April 2023

REAL PRODUCERS

RECOGNITION LOGOS ARE HERE

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!

ARCHITECT/BUILDER

Craig Sharp Homes (316) 775-2129

CONSTRUCTION / MORTGAGE LOANS

Andover State Bank

HEALTH/HOME/AUTO

INSURANCE

ICT Insurance Group

INSURANCE AGENCY

American Family Insurance

Dylan Hartnett agent.amfam.com/ dylan-hartnett/ks/augusta

INSURANCE BROKER

Shepherd Insurance Group

insurewithsig.com

INSURANCE/FINANCIAL

State Farm Insurance

Crystal McEachern callcrystalnow.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Total Landscape Solutions

Jeremiah Petrocci

Cutco Closing Gifts

Blaine Rodman (316) 293-8701

sharpbrandingtools.com

Roberts Overdoors (316) 788-1752

robertsoverdoors.com

Wheat State Insurance Group (316) 776-0777

wheatstateinsurance.com/

US Mortgage Company

kansasloanman.com

Benchmark Bret Frerichs (316) 990-9990

ksvahomeloans.com

Gateway Mortgage Group gatewayloan.com/kandi-jones

Meritrust Credit Union meritrusthomeloans.com

Sierra Pacific Mortgage sierrapacificmortgage.com

MORTGAGE BROKER

Motto Mortgage (316) 680-1554 www.mottomortgage.com/ offices/charged-wichita/

Phoenix Mortgage Group (316) 942-8228 phoenixmortgagegroup.com

MORTGAGE BROKER: RESIDENTIAL /COMMERCIAL

JR Mortgage Group (316) 409-5569

MORTGAGE LENDER

Motto Mortgage Charged Aaron Clark (316) 573-3996 yourwichitalender.com

Planet Home Lending

Michelle Crubaugh (316) 304-3910 planethomelending.com

MOVERS / PACKING SERVICES

Two Men And A Truck Garret Petetman

PLUMBING/HVAC

Frederick Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning (316) 262-3713 icalledfred.com

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY

TAX SPECIALIST

Phelps Tax

Ryan Phelps (316) 262-1900 phelpstax.com

TITLE COMPANY Kansas Secured Title

VIDEO PRODUCTION

WELL/LAGOON/SEPTIC

First Impressions Environmental firstimpressionsenv.com

FAQ FAQ about Wichita Real Producers

Ever since we launched Real Producers September 2019, I’ve heard some repeating questions from many of you. Hopefully, this brings some clarity to what we do, how we do it and why we do it. Remember, my door is ALWAYS open to discuss anything regarding our real estate community — this publication is 100% designed to be YOUR voice!

Q: Who receives this magazine?

A: The top 300 REALTORS® in Wichita and surrounding areas based on sales volume from the previous year, Jan. 1, 2022-December 31. We cut off the list at #300. As you might imagine, this list changes each year, with a rate of 20-30% new agents. However, every single REALTOR® member and a large majority of the commercial agents receive the digital

costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! This is NOT a pay-toplay model.

Q: How can I write an article to be printed?

A: If you are interested in writing an article to contribute your ideas, experience, knowledge, expertise, or

community, please email me. Even if you don’t consider yourself a prolific writer, let’s talk! I have profes-

A: Anyone listed as a “Preferred Partner” in the index at the front of the magazine is an integral part of this community. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our events, and be part of our private Facebook group. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One, or several, agents have personally referred every single Preferred Partner you see. We won’t even take a meeting with a business that has not been vetted by one of you and has your “stamp of approval,” in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network not only of the best agents in the area but the best businesses as well so we

Q: How can I refer a local business to join WRP

A: If you know and want to recommend a local business that would like to work with more top real estate agents, please email me at samantha.lucciarini@n2co.com and introduce us! This is the only way we can grow and strengthen this community through your refer -

Q: Is there additional recognition for being a 2023 Wichita Real Producers Top 300 REALTOR®?

A: Absolutely! Just email me for your badge, pictured on the adjacent page. Feel free to use this on any of your marketing or social media. You don’t have to brag about how great you are; that’s our job!

Lola PFEIFER

making a difference

Photos By Jennifer Ruggles

Written By Dave Danielson

The Love of Helping Others Learn

While a teacher may go on to do other things outside the class room, you can’t remove the love of educating others that they carry with them.

Lola Pfeifer is a perfect example of that truth.

As a REALTOR® with the Agnew & Associates Team with Keller Williams Hometown Partners, Lola definitely has a great love for helping others.

Teaching Spirit

That dynamic was honed during her past 28 years in Wichita Public Schools teaching math at Southeast High School and working with first-year teachers throughout the district.

