EXECUTIVEAGENT

MAGAZINE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIAs PUBLIcATION FOR THE REAL EsTATE PROFEssIONAL

TM

caseylesher
Executive Agent of the Month

INSIDE FEATURES:
Prudential California Realty Century 21 Beachside

DIANA NEEDHAM LILY JABERIPOUR

caseylesher
By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa - Ian Wiant Photographer

or real estate professional Casey Lesher, success has been the inevitable result of an innate ability to excel in the most challenging of circumstances. The son of an accomplished family of entrepreneurs has earned his achievements through diligence, perseverance and an intelligent approach to his endeavors. A hands-on agent who works closely to meet his clients unique

expectations, Lesher has built a thriving business despite complex market conditions. As a member of HM Real Estate Groups brokerage he offers his clients an exceptional, concierge-level experience. Casey proved his mettle early on, earning a position as a bank supervisor while still in his teens. A series of promotions ensued, and by the time he was in his early twenties he was working in merger management, consulting with regional bank branches throughout the consolidation process. His strong communication skills, big-picture thinking and ability to effectively coalesce critical business components kept him in high demand; Lesher was an integral part of the merger of three different bank groups before refocusing his professional efforts. His transition into sales came at a price: when Casey joined what was then the largest privately-owned printing company in the country, his father, the organizations president, wasnt pulling any strings. At the companys Las Vegas, Nevada headquarters, Lesher launched his sales career as an entrylevel customer service representative. Though the move was a step down on paper, it actually served as a stepping stone for the ambitious upstart. I did take a significant pay cut, but I knew what I was getting myself into, Lesher comments. He adds, There was great potential there, and I took advantage of the opportunity to build my own business. His foresight was uncanny; in less than a year Lesher had moved into a position in printing sales, launching a highly lucrative career that spanned twelve years. He eventually became the companys leading sales representative, building a book of business that generated steady sales. Despite his success, Lesher began to feel staid and uninspired. Eventually I realized that it was time to start something new, something challenging, he says. A longtime love of real estate prompted his move into the field, where he reveals he has found his calling. Before I worked with clients, I was already a seasoned real estate investor

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From L to R: Judi Lesher, Casey Lesher and Cari Smith

and it became frustrating to experience transactions with agents who didnt meet my expectations. I knew that by applying the principles I was looking for as a consumer, it would enable me to make a difference. And he has. Though he launched his career at a time when many agents were succumbing to a distressed market, he has defied the odds and consistently capitalized on opportunities for his clientele. Attitude makes a difference; in todays technologicallydriven marketplace, Lesher built his career on a foundation of traditional real estate principles. His first understanding: Only about ten percent of agents are responsible for the majority of the business conducted within our industry. Determined to be one of those professionals, Lesher dedicated himself to his work with an unwavering vision of success. I lived real estate, he recalls. Ten-to-fourteen-hour days werent uncommon, and on any given weekend he might be found hosting upwards of four open houses. His willingness to put

in the hard work, paired with his openness to learning from seasoned agents, facilitated his success. His gumption was ever present in his first transaction. Representing a buyer with an interest in an estate that included a residence and a business, he collaborated with the listing agent to navigate a complex $9 million dollar offer. The process was lengthy and involved, and found Casey working closely with Debbie Toohey, one of the deserts most accomplished and recognized real estate professionals. I was intimidated, but remained focused on my clients goals, acknowledges Casey. Ultimately, the escrow never closed. But the experience proved invaluable; when he let on that he was new to the field, recalls Lesher, Toohey cracked up. He adds, She became my mentor and referred me to Steve Shull, a highly respected real estate coach. Ongoing coaching and open dialogues with other agents allowed Casey to infuse proven techniques and strategies into his burgeoning business, and keep him focused today even as an accomplished agent in his own right.

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A N EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
In 2009 Lesher joined the team of professionals at HM Real Estate Group, a move that has served to enhance the already exceptional level of client care he provides. A specialist within the community of Corona del Mar, he enjoys the opportunity to work with customers throughout the region. Our market has a great range of properties, from original cute cottages, to high-end new construction, and waterfront homes, he says. Understanding the nuances of the area allows me to better assist buyers and sellers in accomplishing their goals, and to navigate successful transactions on their behalf. He maintains his grasp of the market by engaging in ongoing communication with industry colleagues and actively previewing homes. My clients know that Im cognizant of the movement within our marketplace, and can identify the areas with significant equity growth, he asserts. Clients Dale and Donna King can attest to Leshers professionalism and knowledge. The couple found him through a referral, and note that he exceeded their expectations throughout the course of their transactions. From the beginning (he) was on top of the details, they state of the process of selling and subsequently purchasing a home. He approached everything with a positive and encouraging attitude. After selling their home in a record four days, the couple appreciated his thoughtful approach in the search for their next home. He spent many hours with us patiently searching and sensitively taking into consideration all our criteria, say the Kings. No matter how frustrated or discouraged we got Casey continually reassured us we would find the right home. They did. And the Kings thank their Realtor for helping to make it happen, saying, We couldnt have done it without him. Lesher notes that his own efforts are reinforced by the invaluable support of his assistant Cari Smith, who boasts previous experience as the marketing director at a national franchise brokerage. Detail-oriented and highly communicative, Smith upholds Caseys focus

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on facilitating a smooth and successful transaction for every client. His affable nature and professional approach are disarming and effective; He is open and direct with his communication, which has allowed him to develop strong collegial relationships throughout the region. I like to determine each partys wants and needs, then create a course of action that will keep everyone focused on their ultimate goals, he explains. It improves the experience for everyone involved. It also keeps him active in a challenged market. Lesher states that his sales have increased annually, proof positive that his work ethic and professionalism make the difference. While he continues to dedicate much of his time to his business and his clients needs, Lesher has found that a balanced life is one better lived. He maintains a healthy mind and body through a disciplined fitness regime and pursues his longtime passion for classic cars, which he started collecting at the tender age of twelve. Lesher regularly sponsors local events such as the Corona del Mar 5k, the citys annual Christmas Walk, and the Corona del Mar Coastline Car Classic. Throughout his life, Leshers consistent success has been hard-earned. And though hes now established within the real estate community, he shows no signs of losing focus. I love my business, he reflects. I have the opportunity to work with amazing clients and to be a part of our terrific real estate market. Understanding what it takes to stay on top he notes, Consumers today want the best, or better. My aim is to always provide this for my clients. They dont deserve anything less.

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CASEY LESHER
HM real estate group Direct: 949.702.7211 clesher@homgroup.com www.caseylesher.com www.cdmrealestatemap.com

1200 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92660 DRE No. 01795953
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