Live Water Properties Philosophy

Alex Maher began his real estate career in May of 1998 with Coldwell Banker in Jackson Hole, where he created the niche business for fly fishing properties and created a website called flyfishingproperties.com (presently forwards into this site). Mr. Maher earned Top Producers honors in 1999 and 2000 before founding Live Water Properties, LLC with partners Bill Healey and Macye Maher. Responsible broker of the firm and overseeing the growing sales and service team, Mr. Maher is also personally credited with over $140M in sales volume in the past three years.

Mr. Maher grew up splitting recreational time between his hometown of Mobile, Alabama, family retreats on the eastern shore of Maryland, and college explorations in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Various bass ponds, the Chesapeake Bay, Alabama river swamps, the Gulf of Mexico, and Virginia trout streams taught Mr. Maher the joys of hunting and fishing pursuits. Two years work with the Orvis Company provided hands on experience in the fly fishing and bird hunting business, and constant travels to surrounding rivers, prairies, and forests continually add to his knowledge of our Rocky Mountain regions and their ecosystems.

Mr. Maher chose to spend his time and effort in his real estate career dealing with fly fishing, hunting, and recreational ranch properties exclusively. His knowledge of the acquisition process, the management, enhancement, and ecological importance of individual properties proves essential for present and future landowners. Mr. Maher's interest in preserving habitat has translated into numerous ranch sales to conservation buyers who are enhancing habitat and preserving our western landscapes.

Mr. Maher's community involvement includes successful work with various regional land trusts in establishing conservation easements on ranches, mentoring lower school children, and serving as an officer with Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited (JHTU). JHTU's efforts result in the restoration and enhancement of several crucial spawning streams for Jackson Hole's native Snake River fine spotted cutthroat trout.

Disciplined research and constant environmental study have opened doors beyond Mr. Maher's home forests and waters in the Rocky Mountains. Mr. Maher's travels and property research in Argentina, Chile and New Zealand have paved a clear path for the discerning buyer with the world's finest fly fishing and hunting destinations in mind.

William P. Healey was raised on the East Coast and received a degree in Economics before heading west to begin a professional career in commercial banking which lasted six years. Subsequently he became a commercial real estate developer and broker. For over 30 years he successfully developed over 5,000,000 square feet of commercial projects in California, with a valuation exceeding one billion dollars. While conducting an intense personal search for the "last best property" for many years throughout the West, he gained great insight into how to search out and select the "right property"; this he translated into the creation of a "road map" for others to follow. His "road map" and personal guidance will enable you to acquire, by the most expeditious and timely route, your dream ranch. Mr. Healey's own "last best" properties became a gentleman's ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and a recreational ranch in Sun Valley, Idaho. The experiences he gained in locating and acquiring those properties, together with his "road map" has enabled him to assist others in acquiring recreational ranch type properties. This has led to his decision to complete his real estate career by assisting buyers in fulfilling their Ranch, Recreational and Resort Property Dreams. Although he was raised in the East, he has become a true Westerner by living in the area for 40 years and knows the West intimately. He has traveled it widely in search of property, fishing, and on the trail of western art treasures.

Bill’s fishing excursions have stretched well beyond the West. He has pursued “the big one” in Argentina, Chile, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and throughout the United States. As a resident of Jackson, Bill is involved in numerous community organizations including being a Board Member of the Community Center for the Arts, Yellowstone National Art Trust and First Interstate Bank. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board Member of the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana, and major supporter of Trout Unlimited in Jackson, Wyoming.

