1. Let’s start with your story — how did the two of you meet, and what brought you both to Del Mar?
Loraine: I moved to Del Mar from La Jolla in the late ‘70s to pursue a career in real estate, and Bob arrived about a decade later from Oklahoma, drawn by the California surf. We actually met at a Christmas party in 1985—at what’s now Red Tracton’s. Bob was new in town and someone told him, “You have to meet this single real estate agent.” When I walked in with my girlfriend, someone pointed her out and said, “There she is—Christel!” But Bob was already looking at me. When we met, I had to laugh and say, “Actually, I’m Loraine.” Let’s just say... there was a spark. Eleven months later, we had a storybook wedding—complete with Cinderella carriages and processional horns. It truly felt like a fairytale beginning, I can't believe next year will be our 40th wedding anniversary. By the way, Christel was my Maid of Honor!

2. What inspired you to start or become involved in your respective businesses?
We’ve both always had a passion for real estate. I brought deep local knowledge of Del Mar, and Bob brought nationwide experience and a big-picture perspective. Our first Dyson & Dyson office was on Jimmy Durante—and we grew from there throughout Southern California and Nevada. One of our earliest spaces was a charming little office on Camino del Mar, at a vintage Spanish building owned by a local attorney. Later, we opened a branch office at 1312 Camino del Mar, where we stayed for nearly a decade. Today, we’ve come full circle—Wisdom Properties is now back in that very same location. It’s like coming home.

3. How do you support each other professionally and personally while working in the same community?
After almost 4 decades of working side-by-side, we’ve found our rhythm. We thrive on the creative energy of building something together—especially our brick-and-mortar spaces. Our strengths are different, but complementary. Bob is a visionary—always thinking big, always looking ahead. I focus more on relationships and how we can serve our clients and agents with excellence every day. We’ve naturally fallen into roles that suit us, and we’re always cheering each other on. It’s teamwork at its best.

4. In what ways do your businesses or roles complement each other within Del Mar Village?
Our office sits right in the heart of the Village—truly center stage. Bob handles everything from building renovations to strategic planning, even improving one of our most valuable assets: the parking garage beneath us! He’s often there early, right after his morning surf check, before starting his calls. I come in later and focus on the daily operations, meetings, and nurturing our team. Bob’s the strategist, I’m the implementer—and together, it just works. We’re also lucky to have an exceptional leadership team that supports everything from compliance to coaching and company culture.

5. What’s a typical “day in the life” like for the two of you? Any shared routines or rituals?
It starts with coffee—Bob’s become quite the home barista! We enjoy coffee together in the garden before the day takes off. Then it’s phone calls, meetings, and heading in different directions. At the end of the day, it’s a joy to come home. Sometimes I’ll walk in to lit candles, music playing, and the fireplace on. Evenings are for decompressing in the garden or catching the Padres game—always with our pup, Libby, by our side.

6. How do you stay grounded and connected as a couple while managing the demands of work and community involvement?
Humor is our secret weapon. A look, a wink, a shared joke—it instantly brings us back to center. We also check in with each other throughout the day—calls, quick updates, sharing wins or planning what’s next. We genuinely love the people we work with at Wisdom Properties, and that shared passion—supporting our agents and our clients—keeps us connected, both professionally and personally.

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7. What do you love most about being part of the Del Mar business community?
We truly love being part of such a vibrant and connected community. The Del Mar Village Association does an incredible job curating year-round events and activities that bring businesses and residents together—we’re always excited to take part. Having lived and worked here for decades, there’s a deep sense of pride and nostalgia in having Wisdom Properties located right where Dyson & Dyson Real Estate once stood. Del Mar is a special kind of coastal town—it actually reminds me a lot of Monaco, especially Monte Carlo. Like Monte Carlo, Del Mar has its own local government and a real sense of independence. It sits on a stunning stretch of coastline, filled with beautiful homes, great architecture, and a lively mix of restaurants and shops. And instead of the Casino de Monte-Carlo, we’ve got the energy and excitement of the Del Mar Racetrack. It’s the kind of place that draws interesting people from all over… and once they get a taste of life here, many decide to stay and call Del Mar home.

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8. Are there any specific moments or milestones in Del Mar that you’re especially proud of as a team?
So many, we’d need a whole weekend to share them all! One that still gives us goosebumps is the day we launched our signature Dyson & Dyson black and gold hot air balloon over the polo fields—it was pure magic. Opening each new office in and around Del Mar felt like planting a flag in the ground, and those moments became the foundation of our 30+ locations across Southern California and Nevada. But what means the most? The incredible people who joined us along the way—many of whom are still part of our extended “work family” and lifelong friends.

9. What are your favorite spots or activities in Del Mar when you're not working?
What’s not to love about Del Mar? Powerhouse Park is a favorite—it’s our go-to for unwinding, watching the surf, or taking a peaceful beach walk. And Jake’s? It’ll always hold a special place in our hearts. We had our very first date there nearly 40 years ago—just coffee and a slice of Mud Pie—and we were back there for lunch just yesterday, reminiscing.

10. What advice would you give to other couples considering going into business or working side-by-side in the same community?
Know your strengths—and respect each other’s. We’re both strong-willed with distinct ideas, but that’s part of what makes it work. We’ve learned how to talk things out, find common ground, and let the best ideas rise to the top. Building a business together means building trust, too. That foundation is everything.

11. How do you hope to continue contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Del Mar Village in the years ahead?
Our roots run deep here. After decades as Dyson & Dyson and now in our 8th year with Wisdom Properties, we’re more committed than ever to being part of Del Mar’s future. We want to be hands-on—hosting events, supporting community efforts, and continuing to connect with our neighbors. One of our favorites is “Coffee & Conversation,” which we hold every second Saturday of the month. It’s an open door for the community to come in, share ideas, and explore everything from home design to real estate trends.

12. Is there anything else you’d love people to know about your journey together—personally, professionally, or as part of this community?
Wisdom Properties may be a boutique firm brokered by Loraine Dyson, but it stands proudly on the legacy of Dyson & Dyson Real Estate. This isn’t just where we work—it’s home. We love owning a business here, being part of Del Mar’s heartbeat, and contributing to the story of a community that’s given us so much over the years.

Rooted in Real Estate: Loraine & Bob Dyson’s Del Mar Story