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
CONSTRUCTION / MORTGAGE LOANS
Andover State Bank (316) 219-1611 goasb.com
FOUNDATION REPAIR & WATER PROOFING IWP Foundation Repair (316) 308-8507 kansasfoundationrepair.com
HOME WARRANTY
Achosa Home Warranty George Brockman (417) 983-3204 achosahw.com
BANKING - MORTGAGE
Fidelity Bank fidelitybank.com
Perfection Builders (316) 729-1900 perfectionbuilders.com
Schellenberg Development schellenberg development.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
Closing Gift Store (316) 993-4398 closinggiftstore.com
Cutco Closing Gifts
Blaine Rodman (316) 293-8701 sharpbrandingtools.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
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
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
MORTGAGE
Benchmark
Bret Frerichs (316) 990-9990 ksvahomeloans.com
Gateway Mortgage Group gatewayfirst.com/mortgage
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
Jennifer Ruggles Photography (615) 415-3029 jenniferrugglesphotography.com
Kelly Remacle Photography (816) 803-5061
PLUMBING/HVAC
ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION
A & L Roofing Art Lohrengel (316) 721-5799 alroofing.org
Planet Home Lending Michelle Crubaugh (316) 304-3910 planethomelending.com
MORTGAGE LENDING
US Bank Sara Six (785) 492-7754 mortgage.usbank.com/ steve-farmer-wichita-ks
Two Men And A Truck Garret Petetman (316) 558-5588 twomenwichita.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Allie Jael Photography (316) 633-5547 alliejaelphotography.com
Frederick Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning (316) 262-3713 icalledfred.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
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
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print me more!
What the heck is a reprint? A reprint is a four-page, magazine-quality grade paper with your full article and photos and you on the COVER of the publication.
• These reprints are a professional marketing tool that can help brand you, your team and/or your business.
• Use on listing appointments
• Send out to friends and family
• Sent to clients with your holiday greetings
• Brokers, use as recruiting tools for capturing new talent
• Use when farming your favorite neighborhood
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The REALTOR®, broker or business that was featured, or your family or a friend. Anyone that wants to promote you!
Email Tara Terhune at wichita@n2co.com.
2022 is officially history, and what a year that was. When are we going to be able to stop saying that?!
I hope you all fared well in 2022, but in case you didn’t, Jan. 1 always gifts us a fresh slate, and to me, nothing feels better.
I wanted to share some of the highlights of Wichita Real Producers and some intentions I have for the magazine and platform this year.
We started a podcast called Beyond The Pages and have recorded two dozen so far! The goal of the podcasts is to bring on a Preferred Partner and their REALTOR® of choice. So if you would like to be a guest, reach out to your favorite advertiser in this magazine and let them know. Want to know which partners are next in line to appear on the podcast? Just reach out to me.
We hosted 11 happy hours for featured agents and Preferred Partners.
We brought an active Navy SEAL to speak to almost 90 agents and partners in October. Hostage Negotiator Dan Oblinger spoke to almost 100 attendees in our last happy hour of the year, thanks to the generosity of JR Mortgage Group. Both the October and November happy hours were open to ALL Wichita agents. And we plan on opening up more of our 2023 events to all agents, so stay tuned to social media and tell your REALTOR® friends.
We’ve started incorporating our commercial agents into the platform, and what better way than to start the year with our cover story, Brad Saville! In my experience, residential agents and commercial agents live and operate in very different worlds. From the databases to the professional affiliations to S.O.P.s, so I felt it was imperative to help build relationships between the two. For all you residential REALTORS®, I challenge you to build a referral relationship with a commercial agent. In most cases, you’ll be doing what’s best for your commercial client to hand them off to someone who lives, speaks
and is truly fluent in all aspects of commercial real estate. Believe me, they are two very different animals with different languages.
We’re no strangers to special edition publications, but last March, we did a 30 Under 30, and it was a blast! What special editions should we do this year? I Love Cars? 40 In Their 40s? Industry Icons? Pets Edition?
As always, I’d love to hear your ideas on how to make Real Producers better. After all, this is all FOR you and all about YOU. Who should we feature? What kind of events would you like to see? What content or stories need to be in the magazine? Is there something we do that just doesn’t work? I want to hear it all. So please, don’t be shy. This magazine is successful because of your participation and support. I am here to serve and CONNECT, ELEVATE and INSPIRE all the Wichita real estate professionals.
Have a wonderful, successful and prosperous 2023!
