Meet Leslie Maginn | Real Estate Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leslie Maginn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leslie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I have always been in a “helping” profession. After 16 years in the healthcare field I was ready for a change. I was unsure how I would continue serving people at first. My business has become my vessel to try and make a difference in the community. I have a passion for the first responder community; my father was a police officer and I lost him at a young age. I have long tried to figure out how to honor his life, support our first responders, and provide value to this community. A few years ago I began taking care packages to local police, fire, and healthcare departments each week – and that evolved into a monthly happy hour where we gather and raise money for local first responder families and non profits. I have formed relationships and met some great friends, and that is the real value I believe. In the climate of our world I think it is important to show support to these people who work in the community and the hospitals – the safe space and “thank you” is invaluable. To thank them in my business I offer a commission rebate to the first responder community, healthcare, teachers, etc. I am hopeful that the families we help find comfort in the support. The next happy hour in August I will be doing a giveaway for a first responder wellness conference that is happening this fall – if we are able to sponsor a couple of people to go make connections, focus on self care, and learn to make mental health a priority then I know that every dime spent is worth it. I lost my father to suicide and I want to help end the stigma against mental illness. I’ll be hosting an event in September that will raise money for a non profit called Blue Help – this organization provides support and resources to families of law enforcement suicide that you cannot find anywhere else, amongst many other things they do.

I do a quarterly event that raises money for local pet rescues as well. Ultimately, I love giving back to the community and those I care about. The activities I am able to participate in or sponsor because of my business bring joy to my life, I care about people and want our world to be a better, less painful, place. I feel so lucky that I have found this path and truly love my work.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I went full time into real estate after being in healthcare for 16 years. I was introduced to the real estate world by my partner, and never thought I’d actually end up being in it full time. I was ready for a change at that point in my life but was scared to take that plunge into running my own business. The environment of high acuity facilities began to wear on me, I got burnt out and my mental health began to take a downward spiral as well. It was not an easy “jump’ per se but it wasn’t difficult… it was different. Going from being w-2’d and making a consistent paycheck to being solely responsible for running my business presented a learning curve. The systems, the organization .. that can all be learned. Where I found that I differed a lot was my ability to work together with the other agents, to keep a level head, to help my clients keep a level head. My experiences working in emergency departments and ICU’s has allowed me to have a different perspective while remaining the best advocate for my clients.

I am known as @thatawkwardrealtor on IG. I strive to have fun and provide an easy experience for my clients. I am not everyone’s flavor and that is okay. I’m goofy and have found that I will be successful just being myself – there is no mold for this business and there’s a place for everyone. I pride myself on being genuine and authentic, and I know I will always be surrounded by my people when I am.

I started out working with investment properties quite a bit – helping people build portfolios and fix and flips. That is still a large part of my business and something I will always enjoy, I love finding deals and helping people build their wealth. I love specializing in the investment side because it keeps me on my toes and challenges me – there is always something to learn and so many avenues to get creative with certain types of investments. Working with investors is fun for me – I like to collaborate and it is truly about working together to get deals done. I always have a steady stream of off market opportunities from various campaigns we run and that definitely helps to set me apart because we have streamlined it and dialed in the marketing to acquire properties.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would spend time in Denver taking them to my favorite restaurants, breweries, and hole in the wall spots. Some of those places would be Edgewater Inn, Mexico City, Gaetanos, Joyride, Empourium Brewing, Berkeley Inn, and Westend Tap House.

My ideal time with a friend would be in the winter time since skiing is my favorite thing to do. We would get up early and hit Burrito Giant on the way out of town. If we didn’t have time to head south to Crested Butte then I would take them to Abasin or Mary Jane. We would ski trees in Eagle Wind or the Beavers all day while having a blast chatting on the chair lift. On the way home we’d hit the Bread Bar for a drink and then head back into Denver for a meal in the Highlands.

There are so many special spots in Denver. I love going to the different parks, golf courses, and checking out all of the different neighborhoods. I always try and take people to Red Rocks if possible, or a show at one of our other great venues (Fillmore, Ogden, Gothic).

There are so many great spots in this state from hot springs, to ski mountains, bike trails, hiking …. each trip would be tailored to the person coming to visit since there is something for everyone, and every season.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people that deserve a a thank you and recognition for their support and I wish I could write about them all, here a couple of key players:

My broker, Bret Weinstein, has been the best mentor I could have asked for. He unequivocally supports me in every facet of my life. His real estate career speaks for itself – and he also cares greatly for his people. My business has grown substantially since I joined BSW. In the middle of a pandemic Bret kept me accountable and constantly checked in – the structure that was provided kept me focused on my business and the year I have had so far is evidence of that. He makes me feel like he’s my number one fan, he is intelligent, he works hard a life – and I can’t thank him enough.

My partner Mike has always been my biggest advocate. He constantly supports me through the emotional ups and downs of this business. He is a brilliant business man himself and I am lucky to be by his side. When I made the jump into real estate five years ago he was there encouraging me and reminding me that there is nothing I cannot do. He exemplifies tenacity and hard work in a way no one else I know does. Our life is so much fun filled with so many activities – hockey, skiing, and traveling make the top of the list. We work hard and we fill our lives with experiences and memories that will never fade. He can always put a smile on my face. I know that Mike has my back and that’s irreplaceable.

I wish I could name and talk about everyone that has supported me and cheers for me. I am so grateful for the friendships I have in this life in and outside of real estate. I have people that stand by me, encourage me, and love me for all that I am – and I them. I get to do life and grow with some of the most amazing souls on this planet. Thank you to everyone that is on this journey.

Instagram: @thatawkwardrealtor

Facebook: facebook.com/lesliesellsdenver

Image Credits
Merne Judson III on all but the picture of me sitting on my car