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Entertainment, Russ Lyon, Sports

 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. 

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.

Entertainment, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Sports

Carving the Future

 We have a thriving Arizona youth sport during this Winter Olympic year that might be a surprise – Alpine Ski and Snowboard racing. 

Alpine skiing has been one of the Winter Olympics’ signature competitions since 1936. This timeless sport consists of five events – downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super-G, and combined events. 

The Flagstaff Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team was founded in 1967 and trains over 180 athletes from ages eight to eighteen at the Arizona Snowbowl. The team competes in the Rocky Mountain Division of US Ski and Snowboard. The Rocky Mountain Division consists of the following states: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. 

Families commute from all over the state and from cities as far as Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson to have their juniors on this team. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s CEO and co-owner, Todd Gillenwater and, his wife, Nancy Gillenwater, have twin 17-year-old daughters that have been on the team since the age of eight and are finishing their high school racing careers this winter. 

This season they’ve raced downhill, super g, giant slalom, and slalom – all Olympic events. The races have been held in Loveland, Aspen, Purgatory, Colorado, and Flagstaff, Arizona. Their final season wraps up this March with Championship races in Taos, New Mexico. 

When asked for takeaways from being an athlete on the Flagstaff Alpine Ski & Snowboard Team for almost all of their childhood, the Gillenwater twins said self-confidence, discipline, respect for the mountains, and how fortunate they feel to have been a part of the team and sport. These are the qualities that will define them forever. 

flagstaffskiclub.org

Baseball, Entertainment, Real Estate, Sports

Cody Bellinger Lists Chandler Residence with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

This masterpiece is equally tailor-made for those who love sports as well as those who love to entertain.

Have you ever dreamed of flying into town, taxing directly into your own private hangar, stepping into your home and shooting a game of hoops, or hitting a few balls in your own batting cage? While that may seem like a somewhat elaborate dream, it can actually now come to reality.


Star Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger can make that dream come true for you; Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, is listing his “ultimate
man cave” for sale at $3,999,000 with Agent Jennifer Bellinger, who when she’s not finding buyers
for exquisite custom homes in Arizona also serves as Cody Bellinger’s mother.

This beautiful Forte custom home at 4390 W Beechcraft Place in Chandler measures in at 4,513 square feet on one level, with 3 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, but the numbers don’t do it justice when compared to the incredible amenities that it contains. The first and most prominent is the 3,762 square foot air-conditioned airplane hanger which taxis directly onto the Stellar runway. You can transit directly from a private plane right into your home.


The most unique features reflect the occupation of its owner, however; this is a sports-lover’s paradise. It naturally contains a retractable batting cage as well as a basketball court, a bar, and a game room. The absolutely perfect destination for your sports fanatic friends to come to and let loose. If you want to make your friends envious, this has what you need.


Of course, the home won’t be purely for recreation, and to that end, this exquisite home features dual master bedrooms, a guest suite, and a formal office.


The open floor plan has 18′ ceilings with floating box beam ceiling treatments. Towering gas linear fireplace in the main room is the centerpiece of the living area. While you’re entertaining, it’s essential to create great meals, and this home’s kitchen is appointed with Subzero/Wolf appliances including a built-in espresso maker, dual Cove dishwashers, and the dining space has built-in Subzero Wine Fridge.

If you want to cook outside in the beautiful Arizona weather, it has an outdoor kitchen with a pizza over. And it also features a heated pool jacuzzi, and a fireplace, making it an ideal meeting spot for not just your sports enthusiast friends, but friends and family of all hobbies and stripes.

And you know the old adage about real estate; it’s all about location, location, location. This Chandler home speaks perfectly to that, as it is close to world-renowned shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and schools. It’s an ideal place to both entertain family and raises a family.


We invite you to take your own virtual tour of the property by watching this video, with both video
and photo credit going to Anthony Giammarino at Airobird Drones Arizona.

We are confident that you’ll think that this gorgeous home is just as much of a home run as Cody Bellinger did when he purchased it.