Life is filled with before-and-after scenarios … situations where a current state or condition is changed or evolves to reach a stage of improvement.
Getting to that new stage is like making your way across a bridge.
That’s where people like Brad Saville, CCIM, come in.
As founder and CEO of Landmark Commercial Real Estate, Brad is a
key bridge builder to help his clients, team members and communities grow and flourish.
“When I think about what really drives me in what I do, it’s definitely not the money. It’s the thrill of the chase and experience of excitement of bringing two parties together to achieve goals,” Brad emphasizes.
“A prime example in what we do in the commercial real estate business is having the opportunity to bring new retailers and restaurants to Wichita … and then going through the steps of helping them
find locations here locally that will work well for their businesses.”
Indeed, those who know Brad attest to the passion they see in the way he interacts with others … the way he is able to bring a deal together for the benefit of all involved.
An Early Start. A Lasting Impact. Brad started his real estate career in 1991, and he formed Landmark Commercial Real Estate in 1993.
While it’s not uncommon for REALTORS® to come to the business after working in other career fields, Brad had long set his sights on joining the industry that he grew up around.
“Commercial real estate was definitely the first thing in mind that I wanted to do,” he recalls.
“My father, Ken Saville, was in commercial real estate, and that inspired me to get into the business. I did that and never looked back. It’s the only career path that I have been on for over 30 years since attending Wichita State University and completing my CCIM designation in 1995. Previously, I was fired from my college in the 1980s job working at Rusty’s Outdoor
Sports
Within the commercial space, Brad has had a particular passion for retail and restaurant deals, as well as new development and construction.
“We definitely specialize in development work, including new shopping centers and new construction,” he explains. “In addition, over the past 25 years, we have created a real niche
in working with the development of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar Tree stores across the Midwest region.”
Brad and his team have been part of many notable projects in the region through time, including Waterfront development anchored by Abuelo’s, Whole Foods and PF Chang’s, as well as Cabela’s, Hobby Lobby, and construction of the new K96 and Greenwich.
“We also co-developed Central Park Place, a 26-acre project on Maize road, Lowe’s, Academy Sports, Homegoods
and Longhorn Steakhouse,” Brad says. “We have become involved in downtown Wichita where Landmark is located. I was proud to co-develop Naftzger Park and the former Spaghetti Works warehouse into a live, work and play community.”
Brad smiles as he recalls the growth of his brokerage through time.
“About 30 years ago, when we got our start, there were just two of us in an office, and we grew over time. Today, we have about 30 people, including our different divisions … property management, accounting, the brokerage, sales and leasing, development, marketing and maintenance,” he points out.
“We quickly evolved into a full-service firm. That evolution really occurred over 20 years ago when we built out the property management and development side of the business.”
Away from his duties leading the brokerage, Brad cherishes time with his family, including his wife of 18 years, Tiffany, and their children, who all reside in Wichita.
In his free time, Brad continues a lifelong passion he has for horses and spending time at their family farm in Leon.
“Through time, my passion has been team roping and agriculture, much different than Commercial real estate. I really have enjoyed being part of
passionate about pursuing and earning their CCIM designation,” he explains.
“In addition, I see a lot of people doing coaching, whether it be life coaching or business coaching. That was important for me, as well. In fact, I took part in a Strategic Coaching program based in Chicago. That was instrumental in enabling us to grow the business and hiring our president.”
that world and the genuine people,” he says.
In addition, Brad and his family are involved in fishing and hunting and Table Rock Lake — taking in the best of the outdoors. He and his family also enjoy attending New Spring Church. He and Tiffany also have a passion for supporting their children in their competitive baseball and dance activities.
When it comes to giving back, Brad and his wife have been involved in supporting the efforts of the
Kansas Andover Advantage Foundation, Young Life, and the Kansas Humane Society.
As Brad continues to build for the future, he shares helpful tips with others who are looking to take their own next positive steps in real estate.
“I think one of the most important things you can do is to continue to learn and grow. For example, in the commercial side of the business, we have a lot of folks in our office who are
As Brad discusses the next steps forward for Landmark, he feels very grateful for the outstanding culture that he and his team have built through time.
“We treat each other like family. We also just completed the new Landmark Lounge, where we host events and have social gatherings and educational programs,” Brad says. “The Lounge is equipped with a pool table, bar, foosball, poker, great music and lots of TVs.”
Brad also continues his focus on building bridges for the community he loves.
“Wichita is growing, but is still a smaller town. It’s very rewarding to be part of our community’s growth,” he says. “As part of that, I love watching new agents develop over the course of many years. I also like watching clients grow from purchasing their first commercial property to developing an entire portfolio over many years.”
