Wichita Real Producers - December 2022

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MEET THE WICHITA REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

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Jennifer Ruggles Photographer

Andrea Hoffman Ad Strategist

Tara Terhune Content Coordinator

Samantha Lucciarini Owner/Publisher 316-258-4855

Allie Henwood Stylist and Photographer

Dave Danielson Writer

Kelly Remacle Photographer

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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 craigsharphomes.com

BANKING - MORTGAGE

Fidelity Bank fidelitybank.com

BANKS

Credit Union of America (316) 265-3272 CUofAmerica.com

BUILDER/DEVELOPER

Perfection Builders (316) 729-1900 perfectionbuilders.com Schellenberg Development schellenberg development.com

CEILING REMOVAL/REPAIR

Texturite (316) 393-0836 texturite.com

CLEANING & RESTORATION

Good To Be Clean (316) 320-6767 goodtobeclean.com

CLEANING SERVICES

Green Clean ICT (316) 727-6582 greencleanict.com

CLEANING/MAKE READY

First Impressions

Environmental Kelly Dixon (316) 522-8795 firstimpressionsenv.com

First Impressions

SMART Clean (316) 522-8795 www.fismartclean.com/

CLOSING GIFTS

Cutco Closing Gifts Blaine Rodman (316) 293-8701 sharpbrandingtools.com

CONSTRUCTION / MORTGAGE LOANS Andover State Bank (316) 219-1611 goasb.com

DECKS/GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Deck Doctor of Kansas Adrian Hunt (316) 992-7511

DIRTWORK

C3 Skidsteer Services LLC (316) 295-6626 www.facebook.com/ C3SkidsteerServicesLLC

FENCING

TM Fencing Tane Murphy (316) 218-3450

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Edward Jones Jeff Christensen (316) 990-1968 jeff.christensen@ edwardjones.com

FLOORING

Designer’s Home Gallery Ben Henwood (316) 440-8888 nouglyfloors.com

Jabara’s Carpet Outlet Jason Jabara (316) 267-2512 jabaras.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR & WATER PROOFING IWP Foundation Repair (316) 308-8507 kansasfoundationrepair.com

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE & INSTALLATION

Roberts Overdoors (316) 788-1752 robertsoverdoors.com

HEALTH/HOME/AUTO INSURANCE

ICT Insurance Group (316) 440-6111 ictinsurance.com

HOME & PROPERTY INSPECTIONS

Bright Light Inspections Josh Counce (316) 250-5221 blinspections.com Goodfellas Property Inspection (316) 655-0280 goodgellasproperty inspection.com

HOME INSPECTION

Pillar To Post Jason Hancock (316) 570-1444 jasonhancock.pillartopost.com

HOME LOANS

Heartland Credit Union Michael Lorimor (800) 428-8472

HOME WARRANTY

Achosa Home Warranty George Brockman (417) 983-3204 achosahw.com

Old Republic Home Protection

Janell Enderson (800) 282-7131 x1291 myorhp.com/JanellEnderson INSURANCE

Wheat State Insurance Group (316) 776-0777 wheatstateinsurance.com/

INSURANCE AGENCY

American Family Insurance Dylan Hartnett (316) 775-5522 agent.amfam.com/ dylan-hartnett/ks/augusta

