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 Q & A with Polo Champion – Nic Roldan 

Fueled by talent, charisma, and passion, Nic Roldan is the leading American polo player with an impressive 8-goal handicap rating. He is the youngest polo player in the world to win the prestigious U.S. Open Polo title at 15 and has captained Team USA, winning victoriously on all five continents at every level; Nic attracts worldwide acclaim. His commitment to increasing awareness and participation in the sport he loves with a broader audience of players and new spectators reflects his passionate dedication to Polo. 

Nic will return and headline the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on November 5th at West World of Scottsdale. 

Nic Roldan is a licensed REALTOR®; see NicRoldan.com with Equestrian Sotheby’s International Realty in Wellington, Florida. He also develops, flips, and constructs properties, having personally created eight properties. 

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty had the opportunity to sit down with this America Polo Star to get his take on playing polo in the desert and how his journey began. 

Photo by Arianna Grainey/Independent Newsmedia

Tell us how you were first introduced to the sport of polo. 

It runs in the family; I’m a 4th generation polo player. 

Is polo your first love, or is there another sport you love equally? 

I love sports, and that competitive spirit gets translated into all areas. Off the polo field, I’m an avid golfer. When I was a kid, I played junior golf and got into the Junior Olympics with roller hockey. 

For those who have never played polo, what makes the sport so fascinating to watch and play? 

The athleticism of the horses and athletes is a perfect mix of beauty and power, the symbiosis between man and horse. The adrenaline. 

Do you have any goals you hope to still achieve in the sport? 

Yes, always! To win another U.S. Open Polo Championships and to play in Argentina again at the game’s highest level. Likewise, I’m passionate about continuing to grow the sport of polo and highlighting the horses in it. 

What are you looking forward to when coming to the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships on November 5th? 

The energy, the fans, the support, and the infectious excitement that the event generates. 

You have played all over the world, including Scottsdale, several times. How does the Valley of the Sun and Scottsdale, in particular, compare to some of the other polo destinations you regularly play? 

For the most part, Polo is played in warm climates, and during that time, Scottsdale’s climate is perfect. It’s a showcase event truly bringing polo to a whole new and fresh demographic, and the vibe is fantastic. 

Any advice for those looking to get into Polo? 

Don’t stress about the rules too much, as often that inhibits you from enjoying the game’s fluidity. The most critical factor for anyone getting into the sport is the actual riding, that is, the belt and braces of our sport; if you can master riding, you are 70% there.

November 3, 2022 by
Agency, Community, Entertainment, In The News, Inspiration, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Sotheby’s International Realty Top 100

In celebration of Sotheby’s International Realty®’s record-breaking accomplishment in 2021, the President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty®, Philip White, has personally invited the Top 100 Sotheby’s International Realty® agents and teams worldwide to celebrate an evening in New York City. This evening will take place on Thursday, November 3, to congratulate and recognize these global real estate advisors’ success and contributions.

Sotheby’s Top 100:

Aazami, Frank – Russ Lyon SIR

Adlam, Chris – Vista SIR

Adlam, Valerie  – Vista SIR

Arias, Ralph – One SIR

Aurich, Scott – Pacific SIR

Baldwin, Karen – Russ Lyon SIR

Behr, Josh – LIV SIR

Benoit, Debi – Gibson SIR

Benoit, Kathleen – Russ Lyon SIR

Boardman, Serena – East Side Manhattan SIR

Bodenchak, Frank  – Bridgehampton SIR 

Bodenchak, Dawn – Bridgehampton SIR 

Boyd, Cam – Steamboat SIR 

Brizolis, K. Ann – Pacific SIR 

Brown, Kevin – East Side Manhattan SIR 

Bullock, Bill – Golden Gate SIR 

Burns, Jeff – Pacific SIR

Burns, Tiffany – Pacific SIR

Cain, John – Pacific SIR

Canning, Jessica – Carmel SIR 

Canning, Nancy – Carmel SIR

Canning, Nie – Carmel SIR

Caras, Jennifer – Vista SIR 

Casabonne, Daniel – Wine Country SonomaSIR 

Corey, Heather – TTR SIR 

Cregan, Lisa  – Palm Beach SIR 

Cregan, John – Palm Beach SIR 

Curkoski, Mirce – One SIR 

Damianos, George – Damianos SIR 

Dickerson, Beth – Gibson 

Dockray, Dan – LIV SIR 

Dreyfus, Michael –  Golden Gate SIR 

Ememann, Andrew – Aspen Snowmass SIR 

Field, Nikki – East Side Manhattan SIR 

Flash Blum, Mara – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Francis, Bee – Russ Lyon SIR 

