When the local paper calls to write an article, they can be very critical and tend to not necessarily write all the positive things a real estate agent does.  That is not the case with Leslie.  She was interviewed, and a wonderful story was written followed by the word ‘honesty’. You are getting the real deal when you speak and work with Leslie.

Leslie loves to cook and has written a cookbook for her clients.  When everything is said and done, she passes along her specialties including her famous dinner rolls. They even take advantage of the fact that her 4 children and 6 grandchildren (all under 6 years old) live close and have a big family dinner every Sunday.

Leslie and her husband John also love to travel. They have been to China, Germany and several small islands… but their favorite is anywhere that has scuba diving.  It’s a big passion that they share. They love to get away and go see the deep, bright colors of the coral reefs.  Cozumel is their favorite, but anywhere with crystal waters is nice.  The Great Salt Lake, being only 12-15 feet deep in some areas and cloudy just doesn’t cut it!

Ever heard of digital scrap booking?  It’s new, it’s exciting and it’s growing!  Leslie has really taken to it.  It’s not messy.  You don’t have to work on cutting out shapes, getting glue on your fingers or not liking your finished project.  Leslie’s daughter even created a program for her which makes is easy, neat and polished when complete.

If you would like to talk to Leslie Thorup with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, please feel free to contact her at (800) 449-9679 Ext. 1004 or click on her Connect2Agent profile to learn more.

“In addition to the several staff members in my office, I also have a separate & complete team to serve my clients better: two office assistants (Crystal & Jordan), a buyer’s agent specialist (Linda Montgomery) & a marketing & follow-up specialist (John Thorup).  No one will work harder or smarter for you!”

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• Have you ever worked with Leslie Thorup?  Do you know more interesting things about her?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.

Outside of her dedication to real estate, Jeanne’s passion is her family and friends.  She and her husband Mark are the parents of 3 teenagers.  Their twin daughters are just beginning their college careers.  One is attending Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts and the other attends the University of Connecticut.  Both locations are under an hour’s drive from the Allard’s home.  Their son is a recent high school graduate, is employed and assessing his options for the future.

Jeanne was very active in the organization, International Adoptive Families of Connecticut, and at one time served as their president.  This group provides support for families of adopted children from outside of the U.S.  The Allard’s daughters were adopted from South Korea and coincidently share the same birthday as their brother, although they are a year older.  Another community position Jeanne has held is membership in the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce.

When the warm winds blow and the temperatures are on the rise Jeanne and Mark love to play golf.  During the season they are members of a golf league with several of their friends.  This is a non-competitive group that loves gathering for the golf experience as well as the fellowship that comes with spending time with one another.

Both Jeanne and Mark enjoy traveling.  Recently the couple took a four night Eastern Caribbean cruise.  This was not their first cruise.  They have visited a number of islands in the past including St. Barts, St. Thomas and the Bahamas.  They have also vacationed in Key West, FL.  With their children along, they have also spent time on Cozumel, off the coast of Mexico and next spring the whole family will be vacationing in Bermuda.  In all these places, there are droves of golf courses to be explored as well as the beautiful sandy beaches.

At the end of her business day Jeanne enjoys the simple pleasure of putting up her feet and getting lost in a good book.  She’s not particular about the genre, just that it’s a good story.  She and her sisters are all avid readers and so enjoy making recommendations and sharing books with one another.

With 22 years of real estate experience you can bet you’re going to get top notch service from Jeanne.  Whether you’re a buyer or a seller let Jeanne put her knowledge to work for you.  To learn more about Jeanne as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 449-9679, Ext. 1011.

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Pete is guy who loves being on the move.  He hosts a wide range of interests some of which he began as a young person.  As a resident of Shaker Heights he has a great enthusiasm for this area of suburban Cleveland, as well as the other surrounding communities that he services as a real estate agent.  He’s a great supporter of the local arts which includes the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra.

The father of two teenage children, a daughter and a son, Pete was extremely active in both the Cub and Boy Scouts when his son was younger.  Pete’s zeal for the Boy Scouts stems from his own personal experience as a boy.  Pete takes great pride that he earned the distinction of becoming an Eagle Scout.  He is in great company in this accomplishment, with such well-known men as President Gerald Ford, Astronaut Neil Armstrong and Director Steven Spielberg, to name just a few.

