Financial
Pepco employee talks diversity, inclusion, and COVID
Meet Brad Harlacker, senior transmission system operator
Brad Harlacker is a Senior Electrical Transmission System Operator at Pepco. We spoke to him about his career, his experience as a member of the LGBTQ community, the importance of diversity and inclusion illustrated at a major energy company, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed his role.
WASHINGTON BLADE: What does a typical day look like for you as a Transmission System Operator, and how has it changed during the COVID-19 crisis?
BRAD HARLACKER: I normally drive from Frederick, Md., to our Operations Control Center in Montgomery County, but now I’m working from our back-up Control Center. I get in around 2:30 a.m., and I usually have one other person with me. We monitor the electrical connections between substations and other operating companies to control the electrical grid throughout Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and the District. We also dispatch personnel to substations to assess and repair any issues that arise during the day, and utilize overhead and underground crews to assess and repair any issues. When interacting with these crews, I have to visualize what they are doing in the field to ensure their safety at all times.
Before COVID-19, I worked on a repeating rotation of four days, four nights, three days, and three nights. Now we’re working seven days on, seven days off, seven nights on, seven days off. This new rotation is used to reduce the possibility of contracting the virus by minimizing personnel overlap during shift changes and will continue until the pandemic ends.
BLADE: How long have you been with Pepco?
HARLACKER: Fifteen years in December. I was the first person to be hired from outside of the company to the Control Center.
BLADE: How have diversity and inclusion efforts changed for you over your career?
HARLACKER: I was in the Navy from 1988 to 2003 and during that time, I was out as a gay man – and there was never a problem. (I never let people feel that they had any control over me due to my sexuality.) When I started my career at Pepco, I wasn’t in the closet, I just didn’t say anything until recently. And now that I am out, everyone still treats me the same way. I am part of a team and we work together to keep things running smoothly. Pepco is a good company in that way!
BLADE: What was your job in the Navy?
HARLACKER: I was a Nuclear Reactor Operator, like Homer Simpson. I worked my way up from a paygrade E-3 to E-7. Prior to enlisting, I went to Penn State for Electrical Engineering. The math and sciences were a breeze; however, I couldn’t seem to get past some of the degree requirements of Economics and the like. Then a Navy recruiter asked me to take a nuclear-based test – and I’m a really good test taker – so I passed and worked as a nuclear reactor operator on a few different aircraft carriers. I later went to New York for three years to train nuclear operators in Saratoga Springs.
BLADE: Do you feel even more pressure now to maintain the grid during this time?
HARLACKER: I have always felt that people rely on our service – but it’s more evident now compared to any other time in history because of the increased use of the internet, and the need for energy to go about our daily lives.
BLADE: Has there been a particular experience in your career that has influenced the way you address diversity and inclusion as a professional?
HARLACKER: The diversity at Pepco is even greater than it was in the Navy. Pepco allows everyone to be included in every aspect of the company, which is a good thing. It’s nice to hear from everyone and learn more about how they think. Having everyone the same forces a given paradigm that keeps us from thinking about alternatives, but the diversity at Pepco breaks this and allows for innovation.
BLADE: Looking back on your career, what are some of the greatest accomplishments you’ve been a part of or championed related to LGBTQ diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
HARLACKER: When people see people like themselves – like me, it’s a good thing. I’m sure the rest of the community feels the same way. I’m not a leader of the LGBTQ community in the workplace. I just go in and do my job. Sometimes just being a role model is enough.
BLADE: How has your work changed since the COVID-19 outbreak? How are you managing as a member of the LGBTQ community during this time?
HARLACKER: I know that many other people have their jobs on hold right now, so I’m sure it’s affecting the rest of the community a lot harder than it’s affecting me. Thankfully I still have a job to go to and get paid. Most of my friends are in the same industry that I am because most of them were in the Navy. The only way my life has really been affected is in the wearing of a mask everywhere and not being able to eat at my favorite restaurants, or not being able to get a haircut as easily as before.
BLADE: How are you staying resilient?
HARLACKER: Honestly, I stay resilient by maintaining a routine. It helps a lot. I walk 10,000 steps a day. On my off time, I go home to Pennsylvania and split staying with both sets of my parents, who are both getting older. I don’t want to be the person that says that they wished they would have spent more time with my parents before they died.
BLADE: In years ahead, what would you like to see for diversity and inclusion?
HARLACKER: Diversity efforts seem to be in a good place right now. I’m quite content with how things are going. If we keep moving in the right direction, we should be good.
BLADE: What support do you receive from leadership at Pepco?
HARLACKER: Pepco’s leadership immediately acts to remove obstacles from our work. They are constantly having anonymous surveys as a feedback loop to see what the workplace is thinking and how the process should be modified to ensure the safety and happiness their employees.
BLADE: How does Pepco leadership’s support for the LGBTQ community look to you?