Photos By Allie Henwood • Written By Dave Danielson
Our lives are filled with chances to start again or take the next step forward. In the process, our times to start anew gain a real edge when we have someone alongside us who believes in our vision.
That’s the role that Dwyn Thudium is proud to play.
As broker/owner of Crown III Realty LLC, Dwyn takes real joy in adding a boost to help others around her make new beginnings.
Dwyn’s efforts directly impact her clients, as well as her team members.
“I don’t sell a lot individually as much as I used to. I help the other agents in the office. When I am out there, I do it for friends, family friends, and family. I like helping people find and begin their new lives in a new home. I really enjoy that … watching them get excited about their new endeavors,” Dwyn says.
“With my team members, I listen to them, help them and am very hands-on to support them in solving issues and giving them ideas on drumming up business.”
Originally from Iowa, Dwyn’s love of the area began when she first moved to the area in 1983. In time, she and her husband moved to St. Louis for his job. Eventually, they moved back to Wichita.
In the meantime, they had started their family. At that point, a friend suggested that she get into real estate, working at first as an office manager for Crown III Realty beginning in 1994.
“At that time, my husband traveled about 95% of the time for his job. Working in real estate gave me the ability to be there for my daughters,” she says.
Through time, Dwyn earned her license, built her business and became an integral part of the brokerage. In 2006, she purchased the brokerage. Today, she leads a team of 12 professionals.
Their combined efforts have been remarkable. In fact, they average from $10 million to $15 million in sales volume.
As she says, “My agents are very conscientious. I’m very proud of them. They work hard and make a big difference for clients.”
Away from work, Dwyn treasures her time with family, including her daughter, Stephanie, who works parttime with her in the business, and her older daughter, Valerie, who lives in Kansas City.
In her free time, Dwyn likes to play golf, spend time with her family, including her grandkids and friends, as well as swim and quilt.
When it comes to giving back to the industry she loves, Dwyn is very involved in the local board of REALTORS®, serving on several local and state committees, and being WAAR (RSCK) board president and SCKMLS board president.
“I enjoy being part of that organization. It also helps me stay aware of
I want to make our profession better and better. I don’t want to bury my head in the sand. I want to keep up with the times. If there is a change, I will dive in, learn it and do the best we can at it.
new developments in the business. If there are new forms coming out or something in the governmental realm that they need to know, it feels good being able to know about those things up-front and being able to help educate our team,” Dwyn says.
“I want to make our profession better and better. I don’t want to bury my head in the sand. I want to keep up with the times. If there is a change, I will dive in, learn it and do the best we can at it.”
As Dwyn thinks about the future and her continued leadership of her team, she shares helpful tips with others who want to keep progressing in the business.
“You should always be educated. There are always new things to learn. Over the years, my Broker before me said you learn a lot when you’re in the office. Even if it’s something someone else has done to drum up business,” Dwyn says.
“You learn a lot by being part of those conversations. You need to educate yourself and spend time in the office where you can get some inspiration.”
Truly, those who have the chance to know and work with Dwyn experience the exact same thing … that level of inspiration and support that drives them on … gaining a real boost for their new beginnings.
No doubt you have been in a situation where you have started working with clients who may not truly believe that real estate goals are within their grasp. Yet something has compelled them to make the call, have the meeting and start working with you.
Through time, you help them move forward. It’s a fulfilling feeling, to be sure.
That’s the same emotion that plays a big part in Patty Savage’s career satisfaction, too.
As a REALTOR® with eXp Realty, Patty revels in being able to make the “impossible” real for her clients.
“I love watching the joy and excitement on my clients’ faces as they purchase a home,” Patty emphasizes. “Some of my clients thought they would never own their own home. So when it comes to pass, it means a lot.”
Patty earned her real estate license in February 2017. Prior to that, she made a major impact on many area residents for over three decades as a teacher.
“I am a retired high school business teacher. I taught students for 31 years,” she recalls.
In the process of teaching, Patty also served as a sports coach. Each year, she would help her students tap into their own entrepreneurial spark and envision a future where their dreams would come true with their own businesses.
Eventually, the time was right for her to consider her own lessons seriously for herself.
“I taught an entrepreneurial class to my students, and we created a business plan as part of that class. As we went through that process, my kids asked me, ‘Why don’t you have your own business?’ My answer had always been that I wasn’t ready for the risk,” Patty recalls.