Outdoor activities which occupy Pete’s free time are running, hiking and camping.  In the winter months, you may find him hitting the slopes for snow skiing.  Just recently he began taking tennis lessons. And come rain or shine, he has a daily walk or two with his dog.  All this activity lends itself to keeping physically fit which is a goal for Pete.

Down time at home can be spent in any number of ways.  Pete is an avid supporter of Cleveland’s professional sport’s teams.  Whether it’s Brown’s football, Cavalier’ basketball or Indian’s baseball, you’ll find Pete cheering the home team on from the comfort of his family room.  If there’s not a game to catch, you may find him absorbed in a good Hollywood flick, independent film or documentary.  Other home leisure activities include reading books, magazines and newspapers, as well as outdoor grilling.

When the opportunity presents itself Pete does enjoy out of state vacations.  He’s had the good fortune to travel to Mexico, California, Lake Tahoe and rustic Northern Michigan.  Exploring these locations and actively pursuing some outdoor experience is always high on Pete’s list.

Pete works as hard as he plays.  His ten years of experience in real estate supplies him with the knowledge and his dynamic energy gives him the impetus to go the extra mile for his clients.  Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, let Pete do what he does best - listen and fulfill your real estate needs.  To learn more about Pete as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call him directly at (800) 228-4135, Ext. 1918.

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• Have you ever worked with Peter Greiner?  Do you know more interesting things about him?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.

On the banks of the Penobscot River, in the far eastern reaches of the United States you’ll find the lovely city of Bangor, Maine.  It is the 3rd largest city in the state with a metropolitan area population of nearly 150,000.  A century and a half ago it was a noted port whose primary commerce was lumber.  Today it has “become the region’s largest center of retail and service businesses.”

Susan Lane is not a native of Maine, but she is none-the-less in love with the city.  Reared in Africa and then later moving to London, Susan has had a taste of living on 3 different continents and finds her home in Bangor most agreeable.  Adding to the cultural mix is her husband of over 20 years who is originally from the Netherlands.  They have 1 grown daughter who lives in Houston and works in the aerospace industry.  Both Susan and her husband have extended family in their native countries.  They alternate visits to family every two years.

Susan herself is very “keen on keeping fit.”  She has a “strict but fun” exercise regimen that she follows.  Her main outlets are running and cycling (spinning class) which takes place at a gym.  As a couple, Susan and her husband enjoy spending time with friends and entertaining in their home.  They are both avid readers.

By far the Lane-Ziegelaar’s greatest extracurricular interest is sailing.  They feel that Maine has some of the best sailing in the world.  Owners of a vintage Roggerr Motorsailer, Susan’s husband has done some restoration on their craft.  The Rogger is “a glass-fiber (polyester) motorsailer produced in Holland.”  One of the many advantages to sailing a Rogger is its cabin which allows for shelter while sailing during inclement weather.  Because of that protection the Lane-Ziegelaar’s can extend their sailing time well into the autumn season. 

Susan’s fitness program lends itself to her Bangor community participation.  She uses her running abilities to support charities by participating in fund raising races.  She has helped support the local animal shelter and the American Cancer Society.  This past June, Susan participated in The Trek Across Maine – 180 mile bike ride from Bethel, Maine to Belfast, Maine for the American Lung Association – the largest fund raiser of this kind with about 2,600 participants.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, Susan Lane of Realty of Maine can assist you in meeting your real estate needs.  As Susan puts it, “I feel confident in stating that I provide a first-class service to both buyers and sellers.”  So expect, “smooth sailing!”  To learn more about Susan as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 449-9679, Ext. 1032. 

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Although a bit uneasy about talking about herself, there is nothing else in Carol’s life that she approaches in such a manner.  Noted for her outstanding organizational skills and her adventurous spirit, she tackles her career and personal life with robust energy.  A previous career in hotel catering and convention services proved to be a great training ground for honing her people skills.  Clients have told her she’s a “great listener” and “easy to talk with” which are ideal abilities when you’re working with home buyers looking for their dream home or sellers looking to market their home in the best possible light.  She has a nurturing spirit and loves helping others meet their needs.

Carol has a number of interests that she gravitates to when time allows.  She has a strong curiosity about notable people and enjoys reading biographies.  In depth chronicles of such people as Doris Duke, Sir Ernest Shackleton, the Kennedy and Rockefeller families all have piqued Carol’s interest, among others.  Gardening is an activity that offers Carol an arena of tranquility and therapeutic benefits.  Tending to her flowers and shrubs, she finds solace and relief from some of the demands of life.  She also enjoys an assortment of musical genres. 