INSURANCE/FINANCIAL SERVICES

State Farm Insurance Crystal McEachern (316) 425-0925 callcrystalnow.com

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & SERVICE

Total Landscape Solutions Jeremiah Petrocci (316) 217-3344

LENDER RCB Bank (316) 247-7704 rcbbank.com

US Mortgage Company Will King (316) 312-2936 kansasloanman.com

PREFERRED PARTNERSREALPRODUCERS

MORTGAGE Benchmark Bret Frerichs (316) 990-9990 ksvahomeloans.com

Gateway Mortgage Group gatewayloan.com/kandi-jones

Kanza Bank (316) 636-5821 kanzabank.com

Meritrust Credit Union meritrusthomeloans.com

Sierra Pacific Mortgage sierrapacificmortgage.com

MORTGAGE BANKER

BNC National Bank (913) 647-7006 bncnationalbank.com/wichita

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

Flatbranch Aaron Clark (316) 573-3996 fbhl.com

Planet Home Lending Michelle Crubaugh (316) 304-3910 planethomelending.com

Kelly Remacle Photography (816) 803-5061

PLUMBING/HVAC

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

ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION

A & L Roofing Art Lohrengel (316) 721-5799 alroofing.org

MORTGAGE LENDING

US Bank Allie Gomez (316) 239-4606 mortgage.usbank.com/ steve-farmer-wichita-ks

MOVERS / PACKING SERVICES

Two Men And A Truck Garret Petetman (316) 558-5588 twomenwichita.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Allie Jael Photography (316) 633-5547 alliejaelphotography.com

Jennifer Ruggles Photography (615) 415-3029 jenniferrugglesphotography.com

POOL & SPA - DESIGN/BUILD Shocker Pools Doug Baker (316) 260-4717 shockerpools.com

REAL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOGRAPHY

Signature Real Estate Media (316) 670-0658 signaturerealestatemedia.com

ROOFING

Mighty Dog Roofing-Wichita (316) 320-3686 mightydogroofing.com/wichita-ks

ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

Guardian Roofing and Construction (316) 302-4100 guardianroofingks.com

TAX SPECIALIST Phelps Tax Ryan Phelps (316) 262-1900 phelpstax.com

TITLE COMPANY

Kansas Secured Title (316) 262-8261 kstitle.com

Security 1st Title (316) 267-8371 security1st.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Trussell Media (316) 755-6052 trussellmedia.com

WELL/LAGOON/SEPTIC INSPECTIONS

First Impressions Environmental Kelly Dixon (316) 522-8795 firstimpressionsenv.com

DOMAIN FOR SALE

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With the real estate market shifting, remaining relevant and top-of-mind to your target market is a must in order to survive. The wise business owner will be proactive, not reactive. The domain wichitahomesales.com is for sale Contact Sam if interested 316.258.4855 samantha.lucciarini@n2co.com

REALPRODUCERS

Shane Isham and Evan LaRue

Erica Boller and Steven Myers Val Peare and Art Lohrengel Adam Bailey, eXp Blaine Rodman, Chris Mann, Josh Owens, Ryan Phelps, Kerry Dunn Ivy Tydings, Turner Williams, Greg Fox, Marie Segura Kerry Dunn, Brenda Noffert and Tonya Redmond Katie Walton, eXp Steve Wilbur and Zach Sherman Ben Henwood and Adam Henwood Chris Cribb, eXp Broker for Kansas

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Evan

Kaufman

Serving His Community

rising star

Photos By Kelly Remacle Written By Dave Danielson

TThe debt of gratitude that each American owes to the members of its armed forces goes beyond words.

Those who have served the U.S. have provided an ongoing umbrella of free dom that allows each of us to pursue life and liberty.

One of those who committed a chunk of his own life to serve the nation is Evan Kaufman.

Positive Impact

Today, as broker/owner of Hearthstone Realty, he continues to make a strong, positive impact on his clients and community.

“I love seeing other people make progress in their own lives … helping those who are making progress in their financial lives or the cases where we are helping someone shore up their financial situation,” Evan says.

“Our goal is to help people build wealth. Having that quality agent and watching those folks grow is

important. I love watching them grow their wealth and stability. I love to see people make their own progress.”

In the Center of Action Evan grew up in the Wichita area, then went on to enjoy a successful career. He completed his training and education at the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in economics, in addition to playing Division I foot ball for the Air Force Academy.

From there, he went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force, with his primary duty station in Dayton, Ohio.

After being gone for 12 years, he and his wife, Shannon, moved back to Wichita. Through time, real estate became a natural part of his future.

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“I was focused on acquisitions and con tracting with items for the base and got my real estate license when I graduated from the academy. At the time, I earned my license to support me in buying my own properties,” he says.