HARLACKER: We have Pride Employee Resource Groups in our company, and it’s so refreshing to see the support for our community. It is nice to see groups that have the LGBTQ community represented within Pepco and Exelon. Our leadership is heavily involved at the top levels of these groups, which makes me feel that they do care and are not just checking a box.
BLADE: What advice would you give to the LGBTQ community to stay resilient during this time?
HARLACKER: If I didn’t have the job that I do now, I would have taken the “down time” to learn something new – there is so much information online for learning new skills and trades. I am currently learning how to integrate secondhand video conferencing VOIP phones onto non-compatible platforms. It’s quite a task, since companies make everything proprietary to keep you buying from just them!
I suppose the advice that I would offer is to not sit around and wait for something to happen – make it happen. Life is short, be the best that you can be. You don’t have to go at it alone. You don’t have to feel like it is you against the world. There are many resources and people out there willing to help you. You have to just take the first step.
Real Estate
What LGBTQ buyers, sellers need to know about new real estate rules
Regulations are reshaping how transactions are conducted
In recent months, the real estate landscape has undergone significant changes, with new rules and regulations reshaping how transactions are conducted. These changes affect buyers and sellers across the board, but LGBTQ individuals and couples navigating the housing market should be particularly aware of how these updates might impact their decisions and opportunities. At GayRealEstate.com, we’re here to keep you informed and empowered.
1. Transparency in Agent Compensation
One of the most notable changes involves how real estate agents are compensated. New rules aim to increase transparency, requiring agents to clearly disclose their commissions and how they are paid. For LGBTQ buyers and sellers, this means you’ll have a better understanding of the financial side of your transaction, making it easier to avoid hidden fees or misunderstandings.
Tip: Make sure your agent explains their compensation structure up front. Working with an LGBTQ-friendly real estate agent through GayRealEstate.com ensures you’re connected with professionals who prioritize clarity and fairness.
2. Contracts Before Home Tours
In some areas, buyers are now required to sign a representation agreement before touring homes. While this adds a layer of formality, it can also help you establish a stronger relationship with your agent and ensure they’re working in your best interest.
What It Means for LGBTQ Buyers: Choosing an agent who understands your unique needs is critical. Signing a contract ensures that your agent is committed to helping you find a home in a community where you’ll feel safe and welcome.
3. New Protections Against Discrimination
Recent policy changes reinforce anti-discrimination measures in housing, which is particularly relevant for LGBTQ individuals. While federal laws like the Fair Housing Act prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, some states have gone further by implementing additional protections.
How to Navigate: Familiarize yourself with your state’s specific laws, and rely on LGBTQ-friendly agents who are committed to advocating for your rights throughout the transaction process.
4. Market Conditions: Buyers vs. Sellers
The current housing market is in flux, with inventory levels, interest rates, and demand varying widely by region. Sellers may face longer listing times, while buyers could encounter more competitive environments in desirable areas.
5. Mortgage Updates for LGBTQ Couples
Lenders are becoming more inclusive in recognizing diverse family structures, but disparities still exist. It’s essential to work with lenders who understand your unique situation and ensure fair treatment during the mortgage process.
Advice: An LGBTQ-friendly agent can connect you with lenders who are sensitive to your needs and knowledgeable about programs that support equal access to home financing.
Why These Changes Matter
The new rules emphasize fairness, transparency, and accountability — values that align closely with the mission of GayRealEstate.com. However, navigating these changes requires expert guidance, especially for LGBTQ buyers and sellers who may face additional challenges in the market.
Take Action Today
Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make, and having the right support can make all the difference. At GayRealEstate.com, we connect LGBTQ buyers and sellers with experienced, LGBTQ-friendly agents who are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve your goals.
Whether you’re just starting your real estate journey or ready to make your next move, we’re here to help. Visit GayRealEstate.com to find your perfect agent and get started today.
This article is brought to you by GayRealEstate.com, the nation’s largest network of LGBTQ-friendly real estate agents.
Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at 303-378-5526.
Real Estate
Your holiday home journey
Real estate decisions often tap into our deeper desires for connection
Thanksgiving and real estate share an essential theme: the importance of home. It is traditionally a time of gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. While its hallmark symbols may include turkey dinners, family gatherings, and autumnal décor, it also invites us to think deeply about our values and who and what we hold dear.
For some people, the family home connotes a place of safety, comfort, and community. For others, visiting with family over the holiday can be a contentious and stressful ordeal best avoided. Countless of my friends have severed toxic relationships that can rival an exploding, deep-fried turkey. They have opted instead for dining out or hosting a gathering of food and football with like-minded people.
During Thanksgiving, the idea of “home” becomes particularly poignant. It is more than just a physical structure; it’s where people gather, memories are made, and traditions are passed down. For those involved in real estate — whether as professionals or as individuals embroiled in the market — this emotional dimension of home is a driving force.