One of Carol’s favorite activities is boating.  A few years back she and her “crew” sailed from the Florida Keys to Virginia on a 4 day trip.  Carol relishes the adventurous aspect of boating, along with the reliance upon oneself and her fellow seafarers.  She’s also sailed around a few of the islands in the Caribbean. 

Exploring new places, whether local or on the other side of the globe, is a calling voice in which Carol takes pleasure in responding.  Egypt, Greece and Italy have beckoned to her.  British Columbia, Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest are also two areas she’s explored.  Locally, she uses the visits of her out-of-town extended family to satisfy her nomadic spirit to visit state parks, historical venues and other points of interest.  Not comfortable sitting still, she is prompted to exploration by longing to know, “What’s around the next corner?”

Family is very near and dear to Carol.  She is the oldest of 5 children, 2 of which live in the Tampa area, while 2 others live in Georgia and Alabama.  At the heart of this family is Carol’s 82 year old mother who lives with her.  Although plagued with some health problems in the past, at present she is active in traveling to visit her out-of-state children and grandchildren.  Carol notes that her mother has a kind and positive spirit and is an excellent testimony of gracious and grateful living.

Living in the state of Florida and being a notary affords Carol a rather unique privilege, the honor of conducting wedding nuptials.  This was a very convenient sanction when she was in the hotel hospitality business.  Today she still exercises her authority to preside over wedding ceremonies and to date has joined over 125 couples, including a few friends.  She also acts as a wedding coordinator primarily planning beach-side, boat, home and park setting ceremonies.  She has countless stories about her avocation.  I encourage you to ask her about the “Runaway Bride.”  She’s happy to share.

Carol takes great pleasure in helping people fulfill their dreams of a beautiful home and/or wedding ceremony.   To learn more about her as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 541-7233, Ex. 1005.  She’ll do her best to make your real estate experience a memorable “happy ever after!”

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• Have you ever worked with Carol Jacob?  Do you know more interesting things about her?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.

The French would describe her as “plein de vie,” full of life.  Each morning she greets the day with a positive attitude and an energy that would rival the “Road Runner.”  Her day begins with a brisk 3-mile walk before sun-up, rain or shine.  Meet Linda Barton, veteran Realtor and former educator who utilizes all of her life experience in any task she undertakes.

A graduate of Utah State University, Linda majored in French with a teaching certification.  “Madame Barton” spent several years guiding teens through the rigors of learning a second language.  Coupled with that were the out-of-classroom French experiences which may have included a field trip to France during the summer.  Her passion for teaching was strong, but she found herself longing for more, so she began a part-time career in real estate.  For nine years she worked at these duo professions, French teacher by morning, Realtor by afternoon and discovered they had a common thread, they both involved helping people.

Linda has been married to her high-school sweetheart Kerry for 36 years, and they have 2 grown sons.  It was when the boys were young that Linda made the transition to full-time Realtor.  With real estate she found that her hours could be flexible, and she was able to devote time to both her family and her career.  Kerry is a retired psychologist and their sons Cameron and Tyler are both audio engineers living in California and working in the music and film industry.

The Bartons enjoy a number of activities together.   During the summer you’ll find Linda and Kerry hitting the links whenever time allows.  Boating is also high on their list.  Twice each summer the entire family gets together at Lake Powell in Utah for boating and a horseshoe tournament.

On the home front, Linda and Kerry cultivate and work a large vegetable garden.  One of their specialties is red and green jalapeno chilies.  Following the growing season the Bartons preserve them in large glass jars.  This is not only for their own use, but each home buyer Linda works with receives a jar as a housewarming gift.  Really an appropriate gift, don’t you think?

For 30 years Linda has been educating and assisting home buyers and sellers in achieving their dreams.  If you’re looking for a hard working, dependable agent who will be with you from beginning to the end of your transaction, contact Linda Barton.  You can learn more about Linda as a real estate professional by clicking on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 509-7344, Ext. 1013.  Should you call Linda just ask her to Repondez s’il vous plait.  Merci!