“Real estate has always been there as a destination for me. In high school, that’s what started shifting my path. I was managing five or six

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foreclosed homes in 2007, and then, a year later, I was managing 30 to 40 a month, turning over and managing them. In time, a mentor of mine at the academy who had acquired a lot of homes across the country showed me how it had worked for him through his career, and I applied that to my career, as well.”

Bringing On His Best

Today, Evan leads two brokerages, including a brokerage that caters to the military and relocations around the nation.

“After having great success with that, I wanted to create Hearthstone Realty and bring the way we serve people to our local community,” Evan says with a spark.

The signs of success have been plen tiful. Hearthstone Realty has closed around $13 million in sales volume through October 2022. Typically, Evan records 60 to 80 transactions himself each year.

In his free time, Evan enjoys watching football with his father and children. He also enjoys getting outside and hiking.

When you have a conversation with Evan, it’s easy to see the joy he has for being back in his hometown and build ing a business that is all about serving the lives of people in the region.

As Evan says, “It feels very good being back and doing our part to help to develop our hometown … to help improve the place where I grew up.”

When it comes to giving back, one of the organizations that Evan is proud to support is Groover Labs.

“That is a group that is doing a fantastic job of working to jump-start entrepre neurship in the community as a non profit organization,” he points out.

Genuine Involvement

Those who get to know Evan appre ciate the way he is curious about the people he works with … genuinely investing in them.

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“I love getting a better understanding of what people are doing in their lives and what they want to achieve,” Evan says. “One thing that I always want people to know is that I truly value them.”

Family Fulfillment

Life for Evan is made much richer by his family, including his wife of five years, Shannon.

Congratulations to Evan Kaufman for all he does to serve his community and build a stronger future each day.

One thing that I always want people to know is that I truly value them.

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K I T

C O R B Y REALPRODUCERS

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stay-at-home moms. Mom managed the home and took care of us. My dad had good work ethic and always gave 100%,” Kit emphasizes.

“When I think about how to do a job or when my job would approve, I do what I say I’m going to do and do it the very best I can.”

NATURAL LEADERSHIP

Kit is a natural leader who puts her love of meeting and helping people into action every day and week.

“As a broker, I really like to work with the agents to help them be the best they can be in the market and to ensure that they are trained well and stay out of trouble,” Kit points out.

“I like the interaction with people and helping them achieve the goals they have for themselves.”

As Kit grew up and made her way through high school, she knew that she didn’t have aspirations for college. So she went to work for Boeing and trained in Quality Assurance.

Through that role, she tested materials and worked with paints, primers and hydraulics. Through the course of time, she picked up excep tional training and work in science during her 13-year career with Boeing.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

In time, she retired from Boeing and got set for her next chapter in life.

“My oldest children were entering their early teen years, and we decided that it would be important for me to be more at home during that stage of their lives,” she recalls. “I took my mothering role very seriously. My children were 6, 13 and 14 at the time.”

In time, Kit started working in home health care while her children were in school.

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“I did that for about 12 years until the last patient client I had was put into a nursing home,” she remembers.

“At that time, I thought I wanted to do something for fun … a career where I could control my own

destiny. So I got into real estate in 2004, initially with the idea that it would be more of a hobby/part-time, but it didn’t stay part-time. I followed the plan for being successful in real estate, and things took off.”

She has continued growing and building the business steadily through time. Today, she serves as a broker for an organization that boasts more than 190 agents.

REWARDING LIFE

Away from work, Kit gives her all to

her family, including her husband, Steve, who retired after 40 years in the Engineering Department at Spirit. Steve has also since earned his real estate license, as well, and works dayto-day with Kit.

They cherish time with their family, including their son, Aaron (and wife, Brandy); their daughter, Adrienne (and her husband, Kenny); and their son, Andrew (and his wife, Heather). They also have 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In her free time, Kit enjoys exploring the country with Steve in the fifthwheel trailer.

“One of our hobbies is trying to go through every national park in the U.S. We’re about two-thirds of the way through so far,” she smiles.