Friedman, Jason – Daniel Gale SIR

Friedman, Rudi – Daniel Gale SIR

Goodman, Carrie – San Francisco SIR 

Grant, Harald – Southampton SIR 

Halum, Faisal – Briggs Freeman SIR 

Heider, Daniel – TTR SIR 

Hem, Michael – Prominent Properties SIR 

Hewitt, Susan – Golden Gate SIR 

Iantomo, Eric – Pacific SIR 

Jacka, Rylan – East Hampton SIR 

Janzen-Botts, Jennifer – Pacific SIR  

Justo, Albert – One SIR 

Juvelier, Oriana – Puerto Rico SIR 

Kappel, Brad – TTR SIR 

Klug, Chris – Aspen Snowmass SIR 

Ladd, Brian – Cascade SIR  

Lavey, Eric – Beverly Hills SIR 

Lusk, Anne – Lusk & Associates SIR 

Lynn, Gregg – San Francisco SIR 

Martin, Ginger – St. Helena SIR 

Martinez, Michael – One SIR 

McCafferty, Amy – Golden Gate SIR 

McElwreath, Leslie  – Greenwich SIR 

Miller, Chandra – Maury People SIR 

Miller, Jeff – One SIR 

Mizell, Chase – Atlanta Fine Homes SIR 

Morton, Helena – Ocean Reef Club SIR 

Nakagawa, C.J. – Golden Gate SIR 

Nestler, Mark – One SIR 

Noah, Marc – Beverly Hills SIR

Nobrega, Malia – LIV SIR 

O’Rourke, Lara – Gibson SIR 

Overall, Breck – Sierra SIR 

Peter, Frances – Palm Beach SIR 

Peter, Todd – Palm Beach SIR 

Poletto, John – One SIR 

Post, Russell – Ocean Reef Club SIR 

Queen, Noelle – Golden Gate SIR 

Ramey, Bridget – Kuper SIR 

Rankin, Michael – TTR SIR 

Risko, Victoria – Bewerly Hills SIR 

Robinson, Chelsea – Gibson SIR 

Ryan, Hillary – St. Helea  SIR 

Sabeh, Joseph – Venture SIR 

Sansone, Linda – Pacific SIR 

Sarkissian, Lydia – Golden Gate SIR 

Sarkissian, Magda – Golden Gate SIR 

Schemmel, Joel – Premier SIR  

Schemmel, Toni  – Premier SIR  

Shone, Tina – Wine Country Sonoma SIR 

Siegenthaler, Nina – Turks & Caicos SIR  

Stein, Jeremy – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Stein, Robin – Downtown Manhattan SIR 

Stern, Ellen – Julia B. Fee SIR

Storch, Wendy – San Francisco SIR

Tarumianz, Lex Aspen Snowmass SIR

Taylor, Molly – Ocean Reef Club SIR

Thomas, Michelle – Premier
SIR

Trotter, Dana – Bridgehampton SIR

Uribe, Jorge – One SIR

VanArsdale, Karen – Premier SIR

VanArsdale, Nina – Premier SIR

Wilcoxon, Kumara – Kuper SIR

Williams, Lea – Tomlinson  SIR

Wolski, Daniel – Russ Lyon SIR

November 2, 2022 by
Entertainment, In The News, Real Estate

In the News: October 2022

November 1, 2022 by
Business, Entertainment, History, Inspiration, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

75 Years Serving Arizona

The Lyon family was at the forefront of transforming the Valley into what it is today through development and real estate, dating back to World War II when Russ Lyon moved here, got his real estate license, and started Russ Lyon Realty in 1947.

Russ’ son Dennis took over the real estate practice in 1968 as the company’s president, continuing to dominate the luxury market, primarily in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, and growing the company to about 350 agents. 

Dennis’ son Jim bought the company from his father in 2008 and merged it with Sotheby’s International Realty in 2014. 

As of 2022, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty now has 13 offices, 900+ agents, and services locations like Tubac, Flagstaff & everywhere in between. 

Read more about how Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has been serving Arizona since 1947 below. 

2022 is a banner year for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. 75 years ago, in 1947, Russ Lyon founded the Russ Lyon Realty Company. 

During these 75 years, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has grown into a 7 billion dollar, full-service luxury real estate brokerage with more than 900 full-time real estate advisors and 13 offices across Arizona from Tubac and Tucson to Scottsdale, Carefree, Gilbert, Peoria, and Fountain Hills to Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff. 

If you’ve been around Phoenix long enough, you remember when a huge, well-landscaped billboard at 24th and Camelback had a lion on it advertising Russ Lyon Realty, which was the premier home sales agency in the Valley. The Lyon family is really royalty in the Arizona real estate world.

Grady Gammage Jr., a long-time Valley land-use attorney and partner at Gammage & Burnham in Phoenix.

The brokerage continues strategic growth by investing in its people through innovation, exceptional service, and leadership, providing maximum returns to all its agents and clients. 

