Photo by Michael Williams

Jim Lyon

Lyon is the third generation to lead Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty—a company that has been a local leader in luxury real estate for more than seven decades. This Arizona native and Scottsdale father has served as the Chairman of the Board since 2008.

You are the third-generation Lyon to lead your business. Did you ever have aspirations to do anything else?  

I wanted to be a firefighter. I actually completed the training courses and was on that path when my father asked me to remain in the family business.

What is the most rewarding part of your career?  

Witnessing firsthand our family company become so successful after more than 70 years, while staying true to its core values and expanding our reputation as the most respected name in real estate. Our slogan has always been that “our name is synonymous with fine properties since 1947.”

To what do you attribute this long-standing success?   

Several things. First, staying true to our core values of loyalty and integrity, while providing the highest level of service to our customers. Second, the success of the company is a direct result of our agents, managers and staff. I could never do this alone, and my partners, Todd Gillenwater and Tom Locati, have been a large part of our success. I've known Todd all my life, and he took a leap of faith with me in expanding the company. Tom was our top producer for a while and after retiring, he joined as a partner, bringing insight to understanding agent's perspective. Deems Dickinson, our current president and designated broker, has been with the company for 37 years, bringing commitment and longevity to our management team. Finally, in 2008, we affiliated ourselves with Sotheby's International Realty, which enabled us to expose our properties internationally better than any other company. This has been a perfect match.

What do you hope for the future of Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty?

I hope that our company continues to expand and maintain our reputation in the Valley while keeping up with ever-changing business of real estate. We work hard at implementing new technology and systems that position our customers’ homes to be exposed locally and internationally.

What have been some of the most exciting changes that you have witnessed in the Valley over the years? 

I used to go pig hunting and picnicking with my family on Pinnacle Peak and Scottsdale Roads when they were dirt roads. Growing up, Camelback Mountain was in my backyard so I used to climb up there when there were no trails and sleep up there. Probably the most exciting thing I've witnessed is the growth of the Valley. The development and infrastructure alone has allowed towns like Carefree, Cave Creek, Mesa and Chandler to all be connected.  

As a father, what is the biggest lesson you hope your two sons learn from you?  

To be true to themselves and through experiences and opportunities, help them find their passion.  

In what ways do you give back to the community?  

This is where I have to give all the credit to my business partner, Todd, and my wife, Robin. They are both passionate about giving back and making Arizona better. Todd started the Russ Lyon Charitable Foundation several years ago, and together with my wife, they organize volunteer opportunities for our agents and find ways to make a difference in communities all over the state.