July 20, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, Mo.) – Following its recognition of United Country Real Estate overall with multiple awards earlier this year, Franchise Business Review (FBR) has now honored the owners of three Oklahoma-based offices for their efforts as United Country affiliates.
Payton Hamm and Stacey Carnes-Stricker of United Country Real Estate | Exploration Realty & Auctions have received a Franchise Rock Stars award in the Women-Owned business category. This particular distinction, as FBR notes, honors “franchise owners who set exceptional examples of success within the franchise business model.”
Carnes-Stricker and Hamm joined one of the franchised offices in United Country’s national network in 2007 and 2008, respectively. By 2018, the two opened their own office in Elk City, Okla. They followed that in 2021 with a brokerage in Altus, and then opened a third location in Yukon just a couple months ago in May. They were nominated for the Rock Stars award for their unwavering dedication, positive outlook and remarkable business acumen — all of which have led to significant success in relatively short time.
In fact, the two already have plans to open additional offices in the very near future. And it seems the secret to their success so far – just like any other great organization – has a whole lot to do with a concentrated focus on teamwork.
“The previous broker from whom we purchased the office had the utmost integrity, heart for teaching and loved United Country Real Estate,” Carnes-Stricker said. “We have tried to carry on this same philosophy with our team.”
Hamm agreed with the sentiment. “We work together as a team, but operate like a family (with) the same morals, ethics and principals, and we couldn’t be prouder of the camaraderie that has been created,” she said. “Our team’s flexibility to continually learn and adjust with every market change is amazing. We are also so grateful for the support from every client along the way.”
As a real estate brokerage, United Country | Exploration Realty & Auctions helps clients buy and sell country homes, farms and ranches, commercial property, homes in town and all types of land in Central, Western and Southwest Oklahoma. That focus fits perfectly into the nearly 100-year-old United Country network of some 500 independently-owned-and-operated offices from coast-to-coast — all specializing in lifestyle and country real estate.
Earlier in 2023, FBR honored Kansas City, Mo.-based United Country as a whole with several Satisfaction Awards. This included recognition for Top Franchises Culture, Top Franchises Recession-Proof, Top Franchises for Women and a 10 Years Hall of Fame award, among others.
It is efforts from people such as Hamm and Carnes-Stricker and the other dedicated real estate professionals within United Country that have made the company what it is today, said United Country Real Estate President Mike Duffy.
“United Country as a company does not succeed without the hard work, creativity and commitment to success of our agents, brokers, auctioneers and affiliates across the nation,” Duffy said. “For several years, Stacey and Payton have been among our top performers, thriving in business while also staying active in their community. They also happen to have exceptional marketing and advertising skills. In many ways, they are the perfect representation of the ideal United Country owners and brokers.”