When it comes to giving back, Kit sponsors the Circus Project for children — paying for local children to be able to attend the circus. Another favorite cause that she likes to be involved with is the local school backpack program. In addition, she supports her grandchil dren’s local sports teams by sponsoring their various squads.

REAPING WHAT SHE SOWS

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Real estate success doesn’t come without effort. While Kit feels blessed to be able to enjoy her success, she has a passion for helping others pur sue—and reach—their goals.

“When I got started in the business, I didn’t know enough to be afraid. While the news was saying things about the economy, I didn’t know any different, and I put the blinders on and kept moving forward and kept doing what I always did,” she remembers.

“In this industry, I think it’s very important not to get caught up in the hype when people say it’s going to be terrible. We can still control our outcomes.”

When you talk with Kit, you can clearly see the kind of grit and spark that has led to her success through time. With a spirit of effort and con tinuous learning, she has kept driving forward for all the right reasons.

“I want people to know that I care about them and that I’m always going to do my best for them,” she says.

“They can count on me.”

IN THIS INDUSTRY, I THINK IT’S VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE HYPE WHEN PEOPLE SAY IT’S GOING TO BE TERRIBLE. WE CAN STILL CONTROL OUR OUTCOMES.

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double duty agent

LANCE Ferguson

Life as a Double Agent

There are some people in the world who have a knack for knowing how to be there when they are needed the most.

One of those, without question, is Lance Ferguson.

As a REALTOR® with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Alliance, Lance is a man of many talents … serving as a double agent of sorts as a REALTOR® a teacher and as a storm chaser.

Diverse Talents

While Lance brings many diverse talents to the table, his heart is dedicated first and foremost to his role as a REALTOR®. And he has proven to be extremely successful over time.

“While I know buying and/or selling a home can be so stressful for clients, I do try to have fun with them by joking around and being ornery. It seems to help deal with the stresses and problems that usually come up in transactions. I end up being pretty good friends with my clients afterward, and that’s when I know I have helped.”

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Getting His Start

Lance had originally started his real estate career with Matt Eck Real Estate, where he learned much from Matt and another mentor, Dal Eck. In time, he had an opportunity to join Greg Fox as a broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Alliance.

“This is a work family. I love it here,” he points out. “Because if I’m out of town or busy, there are a number of agents who would step up and help cover my business just like I have covered theirs. It’s very supportive.”

Passionate Pursuit of Storms

Another passion for Lance that has developed through time is his love of storm chasing. In fact, he has been very active in that field over time.

Photos By Kelly Remacle • Written by Dave Danielson

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He remembers having experiences in the past that captured his imagination when it came to respecting the power of Mother Nature.

“I had a close call with a bad storm in the middle of the night when I was in middle school at a church camp, and another one my first year in college as I was driving out to Garden City JUCO,” he remembers. “That day, a tornado formed and crossed the high way right in front of me.”

Lance emphasizes that he’s not a mete orologist. He is self-taught through his peers in the storm-chasing business.

Vital Role

Through time, he has learned and has been a vital part of the early warning system, alerting residents of the state about approaching storms for KWCH since 2001.

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“The largest storm I have been involved with was the Greensburg tornado. We were warning about that well in advance of when it hit. I was about three miles behind it when it hit the town,” he remembers. “The most disheartening feeling I’ve ever had was watching all the power flashes when the town was hit. It lasted for 20 sec onds,

then everything went dark.”

and

The reason I love storm chasing is to experience mother nature’s worst and to help warn the public. I love the challenge of forecasting where we need to be and then determining how to approach and chase them.

her accomplishments, and I do what I can to support her,” Lance says. “When I talk to her, I feel like I am reliving my college days through her, and it’s so heartwarming to know she’s doing well.”

Lance treasures moments with his girlfriend, Sandra Fuller.

“Sandra is also in the business. We like to bounce work ideas off each other,” he smiles. “We make for a great team, and we have worked together on transactions. It’s great to have support like that.”

The most recent high-profile storm that Lance was part of was the Andover tornado on Apr. 29, 2022.

