August 2023 Wichita Real Producers

Photo By Jennifer Ruggles

MEET THE WICHITA REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

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!

& ROOFING

Kihle Roofing & Construction (316) 239-9774

kihleroofing.com

CONSTRUCTION / MORTGAGE LOANS

Andover State Bank

(620) 755-5761

goasb.com

ELECTRICIANRESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL

Elite Electric Company (316) 258-2166

eliteelectriccompany.com

Bright Light Inspections Josh Counce (316) 250-5221

blinspections.com

Goodfellas Property Inspection (316) 655-0280

goodgellasproperty inspection.com

ICT Pro Inspections (316) 535-0900

ictproinspections.com

State Farm Insurance

Crystal McEachern (316) 425-0925 callcrystalnow.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & SERVICE

Total Landscape Solutions

Jeremiah Petrocci (316) 217-3344 tlswichita.com/

LENDER

RCB Bank (316) 247-7704 rcbbank.com

MEDIA/PHOTOGRAPHY/

Gateway Mortgage Group meritrusthomeloans.com

sierrapacificmortgage.com www.mottomortgage.com/

Phoenix Mortgage Group

phoenixmortgagegroup.com

MORTGAGE BROKER: RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL JR Mortgage Group (316) 409-5569

jrmortgagegroup.com/

MORTGAGE LENDER

Motto Mortgage Charged Aaron Clark (316) 573-3996

yourwichitalender.com

Planet Home Lending

Michelle Crubaugh (316) 304-3910

planethomelending.com

Aaron Clark, Producing Branch

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Happy August, folks! It’s back-to-school month ... how does that always come around so quickly?!

This month, we are welcoming two more Trusted Business Partners to the Real Producers family. MTG Family Mortgage and ICT Pro Inspections.

our vendors, we encourage you to let them know you saw them

Michale Gonzales with MTG Family Mortgage is known as a consummate professional when it comes to mortgage lending and especially reverse mortgages. I’m feeling a ‘Reverse Mortgage Training’ session for you all.

McEachern

crystal@callcrystalnow.com

Photo by Kelly Remacle

Photography

MEET SOME OF YOUR FELLOW WICHITA REALTORS® & PREFERRED PARTNERS

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4. 5. 6.

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8.

Lyndsay

Lonny McCurdy

24.

Jason Hatfield

Angel Culver & Kevin Sweatland

Josh Thomas, Mark Wedman, Jack Silver

Christy Almquist & Renee Carrion

Daniel Kihle, Trent

Holle-Williams

Larry Shellman &

GRADUATE OF XINNIX The Mortgage Academy

&Kelsey Tatro Tiffany Trotter

team spotlight

Photos By Allie Henwood

Written By Dave Danielson

Realty, Kelsey and Tiffany pride themselves on delivering a true whole-home experience for their clients. In fact, both ladies are REALTORS® and Designers.

“As we capitalize on bringing that whole-home experience, we provide solutions in real estate, design, staging, as well as home organization and providing moving services,” Tiffany says. “We work with our clients wherever they are in the journey as they transform their home and buy or sell.”

“I was the on-site agent for Cornerstone in Andover. Tiffany and I connected when she had buyers building in the neighborhood,” Kelsey says. “We saw each other at every meeting with the clients. She was there every step of the way. I really liked the fact that Tiffany had a similar work ethic and how she was always there to support her customers. Sadly, it was rare for an agent to show up to every meeting. I knew she was special!”

Tiffany earned her license in 2019, after having built a successful, 10-year path in corporate America. Her start came out of her own process of building her own home.

“I had a bad experience. That’s what got me into the business,” Tiffany says. “I decided to get my license and be that agent who knows the yearlong process from start to finish. I’m going to be with clients every step

Through time working together, Kelsey and Tiffany have earned a strong reputation for being true advo-

“What we want to be known for is that we are true advocates for our clients. We want our clients to know they can come to us with any need that presents,” Kelsey says.

“I was in new homes for a year and a half so my emphasis is providing expertise on the build experience. We have several new build clients. We know what we’re doing and have done it ourselves and have helped dozens of people through the builds

Delivering a top-notch service experience is paramount for them. As Kelsey says, the amount of contact they have directly ties to being a strong advocate for their clients’ needs.

“Reliability is a big thing. We communicate with them. We have really strong communication,” Kelsey points out.

As Tiffany adds, “My approach is very real, honest and direct, as well. I’m very good at finding solutions to problems … putting out fires before we even go back to them. Having that experience mitigating that fire means a lot.”

Tiffany was born in Great Bend and grew up in Salina. As she came of age, she graduated from Friends University with a degree in Health Science, with a minor in Chemistry. Originally, she planned on going to Pharmacy school.

Kelsey was born and raised in Wichita, growing up on the east side and attending the University of Kansas, earning a degree in Communication Studies, with a minor in Business.

Family Highlights

Away from work, Kelsey and Tiffany look forward time spent with their cherished families.

