The owners of United Country/Real Colorado Properties Brokers recently earned an award underscoring the company’s development during 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 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, according to a United Country news release, amounted to a 94 percent increase in Gross Commission Income since 2021.

Following some productive years at the original United Country/Real Colorado Properties office in Grand Junction, the brokerage decided on a relatively fast expansion plan. Two more offices opened in 2023, followed by another two in 2024.

According to the news release, the quick expansion was inspired at least in part 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,” Omar Richardson said.

He added 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.

“Omar, Nate and their team have shown leadership within our nationwide network for a long time,” United Country Real Estate President Mike Duffy said. “This is a group that continually innovates and leverages the national marketing tools and extensive advertising United Country uniquely provides.”

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.

“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.”