“During that storm, I was with my chase partner, Scott Roberts. We were heavily involved in the issued warnings for that storm,” he says. “As a chaser, you want to see the power of the weather, but you want to see it out in a field in the middle of nowhere — not in a populated area.

The Andover tornado started out very small and somewhat weak, but as it continued to march toward town, it just got stronger. As we realized it was going to hit Andover, your heart sank, and all you could do was hope that the warnings were getting out.”

Storm chasing represents another important impact that Lance makes on his community.

“The reason I love storm chasing is to experience mother nature’s worst and to help warn the public. I love the challenge of forecasting where we need to be and then determining how to approach and chase them,” he explains. “I’m not one of those guys who drives a storm tank. I am in my own vehicle. Because of that, I am very careful about what I’m doing. I’m out there for a purpose … to report the what, when and where for Channel 12 and the National Weather Service.”

Family Foundation Family is at the heart of life for Lance, with two very important ladies in his life.

Lance looks forward to time spent with his 18-year-old daughter, Taylor, who is a college student at the University of Montana, majoring in Wildlife Biology and Dance.

“I loved spending time with Taylor, so it’s been hard to see her go off to her freshman year at college at the University of Montana. It’s so far away! But, I am so proud of

In his free time, Lance also likes to stay active. In fact, he officiates high school varsity basketball games. He also looks forward to walks with Sandra and their Goldendoodle puppy.

Giving Back

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In addition, Lance is also an Instructor for the local associa tion, REALTORS® of South Central Kansas. That opportunity to con tribute to the education of others is something that fuels Lance, as well.

“I take a lot of pride in that and enjoy teaching classes with my peers.

I’m passionate about that because I work with these peers in the field. I also enjoy collaborating with other instructors on class writing. As an instructor, I have learned so much about the real estate industry.”

With dedication, sincerity and consis tent leadership, Lance Ferguson helps his clients, his community and his peers … making a positive difference each day.

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McCurdy Lonny ICONIC IMPACT

top producer

Photos By Jennifer Ruggles • Written By Dave Danielson

Leadership takes on many forms, but one of the most personable and honorable examples you will ever find comes in the person of Lonny (Lonn) R. McCurdy.

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Problem-Solving. Difference-Making.

As Lonn thinks about the work he and his team carry out, he is proud to view what they do as problem-solving in a timely manner.

“When someone contacts us, they have a problem. We do a lot of work with REALTORS® and pride ourselves on our work with them,” Lonn says.

As chairman/owner of McCurdy Real Estate and Auction, Lonn has created a record of iconic impact that has stretched over the decades. It is a record of achievement that is matched only by his genuine humility and care for others.

Remarkable Record

Lonn has etched a remarkable record of results through time, including being inducted into the National Auctioneers Hall of Fame in 2022. Along the way, he set two national RTC records by recording more than 400 sales in 1992. And in 2002, he earned his Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE) designa tion awarded through the National Auctioneers Association.

In addition, Lonn has served as president of the State Auctioneers Association and president of the board of REALTORS® and has served in leadership positions in the National Auctioneers Association and the National Auctioneers Foundation.

He has also been named REALTOR® of the Year by the Wichita Area Association of REALTORS®.

But beyond all of the accolades, Lonn’s purpose for his work has revolved around the individual impact he is honored to play a part in creating.

“Recently, we did a large farm sale … one of the largest in western Kansas. The husband had passed away. After the auction was done, we were out in the large lot, and this very nice lady, who was the man’s wife, came over and gave me a hug and said, ‘Now I know I’m going to be OK.’ That means the world to me. I hope people know that I cared for people and did it with integrity.”

An Early Start

Lonn began life in the auctioneering busi ness in 1957 when he was just 14 years old, when he started working for renowned auctioneer Joe Davenport.

“We were doing personal property and also working at a livestock auction sale barn,” he remembers.

“My father was a part-time automobile auctioneer. That type of auctioneering requires a lot of weekly travel, and that didn’t appeal to me. I wanted to be here to help raise a family, build a local presence and help bring auction as a viable real estate alternative to Wichita.”