Macye was raised on southern traditions and recreational bliss amidst Virginia's blessed Blue Ridge Mountains in Roanoke, VA. Her family's adventurous travels to many Rocky Mountain resorts was infectious and sent her to Alaska one summer and Jackson Hole for another during her four college years in Charlottesville, VA. She developed an eye for detail and began writing, inspired by views, spaciousness and people. A business degree accompanied Macye Lavinder to a cosmopolitan lifestyle in Atlanta working with a big six accounting firm. Two years of living for vacations rattled the cage, and Macye Lavinder quickly found herself hiking and biking on the weekends again alive in Jackson Hole. Her Atlanta experience included extensive fund raising efforts for The United Way and weekly volunteer counseling children of divorced parents with a growing national group called Rainbows. Macye Lavinder's move to Jackson Hole had left the children behind. She missed the rewarding experience and set to work raising money in Jackson and persuading the Community Foundation and other local entities of the value of Rainbows. She succeeded. The program is now in its eighth year, and she spends precious time assisting the children as they learn to cope and focus on the positive changes in their new lives. Macye Lavinder currently employs both her business background and literary talent managing the dynamic team at Live Water Properties. She's become an accomplished fly angler, traveling around the world with fly rods in tote with her best friend, her husband Alex Maher. She was proud to be a team member to Ladies of the Long Rod, as they fished in the Jackson Hole One Fly competition. She has just completed her first novel, which she hopes to revise and work towards publishing. Macye and Alex have been blessed with a son. Beckett is the youngest of the family to hit the rivers and beaches of South Island New Zealand, at just three months old.

Terry Fieseler grew up in Texas, where he learned to appreciate the outdoors through hunting, fishing, and raising horses and cattle. After a couple of hunting trips to Wyoming, he decided this was the place he would like to live. Terry settled in Rock Springs in 1979, where he still lives today with his wife, Valerie, and sons, Jake and Troy. Living in the Red Desert, just a few miles from the Green River and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, has offered countless opportunities for Terry Fieseler and his family to enjoy their love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. This passion for hunting eventually led Terry to become a hunting guide. He has spent the last 20 years helping others fulfill their dreams in the pursuit of big game. He is in his ninth year operating his own outfitting business located between Jackson Hole and Pinedale. Terry also guides a few bird hunters during the winter months with his German Shorthair Pointers. He was a partner in a 350 head cattle and guest ranch. This ranching and recreational business provided Terry the opportunity to address numerous environmental, grazing and wildlife habitat issues. He enjoyed meeting many people from around the world, and giving them the chance to learn first-hand about ranching. Terry has been very involved with 4-H in his local community as a leader for one of the market lamb clubs, and he has served on the 4-H Leader Council and the 4-H Foundation for Sweetwater County. He is a life member in the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Rifle Association, Dallas Safari Club and the Bowhunters of Wyoming. Terry has been a past board member for his local Trout Unlimited chapter; and banquet committee member for Ducks Unlimited. He also is a past president of Bowhunters of Wyoming. Terry’s son, Jake plays a fiddle and competes in contests around the western states. This led Terry to become involved with the Wyoming Old Time Fiddlers Association, where he served as Vice President for 2 years followed by Presidency for 2 additional years. Terry's diverse background and experience with wildlife and livestock issues as well as working with agencies such as the Game and Fish and BLM prove invaluable to the prospective ranch/recreational buyer as well as ranchers wanting to list their properties.

Tate Jarry grew up in the mountains of New Hampshire, where he learned the strong New England values from his family and their innate passion for the outdoors. He grew up hiking the inspiring White Mountains and exploring the rivers, lakes, and ponds that sprinkle the diverse landscape of the state. The Upper Valley region, famous for the Connecticut River, Dartmouth College, and the abundant outdoor life, which caters to skiing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing and biking, was his home. His enthusiasm for the outdoors led him to Jackson area in the fall of 1997, following his graduation from the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Political Science. In the time since he arrived, Tate has devoted his time to studying and enjoying the opportunities that abound the local fly fisherman. The rivers and streams of the area have created a fresh and exciting passion in his life. In his spare time, Tate is usually running the rivers in the lower Southwest Montana region, in particular the Madison. Tate's interest in both the outdoors and real estate has led him to Live Water Properties, where he will unquestionably add his extensive knowledge of area fisheries. As a team leader and an observant teacher and student, Tate is skilled at taking the methodical approach to his life and his work.

"After thoroughly investigating my 2,220 acre ranch in Idaho, Live Water sold the property in six months. Tate Jarry, my broker, and the entire staff were very professional and responsive to my needs and questions. Potential buyers were qualified, and showings were coordinated and professional.

