Summit County Bizline: Mountain Properties

Name of business: Mountain Properties



Name of owner(s): Marsha Kinney and Laura Champe

Address of business: 491 Blue River Pkwy, 5th and Hwy 9 in Silverthorne

Website address: www.mbmoose.com

Telephone number: (970) 513-1313

Date business opened: April, 1999

Q: What type of business do you operate — what do you sell, or what service do you provide? A: We provide office space to real estate brokers that want to own and operate their own brokerage under our Metro Brokers umbrella. We also have attractive plans for those real estate professionals that are not quite ready to make that step. Q: Where are you from, and why did you decide to open your business in Summit County? A: Marsha: I am from Atlanta, Georgia. I purchased a condo in Summit County many years ago and became more and more attached as I visited. I owned and operated a Century 21 in Atlanta for over 10 years. I decided that small-town mountain living was more suitable for me and moved here over 15 years ago. I love the real-estate business and Summit County, so there was no question what I wanted to do. Laura: I am from Tiburon California. After exploring other areas, I moved to Summit County and worked as an EMT. I always had an interest in real estate and became a real estate associate in 1994. I was attracted to the concept of being independent and joined Metro Brokers just a couple of years later. When a great location in Silverthorne became available, we thought it was a great opportunity to open our own Metro Brokers office. Q: What experience do you have in this field? A: Marsha: Almost 30 years in the business, in sales and management. Laura: I have been a full time real estate professional since 1994. Q: What sets your business apart from other similar businesses? A: Since we sell real estate as our principal source of income, we do not rely on our office for our livelihood as a traditional broker may. We are able to offer business plans to other brokers that are designed to help them retain more income and have more independence. Q: What types of customers do you hope to reach in Summit County? A: The real estate professional that wants to dictate their own time and make their own decisions. Our office is currently occupied with professionals that have been in the business for many years and have a lot of experience, although we do other creative plans that should be very attractive to newer or part-time associates. Q: Why did you choose to open where you did? A: It is a great corner that is visible and convenient. Q: What are your plans for your company’s future? A: We just bought the office that we have occupied for about 9 years! Both of us believe in real estate and have actively invested in property for years. it was wonderful to have the opportunity to purchase this great location. We are working on plans to improve the property and exploring other options we may have as owners that would have been difficult as renters.