The Remarkable Career of an Arizona Real Estate Legend

Thirty-two years ago, Howard Lein was an insurance broker in Scottsdale, Arizona, working with credit unions and banks throughout the Midwest. He had a knack for business, but had never dabbled in real estate to that point in his life.

Flash forward three decades – and Lein has spent much of that time owning, operating and growing RE/MAX Excalibur, a group of top-producing real estate offices in some of Arizona’s largest metro areas. He’s done it solely as a brokerage owner, leader and mentor – with zero direct experience as a real estate agent. In fact, he’s quick to mention that he’s never written a sales contract or sold a home during his long industry career.

Leading real estate agents, it turns out, is different than being a real estate agent – and Lein is living proof.

His impactful career as a brokerage owner – during which he’s changed the lives of thousands of real estate professionals and the clients they serve – demonstrates that when entrepreneurs align with RE/MAX, they truly build business their own way.

One particular day in 1992 sent Lein down a path he never saw coming.

The owner of a local Scottsdale-based RE/MAX franchise was looking to sell his brokerage and he asked Lein if he’d be interested in taking over the business. Lein saw opportunity in the proposal, as owning a small real estate operation could supplement or bolster his insurance services.

With a mix of trepidation and nerve, the budding entrepreneur accepted the deal and assumed ownership of RE/MAX Excalibur, a single office with 13 real estate agents at the time.

Lein’s original plan was to maintain an investor role and stay away from day-to-day operations. But as the structure of the business’s second life came together, Lein found himself more involved than he’d intended.

“I didn’t how much time it was going to take and how much it was going to change my life. I might not have done it had I known at the time, but I eventually got in deep enough that it became a fun and worthwhile challenge to run the business,” Lein says.

Sustainable growth has been a priority for Lein since day one. Over time, he grew RE/MAX Excalibur from its original 13 agents to more than 110 in the present day. He also expanded its presence to three offices, including locations in Scottsdale and Tucson.

Amid changing market conditions, the business’s size has fluctuated to some degree over the years. But what’s always remained constant is Lein’s commitment to being a firm of full-time, productive agents. That stance prevailed even during the darkest days of the 2008 housing crisis.

“We’ve gone through several major market changes and we’ve continued to both survive and thrive because of our professionalism and integrity,” Lein says.

“What’s common among our agents is they’re experienced, full-time professionals. We’ve never been the place for beginners. Seasoned agents are knowledgeable and reliable – and they make owning and managing a company like this relatively easy and highly rewarding.”

Lein says the brokerage has always placed a high value on relationships.

“To me, the real estate industry is still a belly-to-belly sales sport, and transactions are done through relationships, consistency, and service. My top-performing agents have mastered repeat and referral deals as a foundation of their business.”

Curating meaningful relationships within the brokerage is a cornerstone of the business. Lein’s leadership has always set the tone for a collaborative, open-minded office – one where professionals have the support they need, whenever they need it.

“When I hang up the phone after talking to one of my agents, I always make sure to ask, ‘What can I be doing for you?’” he says.

One big factor when Lein made his leap into real estate was the RE/MAX name. It had a trustworthy reputation in Scottsdale, and was also a household name around the world. Along with the brand, he gained access to a network of industry leaders and innovators who were happy to help him.

“When I got involved with RE/MAX and owning a real estate brokerage, I really didn’t know what it entailed. It took me a while to figure out that RE/MAX and RE/MAX Broker/Owners could provide me with the background and education I needed to survive in an industry I knew nothing about,” Lein shares.

“I’ve developed friendships over the last 30 years with leaders at every level of the RE/MAX network.”

One of those friends is RE/MAX Co-Founder and Chairman Dave Liniger.

“Howard has been an outstanding RE/MAX Broker/Owner – one of the most important we’ve ever had,” Liniger says. “He’s always led his offices and agents the right way – with a focus on maintaining quality and productivity no matter what. He’s a great friend to many of us in the network, and we’re all fortunate to have worked alongside him all these years.”

Another one of Lein’s earliest mentors, who became a dear friend, was Joe Clement. Clement started RE/MAX Properties in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and led the business for nearly 40 years. He was a wealth of knowledge and support to others who shared the same passion for real estate entrepreneurs. Sadly, Clement passed away in June, leaving behind a powerful, admirable legacy.

Lein credits much of his leadership mindset to Clement, and the two were constant, visible figures at RE/MAX events for many years. Both became familiar faces and friendly resources to Broker/Owners throughout the network and beyond.

“A good Broker/Owner has to have a giving mentality, where connecting with others – business leaders and agents alike – isn’t an interruption, but an opportunity,” Lein says. “I know Joe felt that way too.”

Buying an up-and-running business wasn’t something Lein had in the cards, but in hindsight, it was an amazing opportunity to build upon an existing foundation. Now, it’s time for the business’s next chapter once again.

Lein is transferring ownership of RE/MAX Excalibur to Rob Lyszczarz, who owns more than 30 RE/MAX offices throughout the U.S. Lyszczarz has been a RE/MAX brokerage leader for more than two decades and will be a catalyst for growth and innovation moving forward.

“It’s an honor to be involved with RE/MAX Excalibur and now be a resource to a collection of incredibly talented real estate professionals. It’s clear that Howard has curated a local operation that is esteemed and well-respected throughout Scottsdale and Tucson,” Lyszczarz says. “I’m grateful for this opportunity, and can’t wait for what lies ahead.”

Lein is staying onboard as a director and advisor. His son, Tyler, has worked at his side in many roles for over 23 years and will remain involved in the day-to-day operations of the business. Tyler has been a tremendous asset to RE/MAX Excalibur as industry technology has evolved. He understands the power of digital marketing in today’s modern real estate landscape, and helps those with RE/MAX Excalibur implement it.

While change is underway for RE/MAX Excalibur, the heart of the business – rooted in trust, professionalism, and productivity – remains the same.

“I’m so grateful to be a part of RE/MAX – this has been home for the majority of my career, and continues to be a brand I hold in the highest regard,” Lein says. “RE/MAX Excalibur is an exceptional brokerage, and with Rob’s purchase, the future of the brokerage and business is bright.”

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