Tiffany is married to Christian, her husband of 12 years. They look forward to time with their four children — a Kingston (9), Krimson (7), Kierclyn (4) and Knightly (2.5). Away from work, they are a huge sports family, looking forward to time at the ball field or gym.

Kelsey’s life partner is Justin. They treasure time with his two children — Brody and Brecken; and Kelsey’s two children —

As Kelsey says, “We are both extremely comes to work ethic. We have achieved high level goals in only a few months of our partnership. Our vision would be to become marketing agents for new developers in Wichita, help reach the Hispanic community when it comes to buying and selling (thanks to our newest Monarch Homes agent, Andrea Loya who is Spanish speaking), acquire partnerships with local builders to provide interior design and home staging services and continue helping our customers at the level they know and love us for.”

Congratulations to Kelsey and Tiffany for the record of results they continue to put in motion for their clients each day by delivering a whole-home experience.

NIKKI

Photos By Allie Henwood

Written By Dave Danielson

rising star

REACHING

After high school, she went on to Kansas University for her first year and a half of college, before returning to Wichita and finishing out her Biology degree at Newman University.

“After graduation, I went to work for the environmental health and safety consulting business that my mom and step dad had,” Nikki recalls. “I ended up being there for 15 years.”

OPENING NEW DOORS

Eventually, Nikki made the decision to branch into a new profession. She had owned rental properties since she had been 20 years old.

In time, she talked with a couple friends in real estate and thought she would try real estate.

“I got my license in 2018 and worked both jobs while I got my feet wet,” she says. “I left my other job in 2019 and went full-time in real estate.”

RIGHT FROM THE START

Like many who enter the business, Nikki faced a time of transition in the business.

“It was a challenge. At first I was working my other full-time job and then getting my name out. It is very much a referral business … getting my name out and letting people know that’s what I was doing,” Nikki says.

“After a couple years, it picked up quite a bit. I was an individual agent

for the first eight months and then joined a team. I was with the team for about a year and a half. In time, I

ALSO IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET

you out of the things you want or need to do.”

With her friendly, knowledgeable and helpful approach to life and business, Nikki clearly brings a personable gift to her work.

In turn, having the ability to listen to her clients, understand their needs and develop solutions that help them make their way forward.

Congratulations to Nikki Chavez for everything she does to help others reach their dreams.

celebrating leaders

Photos By Kelly Remacle

Written By Dave Danielson

Pam

Hesse

They approach life with optimism and they look for the blessings they have received and for ways to return those blessings to others around them.

Pam Hesse is one of those who definitely fits that description.

As a REALTOR® with JP Weigand & Sons, Pam exemplifies gratitude.

“I love helping people. I feel my role as a real estate agent is to guide and support my clients through the entire transaction,” Pam says.

“I am an advocate for my clients and go to bat for them so they end up

Pam came of age in Wichita. As she reached high school, she remembers that her family moved around quite a bit.

She lived in Hawaii and California and then came back to Wichita after graduating high school in Alta Loma, California. She attended Wichita State University, where she earned her Education degree. In between moves, she met Karl, the man who became her husband.

As Pam and Karl started their family, she became a stay-at-home mom, also working as a substitute teacher at their children’s school.

As Pam recalls, “We lived in College Hill and I kept up on every house in the neighborhood and often frequented open houses. When my youngest was 10 years old, my husband said, ‘Why don’t you go get your real estate license?’”

Right from the Start

From the beginning, Pam enjoyed real estate and how it felt to work in the field.

“It was wonderful and I ate it up. I wrote notes to everyone I knew and let them know I was in real estate,” Pam says.

“Their support helped launch my business the first few years. I completed two deals my first year and twelve deals by the end of my second year.”

Signs of Success

Pam earned her real estate license in 2010. Through the last 13 years, she has continued to move forward in the business through her dedicated brand of ser vice. In fact, in 2022, Pam finished among the top 75 agents in Wichita.

Beyond all of the numbers and accolades, Pam is dedicated to supplying a sustained effort on behalf of others.

“I believe that if you put your head down and work, the money comes,” she says. “I treat everyone the same. It’s the same transaction for me no matter what the price point is.”

Pam is also very thankful for the environment where she works.

“JP Weigand & Sons has been in business since 1902. They are the largest independent real estate company in the Wichita metro area. They have sustained their business all these years and are in their third generation of leadership,” she says.

“I got into this business knowing Weigand was where I wanted to be.

who is in his third year of family medicine residency; as well as their daughter, Jeannie, who is working in Kansas City.

“I love my family. They are my number one priority,” she says. “Karl has been very supportive and has never complained about my erratic schedule. Now I am an empty nester, and I can work as much as I want.”

One of Pam’s favorite things each week is “Grandma Day,” when she

drives to Kansas City on Wednesday to spend time with her grandchildren.

She also looks forward to time spent with their Golden Retriever, Aspen; and their cat, Tigger. Pam also likes to go on walks, as well as read, bake and spend time

When it comes to giving back, Pam is a long-term supporter of

“I really enjoy being involved in my church, and I have helped many years in their Harbor House ministry which helps victims of domestic violence,” Pam says.