Today, in addition to her role in real estate, she continues to work with Wichita Public Schools.

As Lola remembers, she always believed that she would eventu ally end up in real estate.

“I always knew I was going to go into real estate, because my grandmother, Virginia Flinn, was with JP Weigand for a long time,” Lola says.

“I used to run around with her growing up. She developed my love of real estate. My mom, Kathy McFarlane, was also a REALTOR® for a short time. I knew that real estate was in my future. I just thought it would be after I retired.”

Lola worked together with Antoine Agnew at Southeast High School.

“For a couple years, we talked about me doing real estate with him. And then one day, we were talking about it and I just decided, yes, I was in,” she recalls. “I was in real estate class for the next two weekends and tested that next Monday.”

I really enjoy and feel very honored to be part of clients’ journey of either buying a new home or selling a home. I feel very honored to be part of that.

those skillsets transfer nicely into real estate, and it doesn’t hurt that I taught math!”

Proud Difference

The sense of pride that Lola feels through her work is heartfelt.

Signs of Success

Since earning her license in March of 2021, Lola has definitely made her presence known in the industry.

In fact, she has recorded over $10 million in sales volume.

Family Foundation

Family is a big source of fulfillment in life and a priority for Lola. She and her husband, Jason, are high school sweethearts and have three children — Lexi, who is a junior at Oklahoma State; Landon, who is a junior at Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School; and Farrah, who is a seventh grader at St. Thomas Aquinas.

“I couldn’t do this without my family’s support. After working at the school each day, I do real estate from 3:30 p.m. to whenever each night and on

“My husband was a sergeant with the Wichita Police Department. He retired a few years ago, and now runs our investment properties. My success in real estate would not be possible without his love and support.”

Away from work, Lola enjoys time with family and friends and is a big fan of the work done by the Kansas

Those who have known and had a chance to work with her rely on her honesty, caring, compassion and competence. They also admire her dedication to whatever she takes on and the extent of excellence that she

Congratulations to Lola Pfeifer for making contributions in a wide range of ways to the world around her. And it’s all fueled by her relentless drive and love for helping others.

“I focus on treating everyone with full respect and gratitude, no matter whether a transaction is $50,000 or $600,000.”

ask the expert

Written By Dave Danielson

TRUST Building with

For all of the new technology and refined building materials that are continually being introduced to the market, one of the most essential and valuable parts of any construction project is trust.

That’s why people turn to Owner/ President Art Lohrengel with A&L Roofing.

“Integrity and trust are at the core of how we conduct our business for our partners and clients,” Art points out. “Those who know and work with us understand that we will always be fully open with what we see and what our opinions are about the condition of items that we inspect.”

Solid Foundation in Life

Before starting A&L Roofing, Art grew up on a farm. It was the kind of start in life that provided him with many les sons and gave him a strong foundation for the future.

“I learned everything from veterinary medicine to construction in that environ ment,” he remembers.

“In 1991 I moved to Wichita from Washington, Kansas. During that time, a major hail storm hit. I was working at a credit card company at the time, and I remember thinking, ‘I know how to install quality roofs,’ so I thought it was a good time to have a roofing company.”

As a result, A&L Roofing builds houses, steel buildings and more. In fact, they recently were involved with building a packing plant, as well as adding additions on to two auto dealers.

Tireless Dedication

The passion Art feels for his work is fed by the variety of work. Each day he

starts with breakfast, hits the door and goes until dark. Along the way, he builds strong relationships and provides real solutions for people across

Away from work, Art looks forward

“I’ve really appreciated the way my family has been patient and supportive of me through time with all of the long hours that I’ve worked. Their

In his free time, Art looks forward to times traveling with his wife. Some of their favorite locations have included spots in the Caribbean and Mexico. Plus, he also likes to go scuba diving

dulum swings and has weathered the ups and downs. But the one constant along the way has been his approach to doing business … with honesty and integrity … by building with trust.

celebrating leaders

Photos By Allie Henwood

MOVE FORWARD … HELPING OTHERS REALIZE THEIR DREAMS.

THAT’S AN AREA WHERE GRANT FARHA EXCELS, AS WELL.

Written By Dave Danielson

We are very driven and motivated people. We succeed not only for the financial attributes but also for our families so we can take care of our families and provide for them.

FAMILY IS NUMBER ONE.

Grant became a Partner in the firm until 2017. At that point, he and his partners sold their interest with each going their separate ways. It was then that Grant joined Pinnacle Realty Group.

REAL RESULTS

The signs of success have been plentiful for Grant. Through time he has consis tently been a multimillion-dollar producer, averaging $10 million to $12 million in sales volume each year.

