Midwest Real Estate

They’re a dynamic duo. The motherand-son team of Eric and Delena Kofron have won Best Real Estate Company for Best of the Parkland for the fourth time in a row.

But that’s not all. Eric won the Best Real Estate Agent award for the second time.

Midwest Real Estate opened in 2014 and is owned and operated by Delena. Eric and Michael Shanks manage the business.

“Every year since the day we opened, we have achieved more success, greater sales numbers, and a larger outreach to the community with events, donations and sponsorships,” said Eric.

All of Midwest Real Estate’s agents work to provide exceptional customer service and professionalism.

“We pride ourselves on always being educated in the constantly changing world of real estate,” said Eric.

As for why the business continues to win the top real estate award for Best of the Parkland, Eric said he believes it’s because the community trusts them.

“It’s important to build that trust with our clients,” he said. “We have a family vibe and we look out for each other.”

Eric said they make their clients their top priority.

“Sometimes deals go smooth, and sometimes they don’t. Either way it goes, we handle it in a way that is always in the best interest of our customers.”

The family-owned-and-operated business tries to transfer those family values into everything they do, from the relationships the agents have with one another to the ones they have with their clients.

“We have genuinely appreciated the support of the amazing people in the Mineral Area,” said Eric. “It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but we always try to make it a point to pay it forward to the people that have made us so successful.”

At Midwest Real Estate, there is also an emphasis on teamwork and goodwill.

“I want everyone to be successful together at our office,” said Eric. “It makes for a better working environment.”

The business’ success can also be attributed to the hands-off way the staff deals with their clients and hands-on way of handling contracts, deals and negotiations.

Midwest Real Estate enjoys working with people, negotiating deals and getting to closings, but they’re more focused on making connections and getting customers the best possible deals.

When Eric joined the real estate industry, everything changed for him. He saw the potential in the profession, so he went from working part-time to full-time.

Delena said the goal is for her agents to “be like a knowledgeable friend coming along on house tours, a friend that’s going to provide insights but also give honest concerns if they present themselves.”

She said, “ It’s really easy to get someone to write contracts they really don’t like if you want them to, but we don’t roll that way.”

She said whether a customer is purchasing a $75,000 house or a $500,000 home, they will be treated the same.

“We work just as hard for you,” she said. “That’s where I pride myself. We just work very hard to do a good job and treat people right.”

When customers find the right house, commercial building or property, agents at Midwest Real Estate help their customers to get the best deal and do everything to make it a smooth process.

“This is a job I get gratification from, it’s not thankless work,” he said. “When you do an awesome job for somebody, especially a first-time buyer, and you get to closing, they’re so excited, their hands are shaking.

“You get to hand them their keys and a little closing gift, you get to take that picture with them. They’re stoked, and it’s hard not to get that way, too.”

Eric Kofron wants the community to know that at Midwest Real Estate, there is an emphasis on teamwork and goodwill.

Midwest Real Estate

202 W . Karsch Blvd ., Farmington Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday, open 24 hours Phone: 573-915-5090 Website: Facebook – Midwest Real Estate

His & Hers Formal Wear

WINNER

128 E High St ., Potosi, MO 63664 (573) 438-3875 www .facebook .com/ HisHersFormalWear/

Keenly Bridal & Prom

Finalist 210 E Woodlawn Dr ., Leadington, MO 63601 (573) 431-0342 www .keenlybridal .com

Bella DeMarie

Finalist 2424 N Hwy 67, Florissant, MO 63033 (314) 348-3907 https://bellamarieagency .com/

■ Florist

Butterfields Florist & Gifts

WINNER

302 W Columbia St ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 756-6696 www .butterfieldsflorist .com

Copper Fox Contrived

Finalist 361 W Main St, Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 218-8511 www .copperfoxcontrived .com

The Country Bouquet

Finalist 109 N Main St, Ironton, MO 63650 (573) 546-5056 www .facebook .com/The-CountryBouquet-1681372752106917

■ Photograher

KC Photography

WINNER

(573) 366-1792 www .kcphotographykc .com Lyndsey Paige Photography

Finalist (573) 210-6226 lyndseypaigephoto .com

Kelby Wampler Photographer

Finalist 312 E First Street, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 915-3790 http://www .kelbywamplerphotography .pixieset .com/

■ Venue

The Barn at Lone Eagle Landing

WINNER

12719 State Route F, Ste . Genevieve, MO 63670 (573) 315-3233 www .barnatloneeaglelanding . com

Valley Mist Events

Finalist 770 Co Rd 109, Ironton, MO 63650 (573) 366-1446 http://www .valleymistevents .com/

Crown Valley Winery

Finalist 23589 State Rte WW, Ste . Genevieve, MO 63670 (573) 756-9463 http://crownvalleywinery .com/

■ DJ Service / Entertainment

Totally Sound Entertainment

WINNER

201 W 1st St, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 631-8361 https://totallysoundentertainment .com/

Gold Star DJ

Finalist 106 Edwards Lane, Park Hills MO 63601 (314) 221-5643 www .bookgoldstardj .com

Tim Edwards Platinum Entertainment DJ Services

Finalist (573) 430-5861 https:// .facebook .com/Platinum EntertainmentDJServices

DINING AND RESTAURANTS ■ Asian

Pad Thai Kitchen

WINNER

809 E Karsch Blvd, Farmington, MO 63640

Ho-Wah

Finalist 754 Market St ., Farmington MO 63640 (573) 756-9288 http://www .howah .com/