This home was as recently featured here:

Entertainment, Inspiration, Sports

A Mountain Biker’s Journey

When the Summer Olympics head to France in 2024, one of the sports continuing to gain attention and momentum is mountain biking, especially here in the Grand Canyon state.  After beginning in California in the 1970s, the sport’s popularity has grown among adults and especially teens looking to tackle Arizona’s dramatic landscape and rugged terrain.

One of those young mountain biking enthusiasts’ is 14-year-old Zane Thomas of Anthem. 

“I love to jump and go fast downhill,” said Zane Thomas. “I would watch videos on social media of people going to bike parks and I knew it was something I wanted to try.”

Two years ago, while still in junior high school Zane came across a post about a Mountain Biking team allowing him to join the nearby Boulder Creek High School team and compete against older students.  Zane, who always had a spark for adventure and lives a little on the side of danger, didn’t waste any time.  As soon as he arrived at the first practice with a bike a helmet and he was ready to go. 

“He was practicing three days a week during summer vacation waking before the sun is up to try and beat the heat.  His new coaches were welcoming and so encouraging,” said Mom, Jennifer Thomas.

Unfortunately, that year the Arizona Cycling Association’s season was canceled due to COVID, but the coaches continued to hold practices all season for the teams and the following January the young mountain biker joined an additional MBAA series.  This was Zane’s first taste with cross country enduro racing and he fell in love.  

“I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion.  I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there.  He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling,” said Thomas.

When his school year resumed Zane was back racing with the Boulder Creek team and he was so excited to race as a Freshman for his high school.  In his first year, he had a great high school season breaking all of his personal goals and ending with the State Championship in Sierra Vista, Arizona.  His teammate Gabe Harrelson won the State Championship that year. Zane has now started his second MBAA racing series in January and this time as a Junior Racer for Exhale Bikes Inc. 

Even though he’s just 14-years-old he’s currently racing with 15-and-16-year-olds. With northern and southern divisions, his mom says she is still shocked how popular mountain biking has become in Arizona and how many high schools across the state have teams and races on the weekends.

“Race weekends are full of energy and so much fun.  The families of the teammates gather in large pit areas as races commence all day,” said Jennifer Thomas.  “The teammates support each other at the start and finish line. It is a great group of kids and the families have been so warm and welcoming.”

Zane Thomas loves watching his fellow team members and Red Bull’s professional riders.  He hopes to ride like them all one day and his mom hopes he continues doing what he loves.

“It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy.  If he is happy then we are happy.  I know there are scholarships available and opportunities to travel with this sport.  If this is something he decides to do, we are 100% behind him,” she said.

I am so proud of him and so happy that he finally found his passion.  I am always nervous when he is on the start line knowing he will give it his all out there.  He has had several crashes, and has a few battle scars to show for it, but to see the excitement in his face when he breaks another goal is the best feeling. It is not always about getting to the podium, but doing what makes you happy.  If he is happy then we are happy. 

Jennifer Thomas, MOM

Looking to get your young mountain biker into competing? 

Check out the Arizona Cycling Association’s website for more information on the races and resources for Arizona Mountain Bikers arizonacycling.org or nationalmtb.org.

For more information on USA Cycling visit https://usacycling.org.

Business, Entertainment, Sports

Homes for Arizona’s Basketball Lovers

With March Madness upon us, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has collected five incredible Valley homes for sale for the basketball fanatics amongst us, regardless of if you’ll be rooting for the Sun Devils or the Wildcats.

4390 W Beechcraft Place | Chandler

This beautiful Forte custom home listed by agent Jennifer Bellinger has 4,513-square-feet on one level with a private 3,762 square foot air-conditioned airplane hangar that taxis right out onto the Stellar runway. Listed at $3,999,000, this home is absolutely perfect for sports fans of all varieties. Along with the airplane hangar as well as the indoor half-court for hoop enthusiasts, it also features a retractable batting cage and a bar. The owner of this will have everyone on the block looking to become their friend.