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Peggy has a great heart for people, especially her family and children with special needs.  She was reared in a large family of 16 children.  The second to the youngest, she has a twin sister.  Although not identical, they still maintain that “twin closeness” so often identified with these siblings.   This blended family (long before that phrase was coined) was the result of the marriage of Peggy’s parents who had both been widowed.

Making music was a very important part of Peggy’s family life.  Everyone played an instrument and sang.  Music was part of the “glue” that made her family so close-knit.  These days, during family reunions, the instruments have been set aside for a newer form of group music, karaoke.  So instead of front porch pickin’, the family’s indoors or out back singing to “prefab” tunes.  And a good time is had by all!

The other “soft spot” of Peggy’s heart goes to children with special needs.  In the past, she has served as an aide in special education classrooms where she has  come to appreciate the warmth and genuineness of these wonderful children.  Peggy supports the organization Hannah’s Horseshoes of Hope (HHH).  This is a riding therapy program whose purpose is “to provide the opportunity for persons with disabilities to experience the therapeutic benefits and enjoyment provided by horseback riding.”  HHH uses a quote from humorist Will Rogers to express their view on the relationship between horses and people: “There’s nothing like the outside of a horse for the inside of a man.”   Equitherapy can be socially, emotionally, mentally and physically beneficial to these challenged children.

Peggy and her husband have two grown sons.  One farms 95 acres of his 92 year old grandmother’s farm, and the other works in the field of computer technology.  The Robinson’s travel occasionally.  One location they have visited often is Branson, MO.  Peggy is drawn by the abundance of musical entertainment.

Building relationships and family is key to Peggy, and she carries that practice into her real estate business.  “My goal is to provide personal service with a personal touch.”  Whether you’re a 1st time buyer or relocating for the 10th time, Peggy wants to assist you in making your housing dreams come true.  To learn more about Peggy as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com  or call her directly at (800) 520-4985, Ext. 1987.

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• Have you ever worked with Peggy Robinson?  Do you know more interesting things about her?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.

One of the first and lasting impressions of Machiele Marks is her love and enthusiasm for the state of Colorado, specifically the Evergreen/Denver area.  A second generation native, her mother was born on a farm east of Denver on which Machiele’s grandfather had homesteaded back in the early 1900’s.  Her description of the leisurely life style, the crystal clear blue canopy of sky that allows for over 300 days a year of unobstructed sunshine, nearly made me pack my bags and head west.  To say she’s sold on Colorado is an understatement.

Machiele is as passionate about her interests as she is about her beloved Centennial State.  Promoting the Evergreen area as a real estate agent tends to occupy a good portion of her time  However, she does enjoy an occasional round of golf, skiing, movies, live theatre and reading.  Perhaps the interest that she gets the most practice in is gourmet cooking.  And when I say practice I mean, Machiele cooks gourmet meals from scratch 5 out of 7 nights a week!  Among her reading materials are oodles of cookbooks.  As Machiele put it, “I have a sickness for reading cookbooks.”  (As long as the “sickness” stays in the reading and not in the cooking, I think things will be just fine.)

Although their two daughters are grown and are no longer living at home, the Marks are not exactly empty nesters.  Their two lovable Springer Spaniels, Lady Riva of Vail and Miss Ellie keep things lively at home.  Lady Riva is named for a ski run in Vail, as she was born in Vail.  Miss Ellie is a rescue dog, the second one that Machiele has adopted.  Here again we see Machiele’s passion shine through as she supports organizations which promote and carry out adoptions for abandoned and mistreated animals.

With 15 solid years of real estate experience, Machiele has the expertise and knowledge of the Rocky Mountain area.  Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, let Machiele put her enthusiasm to work for you.  To learn more about Machiele as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 319-6826, Ext. 1903.

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Linda’s attention outside of real estate is primarily focused on family.  She and her husband have one teenage daughter whose interests keep the whole family involved.  For the past 8 years she has been active in both competitive soccer and figure skating.  While she’s busy on the field or on the ice, her parents are engaged in being her biggest cheerleaders and some of the behind the scenes work that makes her life easier as a competitor. 

Mr. Olsen is the manager of the soccer team.  His work centers on administrative duties.  He’s the go-to person who provides maps to games, handles all correspondence and communicates with each team member’s family when there are any changes in the schedule of competition.

Linda is active in the figure skating aspect of her daughter’s life.  In that role she has learned so much about the intricacies of competitive figure skating.  From choosing the most light reflective sequins for a costume to the use of sculpting glue to keep hair in place, there’s so much that goes into readying a skater before a performance or competition.