Live Water has the experience in fishing, hunting, and conservation issues to present my ranch in a realistic and positive light. Live Water was willing to commit the advertising resources and personal time of their multiple offices to get the ranch in front of potential buyers. They have the horsepower and knowledge of the Intermountain West to get things done for their clients. I am very happy with Live Water’s performance."

~ Frank Scarborough

In 2004 and after ten years, Steve Robertson has decided to leave his good friends at Sotheby’s International Realty and join Live Water Properties. A Wyoming native, raised on a small cattle ranch in Jackson Hole, Steve attended college at Montana State University. There he studied Pre Veterinary Medicine and Agricultural Business. In 1977, Steve and his wife, Dallas, moved to the Hoback Basin and started a guide and outfitter service. In time this business expanded and now includes ranching and livestock. In 1989, Steve became involved in real estate. With his background and experience he excels in ranch and recreation property brokerage.

Steve admires the character and humor spawned by lifestyles of the stock grower and rancher. He enjoys working cattle on his saddle horse. Steve’s therapy is the quiet enjoyment of the back country and keeping our wild lands and wilderness away from the intrusion of motors and crowds.

While growing up in the piedmont of North Carolina, Brian Hartley spent considerable time fishing the lakes and streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains. His love of fly fishing developed while landing largemouth bass near golf courses and in farm ponds and later led him to explore the pristine rivers of British Columbia and the fishing meccas of the Bahamas. Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, Brian followed his fascination with the west and spent several years as a fly fishing sales specialist at an Orvis affiliated shop at Lake Tahoe. After fishing every corner of the High Sierras, Brian made the big-city move to pursue an interest in commercial real estate. He worked as an analyst with a retail specific brokerage team with Marcus & Millichap in San Francisco where he soon advanced into the role of Team Escrow Manager. It is in this capacity that he developed a strong ability to handle the issues related to transactional management and client relations; strengths that will be assets for the Live Water Team and clientele.

As a fourth generation Jackson native, John Turner grew up fishing and hunting in the mountains of northwest Wyoming. Growing up on his family’s dude ranch, the Triangle X, John spent his summers guiding fishermen and hunters in the Teton wilderness, being named Guide of the Year in 1992. He continued his affair with the outdoors through his college years, exploring the streams and mountains of southern Wyoming and northern Colorado, while attending the University of Wyoming and earning a B.S. in Economics. After college, John spent a few years in the eastern U.S. where he got his first taste of the real estate business. After learning the trade in the Washington D.C. and Nashville markets, John and his wife Laura moved back to Jackson in 1995 to help manage and run the Triangle X Ranch.

Twelve years later, he has stepped back into the business with Live Water Properties. “It was Live Water’s commitment to recreational properties, not just the marketing and selling, but the conserving, enhancing and protecting of these properties that made me want to be a part of this Team.” John’s experience in the Wyoming ranching community and vast experience in ranch operations, along with his lifetime of guiding, is an ideal fit with Live Water Properties’ commitment to becoming the premier real estate company for recreational properties in the West.

With thirty years of experience in the real estate field, Lon Williams joins Live Water Properties as our Sales Manager. Originally from Minnesota, Lon has a connection with the outdoors, enjoys golf, hiking and nature photography. Throughout his career, Lon has been interested in both marketing and sales initiatives, so that he has been able to influence and drive businesses towards success in providing exceptional customer service to customers and clients. Initiating, writing and implementing Prudential’s real estate national sales training program further led Lon into an intense role with relationship to agents. Again, these executive positions include both marketing objectives as well as strategic sales initiatives. This holistic approach is another level of service that Live Water Properties is implementing at every service level. We look forward to advancing our astute growth inside the branch offices already in place, as well as servicing geographic needs in additional locations in the coming years. Lon Williams has been at Live Water a short period, and we have already seen direct focus and positive systems change as a result of his tireless and impenetrable work ethic.

An Arkansas girl, Kelly Rigby cheered on the Hogs for four years and received a degree in Journalism - Advertising/Public Relations from University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Interning for the Arkansas Secretary of State during her summer breaks, she gained experience in their Communications and Education division and began working full-time there after graduation. With a restless spirit, Kelly traveled out West on a whim and never left. When she is not exploring the surrounding mountains by foot or skis, she can be found on the courts perfecting her serve, volunteering in the local arts community or planning her next adventure. As Marketing Director, she strives to bring the Live Water name to the forefront of the ranch brokerage market by using her organization, planning, ideas and creative nature.

Sara Reichert grew up outside of Denver, Colorado and spent much of her time in the nearby mountains and Steamboat Springs. Her family’s love for the outdoors instilled a passion for skiing, fishing, hiking and biking. In addition, a constant desire to see the world has brought travels to New Zealand, Africa, South America and Asia. After graduating from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York in 2008 and receiving a BA in sociology/anthropology and psychology, Sara returned out West to pursue the more adventurous and laid-back lifestyle of the area. As a new resident of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she looks forward to exploring the Tetons and continuing her interests in outdoor activity, photography and community service. The combination of outdoor enthusiasm and environmentalism that embody Live Water Properties attracted Sara to the company where she hopes to learn more about the ranching/real estate industry.

Originally from Colombia, South America, Carlos grew up in Chattanooga, TN, where from an early age he learned to appreciate and indulge in all that the outdoors had to offer. As an avid fly fisherman, Carlos spent a great deal of his time fishing the eastern streams of the Southern Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smokey Mountains. Following his graduation from the University of Tennessee as a double major with a degree in Economics and Spanish, his passion for fishing, hunting and the outdoors in general, would later take him to the bigger waters of the Rocky Mountain West. Upon his arrival, Carlos attended the Professional Western Rivers Guide School hosted by World Cast Anglers, where he was immediately offered a position on their guide staff upon completion of the course. Carlos has spent the last eight years guiding the trophy trout streams of Wyoming, which include the streams of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks as well as the Snake River, Green River, New Fork, and Salt River. In addition to Wyoming, Carlos spent a great deal of his seasons on the South Fork of the Snake and the Teton River. Carlos joined the crew at Live Water in 2004 where it was evident that his passion for waterfowl, upland bird hunting, and his extensive knowledge with regard to the fisheries of the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem made him an invaluable component to the Live Water team, as well as a great source of knowledge for anyone interested in making a ranch in the Rocky Mountain West a part of their life. He is licensed in Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. Carlos now resides in Teton Valley, Idaho with his wife Hilary, son Samuel, and their two bird dogs and three horses.

Born and raised in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Matthew MacMillan comes to his love for and respect of wildlife and outdoor pursuits naturally. An undergraduate degree in Environmental Science and Wildlife Management from the University of New Hampshire has provided the perfect foundation for life in Jackson Hole. After receiving his degree in 1996, Matt headed to Jackson to follow his passion for fishing, hunting and skiing. A few years of seasonal occupation afforded him the opportunity to truly get to know the wider world of the northern Rockies and he soon realized that he wanted to put his roots down in this special place. Beginning his real estate career in 1999, Matt gained experience in both residential and commercial sales as well as land development. Since 1999 Matt also obtained his Brokers license and managed an office for a local firm prior to joining Live Water. While understanding and appreciating the necessity of growth and development in a growing community, he has become increasingly concerned about the vanishing wilderness and open areas and his interest in real estate has evolved in a desire to aid in the preservation of the land and streams and the protection of wildlife and native fish. Matt joined Live Water Properties in June of 2005. In his first full year at Live Water, he closed 19 transactions for a total of $29 million in sales volume. Matt believes that selling fishing, hunting and recreational ranch properties is the best of both worlds. It gives him the opportunity to have a hand in conserving our precious trout streams and wild places while providing invaluable insight to buyers from around the world who are often purchasing their dream property. Matt now lives in Teton Valley with his wife Sarah and two daughters, Avery and Kylie.