When buying a house, it’s not just about square footage or the number of bedrooms. It’s about envisioning a Thanksgiving dinner in the dining room, imagining children playing in the backyard, or hosting friends in the cozy living space. Real estate decisions often tap into our deeper desires for connection, stability, and legacy — values closely tied to the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving falls in the quieter part of the real estate calendar, with spring and summer being the traditionally hot seasons for buying and selling. Yet, for those who choose to list their homes in November, the holiday offers unique opportunities. Sellers can use Thanksgiving’s warm, inviting atmosphere to their advantage, staging homes with seasonal touches like autumn wreaths, a cornucopia of fruits and nuts, the sparkle of a dining room chandelier, and the scent of freshly baked pies.
A well-decorated home during this time can evoke an emotional connection with potential buyers. A cozy environment can help them imagine spending their future holidays in that very space. Additionally, homes listed during the Thanksgiving season often face less competition, as fewer properties are on the market. This can lead to more serious offers from motivated buyers.
For buyers, Thanksgiving can function as a reminder of why they are on the hunt for a new home in the first place. Perhaps they are looking for a bigger space for a growing family. They may be downsizing to retire or to simplify life. They might be looking for home to accommodate both children and aging parents simultaneously. The holiday season underscores the importance of finding a home that aligns with lifestyle needs and future goals.
In our tight real estate market, buyers still face challenges such as limited inventory and higher interest rates; however, Thanksgiving encourages a shift in perspective. It’s a time to focus on gratitude for what is within reach — whether it’s finding a starter home, securing a dream property, or taking incremental steps toward long-term, financial goals.
Interestingly, Thanksgiving weekend has become an increasingly popular time for real estate research. Families can gather around the table and begin discussing the future, including moving to a new city, upgrading their home, or purchasing an investment property. Digital tools like web searches and virtual tours can help buyers and sellers stay connected to the real estate market without disrupting their Thanksgiving traditions.
Whether you are buying or selling, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of gratitude in real estate. For buyers, it’s about being thankful for the chance to find a home that meets their needs, even if the journey is challenging. For sellers, it’s a moment to appreciate the memories made in a home while looking forward to new opportunities.
For real estate agents and other industry professionals, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to clients and colleagues, build stronger relationships, and highlight the human aspect of a business often driven by transactions alone.
If you are staying put this Thanksgiving, you have a chance to celebrate your current home, no matter its size or condition. Simple gestures like decorating with fall colors, rearranging furniture for a cozy feel, or preparing a special meal can deepen your connection to your space. Inviting neighbors, friends, or family to share in the festivities can reinforce the sense of community that makes a house a home.
Whether it’s the home you currently have, the one you’re searching for, or the one you are leaving behind, each holds a unique place in your life story. Take stock of the journey so far, recognize the progress made, and look forward to the possibilities ahead.
Real Estate
Who are the people involved in a real estate transaction?
Lenders, agents, inspectors, and more play a role
When buying a house for the first time, people may wonder if their life is going to be like what you see on HGTV or another TV show. Yes, some real estate agents drive nice cars, put photos on social media of beautiful countertops, luscious landscaping, stunning backsplashes, high-end appliances with bespoke details, and price tags that seem like they belong on a television show – stuff that “vision boards” are made of.
Real estate can be sexy. There is also the experience of what I call, “the everyday transaction.” This is the situation where someone may be the first in their family or friend group to buy a property. Or maybe this is the last one of their friends to buy a home. It could be the person that just got a notice from their apartment community that their rent was going up by $500 a month next year, and they decided it was time to start putting this inevitable amount of money into an investment each month. As my previous broker calls it, homeownership is a “forced savings plan.” It can be hard to force oneself to save at times, but your rent payment is going into equity. At some point, you can sell the investment and get back the money you put into it. Rent that is $2,400 a month can easily turn into over $115,000 during one presidential term.
The cast of characters in a real estate transaction includes:
• The buyer agent and the seller’s agent (if the house is for sale by owner, then no seller agent)
• The lender (mortgage officer) and their team
• The title company (a company of attorneys and staff to help with the legal aspects of transferring ownership, recording the deed with the municipality or state and transferring water utilities, paying off the old mortgage with the proceeds from the sale, etc.)
• Any employees of a city or county that might be brought in (e.g. a down payment assistance loan funded by a municipality)
• A home inspector (if an inspection is requested by a buyer)
• Any contractors that are brought in for estimates for repairs or work projects.
These are the people that are brought into the transaction to help bring it to completion. A good agent usually has recommendations on title companies and attorneys, home inspectors, lenders, may have contacts with city or county departments for processing permits, etc. and will utilize the network they have built over the years to help coordinate a smooth transaction (as smooth as possible) and result in a happy seller and a happy buyer.
Who you work with matters. If you have more questions about this, please do not hesitate to ask. Yes, real estate CAN be sexy, but you also want competent people working on your behalf, who know how to navigate the process smoothly.
Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at [email protected] or 703-587-0597.
Supreme Court hears oral arguments in pivotal gender affirming care case
LGBTQ asylum seekers, migrants brace for second Trump administration
D.C. LGBTQ community to gather for post-election dialogue
Casa Ruby receiver files for bankruptcy