FAMILY FOCUS

Away from work, Grant’s world is made much richer by his family, including his wife, Grace. Together they own Farha Design Group. They also cherish time they get to spend with their 20-year-old daugh ter, Kiarra, who attends Kansas University.

Another favorite pursuit for Grant is col lecting cars — especially classic vehicles from the 1960s and 1970s.

Grant is also a big supporter of St. Jude Children’s Hospital and the work they do.

When Grant thinks about the elements in life that drive him forward in his life and career, one word comes to mind.

“It’s all about family,” he emphasizes.

“We are a family of immigrants. My grandfather came here with very little. Each of

only for the financial attributes but also for our families so we can take care of our families and provide for them. Family is number one.”

LEADING THE WAY

Grant is also motivated by the group of professionals in the brokerage … relishing his role as a mentor and leader.

“I’ve always believed and taught my agents that we should work for the relationship and not the commission. If you take care of the client, the client will take care of you,” Grant says.

“They will come back to you with additional needs through the years and they will refer others to you. They will take care of you if you have done your job and done it well. They will share your ability with others

Cryer-Peffly Melida

top producer

Photos By Kelly Remacle

Written By Dave Danielson

BREAKING NEW GROUND THROUGH TIME

One of the surest signs of success is creating and sustaining a high level of achievement through time. In fact, it’s much easier said than done.

Yet there are shining examples of success that serve as powerful examples of creativity, resilience and leadership … stories like that of Melinda Cryer-Peffly.

Reputation for Results

As a REALTOR® with Ritchie Associates focusing on new-home sales, Melinda has built a reputation for results by breaking new ground through time.

“Since I am only involved in new-home sales, seeing a fully completed neighborhood where I have sold every single house is very rewarding,” Melinda says. “The neighborhoods start as big, empty pieces of ground, or they are wheat or vacant fields. Driving by completed neighborhoods, knowing that I listed and sold every house in there gives me a big sense of accomplishment.”

Growing up in Wichita, Melinda honed her energetic spark as a competitive figure and dance

“My parents took my sister and I around the country to competitions and meets. Recently I have purchased a pair of skates and have taken up roller skating again. It’s much harder at this age,” she smiles. “But my skates sure are pretty with light-up wheels!”

As she came of age, Melinda graduated from Southeast High School, then went on to earn her degree in Business Management from Wichita State.

Melinda wasted little time in establishing herself in the real estate industry. In fact, she started with Ritchie Associates shortly after graduating from college in 1995.

“After building my first home, I fell in love with new homes and the building process. I knew early on I wanted to be a REALTOR® and work in new homes,” Melinda remembers. “After taking real estate classes at Wichita State, Ritchie Associates was looking for someone to be a real estate

assistant at White Tail development and I was hired. I have built a total of five homes myself; I knew I wanted to be in this business.”

Melinda earned her real estate license in 1998 and has been proud to add to the success of Ritchie Development, the oldest developer in Wichita, for the past 26 years.

Melinda concentrates solely on new homes and doesn’t get involved with selling resale homes.

“My full concentration is on bringing builders and buyers together. I

Rocky Creek, Chestnut Ridge, Monarch Landing, Cornerstone, and most recently Brookfield, The Province and Sweetgrass.”

Made for This

From the start, Melinda seemed to be made for her career in

real estate. In fact, during her first full year in real estate, she made President’s Club. Every year since then she has qualified for Master’s Circle — 25 years in a row now.

Her volume reflects her leading efforts. In fact, her career volume stands at nearly $285 million, including $27.6

have learned something from the way they dealt with different hurdles in developing neighborhoods. They have taught me the importance of integrity in this business … always doing the right thing and treating people, buyers and REALTORS® alike, like they are your family.”

Melinda feels blessed to sell multiple homes to the same families through the years.

“Three years ago, Jeff Mullen, Kevin’s son, purchased Ritchie Development and we

“My dad, Gary Cryer, my sisters, Melanie and Melissa, and my brother Greg, their spouses and I are all big sports fans, so we attend Wichita State and Chiefs games together,” she says.

My full concentration is on bringing builders and buyers together. I am proud of every one of our neighborhoods. Each has a unique characteristic that we build the neighborhood around.

“My late husband, Paul, and I raised our nephew, Zach. Zach took over the family landscaping business when Paul passed away. Some of Paul’s family moved back to Wichita shortly after his death, so now I have more extended family nearby. Paul’s daugh ter, Gretchen, is the newest member of the Ritchie Associates team, as well.”

In her free time, Melinda loves to exercise. She also has taken up pick leball recently, as well.

Demonstrating Excellence

As she continues to build and meet the needs of her clients, she offers helpful tips for others in the industry who continue building forward.