Growing up in Minnesota, Andrea Loban fostered a love of lakes and the great outdoors. Learning came by way of canoe trips on the Boundary Waters and summers on the Mississippi Headwaters. Formally, she attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, obtaining her degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Durango, Colorado, and Oregon were two places that catapulted her spirit, where she spent time teaching climbing, mountaineering and exploring as a river guide. Deciding to poke further into Jackson Hole, Andrea commenced her real estate career. Through a two year marketing position, Andrea aided a high-end residential realtor by producing quality advertising designs. She was learning the benefits of networking and building the strongest reputation possible, deciding then to follow into sales herself. Finally, Andrea transitioned to Teton Valley, Idaho, just over the pass from Jackson Hole. Here, she has settled with her husband Jeff, their two dogs, and they enjoy roaming the Big Holes, hiking, biking and skiing. In all that she does, Andrea prides herself on working in the best interest of buyers and sellers and keeping up with the issues that encapsulate this growing community—Victor, Driggs, Alta, Targhee and Tetonia. As a qualified real estate broker, she looks forward to servicing your Teton Valley resort needs.

While growing up in Portland, Oregon, Steve Shepro explored the rivers and mountains of the Pacific Northwest with Boy Scout Troop 1, where he earned his Eagle Scout award. This strong appreciation for the outdoors led him to Missoula, Montana, where he attended the University of Montana, focusing on the health sciences. In 1999, he became a Senior Lead Instructor with Aerie Backcountry Medicine. His work took him throughout North America and Costa Rica teaching emergency medicine to guides and outfitters and to this day he continues to teach for Aerie on a part-time basis. Steve spent four seasons guiding on Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams for Mt. Rainier Alpine Guides and International Mountain Guides and also worked on an ice breaking ship in Alaska as the Ship’s Medic. A newcomer to Teton Valley, Steve came to the area to enjoy all that the area has to offer including Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, world-class fly fishing, biking, hiking and Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. In his own words, “In my mind, this is the epicenter of recreation and the true mountain lifestyle in the Mountain West”. As a licensed realtor for the Live Water team, Steve compliments his sales experience with leadership and strong sense of presentation.

Live Water Properties would like to welcome Jeff Wiley as the newest sales associate to the ranch brokerage team. Jeff was born and raised in Northwest Pennsylvania and spent his youth fishing the streams and tributaries of Lake Erie. As a boy, he dreamed of fishing the famous waters of the west. He obtained his chance after completing his college years in New York state and heading to Denver, Colorado. A successful 22-year career in telecommunications, including 10 years at Time Warner Telecom, afforded Jeff the opportunity to follow his passion to live and work in the fly fishing mecca of the states. During his time in Denver, Jeff made a habit of fishing Montana’s river 3-4 times annually, building up front-hand knowledge of the state’s best waters. As a sales agent in the newly opened Bozeman office, Jeff looks forward to assisting people in finding their dream property and living the western lifestyle.

Rachel Stockwell was raised on the southern coast of Rhode Island as well as in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Growing up with two older brothers and an adventurous father, Rachel’s eyes were opened early on to the worlds of skiing, hiking and camping in the beautiful region. She spent most of her childhood outdoors as well as traveling to South America, Europe and across North America. With this love of travel, the outdoors and experiencing new things, Rachel moved to Bozeman, Montana in late 2001. After completing her degree in Business Management at Montana State University, she knew she wanted to stay in the area forever. Rachel looks forward to sharing her love of the outdoors as well as her knowledge of the Bozeman area.

While following his passion for fly fishing and skiing, James Briscoe has first hand knowledge of the recreational market. His first taste came from a stint in Sun Valley Idaho working for the areas premier outfitter, Silver Creek Outfitters. For the past 15 years he has lived and guided the blue waters of San Diego, Cabo San Lucas and La Paz Mexico, the trout waters of the Eastern Sierra Nevada and Sun Valley Idaho, the steelhead drainages of Oregon and Washington and now Montana. The west is his stomping grounds.

