Fast 15: Halsey Richardson

Halsey Richardson manages more than 1 million square feet of office, retail and medical space and works with executive broker Jay Pearcy at Flake & Kelley Commercial. A Fayetteville native, Richardson is sole manager of two properties and counting.

Three years ago, she was studying childhood development at the University of Arkansas and was a nanny for principal broker Jessica Flake Dearnley of Flake & Kelley. When Dearnley saw Richardson’s work ethic, she asked her to join their team as an assistant. In 18 months, Richardson was promoted to property manager.

“I’m the kind of person that if there’s a task given to me, I’m going to do it better than I’m expected to. I don’t like to do things halfway,” Richardson said.

With a goal of maximizing owners’ property value and “making sure they are getting the most out of their investment,” Richardson also works to build trust with tenants.

When meeting clients or tenants for the first time, many are surprised at her youth and “are shocked at the work I can produce,” she said. “I don’t think age has anything to do with it. If you’re going to show up and put in the time and work, it’s going to be appreciated.”

Pearcy has been influential in teaching Richardson the business, and she’s learned, “there are no stupid questions. The only dumb questions are the ones that are never asked.”

Richardson enjoys learning something new every day, including how HVAC units and plumbing work. “Taking a hands-on approach with maintenance is helpful with the owners because when they call, I have my head wrapped fully around it and know how to explain it,” she said.

Organized, detail oriented and good with numbers, Richardson describes herself as a “thinker,” as well as a people person. She holds her Arkansas real estate license and is a member of the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors.

Through her participation in Leadership Fayetteville, Richardson has seen the amount of need in the community. That led her to serve as a “lunch buddy” at Asbell Elementary. In the future, she’d like to volunteer at the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County and serve on the board of a local nonprofit.

Richardson enjoys fishing, hiking and biking with her husband, and she is a “huge” Razorback baseball fan.