19149 N 99th St #3670 | Scottsdale

Listed at $5,250,000 by agents Allan MacDonald and James Skubal, 19149 N 99th St #3670 in Scottsdale is a truly palatial compound tailor-made for leisure and enjoyment. It features a resort-style backyard that is perfect for entertaining and includes a sprawling salt-water pool with a two-story water slide from the balcony. Along with the full-sized sports court (including hoops), it contains a chef’s outdoor kitchen, Baja shelf, and grotto. If it’s time to turn things down a notch, there is also a covered patio with a fireplace, a fire pit, and a seating area with a generous grassy area. Perfect for both a rambunctious party and a quiet get-together.

23035 N. Church Road | Scottsdale

Listed at $7,500,000 by agents Frank Aazami and David Mayo, 23035 N. Church Road in Scottsdale is perfectly suited for a professional or Olympian athlete who is dedicated to perfecting their craft without having to fight traffic to do so. The basketball court is simply the start; it also features complete gym facilities. Along with a sports court, it has a putting green, an Olympic-sized pool, a weight room, lockers, a steam shower, and a tanning room. For the athlete that wants to bring the whole team together or bring their athlete friends across different sports together, this home has you covered.

2218 E. Orleans Dr | Gilbert

We head down to Gilbert for our next featured property, to 2218 E. Orleans Dr. is listed for
$2,350,000 by agent Jeffrey Hall. This property is the ideal mix of serious sporting and family-friendliness. It has a large sports court and a gigantic backyard, which provides ample space and entertainment potential for family, friends, and the whole neighborhood. This is in addition to great local schools and a downtown area with many new entertainments and dining options. A great neighborhood for all-of-the-above, and an ideal home for a growing family that loves to play.

6601 E. Stallion Rd. | Paradise Valley

Our last property is 6601 E. Stallion Rd. in Paradise Valley, listed for $4,750,000 by agents Cionne
McCarthy and Mikhail Quijada. This beautiful property brings together sports with entertainment in a way that makes it an ideal place to bring together a wide variety of guests. There is certainly the multi-use sports court, absolutely, but this is definitely not just a haven for sports enthusiasts. It features a backyard complete with expansive covered patios, a pool, spa, a fire pit, and a huge side yard with tons of natural grass. While the ballers can have a game on the court, everyone else can relax in comfort and style. The best of all worlds.

When it comes to beautiful, custom-made luxury homes, with or without sports facilities, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has you covered.

Business, Real Estate, Sports

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Joey Calistri

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, Joey Calistri, 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. 

After growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Joey graduated from Northwestern University and has been a professional soccer player for five years. Currently, Joey is a midfielder with Phoenix Rising FC who recently won the 2020 Western Conference of the USL Championship league. After playing in Phoenix for two years and getting a first-hand understanding of the real estate markets in the Phoenix Metropolitan area, Joey is now a licensed agent and looks forward to helping his clients fulfill all of their real estate needs.

Meeting Joey and welcoming him on board with the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family has been a rewarding experience! He’s so eager to learn and it’s a joy watching him manage his soccer career, alongside his real estate career!

Sherri Monteith, Managing Broker
Architecture, Baseball, Business, COVID-19, Entertainment, Fitness, Golf, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Real Estate, Sports, Technology, Working From Home

Stay Home, Stay Fit

Luxury properties in Scottsdale, Amado, Fountain Hills, Goodyear, Paradise Valley, and Tucson offer swimming pools, sports court, tennis courts, saunas, and massage rooms  

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present high-end properties across the state that offer uniquely designed state-of-the-art home gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools, and other fitness space and premium amenities. Offering everything needed in terms of home technology, home entertainment, fitness and wellness, the luxury listings also showcase impressive views and designs that bring peace and harmony. 

