Western roots, dirty boots.
Hi, I’m Bessie
I’m a people person. I’m a helper. I’m a hugger. I’m a hard worker. And I couldn’t imagine a career more aligned with that mix of qualities than real estate. I’m also old-fashioned, so my style of business is all about firm handshakes, hand-written letters and high heels. While I love a good house and the thrill of the hunt, what really fuels me is the chance to connect with people and walk alongside them during some of life’s biggest transitions.
I grew up on a cattle ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming, where early mornings and long days were a way of life. From riding horses and hunting gophers to irrigating and learning to drive a stick shift as soon as my feet could reach the pedals, my childhood memories were priceless. Life on the ranch taught me how to work hard, be resourceful, stay grounded and act as a good steward of the land that gives so much back to me in return. My unique upbringing instilled within me a deep passion for nature and conservation. As an avid outdoorswoman and mother, I understand the importance of protecting the land (and the lifestyle that comes with it) for generations to come, and as a realtor, that ethos is integral to the way I run my business.
After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Art History (with a minor in Landscape Architecture) from the University of Virginia, I felt the pull of the West again and made the choice to return to Wyoming to work as a fly-fishing guide on the upper North Platte River—my home water. That chapter of life blended my love for the outdoors with my passion for connecting with people. Sharing both peaceful and fun-filled moments on the river with clients from all walks of life truly affirmed that the most fulfilling career for me would be one that centered around people. Getting to spend time outside would be the gravy.
After working on Capitol Hill from 2011 to 2012, I took a fateful backpacking trip through Australia and New Zealand and ultimately moved to NZ in 2012 to work for a home design + build company. Three years later, I returned to the US and joined the team at Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures in Bozeman, where I developed their full-service New Zealand travel program. For the next five years, I helped anglers plan bespoke adventures to this extraordinary part of the world (and did a significant amount of angling and traveling myself). Through this experience, I not only realized how much I enjoy helping people, I also realized that Bozeman, Montana was THE place for me.
With fire in my belly and an innate penchant for architecture and design, it was only a matter of time before I found myself gravitating towards a career that not only centered on relationships and my natural interests, but that would also enable me adjust my schedule in response to the demands of my most important job to date: motherhood. My children (Hank and Laura June) are my most cherished possessions and I feel so grateful to have landed in a career that has allowed me to strike such a healthy balance between my responsibilities as both a professional and a parent. I take these roles very seriously and approach each with genuine enthusiasm, uncompromising intensity and unwavering dedication. And I couldn’t imagine it any other way.