal to adventurous travelers. 

Bellagio has a wide selection of restaurants, hotels, and other tourist amenities. Travelers are encouraged to visit in the middle of the week since Bellagio tends to be crowded over weekends.

Three Benefits to Becoming a NAMB Member

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Tom Velken founded Viking Real Estate Group in 1995. Since then, he has completed hundreds of investment deals totaling over $200 million. Beyond growing his own company, Tom Velken actively supports the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), of which he is a member. 

NAMB membership includes a variety of benefits for real estate professionals; three of which are listed below.

1. Education: The NAMB Education Committee provides numerous courses through national and state association events throughout the country. Respected industry leaders head introductory and theme-specific classes.

2. Certification: In addition to continuing education courses, NAMB offers three different levels of certification for mortgage professionals to advance their career. The organization's highest level of certification is the Certified Mortgage Consultant, which designates professionals as industry leaders.

3. Conferences: Yearly NAMB conferences offer networking opportunities, professional development courses, and insight into the industry’s latest technology.