As Williston Financial Group celebrates its 15th anniversary, Chairman and Founder Patrick F. Stone marked another significant milestone—50 years in the real estate and title insurance industry—by joining The Knowledge Coop’s Lessons from Last Time podcast for a powerful and personal conversation about leadership, mindset, and longevity.

In the episode, Stone shares the core principles that have shaped his life and WFG’s culture since its founding. He introduces listeners to the “Three Cs” philosophy—Communicate, Collaborate, and Coexist—which remains a foundational guide for how WFG partners with clients, employees, and industry stakeholders to drive mutual success. “We don’t just work for our clients,” Stone says, “we work with them.”

Drawing on decades of experience that span from the battlefield to the boardroom, Stone also reflects on the influence of Stoic philosophy—especially the teachings of Epictetus. In a world filled with market volatility and constant disruption, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on what you can control: your mindset, your preparation, and your actions. This perspective has helped him navigate the most challenging moments of his five-decade career.

Another key theme of the conversation is curiosity. When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Stone offers a simple but powerful answer: “Follow your curiosity.” That mindset, he explains, has guided him through the acquisition of 81 companies and enabled him to continuously grow, adapt, and lead with purpose.

Throughout the podcast, listeners gain insight into how empathy, resilience, and a growth-oriented approach have allowed Stone and WFG to thrive amid change. His reflections provide a blueprint for thoughtful leadership and enduring success in the title and real estate industries.

Watch the full episode of Knowledge Coop’s “Lessons From Last Time” podcast here:
 https://app.knowledgecoop.com/videos/51864a2d76488d398334d78dc87691a3