Russ Lyon, Sr. founded the Russ Lyon Realty Company in 1947. Lyon was former Music Corporation of America (MCA) executive in New York City. He decided to head west to California in early 1947 but made a brief stop in Phoenix to enjoy the orange blossom season. Lyon, his wife, and two sons then realized the Valley is where they wanted to make their new home.
Russ got interested in real estate after buying a home in Scottsdale. By December 1947, he had his real estate license and opened Russ Lyon Realty Company’s first office in Scottsdale. The real estate company started with three employees but because of vision and determination, the company quickly grew and became a staple in the Valley’s luxury home real estate market.
In 2008, Russ Lyon Realty Company and it's franchise operations became Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty after merging with Equitable Sotheby’s International Realty. As a result of that merger, the company now has offices around the state of Arizona with over 1,200 professional sales associates with sales over $2.2 billion in 2012.
Sotheby’s International Realty was founded in 1976 with the 260-year-old Sotheby’s Auction house. With over 12,000 sales associates and 450 offices in over 44 countries and territories, Sotheby's International Realty sets the global standard for luxury property brokerage.
Russ Lyon Realty company is known for its high standards, ethics, and professionalism. That’s what Dennis Lyon, son of Russell Lyon, Sr. of Russ Lyon Realty Company, attributes the Company's success to. "Our sales associates are in a class of their own. Their dedication to providing the most comprehensive real estate service to their clients is not only commendable but most importantly, unrivaled."