Canton Garden

Finalist 1111 E Main Street, Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 431-2736 https://www .facebook .com/ Canton-Garden-Restaurant-

■ Bar Food

Hubs Pub and Grill

WINNER

220 West High Street, Potosi, MO 63664 (573) 436-4827 10 North Dover Street, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (573) 358-9098 www .hubspubandgrill .com/home Finalist 1308 MO-21, Ironton, MO 63650 (573) 546-1234 https://theironmule .com/

The Bullpen

Finalist 1500 E Main St, Leadington, MO 63601 (573) 327-9368 http://www .bullpengrill .com/ home

■ Bar-B-Que

Baylee Jo’s Barbecue

WINNER

1315 N . Hwy 21, Ironton, MO 63650 (573) 546-2100 www .bayleejosbbq .com

Sugarfire Smoke House

Finalist 670 Walton Dr ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 713-9099 www .sugarfiresmokehouse .com

Dexter BBQ

Finalist 763 Maple Valley Drive, Farmington MO 63640 (573) 756-1100 https://www .dexterbbq .com/

■ Burger

Hunt’s Dairy Bar

WINNER

1300 E Main St ., Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 431-4011 Facebook

Hubs Pub and Grill

Finalist 220 West High Street, Potosi, MO 63664 (573) 436-4827 10 North Dover Street, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (573) 358-9098 www .hubspubandgrill .com/home

The Bullpen

Finalist 1500 E Main St, Leadington, MO 63601 (573) 327-9368 http://www .bullpengrill .com/ home

RaeCole’s Coffee Bar

WINNER

322 W Main St ., Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 430-4343 www .facebook .com/ raecolescoffeebar/

ColJac Artisan Cafe

Finalist 9 N Jefferson St ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 756-4555 www .coljacartisan .com

Wise Grounds Coffee Shop

Finalist 515 W Karsch Blvd, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 760-9000 www .belgradestatebank .com/ about-us/wise-grounds-coffeeshop .html

■ Diner

Carla’s Cafe

WINNER

818 E Main St ., Bismarck, MO 63624 (573) 734-6650 www .facebook .com/carlascafe1/

The Factory Diner

Finalist 200 W First St ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 760-0208 814 Market St ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 747-1006 239 W Main St ., Park Hills, MO 63601 (573) 518-0161 www .factorydiner .com

The Depot Cafe

Finalist 406 Villar Street, Fredericktown, MO 63645 (573) 561-1333 www .facebook .com/ thedepotcafemo

■ Fast Food Drive Thru

Sonic

WINNER

All Area Locations Finalist 605 N Washington St, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 701-0150 https://locations .rallys .com/mo/ farmington/605-n-washington

Dairy Queen

Finalist All Area Locations

■ Family Dining

Catfish Kettle Restaurant

WINNER

775 Weber Rd ., Farmington MO 63640 (573) 756-7305 www .catfishkettle .com

Carla’s Cafe

Finalist 818 E Main St, Bismarck, MO 63624 (573) 734-6650 https://m .facebook .com/ carlascafe1/

Homestead Restaurant

Finalist 1024 Hwy K, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (573) 358-7277 www .homestead-restaurant .com

■ Fine Dining

12 West Bar & Grill

WINNER

12 West Columbia Street, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 760-1135 www .12westbarandgrill .com

Pasta House

Finalist 931 Valley Creek Dr ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 760-0026 www .pastahouse .com Finalist 156 S Main St, Ironton, MO 63650 (573) 432-2301 https://www .punkinsbb .com

■ Food Truck

The Rollin Dumplin Pot

WINNER

Potosi, Farmington, Bonne Terre, Fredericktown, Park Hills, Desloge, Ste . Genevieve County therollingdumplinpot@gmail .com

Grandma’s Sugar Shack

Finalist (573) 366-5262 www .faceb ok .com/ grandmassugarshack/

The Lunch Lady Food Truck and Catering

Finalist www .facebook .com/ llcthelunchlady

■ Ice Cream/ Custard

Old Village Mercantile

WINNER

219 S State Hwy 21, Caledonia, MO 63631 (573) 779-3907 www .oldvillagemercantile .com

Lix Frozen Custard

Finalist 929 N Washington, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 756-5717 1123 N Desloge Dr, Desloge, MO 63601 (573) 327-9110 Facebook Finalist 3221 Blake Road, Park Hills MO 63601 (573) 631-2159 Facebook

■ Margarita

El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant

WINNER

All Area Locations (573) 756-7577 www .eltapatiomex .com

Checo’s Mexican Restaurant

Finalist 106 W Russell St, Ironton, MO 63650 (573) 432-2232

Si Senor Mex-Mex Bar and Grill

Finalist 612 Wal-Mart Dr ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 747-3030 www .sisenormexmexgrill .com

■ Pizza

Pizza 101 South

WINNER

101 S Division St, Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (573) 358-9183 www .pizza101south .com

Redemption Pizza

Finalist 9 N Jefferson St ., Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 756-4555 www .facebook .com/ redemptionpizza/

Mario’s Italia

Finalist 200 W 1st St suite 170, Farmington, MO 63640 (573) 756-7999 http://www .mariositalia .com/