The Global Real Estate Advisors of Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty are uniquely trained and positioned to assist their clients with hyper-local market knowledge and white-glove services across the State of Arizona. Additionally, the Sotheby’s International Realty network of 26,400 agents in 83 countries & territories gives our Advisors the unique and well-connected ability to advise on real estate matters all over the USA and the world.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty – Arizona’s leader in real estate and advisory services for over 77 years – and Arizona’s only truly international real estate brokerage.
Kevin Gonzales brings 27 years of real estate experience to the role, all within the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty umbrella.
Arizona’s leader in luxury real estate, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to announce the internal promotion of a long-time team member to a critically important role.
Kevin Gonzales was recently promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Gonzales brings with him 27 years of expansive experience at the luxury brokerage, and he most recently served as the company’s vice president of operations. Gonzales’ passion for real estate began in 1996 when he started with Russ Lyon Realty Company. A consistent top producer, Gonzales decided to step away from the sales side in 2007 and accepted a position as the Branch Manager of the Russ Lyon Realty Pinnacle Peak Office.
In 2019, Gonzales was promoted to Vice President of Operations for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, where, in addition to continuing to manage the Pinnacle Peak Office, he was given the additional responsibilities of supervising all areas of operations, which included overseeing the managing brokers of each branch as well as the operations departments, which is comprised of the firm’s marketing, relocation, IT, training, and agent development functions.
“Kevin Gonzales has been a tremendous asset to our brokerage since he joined us in 1996. There is probably no one more seasoned or better at overseeing so many diverse areas of our operations than Kevin. Between his vast knowledge of real estate, his leadership and his great ability to work with people, we couldn’t be prouder to continue to elevate Kevin here at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty,” said CEO Todd Gillenwater of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.
Gonzales assumed the Chief Operating Officer role on January 1st, 2024. In addition to the responsibilities noted above in his capacity as Vice President of Operations, Gonzales will be more involved in expanding the brand and sourcing new technology and systems to add additional value to the firm and its agents.
“Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is a special place,” said Gonzales. “I am especially grateful to this incredible organization and committed to assisting all of our branch managers, department heads, brokers, agents and back-office personnel to offer our clients the highest level of service and success in the industry.”
In addition to the promotion of Gonzales, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has had several other noteworthy personnel changes. 44-year veteran of the firm, Deems Dickinson, recently announced his retirement; he was most recently in the role of Designated Broker for the state of Arizona. Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson was promoted from the role of Managing Broker to replace Dickinson as the firm’s Designated Broker.
Arizona’s leading luxury brokerage closes on a remarkable home previously owned by Bernard Hoogestraat, one of the original Ocotillo community developers.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty proudly announces the $2,755,000 sale of a luxurious single-level residence on the 5th hole of the Ocotillo Golf Course in Chandler, Arizona. This sale now marks the third-largest sale within the Ocotillo Golf Club Community and the highest-priced home to sell in the community in the last 17 years.
The record-setting deal closed on January 29th, 2024.
Called the Crown Jewel of the Ocotillo Golf Course, the home is situated in the exclusive gated private community of Crown Point, which has 11 custom-built homes on its own peninsula. It offers stunning views that extend 40+ acres of multiple lakes and golf courses.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Associate Broker Jeff Fields of the Camelback Tower office represented the family of Bernard Hoogestraat, who developed the Ocotillo community around the 27-hole Ocotillo Golf Course. The home was completed in 2001. Fields said that at the time, Hoogestraat had a choice of lots when the community was first built, and he chose the one that offered the best golf course views.
“This was a privilege and a huge honor to represent and help Bernard’s family not only sell the home for a record price but also to preserve his memory in this community and remind everyone of the extraordinary work he did in developing the Ocotillo community,” said Fields. “Every golfer on the course recognizes this home. It definitely stands out as a shining jewel within the community.”
Hoogestraat’s son says his father got involved in developing the Ocotillo community shortly after the golf course was built and a few homes on the course. At the time, he recalls there was no clubhouse built yet, just a double-wide trailer, and that was part of his job to get the clubhouse built and finish the community.
“I remember him going to Texas to pick out the limestone that covers all the columns at the Clubhouse. He controlled architectural requirements for new houses and commercial properties very tight. He was determined to ensure that Ocotillo would never be just another cookie-cutter bedroom community for Phoenix. As development property was being sold off, many suitors were turned down because he did not feel that what they were building elsewhere did not measure up to what he wanted at Ocotillo. He was the one who negotiated the deal that brought Intel to Ocotillo. It was his vision and determination that shaped Ocotillo into the special place that it is today. A book could be written about all the extraordinary things that my father did,” said Jim Hoogestraat, son of Bernard Hoogestraat.
Located in South Chandler’s Ocotillo community, the 6,486-square-foot home is surrounded by the golf course lake on three sides. It has a long Romeo and Juliet balcony that allows residents and guests to enjoy a 180-degree view of the golf course. There is also a beautiful glass-tiled negative-edge pool and spa and an 834-square-foot guest house that also sits along the water.
Inside the main home, there are four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, which feature Cantera stone and hardwood floors throughout. The split floorplan offers vaulted ceilings and generous walkways with no steps inside, allowing one to roam from room to room with leisure. Large windows throughout and Cantera fireplaces offer warm and more views of the course.
Other notable features include a huge primary suite with dual closets and bathrooms, each with its own vanity, as well as a large bathtub and individual showers, again featuring the Cantera stone.
Just down the hall from the primary suite is the home’s library, which offers floor-to-ceiling bookcases. For entertaining, the home also offers a wet bar and full poker table. There is also a generous four-car garage with ample storage space.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Announces The Promotion of Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson as The Brokerage’s New Statewide Designated Broker
Lamberson has assumed the role of statewide Designated Broker, succeeding the retiring Deems Dickinson.
Arizona’s Leading Luxury Brokerage, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, is pleased to announce the appointment of Attorney and Broker Bret Lamberson to lead the brokerage’s most crucial role.
Bret Lamberson will be taking on the role of statewide Designated Broker and replacing Deems Dickinson, who is retiring after 44 years with the brokerage. A Designated Broker is heavily involved in the operations of running the company and managing critical functions such as hiring new agents, establishing policies and procedures for the firm, overseeing all real estate contracts, and setting company goals.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the trust that Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty has shown by bestowing this opportunity onto me. Deems Dickinson has left some massive and inspiring shoes to fill, but at the same time, he serves as an excellent role model and mentor as we embark on some historic times overseeing some of the state’s most significant sales,” said Lamberson.
Lamberson, who grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, was an exemplary student and athlete, excelling in his studies, alpine skiing racing, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. He joined Russ Lyon Realty of Flagstaff in 2005 quickly ascended to one of the top Realtors in Flagstaff. “Bret is a brilliant and very forward-thinking talent in our company. He not only brings the legal background and very vast knowledge of our real estate laws and contracts, but he also has the people skills to lead our growing network of 950 agents, which now expands to 13 offices across the state and continues to grow in the luxury sector,” said CEO Todd Gillenwater of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty.
Lamberson, who moved to San Francisco in 2012, earned his law degree and was admitted to the California State Bar, where he practiced real estate and immigration law. Family and the draw of all things Arizona brought him back to Flagstaff in 2018, where he was admitted into the Arizona State Bar and appointed Managing Broker of the Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty Flagstaff offices. On January 1st, 2024, he assumed the role of Designated Broker for Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty statewide.
Lamberson and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Flagstaff and split time between the high country and their home in the historic district of downtown Phoenix with their children: their two-year old son Hendricks and one-month-old daughter Willa Jane.
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.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Katie Mullins to our 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.
Katie is filled with enthusiasm as she embarks on her journey as a real estate agent. With a solid foundation in Marketing/Advertising, she brings a wealth of expertise that has proven invaluable in various aspects of her life. Having spent her formative years in the charming Arcadia/Paradise Valley area, Katie possesses a deep understanding of what makes these communities truly unique.
Her natural talent for connecting with people and putting them at ease is evident from the moment she meets them. Katie is dedicated to ensuring that the process of buying or selling a home becomes a delightful and stress-free experience for her clients.
Family means a lot to all of us at Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty and Katie has both her professional and person family in the company! Meeting her was an absolute joy and the professionalism and dedication she brings into the brand is astounding!
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Christina Covault to our 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.
With 15 years of legal experience under her belt, Christina brings a wealth of expertise to her real estate business, where she consistently serves her clients with professionalism and efficiency.
Having been an Arizona resident for nearly two decades, Christina possesses a deep understanding of the local real estate landscape and remains well-informed about both regional and national economic trends. Before embarking on her real estate career, she held the role of a state and federal prosecutor, specializing in cases involving violent crimes. In her capacity as a federal prosecutor, she skillfully managed numerous criminal cases from their inception to their resolution, taking the lead in multiple jury trials and appeals. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and a law degree from the University of Arizona.
Her previous legal career has honed a set of skills that uniquely distinguish her as a real estate advisor, including clear and concise communication, extensive negotiation experience, fluency in legal writing, unwavering responsiveness, and meticulous attention to detail. These qualities not only set her apart but also provide her clients with a sense of security and peace of mind.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Christina is deeply committed to serving her community. She actively serves as a board member for the Phoenix Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, Awakening Seed School, and the All Saints’ Episcopal Day School Parent Association. She takes immense pride in her association with Georgetown University, having devoted approximately 15 years to the Alumni Admissions Program Arizona committee, where she conducts interviews with applicants from across the Valley.
Although originally hailing from Orange County, California, Christina’s life experiences have also taken her to various parts of South America and Asia. She has a passion for extensive travel and boasts conversational fluency in both Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. Her diverse interests include a love for cooking and baking, maintaining an active lifestyle through yoga and her Peloton bike, savoring the natural beauty of Arizona, and cherishing quality time spent with her family and friends.
Meeting Christina was such a breath of fresh air. Highly professional, educated and so easy to work with. She’s thorough, extremely sharp and with her background in law, an obvious great hire for our brand.
Lynsey Gauman emerges as a prominent figure in the realm of real estate, boasting a distinctive blend of fervor, local expertise, and an unwavering zest for life that she extends to her clientele. Hailing from the charming landscapes of Arizona, Lynsey’s profound ties to the community and her deep affection for everything that is Arizona render her the natural choice for those in search of a dependable real estate ally.
Beyond her real estate career, Lynsey’s heart belongs to adventure, and she’s a dedicated enthusiast of fitness. When winter descends, she can be found carving through pristine powder on her snowboard, and as the summer sun shines, you’ll frequently discover her exploring the myriad hiking trails and lakes while relishing the breathtaking vistas that Arizona generously provides. When she’s not in the midst of a workout or brokering real estate deals, you might catch her reveling in the delightful company of adorable puppies or indulging in cocktails at her preferred local happy hour venues.
Lynsey’s dynamic persona, profound understanding of Arizona’s real estate landscape, and heartfelt adoration for her community seamlessly establish her as the ultimate choice for those seeking to buy or sell property in Arizona. Under her guidance, rest assured that your real estate aspirations will be approached with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a personal touch. In Lynsey’s eyes, you’re not just a client; you’re a cherished member of the Arizona community she proudly calls home.
Lynsey Gauman is an incredible addition to the SEV award winning team. Lynsey has grown up here in AZ and has had family in RE for years. Lynsey graduated from ASU with a degree in Exercise and Wellness. During covid she decided it was time to get her real estate license so she could start helping others to reach their goals and dreams when it comes to buying, selling and or wealth building through real estate. Lynsey has great communication skills and is an excellent negotiator. The great thing for Lynsey is that she will be working with family as she is now part of “The Arizona Gold Team”. They are well known for horse property throughout the state. Lynsey’s spirit is contagious and she will not disappoint.
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of luxury Real Estate Advisor Teresa Arthur 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.
Teresa Arthur is a seasoned professional who seamlessly blends creativity with a dedication to helping others achieve their real estate aspirations. Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, she pursued her education there and embarked on her career in the dynamic Nike Film and Video Production field right after college. Teresa then took a break to start a family while indulging in landscape design.
In 2013, Teresa unearthed her true calling in assisting clients with their real estate endeavors. Since then, she has wholeheartedly committed herself to the industry, obtaining her real estate license as a reputable agent in Oregon with the esteemed Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty. As a new chapter unfolds in her life, Teresa and her husband have moved to Arizona, where she eagerly seizes fresh opportunities by becoming part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’Sotheby’stional Realty.
Outside her thriving professional life, Teresa remains actively engaged in positively impacting her community. She dedicates her time to fostering rescue dogs through Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue, displaying her compassionate nature and a solid commitment to giving back.
During her leisure hours, Teresa relishes quality moments with her loved ones, immerses herself in travel adventures, enjoys captivating movies, and explores the great outdoors. Her warm and approachable demeanor and an unwavering dedication to meeting her client’s needs, client’s her an invaluable asset in the real estate journey.
Whether you are in the market to buy, sell, or seek expert guidance in the Arizona real estate market, Teresa Arthur is the friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy professional upon whom you can depend to turn your dreams into reality.
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 Stephanie Wiggins 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.
Stephanie Wiggins is a dedicated real estate professional situated in the beautiful landscapes of Arizona. With a master’s degree in psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every real estate transaction. Stephanie’s passion for both indoor and outdoor spaces shines through in her work. When she’s not assisting clients in finding their ideal homes, she is often found hiking the stunning trails of Arizona or enjoying outdoor adventures. Her deep love for nature not only fuels her interests but also provides her with a unique understanding of the local communities and neighborhoods.
Beyond real estate, Stephanie is a wellness enthusiast, firmly believing that a happy home is a healthy one. She is committed to ensuring that your new home not only satisfies your housing needs but also aligns with your overall well-being. Stephanie is ready to embark on this exciting real estate journey with you. Whether you’re in the market to buy, sell, or invest, she is here to provide guidance every step of the way. Together, let’s discover your dream property in the enchanting landscapes of Arizona.
Stephanie is a phenomenal individual. She has her BS degree in Exercise and Wellness from ASU and an MS degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. She has a deep desire for serving others. She’s an excellent communicator and has a passion for assisting others in buying or selling their home and also a passion in wealth building through real estate investing. Her ability to listen to others and build trust quickly allow her to help others accomplish goals and dreams when it comes to real estate. Stephanie is a wonderful addition to our SEV award winning office.