On the home front, the Olsen’s have 2 dogs.  They are Bichon Shih Tzus who are half sisters.  I asked Linda how they got along, to which she replied, “A lot like any siblings!”  The older sister seems to claim her birth order right by demanding prominence over her younger sister.  They are both very delightful and lovable pets.

Linda’s academic background is in marketing and financial services.  Between the two disciplines, she has 20 years of experience.  Both of these areas lend themselves nicely to real estate.  She keeps abreast of the latest strategies in both of these areas.  Her husband is very supportive of Linda’s real estate career and is helpful to her in the area of technology.

To keep up with a busy career and lifestyle, Linda tries to get to the gym 5 days a week.  She finds her workouts to be not only physically beneficial, but a wonderful social network.  She is active in a number of charitable organizations: the Kidney Foundation, Cancer Society, and research for a cure for diabetes, heart disease and stroke.  Her role is often in the form of canvassing in an effort to arouse awareness to the need of community support for ongoing research.  She is also involved in attending fundraisers for a local women’s shelter.

If you are a buyer or a seller and are looking for a real estate agent who will put your needs first and be your “trusted adviser,” contact Linda Olsen of Sutton Partners Realty Group.  To learn more about Linda as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (888) 766-5707 Ext. 1122.

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Joyce Dorscher has no shortage of energy.  Throughout her adult life, she has been running on high octane with family and career responsibilities, all of which she loves.  The mother of 5 children and 7 grandchildren, her family keeps her active attending various grandkid’s extra-curricular activities as well as family functions.  Her grandchildren range in age from 4 to 19, so there’s plenty of variety in the events she and her husband Butch attend.

Butch works for the State of Colorado and will be retiring, as of this writing, in 304 days.  As Joyce said, “But nobody’s counting!”  Plans beyond retirement have yet to be determined.  Joyce herself has retired once from a 20 year career in nursing.  She worked in the “largest medical center between Denver and Salt Lake City” located in Grand Junction.  Her position as a labor & delivery nurse focused on high risk cases.  She was a part of a team of medical professionals that manned the Air Life helicopter.  Expectant mothers in crisis from Wyoming, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado could be airlifted into Grand Junction for medical attention.  Joyce has been a real estate agent for nearly 10 years.  As she puts it,” I used to deliver babies, now I deliver houses!”

The Dorscher’s live on what’s referred to as a “gentleman’s” farm.  They presently own 3 horses.  Joyce’s interest in horses is primarily for leisure trail riding.  Butch on the other hand is a rodeo competitor in Team Roping.  This competition consists of how quickly 2 horse riders can bring down a steer using ropes. The first roper called the “header,” (Butch’s position) ropes the steer around the horns or head.  The second roper called the “heeler,” (a friend, NOT Joyce) ropes the steer by its hind legs.  Once the animal is roped and down, the riders must position themselves so as to stretch out the steer’s back legs.  It is up to that point that time is measured.  Joyce and Butch have traveled all over the country to participate in these competitions and have won numerous awards.

Closer to home, the family enjoys all types of water activities.  They own a 58 foot houseboat that they enjoy cruising around on at local lakes.  When they have the opportunity, they will travel down to Lake Powell in southern Utah.  Lake Powell is 186 miles long, 400 feet deep and has 2,000 miles of coastline.  Writing to you from the Midwest I can tell you that if the lake and it surroundings are a gorgeous as the online photos, this lake is not to be missed.  From my experience with lakes, it’s uniquely breathtaking!

Joyce’s life experiences reach beyond our country’s borders.  This past summer she traveled to Caracas, Venezuela and the surrounding area.  The scenic views of the country were wonderful, and Joyce said she had a fabulous time.  There were sobering moments too seeing some of the abject poverty of the people as well as armed militia at nearly every turn.  As Joyce explained it, entering a mall in Caracas is tantamount to the security process of most American airports.  To this writer, these types of observations remind me how happy I am to be living in the good ole’ USA!

Connect2Agent shows you the professional AND personal side of real estate agents.  To learn more about Joyce as a real estate professional click on Connect2Agent.com or call her directly at (800) 708-6229, Ext. 1775.

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• Have you ever worked with Joyce Dorscher?  Do you know more interesting things about her?  If so, please share with us and leave your comments for others to review.