“I always enjoyed real estate. For example, it was fun going with my daughter as she was shopping for her own house. Then in 2016, I made the decision to take a closer look. I wrote my business plan with my students.”
Patty Savage is definitely one of my favorite REALTORS® to work with. She does an exceptional job educating and preparing her buyers (especially her firsttime homebuyers). When they get to me, they are ready to start the mortgage process and well-informed on the timelines and general needs,” Michelle says. “She’s a great communicator, and as a result, our transactions are smooth and seamless — which is a huge benefit for our buyers. It’s been wonderful watching her success the last few years, and when a buyer asks if we are a ‘team,’ it is a definite YES!
Within a year, Patty made the leap and earned her real estate license — exploring the industry and growing her business part-time while continuing to teach for a time. Then, about a year and a half ago, she made the full leap — going into real estate full-time.
Today, one of the passions that Patty has for her work continues to involve a big measure of teaching.
- Michelle Crubaugh, Branch ManagerPlanet Home Lending
hitting the open road together. In addition, they also like to explore new places in their RV, as well as camp and spend time at the lake.
When it comes to giving back, Patty enjoys supporting Wichita Women for Good and the Alzheimer’s Association.
When you talk with Patty, it’s easy to see her caring and compassionate nature and the enjoyment she has for her role as a REALTOR®.
Those who have the chance to work with Patty notice the difference she makes each day. One of those is Michelle Crubaugh, who serves as branch manager at Planet Home Lending.
Day by day, Patty makes a generational difference for those she serves by helping them realize the reality of something they may have considered to be impossible.
“I love educating first-time homebuyers. Another big favorite part for me is helping veterans get into homes,” Patty says.
“I remember having the opportunity to work with one person who had drug issues and was homeless years before meeting me. She went into recovery and moved forward to buy her own house. The smile on her face and tears in her eyes when she closed on her home means so much to me.”
Away from work, Patty looks forward to time with her family, including her husband, Richard Kemp, and their children.
“I’m very proud of my family. Richard has two daughters in the Kansas City area, and we have seven grandkids up there. I have three children and a bonus son! Cristina is a nurse, and her husband works at Spirit, and they have a 16-year-old daughter,” she says.
“My granddaughter enjoys playing softball, and I love traveling and watching her play. Danielle is a special education teacher and loves her job. My son, Austin, is a police officer. My bonus son, Daniel, is a truck driver. He and his wife, Emma, have given me two more grandbabies to spoil. I am blessed to have children that are in very caring professions. I also have a seven-pound Maltipoo named Gracie.”
In her free time, Patty looks forward to riding on her HarleyDavidson motorcycle. She and Richard both have one and enjoy
“I love seeing my clients in a home or downsizing or upsizing or selling their home,” Patty says. “The joy of seeing them reach their goals makes me very happy.”
“With our inspection reports, we like to help them make a decision on the biggest financial decision they’ll make in their lives.”
That desire to help others during a crucial time in the process is what really drives Jason in his day-to-day work.
In a market where the speed of offers can sometimes reach a fever pitch, Jason reminds us about the importance of not moving forward without an inspection as part of the deal.
“Prior to getting into this business, I was a truck driver for 20 years heading out over the road,” he remembers.
“With what I do now, I’m still out and about. Now, though, I’m traveling across the city delivering a valuable service rather than a product.”
Those who work with Jason and Pillar To Post appreciate his reliability and consistency during the process of conducting a property inspection.
Whether a home is old or new, there’s nothing that is absolutely perfect.
The key is raising awareness and informing the decision so that homeowners can be aware and make good decisions for their future with the property.
The value of having a partner on your side who gives their all to support your clients means the world.
That’s the dynamic that’s definitely at work with Jason Hancock and Pillar to Post — The Hancock Team.
“That’s really what it’s all about for us … helping others,” Jason says.
“I try not to take more than three hours during the process. At the same time, I pride myself on a thorough inspection,” he explains.
“Then we follow that up with really good communication. As part of that, we look forward to that time of talking with the client and answering their questions.”
Away from work, Jason’s world is made much richer by his family, including his wife.
In his free time, Jason enjoys a variety of pursuits … from fishing to watching movies and enjoying time with his grandchildren.
“When the inspection isn’t done, it can be a dangerous road. Sometimes when that step is skipped, you can see some buyer’s remorse,” Jason points out.
“One of the most valuable parts of the inspection process for the clients’ perspective is adding to their knowledge about their home.”
When you talk with Jason, it’s clear to see why he continues to grow his business and reputation for results with his down-to-earth and honest approach.
