Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Denise Johnstone to the Pinnacle Peak Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Denise is a business graduate from the University of Washington. She worked at the Athletic Department and served as a Husky Hostess, marketing the university to prospective students. Although she continues to be a devoted Husky, she now also supports her son’s schools.

Joining Russ Lyons Sotheby’s International Realty feels like coming home. I’m beyond thrilled to be part of a team that marries passion for real estate with unparalleled service. Together, we’ll turn dreams into addresses!

Denise Johnstone

After earning her degree, Denise embarked on an impressive journey in professional sales. Her career started at General Foods, dealing with consumer products. She made a significant impact by being the driving force behind the first sales to the then-emerging Costco HQ in Seattle. This accomplishment paved the way for her advancement, taking her to Phoenix and Los Angeles positions. During this time, Denise developed a profound appreciation for the desert landscapes, promising to return someday. Denise’s professional journey changed when she transitioned to Medical Device Sales in Sacramento. Here, she proved her mettle by winning numerous national awards while selling some of the most innovative and competitive products for industry-leading corporations, including U.S. Surgical, ACMI, and Boston Scientific. Balancing her professional life with personal commitments, Denise demonstrated outstanding time management and organizational skills.

Denise’s extensive background in sales, managing national accounts, enhancing customer’s experience and her entrepreneurial spirit in running her own personal business’s is the perfect segway to her future success in real estate and delivering “gold glove” service to her client’s

Tom NEwell, Director of Agent and Business Development

She married her husband, Tim, and they have two sons, a dog, and two cats. Their eldest son is a successful CPA in Northern California, while the younger son studies Business and Rugby at the University of Arizona. Denise’s dedication extends beyond her professional life as she volunteers enthusiastically to her sons’ football and rugby teams at high school and college. In her leisure time, Denise cultivates a delightful garden, designs intricate jewelry pieces, creates culinary delights in her kitchen, and enjoys kayaking. Denise’s well-rounded experience, strong business acumen, and personal warmth make her an ideal real estate agent. She’s not just committed to finding you a house – she’s devoted to helping you find a home.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Katie Whelan to the Pinnacle Peak Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

Like many of Katie’s Scottsdale friends, she is a native Chicagoan with over 20 years in the real estate industry. Katie provides her clients with dedication, a professional process, and attention to detail in every transaction. Her strong work ethic and absolute passion for real estate continue to deliver optimal results. Her proven strategies have produced a long history of referrals which I will always be grateful for.

Following a long and successful career in commercial real estate in Chicago, Katie has associated with the Pinnacle Peak Office at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. A consummate professional, Katie is excited to take her real estate skills into the residential market. We are excited to have her join our team!

Kevin Gonzales, Managing Broker

With firsthand knowledge of owning and investing in mixed-use residential/commercial properties in Illinois and Arizona, Katie Whelan is excited to assist clients throughout Scottsdale, Carefree, and Cave Creek. She has closed more than 400 real estate transactions in 20+ states with a solid commercial retail real estate background. She has been honored to receive the title of ‘Top Producer’ for several years throughout her career and also maintains a real estate license in the state of Illinois.

With experience in residential, commercial, and investment properties, Katie has a piece of broad business knowledge and exceptional negotiation skills – often exceeding expectations. You may have heard that before, but she will let you be the judge! Katie Whelan is committed to successful outcomes and looks forward to helping you get from where you are to where you want to be.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Cecille Waller to the Camelback Tower Office. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance lifestyles for their clients, expanding their reputation as the most respected name in real estate. 

As President and Founder of Waller & Co., LLC, Cecille leads a team responsible for representing buyers and sellers of properties throughout the Bay Area. She received her bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Computer Science from St. Paul’s University. After working in a high-tech company in Silicon Valley, she realized her true calling in service. For twenty years, Cecille has served the Bay Area residential real estate from sales to lending, investment, and development. She understands what it takes to render quality representation in today’s competitive marketplace. Cecille has been a recognizable face in South County real estate due to her ingenuity, strategic marketing approach, and personalized service.

During her tenure as a Broker Associate with Intero Real Estate, Cecille was a consistent Top Producing Agent recognized as a Top 10% Sales Producer worldwide since joining the company in 2010. Client satisfaction and happiness are Cecille’s top priorities and what drives her in this industry. Always a loyal and fierce advocate of her client’s best interests, Cecille has an extraordinary ability to negotiate and develop creative solutions to execute any deal. Known for her unwavering integrity and candor, Cecille will not advocate any deal unless she is confident it is the right move at the right time. She is always looking two steps ahead and considering the long-term financial payoff for her clients. Cecille is a proud mom to her highly driven, active three daughters. An avid fan and cheerer to her daughters at local and international swim meets and golf. She enjoys California beaches, wine tasting, and traveling with family and friends.

Cecille has had an impressive career in real estate in California, watching her transition to Arizona real estate is something exciting to witness. Watching our branding meet her experiences and expectations will be an amazing thing to see.

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker