Last year, when Leslie Newman and Lisa Jo Chard planned their new real estate brokerage, ReMax Team One, they knew the market was down, they knew houses weren't selling.

Bad news didn't deter these ladies. Newman, with 21 years in the game, has seen the cycles. Chard, previously worked retail for Nordstrom's before running several espresso stands and ultimately obtaining her realty license.

Together they are Team One.

The office opened in March of this year and the sign went up in late April. In between, they spent many hours in preparation for business.

Putting their heads into the design for the office was fun. After entering the doors beneath their big red awning, visitors are greeted by potted plants, warm colors, granite countertops and oversized furniture.

Chard, who will handle administration, office management, recruiting and retention, said one of the biggest challenges in opening a brokerage is in making sure all the technologies interface with each other.

Realty companies subscribe to an online multiple listing service. That system, along with network connections within the office, allows all agents to have access at the same time.

Newman, managing broker, puts a positive spin on everything she does.

"As owners of a real estate brokerage, we are excited about both the opportunities and challenges presented in today's ever-changing business environment. Our philosophy of client ahead of self has been and will continue to be our standard," she said.