Meet Our Founder
Tina Leonard

Our History The Story of Tina Leonard

Tina Leonard, founder of Tina Leonard Real Estate in Lake Placid, NY, was a Lake Placid native who built her reputation as a trusted real estate broker with deep roots in the Adirondack community and a proponent for volunteerism and giving back to the community she felt so strongly about.

Born as Tina Wilson, she was the second born of four siblings (Pamela, Wesley, Walter) raised by her mother, Gayle Reynolds Wilson, and father Donald Wilson, both natives of Lake Placid and members of the volunteer community. Tina was a graduate of Lake Placid Central School and met Joe Leonard, her future husband, who had moved to Lake Placid through the Ironworkers Union to assist with the construction of the 1980 Olympic Arena for the upcoming Olympics. After the 1980 Olympics, the couple moved to the Capital District for a brief time, but found themselves drawn to the Adirondack Mountains they called home, where they would become homeowners and raise their family (Daughter: Daci, Son: Joseph).

In addition to being a businesswoman, Tina was a sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, always devoted to her family.

A Lake Placid REALTOR® for nearly 3 decades

Tina got her start in real estate in 1991. Tina worked at two other well known real estate offices in the area in the capacity of Office Manager and Property Manager in addition to her licensed associate broker title. Tina Leonard has always been a name synonymous with long term rental management and being dedicated to assisting clients in becoming first time home buyers. Tina's extensive knowledge of many aspects of the Real Estate Industry made her a valuable resource for clients, customers, and peers. Tina's passion and dedication allowed her to assist clients in finding a home that fit their needs, whether it was renting or purchasing a first home, second home, forever home, or investment property.

Throughout her life, Tina served as the President of the Shipman Youth Center, Board Member of the Lake Placid Pee Wee Association, member of the Business and Professional's Women's Club, Gold Medal Business Networking International Chapter, Member (and former president) of the Rotary Club of Lake Placid, member(and former president) of the Tri Lakes Business and Networking Group and as President of the Northern Adirondack Board of Realtors. Tina served in various other positions within those organizations and spearheaded events that would benefit the Lake Placid community, which she was invested in.

In 2013, Tina found herself dealing with complications of Glaucoma and ultimately lost her sight. She realized that losing her sight gave her brighter visions of life and higher expectations for herself. She knew that she had the knowledge and support to continue a successful real estate career, even without full vision. She also knew that the knowledge she possessed could be passed on to other agents whom she welcomed every opportunity to mentor. She eventually decided to open her own Real Estate Brokerage, and Tina Leonard Real Estate was established in 2016.

Tina Leonard Real Estate opened in June of 2016

When Tina Leonard Real Estate opened in June of 2016, it was only long term rentals while representation of buyers and sellers was out of a different brokerage. In 2017, after years of knowing Chase Jermano and pointing out his passion for sales and assisting people, Tina successfully convinced Chase Jermano to become a licensed real estate salesperson. In 2018, Chase Jermano, in turn, convinced Tina to add buyers and sellers to Tina Leonard Real Estate to create a full service real estate and property management office. By 2020, Tina accomplished a personal goal of her brokerage, Tina Leonard Real Estate, being the recipient of the 2020 Adirondack Daily Enterprise Best of the Mountains for a Real Estate Office.

In September 2021, Tina Leonard passed away unexpectedly, but Tina Leonard Real Estate continues. A local Real Estate Broker stepped into manage and acted as an advisor while Tina Leonard Real Estate Realtor®, Chase Jermano, secured his broker's license and Tina's daughter, Daci ‘Leonard' Shenfield, who grew up in the business, secured her real estate license, now a second generation Realtor®, took over ownership of the Real Estate Company.

Today, Tina Leonard Real Estate continues to grow as a trusted name in Lake Placid real estate. Led by Broker Chase Jermano and second-generation Realtor® Daci Leonard Shenfield, the office serves homebuyers, sellers, and investors seeking properties in Lake Placid and the greater Adirondack region.

On Track for Future Growth

Tina Leonard Real Estate is a specialist in real estate sales, be it first time homebuyers, second homeowners, or relocation. We represent our clients with compassion, care, and expertise every step of the way.

Our brokerage and agents remain a part of the community where it first started and are always looking to volunteer in the community and further their education by staying in tune with the latest market trends and updates. We have agents who are Seller Representative Specialists, Accredited Buyer Representatives, Pricing Strategy Advisors, and Resort and Second Home Property Specialists. Find us at our office on Main Street in downtown Lake Placid.