“I also like to help those who are struggling. I want to do whatever I can to help people to get out of that situation and into a home.”

The gratitude that Pam Hesse has for her work is matched by the level of thanks that comes back from those who are very grateful that she has been there for them.

I also like to help those who are struggling. I want to do whatever I can to help people get out of that situation and into a home.

Emily Base, Roy Real Estate Team

Gaylon Wess

Area Builders Association through time.

“WABA was formed during the last real heyday for housing construction … right after World War II. One of the things that the association was experiencing in the early 1950s was government involvement in building. The government wanted to make sure that things were built according to code,” Wess says.

“The problem with that wasn’t the fact that the quality was being ensured, but the fact that it increased costs. At the time the association was formed to be the spokesperson for the industry and be involved in code and standard development. We are an affiliate of the National Association of Homebuilders. There’s also a state association. We

Photos By Jennifer Ruggles

Written By Dave Danielson

all work together to do everything we can to make sure that housing is made affordable and accessible.”

Growing Forward

Today, WABA covers seven counties in the Wichita area and boasts more than 1,000 individual members.

“We don’t give memberships to companies. That’s because we want to hold the individuals responsible for what they do in the industry,” Wess says.

“In our total membership, we have about 230 builder memberships. The others are developers, land planners, lenders, bankers, apprais ers, subcontractors and so on. We work very well together.”

Of the 700 associations in the country, WABA is ranked as the 22nd largest association.

“That is a true testament to the way our membership here has pulled together to make homeownership as affordable and accessible as possible. Such is of critical impor tance to those who have the desire to achieve the American Dream of home ownership,” Wess says.

Making a Long-Term Impact

Wess remembers the first professional management job opportunity he was able to secure when he was hired right after graduating who told him about the opening for an Executive

his Broker’s license and his General Contractor’s license as his role with the Company expanded.

While at Coldwell Banker, Wess was approached by representa-

There’s Room for You, Too

As Wess points out, there are many opportunities for local members of the industry to become part of the Association.

“We believe that everyone who is serious about being in business should be treated professionally, fairly and have access to the information they need to grow and become

I’m always open to talking with members at any time and helping them,” Wess says. “Also, we try to position numerous committees that members can become involved with based on their interests in their respective areas of endeavor. If a Member has concerns, we have a place for them to get involved and make things

One of the organizations that WABA supports is Habitat for Humanity, as well as many others that address challenges for those less fortunate that have housing and related needs.

“One thing we have done is form a charitable foundation years ago that members and non-members can contribute to,” Wess says. “That has provided an opportunity for our members to give back in a meaningful way. If you want to help people who are less fortunate, you can do that through the Builders Care Foundation.”

Contact

partner spotlight

Photos By Kelly Remacle

Written By Dave Danielson

CLOSING GIFT STORE

ine thanks to a client or colleague?

Of course, the short and accurate answer is … always.

With that in mind, it means a lot to have a trusted partner on your side who is there to supply you with the highest level of quality, service and timeliness.

WHEN SAYING THANK YOU WITH QUALITY MATTERS

That’s exactly what you get when you partner with The Closing Gift Store — led by Co-Owners Travis Kvassay, Shalyn White, Chris White and Weston Hlad.

“We just love being that resource for our clients and seeing that repeat business come back time and time

above and beyond in quality. They also are proud to be veteran-owned (with Chris and Weston having both

Closing Gift Store works with several REALTORS® to include other items in their order such as their promotional advertising magnets or their business cards that carry their

No matter what the gift is, Travis explains that the team at The Closing Gift Store wants to keep the spotlight

“We don’t want to spotlight ourselves at all. We don’t even want the person receiving the gift to know our website exists,” Travis says. “We want to be the secret sauce for our real estate partners. It is a constant calling card for the agent and constant conversation piece. We feel that it is a very valuable investment for our REALTOR® partners.”

The Closing Gift Store provides non-customized designs, as well as a variety of gifts that can be customized with the recipient’s name.

PRIDE AND PASSION

Those who have had a chance to work with the team at The Closing Gift Store see the genuine passion and care that the company takes in providing high-quality gifts in a way

“We hope our passion comes through with the products that we offer and that our customers feel like the price they are paying for this product is very reasonable. We try to keep it that way the best we can. We often find ourselves competing against foreign-manufactured lesser quality products. Unfortunately, many of our REALTOR® customers started out using a “cheaper” option and were disappointed by the quality of product they received and the length of time that it took to receive

“We use UPS as our shipping provider. the closing window … we know how difficult closings can be and you don’t want to spend money until a deal does close or is very close to closing. Our competitors can be a three-week wait. I would hope that our clients tell people how we will bend over backwards and keep them as a customer forever. We really strive to do that.”

When saying thank you with quality matters, look to The Closing Gift Store.

CONTACT THE CLOSING GIFT STORE

TODAY! CELL: 316-789-6149