I am very proud of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for reaching our diamond milestone, as we continue to represent buyers and sellers locally and internationally always giving our clients the white-glove services they deserve and have come to expect. Our real estate advisors across Arizona are our core business, they work tirelessly to provide the best service possible while upholding the standards and ethics that make Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Arizona’s real estate leader.

Jim Lyon, chairman

The story of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty began in 1947 when Russ Lyon Sr. founded Russ Lyon Realty with just three employees. 

Lyon had been an accomplished saxophone player in New York City and, in the 1930s, formed Russ Lyon and his orchestra during the significant band era. He decided to relocate his family, wife Janis, and sons Rusty and Dennis to Hollywood, CA, to further his music career in the mid-1940s. While crossing Arizona, Rusty came down with Valley Fever. So, they wintered in the small farm town of Mesa so Rusty could recover.

One winter was enough to convince Russ that he’d found Heaven in The Valley of the Sun, Arizona. He changed the family’s plans, deciding to remain in Arizona permanently. 

There being no music industry to speak of in The Valley, Russ decided in 1947 to start a real estate company and named it Russ Lyon Realty.

The family moved to an adobe home on Cattletrack Drive in Scottsdale, where actual cattle drives were a common occurrence. This home still stands and is known as the Stable Galleria. 

Russ built the company into a luxury powerhouse in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Phoenix by always treating clients fairly, with dignity, respect, and professionalism. To this day, a business ethic is a cornerstone of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Russ’s son, Dennis, entered the family real estate business as a young man and eventually took the reins in the 1970s. Dennis built upon the solid foundation his father had created, and Russ Lyon Realty Company grew and prospered for several decades. Russ’s other son, Rusty, went into commercial real estate and founded Westcor, a company that revolutionized the American shopping mall concept and built some of the most successful malls in the United States, including Scottsdale Fashion Square.

In the 1990s, Dennis’ son, Jim Lyon, joined the company and quickly climbed the ranks from agent to management. In 2004, Jim partnered with long-time friend and successful Russ Lyon Realty agent Todd Gillenwater and opened franchise offices in Sedona, Prescott, and Flagstaff. In 2008, Jim and Todd purchased Russ Lyon Realty from Dennis, which they merged with another local brokerage to create Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s dominant luxury real estate firm. 

In 2012, Jim and Todd invited top-producing agent and friend Tom Locati to join the company as partners. 

In 2014, the Russ Lyon Foundation was formed and was recently recognized in the Top 3 mid-sized companies for corporate philanthropy and volunteerism. Together, Jim Lyon, Todd Gillenwater, and Tom Locati have continued the traditions and ethics that Russ Lyon Sr. started 75 years ago, and Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty continues to lead the industry by example. 

In 2021, the company closed over 7,000 successful transactions, totaling more than 7 billion dollars in Arizona real estate. 

Serving Arizona Since 1947

October 31, 2022 by
Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Leslie Grosshauser

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 Leslie Grosshauser 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. 

Leslie Grosshauser grew up in the Midwest in a small suburb of Chicago. To escape the bitter cold winters, she and her family visited Arizona every year for our vacations. They fell in love with the healthy lifestyle that Arizona had to offer. Arizona is where you can live a very active lifestyle full of adventures – right in your backyard!

Leslie has been in the Health and Wellness Industry for over 35 years, focusing on serving people and teaching them how to take care of themselves through diet and exercise. In 2018 she moved to Scottsdale, where she and her husband truly felt the shift of their own well-being by living in the extraordinary environment of Arizona, where sunshine is abundant, mountain views are all around you, and the people are warm and friendly.

Leslie’s purpose in life is to continue to help you find proper health and happiness in a home that checks all of your boxes. Finding your dream home will put you in complete peace and well-being. Leslie would love to help you through the process of either buying or selling your home. Together you all will find the perfect place for you to call home and live your best life.

Leslie is the type of person that has complete control over the situation she is in, very perceptive and knowledgeable, yet kind and attentive. Her fitness background Will lend itself beautifully to her new real estate endeavor.

Sherri Monteith, Managing broker
October 28, 2022 by
Business, Entertainment, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Kristopher Sollenberger

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 Kristopher Sollenberger 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. 

Kristopher Sollenberger (Kris) has been an active member of the Scottsdale community for 30 years and is excited to turn that community focus toward real estate.

Kris has been in the golf industry for 11 years and with a passion for service. He is ready to help with your home buying and selling needs. As a proud member of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family, Kris carries the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service.

When he isn’t making homeownership dreams come true, he enjoys spending time hiking with his wife and golfing with his dad and friends. Kris lives in North Scottsdale with his wife, 3-year-old son, 17-year-old stepdaughter, and cat.

