One team, one contract, one unified flow, from initial concept through completion
www.cooperbuildinggroup.com
please email
at john.mendez@n2co.com.
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community!
ARCHITECT/BUILDER
Rodwin Architecture
Scott Rodwin (303) 413-8556
1245 Pearl St. Ste. 202, Boulder, CO 80302 RodwinArch.com
CUSTOM BUILDER
Wood Brothers Homes (303) 717-8207 www.woodbrothers homes.com
CUSTOM HOME
DESIGN & BUILD
Cooper Building Group (720) 595-9684
2359 DOGWOOD CIRCLE Louisville, CO 80027 www.cooperbuilding group.com
FLOORING
Family Carpet One (720) 378-8927 www.familycarpetone longmont.com
FLOORING SERVICES
Carpet Direct NoCo (720) 818-1399 CarpetDirectNoCo.com
HANDYMAN/ WOOD CRAFTSMAN
Omega Carpentry
Omega Perkins, Jr (915) 249-9020 nextdoor.com/pages/ omega-carpentry-brighton-co
Home Warranty Inc. (260) 433-4027 homewarrantyinc.com
MUSIC SCHOOL
Boulder Symphony Music Academy (720) 328-8286 www.bouldersymphony musicacademy.org
PHOTOGRAPHER | REAL ESTATE MEDIA
Miranda Adame Photographer (303) 523-4469 www.mirandaadame productions.com/
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
All County Property Management (720) 428-2100 www.AllCountyBoulder.com
RADON MITIGATION
Mile High Radon Control (720) 220-4063 milehighradoncontrol.org
REAL ESTATE MEDIA
EstateSnap Modern
Real Estate Media (303) 725-7316 www.estatesnap.org
TITLE INSURANCE
First American Title Insurance Company (303) 449-8442
4940 Pearl East Circle, Ste 104 Boulder, CO 80301
FirstAmColorado.com
WATCHES - RARE/ COLLECTIBLE
Sinclair Time Pieces (813) 748-9062 www.sinclairtimepieces.com
BOULDER COUNTY
John Mendez Publisher john.mendez@n2co.com
303-596-1685
Kim Ash Ad Manager ads.rpboulder@n2co.com
Chris.Menezes@n2co.com
drsantellifelicia@gmail.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating REALTORS® for certain stories, please email us at john.mendez@n2co.com.
Dr. Felicia Santelli Writer
Chris Menezes Writer
Karen
BERNARDI
FROM LONE HUSTLER TO REAL ESTATE LEGEND
By Chris Menezes Photos by Susannah Allen top producer
For Karen Bernardi, success wasn’t something handed over; it was earned through grit, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing.
Today, as the leader of The Bernardi Group at Coldwell Banker, Karen’s story is more than one of real estate success—it’s about overcoming obstacles, defying expectations, and building a legacy rooted in hard work, authenticity, and service.
Born in Indiana, Karen moved to Colorado as a young adult and started her career with humble beginnings. As a single mother with no formal education, she worked as a waitress and bartender and struggled to provide for herself and her young child. “It was the experience of being poor that really drove me,” she reflects, acknowledging how those early challenges pushed her toward real estate.
A serendipitous opportunity arrived when two key figures in her life—the owner of the restau rant she worked at who was starting his own real estate company, and her father—offered her a lifeline by lending her money to get her real estate license. Juggling both jobs, Karen fought for financial stability before fully com mitting to real estate. Those early years were far from easy. “I got poorer at first,” she admits.
Continuing to hustle and think outside the box for her clients, Karen persevered. “I was always
willing to do more than most people,” she recalls. One unforgettable experience involved going out with a client to look at a $20,000 vacant lot -- and selling a $110,000 property. This opportunity came about through a chance encounter while hitchhiking after her car broke down while out with a client.
“I was so broke that I had a flat tire and no spare,” Karen recalls with a laugh, remembering her yellow car with a green door that she was too poor to paint. “We tried hitchhiking back, and this big biker dude helped us. That’s when we saw that other property. You just never know what can happen.”
What separated Karen from others in the industry was her authenticity and tenacity. She always believed in pushing harder, even during the toughest times. Her career truly began to skyrocket after she met renowned real estate coach Mike Ferry. “I started tracking my sched ule and following his advice,” Karen explains. This new discipline transformed her income—from $80,000 to $160,000, then to $350,000, eventually surpassing $1 million. Karen’s relentless work ethic, combined with Ferry’s guid ance, led her to become one of the top real estate agents in the nation.
