“Success is a peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”  ~Coach John Wooden~

Raised by parents who were both educators, it was a natural course for me to seek higher levels of education within the real estate industry.  Hence, all those letters after my name refer to being an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), a Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).  Bottom line, this  list of credentials assures my clients that I am truly focused on my service to them.   In 2004, I was honored to be recognized as the Montana State Realtor of the Year.   My education has prepared me to handle all types of residential property transactions and I strive to go above and beyond my client’s expectation in service.  And I insist on being straight-forward with everyone I meet.

I left the sunny beaches of Hawaii after nearly 25 years and fell in love with Montana, with no regrets.   There is never a day that goes by that I don’t pause to enjoy its beauty.   And Bigfork is a very special community filled with shops and galleries and its people take a personal interest in our community’s direction.  Our office décor retains the quaint cottage feeling, with big wooden decks and varied garden, and each of us enjoys the harmony our personalities bring to this environment.

Though my work as a real estate professional is my passion,  my other loves are boating with my husband, walking our St. Bernard “Holly” , enjoying the multitudes of flowers in my perennial gardens or stealing away to play a round of golf.

Hometown: Ephrata, PA
Raised: Greensboro, NC
College: BS, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, JD Wake Forest University
Family: proud husband and father of 3 great kids
Favorite Quote: "Many men go fishing their entire lives without knowing it is not the fish they are after - Thoreau
Passions: life, family and the outdoors
Over 20 years of business experience in law and construction

I love what I do and where I do it.  My grandparents homesteaded a small farm in eastern Montana, raising 6 children in the ‘20’s and ‘30’s.  Montana is a part of me.  It is with great satisfaction that I get to share my passion for Montana with clients every day.  Getting people to talk about their dreams and making those dreams come alive is what drives me.  Real estate doesn’t feel like work to me; it’s simply more of the thrill and energy I feel when bicycling, motorcycling or snowmobiling.  That push for excellence.  That knowledge that my legal education, life experiences, and hard work will bring success; bringing you face to face with your dreams.  Because when it is done well, we end up with a lot more than a home in paradise, we end up with good friends for life.

Hometown:Greensboro, NC
College: BA, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Loving wife to Doug and mother to Kelly, Shelby, and William.
Hobbies hiking, camping , reading, and playing with the kids Involved community and school volunteer 
Hopes to make a difference every day in someone’s life
Over 20 years of managing people, places and things in family owned businesses and volunteer organizations.
Favorite quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!
Live the life you’ve imagined.”  - Thoreau

 All my life experiences have led up to my career in real estate.  Working to help others brings out my best; hand me any job without worrying or second-guessing.  I listen with zeal and think creatively to find solutions to life’s challenges. Handling details energizes me and makes me smile. Bigfork is not a resort town to me it’s a community so inspiring that one visit was all it took to know this is the right place.  Living here means having more than one could do in a lifetime.  Working here means total commitment to getting the job done with a professional and personal approach.  Home at last!

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today…”
~ James Dean~

Coming to Mitchell, Deaton & Associates with over 15 years of customer service background and having worked with Joyce for 4 years previously, I am often referred to as the “glue that keeps us together.” Wearing many hats I not only coordinate and design marketing, schedule showings, manage the Client Services department, but also oversee the office, keeping the agents on schedule yet keeping the office playful and fun. In June, I obtained my real estate license to better assist the agents, our clientele and also handle property management for our clients.

I am a Flathead Valley native who absolutely loves where I live and consider myself very fortunate to have been raised here. I try to take full advantage of our unique surroundings… spending my free time taking advantage of the activities that every season has to offer.  I enjoy riding my four-wheeler, street bike or my snowmobile…I also love the glorious lakes and rivers around the Valley and can often be found boating, fishing or camping with friends and family!

I firmly believe that there is no such thing as a stranger…merely friends you’ve yet to meet. I encourage you to see for yourself how the chemistry of personalities in the office of Mitchell, Deaton & Associates makes all the difference!