John Payne – President, Broker & Auctioneer { john@rancheswest.com }

John grew up in Colorado one of seven children in the land and ranch business. Leo Payne, John’s father, shared and spurred John’s interest for the land, buying ranches in Colorado, Utah and Montana. From this experience, John graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Arizona in Tucson. After six years in the guest ranch and hospitality business for Vail Resorts in Vail, Colorado, he met his wife from Montana, a fifth generation rancher. Moving to Montana in 1996, John started Ranches West® from a dream to provide land owners and buyers with first class brokerage, marketing and management services. In 1999 he graduated from Missouri Auction School and quickly teamed up with one of the largest real estate auction firms in the country. Today, John continues to grow Ranches West’s network of resources, offering land owners options for their investments they may never know about with traditional real estate firms.

Leo Payne – Farm, Ranch & Business consultant { leo@rancheswest.com }

Leo’s experience spans over 50 years of business and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting in the automobile business in 1952, he became the youngest franchise dealer in the U.S. at age 27. In 1962 he moved to Denver- purchasing a Pontiac /GMC franchise and eventually added thirteen foreign and domestic franchises to become the first coined “mega-dealer” in the U.S. As he grew his auto business Leo branched out in the banking and real estate business, purchasing the oldest and largest real estate company in Colorado, and the bank which funded his first loan in Colorado. Leo’s interest at heart is in the ranching business, purchasing cattle, sheep & hay ranches in Montana, Colorado and Utah. In the 80’s Leo was one of the largest Limousin breeders in the country, ran a 4000 head sheep ranch in Utah and was active within the commercial Angus business. The task at hand on the ranches was to increase the efficiency of the natural resources with several phases of improvements, from range & forage enhancement to water management and capital improvements. Leo’s years of hands-on approach provides clients of Ranches West® with a bonafide source of cost/benefit business experience. Today, Leo continues to farm and ranch in Southern Colorado.

Andy O’Hair – Ranch & Livestock consultant { andy@rancheswest.com }

As a fourth generation rancher in Southwestern Montana, Andy continues the traditions of his family on the ranch they settled in 1876 . Andy’s 50+ years of true experience, brings years of practical knowledge to the clients of Ranches West, offering real life solutions and management fundamentals. From range and forage management to cattle herd management, Andy’s experience is an asset which cannot be learned in a book. We at Ranches West know you will feel as fortunate as we do to have him working with us.

Jamie Benedickt – Sales & Management { Jamie@rancheswest.com }

Jamie comes from a fourth generation ranch family growing up in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. He became involved with the family's ranch acitivities at an early age, learning the importance of land stewardship and the economics of a family run ranch "outfit". After graduating from Sheridan High School in Wyoming, Jamie attended Montana State University in Bozeman and in 1994 earned a degree in Range/Ranch Management, specializing in wildlife habitat. After college Jamie became involved in the outfitting industry in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. For the last 10 years Jamie has taken people from allover the world on hunting and fishing expeditions. Jamie is an avid outdoorsman knowing what it takes to bring traditional ranching practices together with other income and recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting and guest services.

Mandee – Sales & Support { Mandee@rancheswest.com }

Mandee was born and raised in Livingston, Montana, and is a fourth generation Montanan. She and husband Josh have two children whom they share their long traditions in and around horses and ranching. Mandee is currently involved in the Montana Cutting Horse Association, and enjoys riding and showing horses. Mandee brings a strong commitment to Ranches West in sales and support of our day to day operations. We think you'll find her attention to detail is a valuable asset.