We are excited to welcome Kris Sollenberger to our Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales team at the Pinnacle Peak Office. I know he will be a great asset to our office and will do a great job representing his clients.

KEVIN GONZALES, MANAGING BROKER
October 20, 2022 by
Entertainment, New Hire, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Ashley Thompson

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 Ashley Thompson to the Southeast Valley 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. 

Ashley was born and raised in the east valley. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Ashley is motivated and has impeccable customer service. Her number one priority is to build long-lasting relationships with her clients. She has mastered this with clients from all walks of life by using effective and continuous communication. Her “native” knowledge, extensive education, A+ customer service, and devotion to her clients are guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience.

Aside from being highly motivated Ashley is extremely great at strategizing and negotiating with others which allows the clients to achieve their goals. Her beautiful spirit and incredible depth of knowledge combined with an amazing work ethic make her an outstanding addition to our award-winning SEV Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty team.

Cathy Green, Managing Broker

October 14, 2022 by
Entertainment, Lifestyle

Iconic Estates: Marvelous Media Rooms 

As we head into the entertaining season, it is a great time to think about the unique rooms and spaces where we can host guests and spend time together. One spot perfect for gathering with family and friends is a marvelous media room to watch a movie, TV show, or the big game.

Home theaters, gaming spaces, and other media rooms are a huge trend in homes throughout Arizona. Nothing is more luxurious than having the best entertainment and amenities from the comfort of home.

Top luxury properties across the state feature media rooms of all kinds, and the fantastic lifestyle experts at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty can help find the perfect space for any family to relax, enjoy and make memories together.

Binge your favorite show in the marvelous media rooms featured in this month’s edition of ICONIC Estates!

There are only high tides and good vibes with design, sustainability, innovation, and an open-bar lounge. The Monaco Yacht Show ran Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Oct. 1, with sailing yachts, superyachts, and more in the beautiful country of Monaco for a beautiful, long weekend.

Visitors could tour the yachts, meet the designers and even get a pass to hear innovation seminars and enjoy an upper deck open bar lounge.

Here’s everything you missed at the Monaco Yacht Show!

Read More

You know what they say, “location, location, location.” But we’re here to say that location means nothing if you don’t have a spectacular view, which is why we’re in awe of the desert oasis that is the Views For Days home in Cave Creek, Arizona.

Kaitlyn Wolfe, Owner and Principal Designer of Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe, and the firm’s interior design team worked with the homeowners to transform the home into something inspirational and functional.

Read More

When it comes to pizza, forget New York and Chicago. Phoenix is a slice of heaven, and leading the charge for pizza supremacy is local chef Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco, the first pizzaiolo to be honored with a James Beard Award, one of the culinary industry’s most prestigious honors.⁠ ⁠

His 5-star pizzas have received numerous accolades, including being called one of the best in America by The New York Times, Food & Wine, and USA Today, among others, and have garnered him a loyal following of die-hard celebrity fans, including Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, and Jimmy Kimmel. And now he can add Netflix star to his long list of distinctions.⁠

READ MORE
October 10, 2022 by
Entertainment, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Vallè Wilkinson

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 Vallè Wilkinson to the West Valley 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. 

Vallé Wilkinson is a second-generation residential real estate agent. Having spent the last couple of decades as a trusted source for executives in global corporations, she is skilled in listening and producing results. A transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, and a former resident of Huntington Beach, California, she made her dream a reality in Arizona. Vallé wants to make your next move your best move.

Having a solid background as a trusted corporate advisor to global executives and a second-generation real estate agent, Vallé is a natural for the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. With a warm and welcoming charm, this transplant from Atlanta, Georgia, and a former resident of Huntington Beach, California, has made her dream a reality in the west valley of Peoria, Arizona. We look forward to watching her business develop.

Cindy Smith, Managing Broker
September 28, 2022 by
Entertainment, Real Estate, Russ Lyon

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Kimberly Wang

 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 Kimberly Wang 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. 

Kimberly Wang has been a REALTOR® for over 18 years and is consistently in the top 1% of REALTORS® in Arizona for sales volume. Her designations include Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Keller Williams Luxury Division and Million Dollar Guild, and Certified Distressed Property Expert. Kimberly also serves on the Keller Williams Board of Directors and is an instructor on the Keller Williams Master Faculty.

She is keen on helping people fulfill the American Dream of home ownership. Even if that dream seems daunting, Kimberly gets it done for her clients by guiding them through everything from credit repair to loan applications, all while promoting the value of manifesting their dream home visions. There is no “one size fits all” in real estate, so her out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, tenacity, and passion help bring sweet harmony to every client she comes in contact with.

Meeting Kimberly was such a breath of fresh air! Organized, highly intelligent and a spark for the business that is evident in her eyes. Her career will reach new heights since partnering with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and we look forward to all that ecompasses!

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
September 13, 2022 by