“Through the process, my hope is that people find that I’m easy to work with and that I care about giving them the best service possible,” he emphasizes.
Contact Pillar to Post The Hancock Team Today! www.pillartopost.com/ jasonhancock 316-570-1444 hancockteam@pillartopost.com
"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
and Phelps Tax & Financial
Photos By Kelly Remacle • Written By Dave Danielson
It becomes immediately evident when you meet someone who is totally immersed in the needs of others.
That’s the feeling you get when you talk with Ryan Phelps.
As a tax specialist with Phelps Tax + Financial, Ryan is truly invested in the success of those around him. owners that I work with, and REALTORS® are my biggest ness. They have a particular set of demands due to the nature of their work. I like being able to help relieve some of their financial burden so they can focus on what they do well and what they enjoy,” Ryan says.
“Engaging my clients regularly helps me to better meet their needs. I enjoy seeing them in person at the office or talking with them on the phone to see what we can do to help them reach their goals.”
A few of Ryan’s primary objectives are helping his clients understand the deductibility of expenses, the importance of timely filings, and record-keeping methods. But the conversation could still grow from there.
“It could even involve forming an LLC and electing S-Corp taxation. I can help to facilitate that process for them,” Ryan says.
Continuing a Tradition of Results Ryan has continued and built on the legacy of the family business that his mother began in 1992. He joined the company in 2011 and rebranded it as Phelps Tax + Financial at that point.
As he remembers, “When I joined the family business, I brought with me some understanding of the financial world. I had worked in both consumer and commercial lending for various local financial institutions and was able to adapt the skills I honed there to my new role in the accounting world.”
Today, Ryan has six full-time employees, along with four team members who work remotely and seasonally for a total of 10 team members.
You’ll find Phelps Tax + Financial in the historic Delano District.
“We love being anchored here,” he smiles. “This building was built in 1900. We have owned the building since 1992 and have renovated it a couple of times, most recently in the fall of 2020. We love our neighborhood, and we are proud to call Delano our home.”
Ensuring Understanding
Ryan is the consummate professional who brings a deep understanding of his clients’ situations to his interactions and problem-solving with them.
“I know that my REALTOR® partners spend a lot of time on the phone in constant communication with other agents, lenders, inspectors, and appraisers. They are also driving long distances to meet clients and show houses. Amid all of that, the back-end financial things can get neglected,” he acknowledges.
“Let us take from your plate any stress and responsibility of bookkeeping or tax planning. We can do all that for you so you can focus on what you enjoy.”
Away from work, Ryan looks forward to time with his family, including his wife and their two children. He is also the proud owner of 3 Doberman Pinschers.
In his free time, Ryan enjoys mixing cocktails for his friends, trying new bourbons and whiskeys, and frequenting his many favorite local watering holes.
Let us take from your plate any stress and responsibility of bookkeeping or tax planning. We can do all that for you so you can focus on what you enjoy.
Those who have a chance to know and work with Ryan appreciate the fact that he is approachable and eager to help solve their issues.
“I spend a lot of time consulting with my clients to make sure they have a good understanding of their financial picture. Equipping my clients with the necessary tools to make informed decisions is paramount to me,” Ryan says. “And my ultimate hope is that my clients feel that I’m very invested in their best financial interests.”
Contact Phelps Tax + Financial Today! Office: 316-262-1900, Ext. 303 Email: Ryan@phelpstax.com Website: www.phelpstax.com
role—after earning his undergraduate degree in economics at Wichita State University and his doctorate in economics at the University of Illinois. He went on to work with an emphasis on mortgage discrimination and housing finance. He also worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland.
“I always had an interest in real estate and had a passion for urban development and how communities develop. When I was hired for this role, it was an opportunity to come home … my kids were able to grow up five blocks from their grandparents,” he says. “The university needed someone to restart the real estate program here. That’s how I ended up there and morphed from mortgages to real estate.”
The passion Stan brings to his work is easy to spot. At the top of his list of
elements that drive his efforts is the love he has for teaching.
“I care deeply about my students and enjoy the opportunity to help young people discover a path for their lives,” he says.
“I also really enjoy the academic research side. As professors who research topics and publish our findings in journals, we go very deep into a very narrow topic and essentially become an expert in that small area. There’s an element of that that I enjoy of focused time to really understand an issue very well.”
A big part of Stan’s work has involved
looking at land values and the dynamics of real estate markets. He also enjoys seeing the results of research and the way the process can impact the world.
