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Deems Dickinson Retires as Designated Broker and President

Accomplished Designated Broker and President Deems Dickinson of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Retires and Reflects on 44 Years Guiding Arizona’s Leading Luxury Brokerage.

Dickinson Led a Team of 900+ Agents and Oversaw Four Decades of Real Estate Transactions at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Including Some of the State’s Highest Sales.

Arizona’s Luxury Leader Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty announces with great regards and gratitude the retirement of one of its longest-tenured and most impactful company leaders.


Deems Dickinson has been part of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family for an
incredible 44 years, retiring as President and Designated Broker, a role that he held for 14 years with
the firm, having previously served as Managing Broker of 5 different offices for 25 years on behalf
of the company.


Dickinson ended his career as a REALTOR Emeritus and exemplified a spirit of service and a
lifetime of learning, as he served as an Advisory Council Member of the Russ Lyon Foundation, on
the Board of Directors of the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS), and on the Board
of Directors of The Realty Alliance. He had previously been on the Board of Directors for the
National Association of REALTORS, the Chair of the Professional Standards Committee of the
Scottsdale and Arizona Associations of REALTORS, and served as the Director of Training for the
Elite School of Real Estate.


Reflecting on his career, Dickinson said, “As the steward of such a remarkable company, I have had
many opportunities in the real estate industry locally, across the state of Arizona, and nationally,
which allowed me to grow my career to what it is today. I will always cherish the lifelong friendships
and business relationships that I have developed over the last 44 years.”

As for what’s next for Dickinson, he is looking forward to schedule-free mornings, time with his
wife Betsy, their grandchildren, and adult children, traveling and volunteering for causes they care
about. He also looks forward to enjoying his passion for the outdoors in greater depth, including
fishing, jeeping, hiking and camping, golf, and pickleball. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty
thanks him for both how he helped the firm grow, as well as the personalized expertise and warm,
white-glove service he provided to the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty family.


“It is with an overwhelming amount of gratitude and pride and that we congratulate Deems on 44 years with our company. I began working with Deems when my father Dennis Lyon, was still running the company many decades ago. Deems’ knowledge, patience, and leadership has not only
been an inspiration to all our agents but also to my own family and everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him these last four decades. We will miss him tremendously, but we know he will have some great times ahead in retirement.”

Jim Lyon, Owner and Chairman of Russ
Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty


Dickinson will be succeeded as the statewide Designated Broker by Bret Lamberson. Lamberson
grew up in Flagstaff, AZ, and joined Russ Lyon Realty of Flagstaff in 2005. Lamberson is a licensed
attorney in Arizona and California. He and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Flagstaff and split time in
their home in the historic district of downtown Phoenix with their two young children.

January 1, 2024 by
Architecture, Art, Business, COVID-19, Education, Entertainment, Real Estate, Working From Home

Stay Home | 4 Reasons Why Home Matters

by Sotheby’s International Realty

There are many famous quotes about home – “home is where the heart is,” “there’s no place like home,” and “home is where your story begins,” to name a few. These are sentiments we can get behind now, more than ever. Let’s settle into our favorite spots and take a look at the importance of home.

A Place to Reflect

Home is a place where you feel most comfortable, which is why it feels so good to come home after time away. It’s a place where can you curl up with a good book and the place where your bed and pillow await after a long day. Now that many of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before, we may forget that special feeling of “coming home,” and how nice it is to walk through our own front door every day to a place of warmth and familiarity. Now is a perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been, where you are, and where you want to go in the future – and yes, that can include a travel bucket list.

An Expression of Lifestyle

As many of us are spending more time at home, we’ve been able to better evaluate the everyday functionality, layout, and aesthetic of our households. Our time at home right now affords us the opportunity to experiment with our space and whether it is truly working to best fit our needs. Consider reorganizing drawers, pantries, and closets as an easy weekend project. For something new, consider rearranging the layout of a room, ordering some new accessories or a new patio set, and if you have the time, trying a new paint color. Making small updates to your surroundings helps your home continue to be a place of comfort and inspiration.