The most sought-after property in North Scottsdale. Sitting on more than 8 acres, the 12,500 square-foot home is located at 23035 N Church Rd in Scottsdale, AZ 85255. Listed for $7,299,000 and offering 7 bedrooms and 10 full bathrooms, the estate is a pro athletes paradise. The home is equipped with complete gym facilities, sport court, putting green, Olympic size swimming pool, weight room, lockers, steam shower. Relax indoors or out, watch a game or your own indoor or outdoor oversized cinema screen, multiple Sit-down bars and lounge space. Impeccably manicured grounds with waterfalls, a pond, oversized pool, fire pits and tennis court.  Exclusively with Frank Aazami and David Mayo.

Never before seen on the market private park-like compound lot. Listed for $4.5 million and located at 6600 N Invergordon Rd in Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, the exquisite 8,010 square-foot single level home features its own home gym, 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and 1 private guest home plus caretaker’s quarters. This one of a kind lot has impeccable grounds where outdoors work-out enthusiasts can swim laps in the unique lagoon-like pool, or take a walk along the walking/jogging paths. Play golf on the lighted putting green with surrounding views of Camelback and Mummy Mountain. Exclusively with Cheryl Anderson.

Further east, we have an ornate estate with breathtaking views to accompanying its own home gym.  The 8,837-square-foot home is located at 10208 N Palisades Boulevard in Fountain Hills, AZ 86268.  Listed for $3.5 million the hillside estate features 5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and 6 fireplaces. Besides its own home gym amenity, the estate also features a spa, sauna, reading nook and bonus room. Exclusively with Lisa Roberts.

In Tucson, 7403 North Secret Canyon Drive is for sale for $3.8 million. This contemporary unrivaled architectural masterpiece features more than 7,000-square feet of sustainability.  Offering a private well, solar panels, orchard and vegetable gardens, the 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom home is located in the exclusive gated community of The Canyons. The lushly landscaped grounds offer the perfect setting to practice yoga outdoors on the large artificial turf. The home also features a large pool, spa, waterfall and ramada.  Exclusively with Susanne Grogan.

Also in Tucson is a show stopping 36.74-acre sports complex property at 6655 N Rattlesnake Canyon Rd in Tucson, AZ 85750 for $2.75 million. The sports complex features a 60-ft indoor lap pool and spa, full sized batting cage with a professional pitching machine, and private workout area.  Designed with the same quality and craftsmanship of the main home, this home and sports complex is an athlete’s paradise, equipped with enough space to comfortably fit an entire baseball team. Exclusively with Judy Smedes and Kate Herk.

Further south, a 5,915-square-foot home at 8 Amado Montosa in Amado, AZ, 85645 for $795,000. The 3-bedroom, 7-bathroom elegant home features an indoor gym big enough for hosting your own boot camp, an outdoor fountain, pool and several entertainment spaces. Enjoy taking a walk through the mature rose garden or sitting in the pool with a cool beverage, this unique property has it all. Exclusively with Gary Brasher.

In the West Valley is an abundance of outdoor space for recreation enthusiasts at 13132 W Beverly Rd, in Goodyear, AZ 85338.  Listed for $1,150,000 this one-of-a-kind estate offers 6,611-square foot with 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms.  Enjoy home gym, pool, sauna and steam room plus a sport court, horse shoe pit, and an abundance of land for outdoor and group workouts. Exclusively with Cindy Smith.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is able to work with prospective local and distant buyers to view listings through virtual tours, property videos and/or arrange private tours at their convenience.

To view more homes to match your fitness goals, view below or visit russlyon.com

Business, Golf, Real Estate, Sports

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Khyl Clemenshaw

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Khyl Clemenshaw, to the Flagstaff 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. 

Khyl Clemenshaw is originally from the great state of Michigan and graduated with a degree in business marketing at Ferris State University.  He became a Class A PGA Professional and chased his dream as a golf professional to Arizona in May 2007.  

After spending eight years at Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale, Khyl shifted his passion to real estate specializing in the luxury golf community market in Flagstaff.  

As a sales executive at Pine Canyon for five years, Khyl was able to perfect his craft as a real estate professional and developed many valuable relationships on and off the course.  He takes pride in making sure every aspect of the transaction goes smoothly by keeping his buyers and sellers informed along the way.  