“I like being able to translate research to real estate professionals and policymakers in a way that demonstrates
I care deeply about my students and enjoy the opportunity to help young people discover a path for their lives.
practical everyday uses,” he points out. “I like discussing what is happening in RE and helping professionals make better decisions.”
Away from work, Stan treasures time with his family, including his wife, Julie, who is an adjunct instructor in the theater department at Wichita State University. In fact, they met when they were students themselves at the school. At the time, Stan’s major was also in theater.
Today, one of their favorite things to do is take in theater productions. In fact, they’re looking forward to a trip in 2023 to London to take in a number of stage productions.
Stan and Julie cherish time with their children—their daughter, Nina, who is the director of patron services with the Wichita Symphony, and their son, Zachary, who works with the Martens Companies in data analytics.
With a kind and thorough nature and a faithful sense of service, Stan makes life better for others around him. Along the way, he was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement from the Kansas CCIM Chapter.
His greatest rewards come through the achievements of others.
As he says, “The proudest moment of my career was a few years ago when four of my former students came together and purchased NAI Martens and became the principals there. It is fantastic seeing them build their careers and become the next generation of leaders. That was powerful to feel like I had been able to play a small part in their success.”
EACH OF US BRINGS A PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS TO WHAT WE DO EACH DAY. BUT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHERE WE ARE TODAY AND THE PROGRESS WE CAN REALIZE TOMORROW OFTEN COMES DOWN TO THE WILLINGNESS AND FOLLOWTHROUGH TO LEARN AND GROW.
In truth, the role of a coach can be absolutely instrumental in helping a person break through current plateaus and realize a new level of achievement and satisfaction in life and business.
That’s where professionals like Tessa Knnen come into the picture.
As a REALTOR® with Keller Williams Hometown Partners, Tessa is truly a coach for all seasons — serving as a coach for a high school basketball squad and as a trusted guide to help her clients achieve wins in their lives.
The drive to compete and contribute to the success of others has always been part of Tessa’s DNA.
“I grew up in a very competitive household. My father, Wayne, has been a high school basketball coach in Kansas for over 30 years. My brother, Dennan, is a Division I coach himself at Jacksonville State,” she explains. “Basketball was always at the heart of my goals. I played at Valley Center High School, and I ended up playing a couple of years in college.”
Originally Tessa wanted to major in architecture or interior design, but her life took another rewarding turn when she got engaged during her sophomore year of college. At that point, she got married and moved back to Wichita, finishing up her degree at Wichita State University in marketing.
After graduation, she worked in the nonprofit world for 11 years. In the meantime, she always maintained a strong love of architecture, design and the real estate world.
“I always had a passion for homes and design, and after a desire to change career paths, I decided to pursue real estate,” she says. “I thought real estate would be a good fit putting my passion and marketing background together. Four years ago, I got my license.”
Two years prior to that, she had started coaching high school basketball at Maize South High School.
“I feel very blessed and grateful to have a career that I love in basketball and in real estate. I love helping people and teaching the
game of basketball and teaching the real estate process to buyers and sellers,” she says with a smile.
“I have a big passion for basketball. My whole life was based around that growing up. I love people and helping others see their potential and pushing them to reach their goals. Another favorite part of both basketball and real estate for me is the relationships you develop along the way. I see a lot of things that relate from sports and coaching back to real estate, as well. I always want my players and my clients to know that I have their back and will always be rooting for them to win in life.”
For Tessa, the parallels between her role as a high school coach and a REALTOR® are strong.
“There is a lot of teamwork involved in both fields. I understand real estate isn’t a one-person game. It’s a team activity to get to the closing table,” she says.
“There is also a lot of hard work with ups and downs in a season and game. In both, it’s key to work hard and stay level-headed. It’s very competitive. In owning your own business, I see it
important to be self-motivated and continually make yourself better in your role.”
In life and business, Tessa feels blessed to be able to pursue paths that she feels a deep connection to.
“I think we all have something that we are very passionate about that comes naturally. If we can all use what we’re passionate about and use that to give back, that makes the world a better place,” she says with a smile.
“Some of my best memories are through basketball, and if I can give back to the game in any way I can, I feel that’s valuable to others.”
Truly, Tessa Konen continues to create wins year-round through her caring, commitment and guidance as a coach for all seasons.
I THINK WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING THAT WE ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THAT COMES NATURALLY. IF WE CAN ALL USE WHAT WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT AND USE THAT TO GIVE BACK, THAT MAKES THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.