Karen’s success has not only been widely recognized; it has also remained steady over time. Ranking within the top 10 agents in the nation, her mantra, “Do the right thing,” remains central to her business philosophy. Even if it means turning down short-term finan cial gains, Karen prioritizes the longterm well-being of her clients.
This commitment to client service has led Karen to adopt creative ways to help her clientele. One such innovation is offering interest-free loans to help sellers prepare their homes for sale, knowing these shortterm investments can yield high returns. Karen also emphasizes clear communica tion with her clients, ensuring the process remains smooth and stress-free.
Building a team came naturally to Karen. As a single mother, she mastered the art of delegation and time management early in life. Hiring her first assistant was a bold move—offering a percentage of her earnings—but it paid off as her business grew. As her team expanded, Karen shifted to offering salaries with benefits, including paid vacations and health insurance, which has fostered loyalty and retention. Team members have stayed with Karen for an average of 9–10 years—a testament to her leadership.
“The key to building a successful team is taking care of them,” Karen says. “I know how important things
Always be honest, with yourself and others.
like health insurance and time off are, especially because of my experiences as a single mother.”
While The Bernardi Group is known for its excellence in real estate, Karen is intentional about maintaining a small, high-quality team. “I’m picky about who I bring on board,” she admits. “I don’t want a big team—I want a small team that shares my values.” Her team doesn’t just focus on transactions but on continuous learning, often reading books together like The Disney Touch and Man’s Search for Meaning, reflecting Karen’s commitment to both personal and professional development.
Outside of real estate, Karen enjoys a fulfilling life. She is an active runner, pickleball enthusiast, weightlifter, and traveler. A member of a Spanish book club, Karen is fluent in Spanish and is currently relearning Italian. She is a proud grandmother of four and is preparing to get remarried at 69, adding another wonderful chapter to her personal journey.
As Karen reflects on her remarkable career, one thing is clear: the grit that took her from a lone hustler to a real estate legend still drives her today. “Always be honest, with yourself and others,” she advises.
With a legacy built on resilience, hard work, and doing right by her clients, Karen has cemented her place in the industry—not just as a top agent, but as a true testament to what it means to lead with integrity and heart.
Karen Bernardi The Bernardi Group 303.402.6000 info@thebernardigroup.com karenb@thebernardigroup.com
RELENTLESS DRIVE, UNSTOPPABLE SUCCESS EvoeMegan
When Megan Evoe sets her mind to something, she doesn’t back down. In fact, her relentless drive has been a defining trait throughout her career.
Karen Bernardi, her mentor and team leader at The Bernardi Group, describes her with one word: fierce.
“Megan just calls and calls and calls,” Karen says. “She was a walk-on athlete at the University of Wisconsin, and when she walked onto the soccer field, she said, ‘You will give me a full ride scholarship by the end of the semester.’ Sure enough, she earned it.”
Megan’s journey into real estate followed a similar path of determination. With no prior experience, she pursued Karen, shadowing her as she trained for the Boston Marathon, while Megan trained for the Ironman Boulder 70.3.
“Every week, she ran all those miles with me, asking questions, learning everything she could,” Karen recalls.
“I asked her nonstop questions because I was new and so excited about it,” Megan explains. “I kept telling her, ‘I don’t hire inexperienced people,’ but she didn’t give up,” Karen continues.
“Finally, I said I’d give her an interview, and when I got to the office, she was already there, looking like a million bucks. Before the interview even started, I told her, ‘You’re hired.’ It was the best decision I ever made—she’s been a superstar ever since.”
realtor to know
By Chris Menezes
Photos by Susannah Allen
Being part of The Bernardi Group has been one of the biggest blessings of my life.
This relentless energy has propelled Megan to extraordinary success at The Bernardi Group, where she has completed over 230 buy-side transactions since 2019. At nearly 50 transactions per year, that is a remarkable number for five years. She is also responsible for 41 list-side referrals.
Before real estate, Megan’s passion lay in teaching and coaching. As a middle and high school special
education teacher and soccer coach, she thrived on helping students and athletes grow. But it was her family that eventually sparked her interest in real estate. “Everyone in my family is a REALTOR®,” Megan shares. Her cousin, who had left teaching for real estate, inspired her to take the leap. “We’d talk about real estate constantly, and I realized I was so interested in it that I couldn’t stop thinking about becoming a REALTOR®.”
Megan’s drive to help others find homes is rooted in her own life experiences. One of the most pivotal moments came before she started high school when her parents divorced, forcing her family to sell their home.
“For me, that was one of the hardest parts of the divorce,” she recalls.