Growing in Success

As Lonn came of age, he joined the National Guard while he was working and attending school. From there, he went into the bank ing business, where he quickly rose through the ranks. In addition, he graduated from the U.S. Savings & Loan Institute.

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“I care about people,” Lonn says with a smile. “It’s always been important to me to be a good auctioneer … someone who is honest and trustworthy … someone who cares about the transaction.”

In 1978, he earned his real estate license. In 1982, he and his wife, Annette, opened their own family auction business … McCurdy Auctions. Today, Annette serves as co-owner and is still active in the company.

It’s always been important to me to be a good auctioneer … someone who is honest and trustworthy … someone who cares about the transaction.

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Through time, the next generation of the family joined the business and have ascended to lead the organization — including their son, Braden, and their daughter, Megan McCurdy Niedens. They also have a son, Scott, who has found success in another industry and who lives in Houston.

“Scott always says he is the one who got away,” Lonn says with a warm smile.

A Leading Team

Today, McCurdy Real Estate and Auction has a team of over 35 employees, conducting more than 500 auctions each year. In the process, they have become one of the industry’s innovators and leaders in online auctioneering. The company is licensed in Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado and Missouri and regularly conducts busi ness as a regional leader.

Family is truly at the heart of life and success for Lonn and Annette. They treasure time with their children and grandchildren.

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In their free time, you’re likely to find Lonn and his family enjoy ing time together, including spending time on the lake in their boat during the warm weather months.

When it comes to giving back, they have also assisted with numerous charitable efforts through time, providing benefit auc tion services that have helped to raise over $50 million.

Passion for People

One of the most rewarding parts of this business is the people … who have defined leadership through their efforts and approach to life and work. One of those who stands tall through time is Lonn McCurdy … who is the picture of what it means to create iconic impact for those around him.

As he says, “Our auction business is a family busi ness. Because we are family, we care about each other and all of our employees. We try to treat each other just like family. We truly care about our buy ers and sellers. We’re here to make a difference for those we have the privilege of serving.”

We try to treat each other just like family. We truly care about our buyers and sellers. We’re here to make a difference for those we have the privilege of serving.

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Insurance Group

partner spotlight

Photos By Mollie Wetta • Written By Dave Danielson

IIt pays to consider all of your options before you make a huge decision in life.

Ongoing Care

The same holds true when you and your clients consider your choices for insurance. After all, everything you’re trying to protect depends on making a thoughtful decision.

That’s why it means so much to partner with someone who takes that same mindset into providing you and your clients with the best array of options to choose from.

They’ve Got You Covered

Those who work with President Joey Krsnich and Vice President Wally Jensen with ICT Insurance Group get exactly that … being able to choose from a full spectrum of home/auto, health and Medicare insurance options.

“We can make a really big impact on the lives of people (not only finan cially but during claim time, when people want to make sure their insur ance works). In general, whether it’s home and auto or health, we are independent. That means we are able to shop all the available carriers out there,” Joey points out.

“There’s no fee. If people sign up on their own or with us, they will pay the same price, so they might as well have us do the legwork for them. We don’t have allegiance to one specific com pany; we look at all of them. If you call State Farm, they will try and sell you “State Farm,” but we will shop dozens of carriers. We look to find the best fit for the client. We like being on their side through that process.”

Once the decision for insurance coverage is made, it definitely makes sense to periodically review coverage to ensure that you are continuing to secure what’s best for you and your family.

“With health insur ance, everyone knows it changes a lot. Most people call us to review every year. The insurance coverage changes, including the price. With home and auto, people don’t typically review their home and auto very fre quently,” he points out.

“There’s no harm in every two or three years reviewing your coverage. It only takes about 10 minutes for us to get information and look at their cov erage. We will tell them that they either are good where they are at or look at what they have.”

A Trusted Partner for Health Insurance, Too As a REALTOR® who is self-em ployed, you probably don’t look forward to the process of securing health insurance for yourself. Having said that, that’s where ICT Insurance can help to streamline the process for you.