Memories and History

A favorite coffee mug from a special trip, a treasured family photo, memories of funny kitchen mishaps, and the first time you walked through the door and called this space home are all things to remember during a time like this – especially if you’re beginning to feel restless. Take a moment to look around your home and take stock of all it has provided over the years – let those memories bring a smile to your face. Remember, just because you’re home doesn’t mean you can’t make new memories; virtually visit a museum or take in a live performance to help pass the time.

A Home Means Hope

Having a place to call home sets you up for success and gives you a hope for a better future. New Story has provided thousands of homes to families in need and now, during this current health crisis, is helping families in the U.S. that are facing homelessness. Learn more about New Story and how you can make a difference and see how they’ve partnered with Icon to revolutionize how they’re building homes on the Apple TV+ series, “Home.”

Home is where the heart is – share your favorite part about your home in the comments below and remember, we’re all in this together.

May 3, 2020 by
Business, Entertainment, Inspiration, Life, Real Estate, Residential Architecture, Residential Real Estate, Technology, Working From Home

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Helps Arizona Cardinals’ Kliff Kingsbury Win The Internet and Social Media With His Luxury Home / Ultimate NFL Draft War Room

Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Kliff Kingsbury won the internet on the first night of the NFL Draft with a shot of him in his own personal, luxurious and one-of-a-kind war room at his Paradise Valley home. The shot of Kingsbury in his luxury and very contemporary home was posted by the Cardinals on social media and garnered tons of attention during the NFL Draft.

Photo from the Arizona Cardinals Twitter Account

Lisa Roberts helped Kingsbury find the home when he was hired by the Cardinals last year.

I previewed hundreds of homes online and about 40 homes in person prior to showing him top properties. This was new construction and checked all the boxes as far as amenities go – views, backyard, and the quality he was searching for. We made a few changes after close including a movie theatre room so he can watch back plays. Certainly, this is coming in handy now that we are in quarantine!

lisa roberts

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has exclusive listings across Arizona for discerning buyers who want their own high-end and personal ‘war rooms’ and living spaces that redefine luxury. Here is a sampling.

A room filled with furniture and a fireplace Description automatically generated

Debbie Negrin and Jay Pennypacker offers a world-class home under Pinnacle Peak.  The estate at 10199 East Cavedale Drive 249, Scottsdale Arizona 85262 totals 12,971 square feet and includes 6 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. The home has a home theater and media room, can accommodate 25 televisions, a game room, saloon-style bar, luxury man cave and a 30-foot wall of curved glass door to access the Scottsdale property’s outdoor spaces. This one-of-a-kind home is being listed for $6.2 million.

In Sedona, Ed Pennington is honored to list a contemporary gem with incredible Red Rocks views. The golf course property at 1296 Verde Valley Road School Road, Sedona, Arizona 86531 totals 6,370 square feet and is listed for $5 million. Contemporary artwork and sculptures are included in the home which sits on the Oak Creek Country Club Golf Course. This oasis features a home theater and plenty outdoor spaces to relax and entertain.

Josie Pakula and Racquel Miller are excited to present 7328 W Brookhart Way, Peoria, Arizona 85383. The 7,462-square-foot home backs to and has unparalleled mountain views. The 5-bedroom, 7.5-bath luxury property also features an outdoor kitchen and entertaining spaces and a resort-style backyard to enjoy games. The Peoria home is listed for $2.69 million.

Cheryl Anderson and Jeff Anderson are presenting 4901 East Tomahawk Trail, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253 for $3.85 million. This European inspired 7,758-square-foot-home has 6 bedrooms, 8 baths as well as a home theater, lush gardens and a wine room.

Some of the luxury homes (and war rooms) are contemporary and sleek while others are more historic and iconic. 

Marta Harvey and Dawn Jacobs are excited to present Hacienda Escondida, a one-of-a-kind luxury property in Oro Valley northwest of Tucson. The private estate sits on 4.6 acres and was first built in 1943. The property has been transformed by award-winning architect Clay Scrivner.  The home features iconic views, resort style pool and spa as well as studioand workshopspace for artists. The estate has an outdoor kitchen and shaded verandas. The 6-bedroom, 8-bathroom, 6,659-square-foot estate is listed for $2.795 million. The homeis located at 630 West Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, Arizona 85704.