“Leaving the house where I grew up was so painful. That’s why helping people find a home where they can start fresh, make new memories, and feel safe means so much to me.”
With that mindset, Megan dove headfirst into real estate, seeking out mentorship from Karen Bernardi and joining The Bernardi Group. The team wasn’t just a career move for her—it became a community. “Being part of The Bernardi Group has been one of the biggest blessings of my life,” Megan says. “Of course, I love how successful our team is, but the camaraderie and friendships are what I love most. Everyone is motivated to do their best, and they’re also the first to ask if you need help.”
Megan’s advice for new agents reflects the lessons she’s learned on her journey: “Surround yourself with great agents and ask questions. It’s okay not to know everything when you start, but never
pretend you do. Stay humble, ask for help, and always keep your clients’ best interests at heart.”
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her children, Reese and Nathan, and their yellow lab, Winnie. As a former college soccer player, she remains closely connected to the sport, following the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and supporting Colorado University’s women’s basketball program. “I got involved with their program last year, and I realized there’s a lot I can do as a mentor for these student-athletes,” she says. “There’s life after college sports, and I want to help these young women explore their future careers and goals.”
With a fierce work ethic and a heart for helping others, Megan continues to build on her success at The Bernardi Group. Whether she’s guiding a first-time buyer or mentoring the next generation, one thing is clear—Megan’s relentless drive shows no signs of slowing down.
Megan Evoe
The Bernardi Group
303.506.8583
mevoe@thebernardigroup.com
By Chris Menezes |
Photos by Susannah Allen
THE VELVET HAMMER Cervo Madison
Madison Cervo, a dynamic agent with The Bernardi Group, isn’t driven solely by sales but by a genuine passion for making a lasting impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s guiding clients through the selling process or pursuing her personal interests in writing and creativity, Madison approaches everything with heart and an open mind.
Madison is what Karen Bernardi fondly calls “a velvet hammer.” Despite her young age, Madison commands authority in every appointment she attends. Her approach is a unique blend of warmth and directness. With a friendly smile and approachable demeanor, she doesn’t sugarcoat realities. Instead, she offers clear and straightforward guidance, ensuring her clients always know exactly where they stand. This rare balance of softness and strength sets her apart and makes her an indispensable part of The Bernardi Group.
While Madison started her real estate career with The Bernardi Group, her journey into real estate began long before she met Karen. Growing up, she was immersed in the construction industry through her father’s work in home development. “I enjoyed showing people around my dad’s model homes, whether they wanted the tour or not,” she laughs. Madison recalls the first time she met Karen. She was with her father at a client party and was struck by how much Karen’s clients
and friends adored her. “I was in awe of how they spoke about her,” Madison remembers. “She is one of the most passionate, sincere, empathetic, and kind people you can meet.”
In addition to holding various jobs during her college years, including stints at Sephora and Audi Boulder, Madison joined The Bernardi Group as an office administrator. This role gave her a behind-the-scenes look at the industry. “I always knew real estate was in my future, but seeing the business behind the scenes confirmed it for me.” She became a licensed REALTOR® in 2015, marking the official start of her career.
For Madison, the most rewarding part of her work is the relationships she builds with her clients. She loves helping people begin the next chapter of their lives. “Hearing from clients after a transaction and learning about where their new journey is taking them—that’s the true reward,” she shares.
Despite her success with The Bernardi Group, Madison’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Among the biggest hurdles she has faced has been overcoming her need for perfection. “I’ve learned it’s okay to make mistakes and fail as long as you get back up and learn from it.” This growth mindset has helped her stay resilient both professionally and personally.
Looking ahead, Madison is excited about her future with The Bernardi Group. “Real estate fits into my dreams because it allows me to help people while continuing to grow professionally and personally,” she says. For Madison, success is all about balance—finding fulfillment in work, family, and life.
Outside of real estate, Madison’s creativity shines. With a bachelor’s degree in English focusing on creative writing, she’s also a published author of a children’s book designed to help kids with sensory issues, a project created for her nephew. “It was scary to put myself out there in that way, but knowing my work might help others is so rewarding.” She’s currently working on a novel that she plans to publish as well.
Hearing from clients after a transaction and learning about where their new journey is taking them—that’s the true reward.
When Madison isn’t working or writing, she enjoys spending time with her spouse, Ettore, and their son, Julian. A sports fan, she loves hiking, playing volleyball, and cheering Julian on in soccer, hockey, and jiu-jitsu. Madison also finds joy in painting and cooking and is always up for trying something new. “I like being active and finding new ways to connect with the world around me,” she says.