“My advice would be to make integ rity part of your every day. Honest

communication is what real estate is all about,” she says. “Be truthful with your buyers and fellow agents. Do the right thing even when nobody is expecting it or watching you.”

Game

SCAN TO BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND AND STOP MISSING OUT ON POTENTIAL SALES AND CLIENTS!

Photo by Kelly Remacle Photography

C Z

rising star

Photos By Kelly Remacle

Written By Dave Danielson

way forward for the people she works with and changing their mindsets along the way.

“I love the excitement from my clients when we get them under contract. In many cases, the people I work with didn’t believe that it was possible for them to be homeowners,” Erica says.

for,” she says with a smile.

“It didn’t take long after starting for me to realize that this is my calling. I plan on doing it forever.”

JUMPING IN WITH BOTH FEET

As Erica launched her new chapter in life as a REALTOR®,

she enjoyed being part of the hot market at the time, though there were definitely challenges that came as a result, as well.

“It was a bit of a struggle working with multiple offers, doing multiple showings and writing mul tiple contracts. However, by going through that, I was able to gain a lot of experience, and I learned how to make our offers more appealing.”

SURE SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Erica quickly got up to speed as a new agent. Last year, during her first full year in the business, Erica sold 24 homes.

While she continues to build on her initial success, Erica does so with humility and gratitude for those around her who have helped her learn and grow.

“I owe my Broker, Jordan Wuest, a lot. He has been my mentor throughout the process,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”

ON THE GO

Away from work, Erica likes to stay active and engaged in the community. She also likes to take part in community service events that are

in mind, this is a community that Erica cherishes.

“I really enjoy Wichita and the surrounding areas. I love how the community is. It seems that everyone is there for each other,” she emphasizes.

“As part of that, it is great seeing the way that the real estate community comes together to make a difference.”

With genuine kindness and friendliness, Erica rarely knows a stranger. She also has a real spark for putting solutions to work to help her clients and those around her achieve their

“I really enjoy getting to know people and relating to them on their level,”

myself to be a go-getter. I have a high

to be able to make dreams and goals

With all of the changing elements of the real estate landscape that take place each day, there are some con-

One of those is Erica Chavez and her commitment to being a positive spark and influence on the lives of others … helping people find their homes and changing their mindsets in the process.

Brooks-Thomas April Brooks-Thomas April

One of the greatest secrets of gaining early success in any field is not knowing or believing that it can take a long time to happen.

While it’s true that there are no shortcuts to true success that is built on a solid foundation, there’s also a lot to be said for diving in, setting your goals and believing that it’s pos sible to spark results quickly.

April Brooks-Thomas is a prime example of that, having earned her real estate license in 2022.

Fast Start

As Vice President of Commercial Sales at ONPOINT-REALTORS®,

Applying Past Experience and Expertise

Like many who find success in the business, April brought a wealth of experience with her from her prior life. In fact, she had a background in business development, and she earned her degree in Business from Wichita State.

commercial corner

Photos By Kelly Remacle

Written By Dave Danielson

A Healthy Mix of Business

April earned her license during the second quarter of 2022, posi tioning herself from the beginning as an independent agent. She is also drawn to commercial real estate, with about 70 percent of her business coming from the commercial side, with the remaining 30 percent in residential.

“This is based on my background experience in corporate retail leadership with a few different national brands. I selected ONPOINT-REALTORS® because of their commercial real estate mentorship program opportunities,” she says.

Passion for the Profession

The passion April has for her work comes through clearly.

“I feel like I am in an exciting discovery phase. Everything seems to be happening so quickly for me that I am working diligently to organize all my activities,” she says.

Growing professionally is simple. Give 100 percent of what you have every day. You are good enough! It’s not easy, but it is simple.

Grace, Jaxx. April is also looking forward to the arrival of a grandbaby soon.

In her free time, April and her family enjoys supporting her children through their activities, including competitive baseball for Jaxx.

When it comes to giving back, April enjoys volunteering at Paxtons Blessing Box, and supporting the efforts of Shower Up in Wichita.

When you talk with April, it’s easy to see her kind, welcoming nature and her genuine care for those around her.

Leading by Example April offers tips for others who are just getting their own start in the

“Make sure that you have excellent mentors in your corner. If you are newer to the business, don’t feel like you must know it all to do a great

“Growing professionally is simple. Give 100 percent of what you have every day. You are good enough! It’s

The most rewarding part of this business for me is getting referrals from past clients based on their high reviews of my work. Each deal I complete keeps me excited and motivated about what opportunities lay ahead. I don’t want to get to far ahead of myself. I simply focus on each client with great care.