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.”