New owner takes reins at RE/MAX

Leslie Beard never hesitates to take on a new challenge.

She attributes her willingness to venture into new territory to her upbringing. Her father was in the pulp business, and the family moved around a lot. In order to thrive, Leslie had to adapt.

"I wasn't afraid of new situations," she told The Nugget.

Beard's current new situation has her taking the reins of ownership at Sisters' RE/MAX real estate office in Outlaw Station near Ray's Food Place. She is dividing her time between Sisters and her other RE/MAX Out West Realty endeavor in Prineville, which she has owned and operated since 2011.

Beard got into real estate somewhat reluctantly, she recalled.

"I had a son to put through college and a husband who wanted to retire, so I was dragged kicking and screaming into real estate," she said.

But the field turned out to be a perfect fit for her temperament and her ethic.

"I like to work with people," she said. "I like to help people."

Working in Prineville, she decided to open her own brokerage, and "RE/MAX was a no-brainer for me," she said. "It's unbelievable what they offer - plus the brand recognition."

Beard sees her brokers as her clients, and she is committed to supporting them in every way possible, from providing them with the best technological tools, to providing office assistance to free them up to spend more time working face-to-face with clients.

"My job is to serve their needs, to be a good steward for them," she said.

Beard has had great success in Prineville. She lives near there, off the grid.

"I absolutely love it," she said. "It's a great way of life."

She was looking for a "new situation," but she wasn't sure what that would entail.

"I knew I wanted to grow my business, but I didn't know where," she said.

Then an opportunity presented itself in Sisters, where Peter Storton was looking to sell his business.

"Peter and I prayed about it and just kind of put it in God's hands," Beard said. "It's definitely a God thing."

Storton is staying on as a real estate agent, along with a team of other brokers with whom Beard feels a strong rapport.

"The brokers in this office are so compassionate for their clients," she said.

A couple of seasoned brokers are expected to come aboard soon, she noted.

Beard has made every effort to make a smooth transition and says that everyone has been receptive. With her commitment to good stewardship, she believes brokers and their clients will thrive - and so will the business.

"If you do it right," she said, "the bottom line's going to be just fine."

Contact Beard at 541-771-0829 or email [email protected]

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

• Email: editor@nuggetnews.com
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