I knew I wanted more than just a job—I wanted the freedom to shape my business around what mattered most and create something lasting. But the journey to get there was full of challenges.

 

After 10 years in sales, I realized I had hit a ceiling. There was no more room to grow. I needed something I could build from the ground up. In 2007, I got my real estate license, and within a year, the market crashed. Foreclosures and short sales became the norm, and real estate turned into one of the toughest industries to stay in.

 

 At the same time, I had gone through a divorce with three kids to provide for. Even though the odds were against me, I learned to adapt and push through challenges. What kept me going was knowing the kind of life I wanted to create—one where I could support my family and have the time and freedom to be there for them. To help create stability, I bought a Snyder’s Pretzels distributorship, and later, a Little Debbie distributorship, which I still own today.

 

The flexibility of being a business owner became crucial when my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. My flexible schedule allowed me to take her to chemo and support her through her final months. Growing up, my mom taught me what it means to show up for the people you love, no matter the cost. She worked nights to support us and still found a way to give me every opportunity, including playing hockey, which wasn’t cheap or easy. I was grateful I could show up for her the way she always did for me.

 

 That period reinforced why I chose this path: the freedom to be there when it matters most. Just as I’ve worked to support my family, I’m grateful to have that same kind of support in my wife, Annadel. Since we met, she has encouraged me, pushed me, and led by example. She runs a gym with her son as a personal trainer and also coaches clients through fitness, mindset, and life challenges.

 

We have nine kids: three from my previous marriage, three from hers, and three we adopted from Ethiopia. When we got married in 2009, we wanted to raise kids together. Adoption is such a unique experience, and we’re grateful we had the chance to grow our family. Now, we have just one child left at home—he’s 14 and loves baseball—and eight grandkids who keep us busy.

 

That same focus on people and relationships carries into my work. What I’ve always enjoyed about real estate is being part of people’s big moments like buying their first home, upsizing, downsizing, or starting fresh. It’s rarely just about the house. I’ve worked with longtime friends, newlyweds, and even  my own kids. Being someone they can rely on during those transitions, and making sure they feel supported through the process, is what makes the work meaningful to me.

 

In 2021, a business partner and I started Odyssey Real Estate so we could have full control over how we serve our clients and support our agents. We had previously worked under a franchise model, but unfortunately, it always came down to hitting a quota each month. Through Odyssey Real Estate, we can focus on doing what’s genuinely in our clients’ best interests, and on helping our agents navigate the highs and lows of the market without pressure to hit certain numbers. It’s about bringing real estate back to what it’s really about: the people.

 

 I’m grateful for every challenge it took to get here—the market shifts, the long hours, the problem-solving that comes with running my own business. Weathering every challenge is what made it possible to not just build a successful business, but to build a life that allows me to show up for my family, serve people, and make a real impact. 

 

The most important thing I offer my clients is a low-pressure experience. I’m not the kind of agent who’s going to push you into a decision or rush you before you’re ready. I want this to be a good experience, and that starts with being honest about how the process really works. I’m clear about what to expect, how negotiations typically go, and the reality that things in real estate aren’t always black and white. My job is to help you feel confident, informed, and supported from start to finish!

 

Real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every deal comes with its own set of challenges, and I’ve learned how to adjust, problem-solve, and keep things moving when the unexpected hits. Over nearly two decades, I’ve worked through changing markets, complex negotiations, and surprise issues that come up during inspections. Because of that experience, I can often help clients avoid problems before they arise and find creative solutions to keep the process moving forward. My goal is to keep you informed, supported, and ready to make smart decisions every step of the way!

 

Sincerely,

  

 

Lester Lemon

Broker-Owner

Mobile (801) 390-2561

lesterlemon8@gmail.com

lesterlemon.com