As a trusted friend and advisor, nothing is more gratifying than a past client speaking highly of you to one of their friends.  It’s Khyl’s motivation and determination that continues to push him to be the very best at what he does.  He believes a house is not just a home, it’s a place where families and friends make lasting memories. Whether you are searching for your dream home or looking to sell, Khyl Clemenshaw is here to assist you!

We are thrilled to welcome Khyl to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family. He is a tremendous agent with fantastic expertise in luxury golf communities and beyond. His experience and integrity make him a perfect addition to the team. Khyl Clemenshaw is also the best golfer I know, a truly remarkable talent on the course.

Bret Lamberson
Entertainment, Inspiration, Multi Purpose, Responsive, Sports

5 WAYS TO STAY FIT AT HOME

by Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s long been known that being sedentary is linked to chronic disease; with many around the world working from home and gyms temporarily closed, it’s easy for even those who previously led a very active lifestyle to slide into one much less so. Here are five ways to keep moving and stay fit, right from the comfort of your own home.

There’s an App for That

Fitness and mobile or wearable devices have gone hand-in-hand for quite some time now – with apps like LoseItJohnson & Johnson’s 7-Minute Workout, and countless others in both the App Store and Google Play Store, there are plenty of apps to help you manage your caloric intake, inspire you with workout routines, and more.

The Social Media Challenge

It can be hard to stay motivated on your own – especially if you’re accustomed to feeding off the energy that a gym or class can provide. Just because you’re removed from that environment doesn’t mean you have to disconnect. Take for instance the #pushupchallenge on Instagram; film yourself doing pushups and tag friends to challenge them and keep them moving. Get creative and start your own challenge! There’s nothing wrong with some healthy competition.

Go Virtual

Companies like PelotonMirror, and now SoulCycle are ready to bring the full-body workout into your living room with their in-home equipment and subscription-based models that offer live and on-demand classes to best fit your needs. If you prefer a little more Zen with your workout, CorePower Yoga is also offering free access to their OnDemand service while their studios are closed.

Try Something New

Listlessness and boredom can be the doom of any fitness routine – especially if you feel your options are limited. Now is the time to try something new. Try a type of workout outside of your comfort zone; gamify your fitness with the likes of Nintendo’s Ring Fit or even Just Dance – and speaking of dance – why don’t you take a free virtual dance class? The Ballet Coach is offering live and OnDemand classes for kids and adults through her Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.

Think Outside the Living Room

Even with social distancing and shelter-in-place guidelines in effect, ducking outside for a solo run or hike is a viable solution for your fitness fix. When the weather is right, your body will thank you for the much-needed sunshine and fresh air.

Business, Fitness, Life, Real Estate, Sports

Russ Lyon SIR Welcomes Angela Davis

Lisa Wadey's head shot

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, Angela Davis, to the Flagstaff 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. 

Angela Davis’s passion for Real Estate started in Wyoming, where she grew up.  In 2004, Angela’s family moved to Flagstaff, AZ, where she is blessed to call home to this day. Flagstaff brought Angela new adventures, as she had the pleasure of working as an Executive Assistant for Coca-Cola and Pepsi while continuing her interest in coaching as the director and owner of the Northern AZ Juniors Volleyball Club.  

Despite many moves in Angela’s life, her real constants have always been a strong devotion to family, friends, and a healthy competitive environment. Growing up a coach’s kid, Angela knows what hard work, dedication, and success looks like and will use that same mentality in all facets of her real estate knowledge. 

Her choice to reignite my passion for Real Estate shows her devotion to the Flagstaff community and its residents. Flagstaff is a unique and dynamic market that takes knowledge and experience to understand. With her involvement in the NAU Skyjacks, Northern AZ Juniors Volleyball Club, and being a resident for over 15 years has prepared Angela to tackle any obstacle.

We are excited to welcome Angela to our team. Her history in real estate and commitment to the Flagstaff community make her a fantastic addition to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.

Bret Lamberson, Sales Manager