Jennifer McMahon and Lee Borst are presenting a Santa Fe style elegance with the 5,814-square-foot home at 1341 Sierry Peaks Drive, Prescott, Arizona 86305. The home is listed for $1.3 million and feature expansive entertainment space and breathtaking views of Thumb Butte.

April 24, 2020 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Desert Mountain Retreat Sells for $8.5M

This exquisitely appointed Desert Mountain retreat in Saguaro Forest has been sold by Bee Francis, Kathleen Benoit, Karen Baldwin and Anne Morrissey for $8,500,000.

The home offers breathtaking views of Scottsdale and Phoenix, stunning sunrise vistas and unlimited city lights. Its retracting glass doors showcase the seamless flow from the gracious interior living spaces to an outdoor entertaining paradise with negative-edge beachfront pool, billiard table, dining, kitchen with BBQ and pizza ovens, stone hearth, fire pit, and outdoor heaters. The finest of materials were selected to create this relaxed, transitional-style to promote a casual yet luxurious lifestyle.

Design features include limestone archways, magnificent custom tile and stone counters, French limestone and French oak floors. A magical setting with forever views.


August 1, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Lists Villa Esperero

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is thrilled to list a one-of-a-kind property with incredible views in Tucson’s exclusive Rattlesnake Canyon and Canyon Ranch area. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents Judy Smedes and Kate Herk are listing the Villa Esperero estate at 6799 North Rattlesnake Canyon in Tucson.

The 48-acre private estate includes a 9,000-square-foot main house listed for $5.5 million. There is also an option to purchase the main house and additional lots totaling 133 acres for $8.9 million.  Judy Smedes and Kate Herk, who are top luxury agents in the Tucson market, actually sold the same home in 2005. The luxury home was designed by prominent Tucson architect Ron Robinette.

“This luxury property offers iconic and unparalleled views of Sabino Canyon and Tucson along with custom designs and amenities that define luxury living,” said Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agent Judy Smedes.

The Villa Esperero estate also has a separate 4,000-square-foot sports complex with a spa, 60-foot lap pool and huge skylights. The main house has 25-foot, beamed ceilings, two master suites, an elevator, library, three additional en-suite bedrooms and two additional bathrooms.

The exterior includes multiple patios and terraces, an infinity edge pool and spa that all offer amazing views of thousands of Saguaro cacti that dot Tucson’s beautiful mountain and canyon landscapes.

“This incredibly private and incredibly exclusive property marries Tucson’s Spanish heritage with custom contemporary designs. From the expansive views to the mesquite hardwood floors, natural stone, flagstone and marble finishes, this home stands out in Tucson’s luxury market,” Kate Herk said.

July 16, 2019 by
Business, Real Estate

Russ Lyon SIR Presents Luxian Scottsdale

We are excited to present Luxian Scottsdale, a new exclusive, boutique enclave at Camelback Mountain. Our real estate advisors, Joanna Wilkins and Christine Arnold are listing the luxury Luxian development. “Luxian Scottsdale features just 14 luxury villas with unparalleled views of Camelback Mountain and The Phoenician Golf Course and scores of high-end finishes,” Joanna Wilkins said. The luxury villas abut to one of the most iconic golf courses in Arizona. 

The gated development will have 3 two-bedroom units totaling 2,491 square feet and 11 three-bedroom units with 2,971 square feet. The Scottsdale project, which is located at one of the most iconic locations in the Southwest, already has two reservations. “The enclave is surrounded by the prestigious and recently remodeled Phoenician Golf Course. Villas have impressive, unobstructed views of fairways and Camelback Mountain,” Christine Arnold said.

Pricing for the two-bedroom villas starts at $1,457,000. Three-bedroom villas prices start at $1,738,000. There is a $25,000 lot premium on five of the villa locations. The lot premium price goes up on May 31st, 2019. Luxian Villas on Camelback LLC is building the project. The villas also have plenty of high-end and luxury finishes including Subzero appliances, a Wolf cook top and oven and buyers can customize their cabinets, lighting, flooring and fixtures.