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“We insure quite a few REALTORS®. Every year or two, there can be big changes in the health laws that we can help them stay aware of and use to find the best deal. For example, one of the new changes involves someone who is offered a group insurance plan through a spouse. With the new change, now they can decide to go with their spouse’s coverage or go on the open market and very likely get a subsidy to help pay for that,” he says.

“It used to be that you were offered group insurance, and that eliminated your option to get a plan on the open market. In October, they changed that rule, and you can go either way now. We will review where they are or help them find a new option, and they can save up to $1,000 a month in some cases.”

Joey and Wally are both from Kansas and are alumni of Kansas University.

Joey spent six years in Dallas learn ing the health insurance business. He got married in 2015 and moved back home to Wichita in 2016.

“That’s when I noticed that there was a void for a go-to shop for people

needing help with health insurance,” he says.

“In the last 10 years, most agencies have gotten out of health insur ance. So that’s when I launched the business here, hired my first person and started the agency. Last year we merged with Wally. At the time, he had five different offices around Kansas. It made a lot of sense when we came together. Wally has great expertise in home and auto, and I bring experience on the health side.”

Going the Distance Success is a team sport. Today, ICT Insurance has 13 full-time employ ees in the Wichita office who are dedicated to health insurance, with

another 11 who specialize in home and auto coverage.

As Joey and Wally look to the future and their continued commitment to serving their clients, they maintain a central focus on their REALTOR® partners.

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“My wife, Kathryn, is a REALTOR®, and we compare notes on various issues affect ing those in the industry,” Joey empha sizes. “We will bend over to make sure that our partners are happy and to ensure that they know they are our top priority.”

When you’re looking for a trusted partner who will apply an independent spirit to help you achieve superior results, look to Joey, Wally and the team at ICT Insurance!

We will bend over to make sure that our partners are happy and to ensure that they know they are our top priority.

Emily Base, Roy Real Estate Team

"I highly recommend Ben Henwood at Designer’s Home Gallery. I first used them in a client's home that needed the entire home recarpeted prior to listing it for sale. I always shop around to get my clients the BEST deal and was shocked that Ben could get me the same prices that the factory outlets could, and the quality of the carpet was better. He came to me with the samples, they did the install, and got me the invoice promptly (which is so important to REALTORS®).

They really made the whole process so much easier than ANY other company I had ever used prior. I have been using Designer’s Home Gallery ever since. I don’t have to shop around; he knows what I like, and he gets the job done smoothly.

For the REALTORS®, Ben understands the “Allowance” process, they offer a REALTOR® rate, and he knows how to keep your clients happy! If you want to impress your clients, send Ben with Designer’s Home Gallery!”

-Janiece Erbert, REALTOR® Keller Williams Signature Partners

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partner spotlight

Photos By Kelly Remacle

Written By Dave Danielson

Planet Home Lending

MICHELLE CRUBAUGH

process and decided that was what I wanted to do,” Michelle says.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

estate transaction, they count on you to see them

“It also helped that my mom was a Real Estate Agent, my now ex-husband was a Building Supervisor, my uncle and grandfather were Developers, and owned a Sandplant/ Concrete Company.”

Michelle entered the business in June 1992.

Luckily, you have a partner who takes that same mindset into working with you … Branch Manager

“We are a full-service, direct mortgage lender,” Michelle says. “Not only do we originate mortgages, but we also have a first-class Servicing Portfolio

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Before joining Planet Home Lending, Michelle had a successful background in credit and finance. She had served as the assistant lease manager for the largest Chevrolet dealership east of the Mississippi River.

“With that experience, I had a pretty good knowl edge base already established. When I bought my first house, I was utterly intrigued by the mortgage

“I came up through operations, I worked as a junior underwriter, underwriter, second sign-off underwriter on the high-risk loans, Operations Manager

at closing. It’s a moment of nervous silence followed by a huge sigh of relief and even some happy tears at times.”