Madison is also passionate about giving back to the community. One cause especially close to her heart is Canine Partners of the Rockies, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities obtain service dogs. “What they’re doing is making a massive difference in people’s lives, and I’m honored to support them in any way I can.”
Whether she’s guiding a client through the home-selling process, writing the great American novel, or cheering on her son at a hockey game, Madison brings the same level of care, passion, and authenticity to everything she does. Her dedication has made her a standout member of The Bernardi Group and a trusted advisor to her clients. It will be exciting to see all she will continue to achieve.
Madison Cervo
The Bernardi Group 720.514.2991
mcervo@thebernardigroup.com
JON DAVID COPPOCK
& ESTATESNAP
ELEVATING GREATNESS
At the heart of Jon David Coppock’s company, EstateSnap, lies a powerful belief: that greatness resides within us all. For Jon David, EstateSnap is not just another real estate media company— it’s a vehicle for empowering real estate agents to grow their businesses and serve their clients better. His approach is rooted in a commitment to service, with real estate photography and videography becoming tools for helping agents thrive.
Launched in mid-2022, EstateSnap specializes in high-quality photo and video marketing for the real estate industry. Yet, what truly sets EstateSnap apart is Jon David’s holistic approach to supporting his clients. He doesn’t just provide media; he offers a full suite of marketing solutions designed to ensure his clients’ success. From photography and video walkthroughs to drone footage, EstateSnap equips agents with
partner profile
By Chris Menezes
the tools they need to make their listings stand out and get top dollar.
“At EstateSnap, we’re not just taking pictures and walking away,” Jon David explains. “I believe in giving agents everything they need to leverage their media investments and turn those into real results. Whether it’s helping them with marketing strategies or being a resource when they need help, we’re here to make sure their listings shine and that their business grows.”
Sunset Celebration
at Lionscrest Manor
Hearth & Stone Luxury Home Tour’s Best in Show
Hearth & Stone Luxury Home Tour is an exclusive real estate broker tour serving the Colorado collection of luxury homes with architectural significance, in the Front Range and Boulder areas.
The tour began as a venue for agents from a wide variety of brokerages to showcase their luxury listings, receive feedback from agents, and to provide a venue for meaningful networking opportunities with agents from across all brokerages.
Hearth & Stone members and guests celebrated the inaugural year with a Sunset Celebration set at the beautiful Lionscrest Manor in Lyons. Members have opportunities each month to connect with top luxury agents from various brokerages fostering relationships that have led to successful transactions. Monthly meetings begin with coffee networking time followed by curated tours of 2-4 exquisite homes and concluding with a catered lunch at the final property on tour.
A standout feature of our tours is the “Best In Show” award, where the property voted as the top listing will be featured in the prestigious Boulder County Real Producers magazine. This recognition not only elevates the showcased property but also significantly boosts the visibility and reputation of the listing agent, providing a competitive edge in the market.
With a minimum property listing price of $2 million for Boulder and Niwot addresses, or $1.5 million for other designated areas, our tours
maintain high standards of quality and exclusivity. All showcased homes must exhibit significant luxury features and architectural integrity, ensuring members present their best offerings.
The relationships formed at Hearth & Stone are not just about transactions—they’re about building a community of like-minded professionals dedicated to excellence. Testimonials from satisfied Realtors highlight the importance of these connections, emphasizing that collaboration enhances their ability to navigate the competitive landscape.
Join us at Hearth & Stone Luxury Home Tour to expand your network,
Lionscrest Manor
Listed by Kelly Atteridg, The Patrick Dolan Team
Voted BEST IN SHOW www.hearthandstone.com
This picturesque Colorado wedding venue in Lyons is perfectly appointed on over 35 acres. Perched on a secluded plateau surrounded by open space, the venue boasts spectacular, unobstructed 360-degree views of Longs Peak, Mt. Meeker and stunning sunsets.
Family-owned and operated for 30 years, this premier property has been the venue of choice for weddings, corporate retreats, filming locations and other events. For the first time in its history, it is for sale. The exceptional and private estate can accommodate up to 250 people and offers indoor and outdoor event options.
From the grand entrance to the wraparound decks, space abounds for indoor and outdoor entertaining and celebrating. The entry courtyard has a three-tiered fountain and is surrounded by two curving staircases that lead to the wrap-around decks on the mezzanine levels. The Grand Ballroom and reception area is two stories with dual staircases, floor-to-ceiling windows, French chandeliers and plenty of room for dining and dancing. The lower level has a Band/DJ stage and easy access to the beautiful north lawn for outdoor ceremonies or receptions. The mezzanine level overlooks the lower level and includes the cocktail & bar area with plenty of room to mingle, visit and listen to music.