May 30, 2019 by
Business, Golf, Real Estate

Kevin Gonzales Promoted to Vice President of Operations

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has promoted Kevin Gonzales to Vice President of Operations. Gonzales will oversee 12 offices across Arizona and will expand training programs to help Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agents maximize their sales.

“Kevin has been with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty for 23 years, and he has earned success at every position he’s held. He has the unique ability to bring out the best in those around him. Simply put – he raises the bar. He is a significant addition to our executive leadership team and we congratulate him on his continued success in our company and in our industry,” said Todd Gillenwater, CEO and owner of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.

Gonzales will continue his current roles as managing broker of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Pinnacle Peak and Market Street offices. The Pinnacle Peak office has 240 agents. The Market Street office is at D.C. Ranch and has 25 agents.

Gonzales said he is looking forward to working with agents and analyzing markets across Arizona. “I’m basically going to oversee all areas of operations having to do with agent development, management development,” Gonzales said of the newly created position. Gonzales said he enjoys analyzing markets and real estate trends. “I’m a real estate nerd. I love trying to understand markets and trying to understand where the next opportunities are,” he said. Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has 850 agents.

Gonzales said he wants to train more agents under a Ninja Selling program. That is a four-day sales training immersion program. “We want to expand that to as many of our agents as possible,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales joined Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty in 1996. He has been with the luxury residential real estate firm ever since. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years now,” Gonzales said. “I’m grateful for our ownership and the executive team for giving me this opportunity and having faith in me.”

May 6, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate, Residential Real Estate

Significant Sale ~ Frank Aazami and Cheryl Anderson

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty sales associates Frank Aazami and Cheryl Anderson of the Camelback Tower office provided exclusive representation for a $12,000,000 Paradise Valley home which is the fifth-highest price for a home ever sold in the Valley and second-highest price sale of a home this year. 

The significant sale is a palatial 17,912 square-foot mediterranean estate designed by architect, Juan Sandoval. Sitting on more than two acres and built by a renowned team of artisans with an unlimited budget, the home was designed by Juan Sandoval, following the format of 17th Century Colonial architecture, but with every modern convenience. Offering 5 bedrooms and 7 and a half baths, the magnificent home is unparalleled in its construction quality and architectural precision. The home features a six car main garage with custom doors and additional two car garage. Every inch of the estate was designed and built during a
ten year period.

April 16, 2019 by
Architecture, Business, Real Estate

Notable Listing: The Dome at Casa Blanca

Located at the base of Camelback Mountain, “The Dome” at Casa Blanca is a Valley landmark has hosted movie stars, politicians, dignitaries and other celebrities for decades.

Listed by Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty agent and Casa Blanca community resident Grant Almquist for $1,175,000, this architectural treasure is a charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence surrounded by a lush garden patio. The 25’ onion-shaped dome rises dramatically above a generous family room with clerestory windows that fill the space with natural light. Colorful tile and hand-carved millwork throughout adds to The Dome’s incomparable ambiance.

The Casa Blanca Inn was originally built in the 1930s, and it first served as the winter escape for the Kellogg Family. Later, The Dome became Casa Blanca Inn’s famed Sultan’s Table restaurant and cocktail lounge.

During its heyday, the Casa Blanca Inn was a winter retreat frequently visited by cinema legends and politicians alike. Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and Betty Grable stayed at the Casa Blanca Inn. Additionally, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower and his wife Mamie vacationed at the inn many times. Now, the Casa Blanca Inn is a luxurious guard-gated residential community.

“A prospective buyer will fall in love with this home from the first time he or she lays eyes on it,” said Almquist. “I am a Casa Blanca resident and I list many of the homes for sale in the community, but there is nothing else like The Dome. Not only is it a magnificently-designed historic treasure, there are countless stories about all the legendary celebrities who have visited The Dome and have stayed at the Casa Blanca Inn.”

March 5, 2019 by