A Big Place in Her Heart for Horses

for a five-state region, Production Manager and then went in as a branch manager,” she recalls. “So I have been through the development of RESPA, high rates, the crazy loans of the early 2000s, the mortgage meltdown in 2008, and the current mortgage guidelines and development of the CFPB — which governs both mort gage and real estate.”

Positive Choice

More than four years ago, Michelle made the decision to join the Planet Home Lending team.

“Our motto here is, ‘We’ll get you home,’ and I think that says it all. One of the reasons I chose to go to work for Planet Home Lending was the fact that we service our loans,” Michelle says.

“It makes a huge difference in what I can get done and tolerances allowed.”

Those who have had the opportunity to partner with Michelle and the Planet Home Lending team appreciate the way the lender is there when it mat ters the most.

“My staff and I are available pretty much 24/7, and we understand that contracts get written late Sunday afternoons, and pre-qualifications are needed,” Michelle says.

“Not only do we have the experience (with an average of over 16 years per employee), we have the solutions. My branch can lend in more than 28 states, so we can provide the same great service nationally as we do locally.”

A Drive to Deliver on the Dream

At the heart of it all is Michelle’s drive to make dreams come true.

As she says with a smile, “I still love the thrill of a first-time homebuyer getting their new house keys

Away from work, Michelle stays active, with her love of horses guiding much of her free time.

“You can normally find me at the barn. I’ve been known to have a few phone calls after hours with my senior VP or underwriting managers, standing in my horse’s stall! I’ve owned horses for over 20 years and think it may be in my DNA. My great-grand father raised quarter horses and Percherons on 500 acres up in Northern Kansas. My grandfather’s first job out of high school was breaking horses for the U.S. Army in Eastern Kansas. My mom and aunt grew up riding.

I rode every chance I could, but being a mil itary family — I never got to own my own horse growing up since we moved every two years.”

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When Michelle’s daughter was 9 years old, Michelle bought a package of horseback riding lessons for her daughter. In the process, she came back to a place her heart had always been.

“As I walked in the barn with her, I just felt at home. I bought a horse

and started a journey that is still hap pening. I’ve also found ways to give back and contribute to the horse world over the years. I was the team mom for my daughter’s IEA Team (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) for two years, and I also ran the warmup arenas at their competitions.”

In addition, Michelle is a schooling hunter/jumper judge and has been involved with dressage associations in Atlanta, Georgia, and Wichita. She has also volunteered in the past for Pony Club.

Seeing the Impact Those who have had the chance to know and work with Michelle know that they have a trusted colleague and friend that they can rely on to go the distance.

One of them is Kris Schumacher with ERA Great American Realty.

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“Michelle is the constant professional in her industry. She always knows what is needed to get the deal done. Working with Michelle for the last eight-plus years has truly shown me the professional side of lending,” Kris says. “Even if she cannot get a cli ent approved due to income, debt to income or other factors, she stays in

touch with them, teaches them how to improve their credit score and checks in with them down the road. I am so thankful to have Michelle as a part of my real estate team to help my buyers get the best possible service on the lending side.”

When you want to partner with a lender that is there to offer you and your cli ents the complete package, look to Michelle Crubaugh and Planet Home Lending.

Contact Planet Home Lending Today! Phone: 316-304-3910, Email: mcrubaugh@planethomelending.com

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I said that I only wanted to do work with the people that the Lord brought to me. I will look at my pipeline. It may be empty at times, with nothing there. But He always managed to provide it.

“I said that I only wanted to do work with the people that the Lord brought to me. I will look at my pipeline. It may be empty at times, with nothing there. But He always managed to provide it,” Paula says.

“That is literally how I run my business. He stays completely faithful. The people he sends me … I just love every single one that I’ve done business with. I have received an amazing blessing.”

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Cherished Family Life Away from work, Paula’s life is made much richer by her fam ily, including her husband of 32 years, Rick.

“He’s my cowboy who is the CFO of a company,” she says. “And he’s a pretty big cheerleader for me. He has taken really great care of me for 32 years.”

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