After retiring from the rigor of spectator sports, many professional athletes build broadcasting careers, take management roles, or simply ride out their retirement swimming in the riches afforded by their salaries and endorsements like Scrooge McDuck. However, some use the lessons learned through a lifetime of competition for that next career move. Former Dallas Stars hockey player Vern Fiddler is a great example of this.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Vernon “Vern” Fiddler is a 15-year veteran of the National Hockey League, a Calder Cup recipient, and one of the most versatile forwards the Dallas Stars have ever deployed. On the ice, Fiddler was a menace. Whether on the power play or a short-handed line, his presence was felt as soon as he stepped into play. He was a master at crowding the opposition and making them earn every inch of ice.
It’s this same tenacity and versatility that has followed him into his current role as a Realtor. And it’s his love for the Lone Star State that has kept him here in North Texas.
Vern Fiddler’s Life After The Dallas Stars
Recently, Fiddler sat down with us to reflect on his road to the real estate world and his reasons for remaining in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
“After retiring from the NHL I explored a number of options,” Fiddler said. “At first, I assisted the Dallas Stars in player development. I worked with the team when they were at home. When they were on the road, I went down to Cedar Park to work with prospects on the Texas Stars.”
It actually wasn’t until a few years later that real estate came into the picture.
“I’ve always had an interest in the business,” said Fiddler. “My mom and my grandma were both real estate agents, so it’s sort of been in my blood. I’ve always been intrigued with buying and selling homes. You know, every time you get traded and sign with a new team, you’re trying to figure out markets as quickly as you possibly can. You have to figure out where to live, where not to live, and the price per square foot in the area.”
Having bought and sold about 10 homes throughout his career, Fiddler came to the profession with near-expert experience. But buying and selling homes is not the only skill he took from his professional playing career.
“In a lot of ways, the real estate world is similar to the professional sports world,” Fiddler said. “There’s a lot of problem-solving involved. When you think something is going to be difficult, it’s not as hard as you thought. When you think something is going to be easy, it can be the most difficult part of your day.”
Of course, there are other similarities as well.
“Being in an office is a lot like stepping into the dressing room,” said Fiddler. “There’s a real feeling of camaraderie. But, you know, if you come in with a goofy shirt on or something, they’re going to chirp you about it.”
From One Team to Another
Just after his coaching career with the Stars, Fiddler was offered an opportunity to coach junior hockey for a team he played on in Canada. He and his family spent a year or so back home before they decided to make a huge decision.
“We took a family vote,” Fiddler said. “And we unanimously decided to move back to Frisco and stay. We had a great time being around family in Canada but nowhere else has been like Dallas. The people here just have that certain hospitality, you know? My kids love it here, so we made the decision that we’re never leaving Frisco.”
It was in Frisco that Fiddler met Mayor Jeff Cheney of Monument Realty’s Cheney Group. The rest is history.
“I was between figuring out what I wanted to do, and I started talking to Jeff about joining their team,” Fiddler said. “We talked about what it would mean to be to actually be part of a team again. It’s been great. The competitive spirit really kicks in when you know you got a home you need to sell fast. It’s almost like scoring an overtime winner when you close a deal.”
In his spare time, Fiddler still manages to connect with old teammates, playing in the annual alumni game or catching a round of golf.
“I only really put my gear on about twice a year now,” said Fiddler. “But I’m just so pleased with where I’m at and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
