Mike and Melissa Barker
An Undeniable Difference
When someone dedicates themselves, with a sense of positivity, to truly helping those around
them, their resulting success is no less than a direct reflection on their willingness to put others
before themselves. That’s the dynamic at work with Mike and Melissa Barker.
As Team Leader of the Mike and Melissa Barker Team with RE/MAX Select, it’s easy to see
Melissa’s heart in her work whenever you talk with her. “I love hearing the dreams of those we
work with and then making those dreams a reality,” Melissa says.
“Mike and I really enjoy that process of helping buyers and sellers move forward and find what
they need. Through that process, we’ve had a chance to work with a lot of buyers and sellers
multiple times. It’s special being able to see the changes in life for them and fulfilling their
dreams through time.”
Melissa earned her real estate license in September 2016, with Mike joining two years later.
Prior to getting started in the business Melissa was a stay-at-home mom to her two children until her son, Zachary started pre-school. “After that, I worked at a car dealership as a finance manager/sales manager,” she remembers.
“I was there for 14 years. In time, I got tired of the hours and wanted something I could do for
myself and to grow my own business. I love my community and want to help other people. So I
thought since housing is such a real need, that would be a good way to go. I knew the finance
side and sales side, so real estate seemed to be a very good fit.”
In 2018, Mike joined Melissa in the business. Today, he focuses his efforts each day on business development and marketing for the team. Together, Mike and Melissa have reached remarkable results. In fact, in 2022, they recorded 237 transactions, representing over $46 million in sales volume.
Melissa is a very hands-on team leader, involved in every team transaction, ensuring clients are left with a positive experience. She explains, “Although those numbers are a representation of a level of experience, people typically don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. We make it a priority to take the time to get to know our clients and listen to their needs.”
However, Mike and Melissa are quick to shine the spotlight on the efforts of their 12-member
team; Tracey Slagle, Scott Jones, Dave Brink, Justin Trainer, Kaitlyn Buchleitner, Deanna
Mitchell, Shon Mechling, Carol Mechling, Ben Grey, and Curt Slagle. “Each team member has their own specialized skill set they bring to the table. We feel very lucky to have such a competent, well trained, honest group of agents that are willing to work hard for their clients. We feel it’s very beneficial to have our own office for our clients convenience, and for our team to discuss deals and ideas. We have regular team meetings, training, and quarterly fun events. Our group works very well together,” Melissa says with a warm smile. “Together, we are all like a family. We are there for each other, have fun together, and would do anything for each other. My success is measured by my team members' success. I love watching them reach goals they thought were unattainable.”
Outside of work, family time is very important for Mike and Melissa. They appreciate every
moment they have to share with their children - daughter, Kierstin (and her husband, Justin, who
is a REALTOR® on their team, and their son, the Barker’s first grandson, Tristan), and son, Zachary (and his wife, Bri).
In their free time, they look forward to traveling and exploring new places together. One of their
favorite travel goals that they continue to chip away at is visiting all of the national parks. Other
favorite activities that they enjoy doing together include hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Another central part of life for them is staying engaged with their faith at Harvest Community
Church. They also have a heart for helping. One of the groups they enjoy supporting is Life
Choices, an organization that helps women going through the pregnancy journey.
As a team that delivers a powerful impact to residents across the region, Mike and Melissa
remain committed to delivering a one-on-on difference to those they serve. “While we are a
relatively small team, we deliver a true family feel to the people we work with. At the same time,
we are proud to deliver the same level of service that people get with a larger firm,” Melissa
emphasizes. “We want what’s best for them and go the extra mile to ensure that they get what
they need.”
In turn, the Mike and Melissa Team provides valuable expertise that creates an undeniable difference for those they serve.