June 23, 2026 (WESTCLIFFE, Colo.) – After celebrating 100 years in business in 2025, national franchise United Country Real Estate is now turning the spotlight on one of its longtime affiliates. On June 29, Wapiti Ranch Realty & Auction, LLC will mark its 25th Anniversary as a United Country office.
The Westcliffe, Colo., brokerage – owned and run by Managing Broker Jackie Shepherd-Pettis and her husband, Broker Associate Wade Pettis – serves south-central Colorado, with an emphasis on Custer, Fremont and Huerfano counties, and surrounding areas. True to United Country’s focus on lifestyle and rural real estate, the Pettis’ company specializes in mountain homes, luxury estates, hunting properties, ranches, commercial real estate and all types of land for sale.
United Country | Wapiti Ranch Realty & Auction has scheduled a 25th Anniversary event for Saturday, June 27, from 12-2 p.m. For more information about the event or the brokerage, call 719-783-9052, email jackie@wapitiranchrealty.com or visit wapitiranchrealty.com.
“Twenty-five years as a United Country brokerage feels pretty amazing,” Shepherd-Pettis said, reflecting on that moment in 2001 when she decided to join the franchise. “Wade and I come from real estate and property management careers. We were tired of working for corporate America and the big city, so when the opportunity arose, we fell in love with Westcliffe and United Country.”
Shepherd-Pettis’ comments also reflect the reasons many property buyers (including her company’s clients) choose Kansas City, Mo.-based United Country — to find a new sense of freedom, privacy, serenity and room to roam amid natural beauty. It’s a decision that underscores the desire for a less stressful lifestyle, the need for a slower pace, relaxed, rural … and sometimes more affordable.
In a blog on her office’s website, Shepherd-Pettis pointed out an interesting trend. In recent years, properties in United Country | Wapiti Ranch Realty & Auction’s market area have become more affordable than comparable real estate in front range and resort communities.
“In Custer County, take Westcliffe or Silver Cliff for example, the cost of living is generally lower by comparison,” she said. “There’s usually more acreage available and more privacy, while still offering the same stunning scenery and outdoor recreation of those other, more densely populated locations.”
Nestled in a valley between the Wet Mountains to the east and the Sangre de Cristo Range to the west (and bordering the San Isabel National Forest), Westcliffe and the surrounding areas remain picturesque spots for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and other outdoor adventures.
“Beauty and recreation have always been huge selling points here, but especially with the big increase in people working remotely, affordability has become more of a priority than a shorter commute to the office,” Shepherd-Pettis said.
Six years ago, the arrival of COVID-19 led to more remote workers. That evolved into a trend that saw more people moving to rural areas to escape crowded urban cities and the stress and fear that flourished during the pandemic. That trend hasn’t disappeared, Shepherd-Pettis noted, though it may not be the driving factor anymore.
“I think it is very promising that as folks age, they realize they want a simpler lifestyle, and we can help them achieve that goal,” she said.
For its sellers, United Country | Wapiti Ranch Realty & Auction lists everything from log cabins to riverfront ranches, mountain chalets, equestrian properties, buildable land and more. And United Country’s broad marketing and advertising reach, innovative tools and technologies (including the rapidly increasing use of AI), and niche specialty property expertise are a big part of the process.
Many achievements and honors have been memorable for Shepherd-Pettis during her company’s 25 year run (that is, so far), including multiple years as a top brokerage and a commercial sales leader in Westcliffe, as well as serving for six years on the Custer County Tourism Board. But that’s not really the legacy she wants for United Country | Wapiti Ranch Realty & Auction.
“I want people to remember that we served our clients and the community well,” she said.