James established his sales skills in the real estate market at a young age through Grand Teton Acquisitions, a firm specializing in the mergers and acquisitions of commercial companies in the United States and Canada. His career was kick started with this firm as he initiated transactions in the commercial market exceeding $40 million. James has long understood translating the importance of protecting our resources into ensuring future environmental security for generations to come. To help educate him and others, he obtained his Watershed Preservation Stewardship from Washington State University. Recently James has come back to the Rockies to raise a family and pass down his interests. Since arriving in February of 2007, James has closed ranch and land transactions totaling over $13 million. Along with recognizing fishery potential he is equally adept at identifying an areas overall recreational output including seasonal opportunities. He is focusing his attention on ranch and land sales & acquisitions with an emphasis on water restoration, conservation & easement donations and water & mineral rights. Residing in Bozeman, James with his wife Julia and their three young girls are enjoying the Rocky Mountain Way.

John C. Tozzi grew up in Marin County, California, in the shadow of Mt. Tamalpais, and was drawn to outdoor sports from a young age. He spent his free time exploring Mt. Tam, the Sierras and other recreational areas throughout California and the West. Whether it is climbing, hiking, mountain biking or skiing, John always strives to excel at new sports. In 1995 on a trip to the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming, he learned to fly-fish and instantly became hooked. John quickly learned that fly fishing was not only a great “rest day” activity while taking a day off from climbing, but a challenging and rewarding endeavor.

John graduated from Santa Clara University with a degree in Economics in 1996 and immediately began working in the financial industry for San Francisco-based investment management firm, Cambridge Investments Limited. In 2002, after earning an MBA with honors from The University of Michigan Business School, John moved to Jackson to manage a satellite office for Cambridge. John’s interest in real estate was piqued while attending graduate school and he earned his real estate sales license in order to become more involved in the business. John continues to split his professional time between the financial and real estate industries.

John is an outgoing individual with an entrepreneurial spirit that shines in whatever he sets his mind to. He has always been driven to succeed in his career, while balancing his dream for a great quality of life. Living in Jackson Hole allows John and his wife, Meaghan to be able to live and work in an environment conducive to pursuing outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of Jackson’s mountain environment.

Dan Vermillion was raised on the banks of Yellowstone River in Montana. After spending years guiding some of the world’s most exotic and famed fisheries, Dan formed Sweetwater Travel with his brothers, Jeff and Pat Vermillion. Sweetwater Travel is based in Livingston, Montana and owns and operates fishing camps in Mongolia, Brazil, Alaska, British Columbia, French Polynesia and Montana. Sweetwater’s camps have established a new standard for high level of service in pristine, wilderness settings. Through his experiences as a guide and lodge owner, Dan has developed a passion for conserving the world’s finest fisheries habitat. Through his past employment with the Nature Conservancy, and his present involvement with an International Finance Corporation grant to protect Mongolia’s Taimen fishery, Dan has been actively involved with fisheries conservation throughout the world. Dan also has a law degree from the University of Montana which lends additional skills to his customer service portfolio. Along with his law degree and legal experience that included drafting of conservation easements and complex transactional documents, Dan’s unique combination of skills allows him to provide quality advice to the prospective ranch purchasers. Recently, Dan has been appointed to state Fish, Wildlife, and Parks committee by Governor Brian Schweitzer and is working to ensure healthy fish and wildlife populations for generations to come. This diversity of experience allows Dan can assess both the Fish and Wildlife resources of a property from both a sport-fishing perspective and conservation perspective.

Jane North Brown is a born and bred Southerner, however grew up all over the country as the daughter of a “General Electric” corporate nomad. Her educational background is extensive, earning a Bachelors of Arts from Transylvania University, a Masters in Political Science from American University and a J.D. with Honors from Emory University School of Law. Jane has pursued a myriad of professional passions including corporate and securities attorney, thoroughbred racing and breeding company-owner, entrepreneur, real estate investor and real estate agent. She began visiting Jackson Hole in 1987 and now with her husband Frank and three teenage children actively hunts, shoots, fishes, skis and explores the Greater Yellowstone basin. Licensed in real estate for Wyoming and Georgia, Jane divides her time between Atlanta, the low-country of South Carolina, Jackson Hole, WY, and Paradise Valley, MT.