GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Nov. 3, 2026 — The owners of one of the most successful and fastest-growing real estate brokerages in Western Colorado recently earned an award underscoring the company’s development over the past five years.
During Kansas City, Mo.-based United Country Real Estate’s 2026 Training & Awards Convention in October, the national franchise honored United Country | Real Colorado Properties Brokers/Owners R. Omar Richardson and Nate Richardson (pictured below, left to right, along with United Country President Mike Duffy) with the Stand Out Award. The recognition highlighted the Richardsons’ focus on “best engaging the home office and strategies to achieve significant growth” for their brokerage. That growth amounted to a 94% increase in Gross Commission Income since 2021.
Following some very productive years at the original United Country | Real Colorado Properties office in Grand Junction, the brokerage took a leap of faith and decided on a relatively fast expansion plan. Two more offices would open in 2023, followed by yet another two in 2024.
At least in part, the quick expansion was inspired by a motivational metaphor on handling fears, adversities and challenges in life.
“We heard (franchise owners) Mike and Dan Duffy talk about how buffalo run into the storm to face it head on but get through it quicker, while cattle will run from the storm (the seemingly easier path) but end up getting blown around instead,” said Omar Richardson.
He said they embraced that philosophy and by early 2024, the brokerage had added locations in Craig, Rifle, Delta and Montrose. United Country | Real Colorado Properties specializes in a variety of lifestyle and rural real estate, including mountain homes, ranches, hunting land, luxury estates, commercial properties and more.
Given the brokerage’s property focus and its growth, it is fitting and that Nate and Omar Richardson are both lifelong avid outdoorsmen (along with Omar’s family farming background). It also makes sense that the two earned collegiate business degrees with concentrations in economics, finance and management. What’s more, both come from a family tradition of real estate brokers. In other words, they’re kind of made for this industry.
“Omar, Nate and their team have shown leadership within our nationwide network for a long time,” said United Country Real Estate President Mike Duffy. “This is a group that continually innovates and leverages the national marketing tools and extensive advertising United Country uniquely provides. United Country | Real Colorado Properties has literally inspired thousands of agents across the U.S., has always placed clients’ needs first, and has continued to offer stellar service for anyone buying or selling property in Western Colorado.”
Careful not to reveal all of the brokerage’s strategies for success, Nate Richardson pointed to the significant value of United Country’s training courses as one critical piece. “Our brokers and agents attend these sessions each year, including an amazing introductory class, and then we put what we learned to work through online learning, live regional and national events, and even our own local classes,” he said.
The Stand Out Award came as a surprise to the Richardsons during United Country’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla., in October.
“We had no clue until it was presented at the award ceremony,” Omar Richardson said. “We are very grateful for the recognition of the efforts made by our entire team over the past handful of years. A special thank you goes to Teresa Rens, Broker Associate and Company Operations and Marketing Manager, who works tirelessly to keep the office functioning. Thank you, as well, to the Duffys and to our business consultant Melissa Clark for their support and this honor from the home office.”