10/15/2012
Consistency and Honesty
The purpose of this letter is to recommend and congratulate the Hayden Outdoors Team, headed by John Leo Hayden and Dax Hayden for the successful sale of the Dunne Valley Ranch.
My name is Steve Dunne, President of Dunne, Inc. the owner of the 21,000+ acre Dunne Valley Ranch located on the Oklahoma border south of Dodge City, Kansas. The ranch has been in our family since 1941 and after much soul searching my two brothers and eight cousins came to the conclusion that holding on to the ranch for prosperity sake created more potential for family strife than selling. Since none of us had any interest in the cattle business it was just too valuable of a piece of property to be split amongst literally dozens of future nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc.. As one might imagine, this was not an easy decision. Our goal was to keep part or all of the minerals, and to sell the surface. When looking for a broker to list the property, we wanted to be sure that they would reach out nationally, if not internationally. In addition we required someone familiar with ranches and ranching, not just a broker willing to sell it for the lowest commission. My research pointed to Hayden Outdoors for their recent sales in the area, like The Box Ranch. I contracted Hayden Outdoors and they came and met me in Wichita.
We listed with Hayden Outdoors and they began an extensive marketing campaign. The ranch was shown to 20+ potential buyers over the term of the listing, and John Leo Hayden kept me informed of showings, potential negotiations and of course all offers. The land was listed for eighteen months and a successful sale was closed in August of this year. Like any good broker, Leo brought me every offer regardless of the amount, but where Leo rose above the typical broker was his advice to me on those offers. Instead of encouraging me to take the first low ball offer that came in the door to make a fast (and sizable commission), he would say “Steve I am telling you your ranch is nicer than that, it is worth the money you are asking!” and by golly after lots of blood, sweat and tears we got damn near all of it!
Ultimately we ended up with top dollar for the surface and kept all the minerals for future generations. John Leo Hayden, Dax Hayden and the entire Hayden Outdoors team worked tirelessly and greatly helped in selling the property. I will recommend Hayden Outdoors to my friends who have farm, ranch or recreational land to sell.
Regards,
Steven W. Dunne