The groom’s lounge and bridal suite are the perfect places to get ready for your special day. The top floor bridal suite includes a spacious 5-piece bath and fireplace, offering a lovely private space for the bridal party to prepare, primp, and take in the moment. The groom’s lounge has a double-sided fireplace to the outside, mini-bar and offers a relaxing setting to prepare for the special occasion.
Included in the 11,139 square-foot venue is a two-story, private owner’s apartment that could also be a great space for a live-in property manager. The owner’s apartment features a commercial grade kitchen with a large center island on the main level and can serve as a back-up area for food prep and for staff to retreat to on event days. The upper floor of the owner’s apartment is a comfortable living space with a fireplace, a spacious bedroom with walk-in closet, a 5-piece bath, and a personal and private south-facing deck with incredible views.
assets and heavier equipment, a Cigar/ Barn, additional parking areas and a meadow for outdoor concerts. Whether you are looking for a location to host a small, intimate gathering or wedding with 250 guests, Lionscrest Manor is the Colorado venue of choice!
Lionscrest Manor has plenty of parking for events and includes multiple rooms for storage, office space, a full-catering kitchen, walk-in coolers and delivery space. The grounds also feature additional outbuildings for storage of business
Being Thankful
Is Good for Health
“In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy,”
Brother David Steindl-Rast (Austrian American Author and Benedictine Monk),
“Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves and spend without fear of bankruptcy.” Fred De Witt Van Amburgh.
Many Americans think of Thanksgiving as a wonderful time to enjoy a great dinner with family and friends.
But what is the real meaning behind Thanksgiving?
if there was a solution to relieve stress that involved nothing more than feeling thankful for the good things in life? That solution is called gratitude.
The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways gratitude encompasses all these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.
Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have, instead of reaching for something new hoping it will make them happier. Or thinking they won’t be satisfied until every physical and material need is met. Gratitude helps people refocus on what they have, rather than what they lack.
Catherine Millard writes: “We can trace this historic American Christian tradition to the year 1623. After the harvest crops were gathered in November 1623, Governor William Bradford of the 1620 Pilgrim Colony, in Plymouth, Massachusetts proclaimed: “All ye Pilgrims with your wives and little ones, do gather at the Meeting House, on the hill… there to listen to the pastor, and render Thanksgiving to the Almighty God for all His blessings.”
Thanksgiving is as much about gratitude as it is about turkey and cranberry sauce! And, it turns out, we need to remind ourselves that feeling thankful has positive effects on our health. What
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation,” said Brian Tracy.
Our attitude plays a large role in determining whether we can feel grateful despite life’s challenges. It’s not how much we have, but how we feel about what we have that makes the difference. It’s not the challenging situation that’s upsetting, it’s how you perceive the situation. The next time you find yourself complaining about life’s hassles, see if you can mentally “flip the switch” to frame things differently.
health and longevity
By Dr. Felicia Santelli
GRATITUDE CHANGES YOUR LIFE
Robert Emmons is a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis who has been studying gratitude for a decade. He is considered by many to be the world’s leading authority on gratitude and wrote the book, “Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier “.
Dr. Emmons’ research shows that those who practice gratitude tend to be more creative, bounce back more quickly from adversity, have a stronger immune system, and have stronger social relationships. He further points out that “To say we feel grateful is not to say that everything in our lives is necessarily great. It just means we are aware of our blessings.”
Once you become oriented toward looking for things to be grateful for, you will find that you begin to appreciate simple pleasures and things that you previously took for granted. Gratitude should not be just a reaction to getting what you want; but rather noticing the little things, and looking for the good, even in unpleasant situations.
Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks, to the abundance that is already present. Giving thanks makes people happier and more resilient. It strengthens relationships, improves health, and reduces stress.
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference. It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings.
~ Author Unknown
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle,” Albert Einstein
The performances use trivia, humorous characters, and enriching stories to engage, entertain, and educate the audience throughout the performance - not to mention the awesome power of live symphonic music to illuminate our message.
Saturday, November 2 at 3:00 p.m. Grace Commons • 1820 15th St. Boulder, CO 80302
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The performances use trivia, humorous characters, and enriching stories to engage, entertain, and educate the audience throughout the performance - not to mention the awesome power of live symphonic music to illuminate our message.
Saturday, November 2 at 3:00 p.m. Grace Commons • 1820 15th St. Boulder, CO 80302
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
