Drew Ary
Written by Davie Danielson | Photos by Kenneth Baucum Photography
For Drew Ary, real estate has never been just about buying and selling property. It’s about understanding the land itself—its history, its possibilities, and the people whose lives are connected to it. As team leader of Ary Land Company, a mega agent team affiliated with Keller Williams, Ary has built a business rooted in systems, relationships, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors.
Today, Ary and his partners guide clients through complex land transactions while also expanding their own investment portfolio across multiple states. But the path that led him here began in a much different place.
An Unexpected Start
Ary didn’t originally envision himself working in real estate. In fact, his early plans pointed toward finance. After earning a degree in accounting and finance, he followed a familiar path and accepted a job with Bank of Oklahoma. It didn’t take long, however, for him to realize the fit wasn’t quite right.
“I figured out pretty quickly that I didn’t love banking and originating loans,” Ary recalls.
A call from his sister changed everything. She worked at Williams & Williams Real Estate Auction and told him about an opening for a closing manager. Ary took the opportunity, stepping into the fast-paced world of real estate auctions.
The experience proved invaluable. Handling closings for hundreds of files each month—many tied to properties owned by Fannie Mae—Ary gained a deep understanding of the processes behind real estate transactions across the country. Working with title attorneys in multiple states, he learned how deals moved from contract to closing and how a well-run operation kept everything flowing smoothly.
“It was like getting to see the entire machine,” he says. “From marketing to due diligence to closing, I had exposure to almost every part of the business.”
Finding His Niche in Land
As Ary grew within the company, his responsibilities expanded into commercial project management and due diligence and he became the Director of Sales for the Farm, Ranch and Land Division of Williams & Williams. Eventually, his love of the outdoors helped steer him toward a specialized niche—farm, ranch, and land sales.
That passion led him to the Realtors Land Institute, a professional organization dedicated to land professionals. Through the institute, Ary earned the prestigious Accredited Land Consultant designation, becoming only the tenth person in Oklahoma to achieve it at the time.
The designation cemented his direction in the industry.
“It was a huge benefit to my career,” Ary says. “But more than that, it gave me a community of people who understood the land business and the unique challenges that come with it, and it helped me get at the forefront of emerging technology.”
Launching Ary Land Company
After years of learning the industry, Ary decided to build something of his own. He launched Ary Land and Home and quickly gained traction, producing $13 million in sales during his first year.
Soon afterward, a chance connection reshaped the company’s future. Ary met Eric Zellers, whose father had once been Ary’s teacher and coach. The two quickly recognized their shared vision and formed Ary Land Company, bringing their wives into the venture as partners and later on a third partner, Chad Brinson, who moves the needle and is responsible for much growth.
The company’s foundation was built not only on experience but also on intentional structure. Early on, Ary and his partners hired a professional business coach and implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System, commonly known as EOS.
The framework emphasizes accountability, clear communication, and structured meetings known as Level 10 sessions. For Ary’s team, these weekly meetings help identify challenges and solve them collaboratively. “We have an implementer that’s local. His name is Tim Bygland and he’s a huge asset to any business owner,” Drew says. “We thrive on solving issues.”
A Culture of Core Values
Culture plays a major role in the company’s success. Ary Land Company operates according to a set of core values that guide hiring decisions and day-to-day operations.
Among them: Work hard, care hard, play hard and Can’t never did anything. Also, get uncomfortable and grab your broom, along with confident humility.
Today the company operates with a tight-knit team built around strong leadership and a shared commitment to doing things the right way. Ary’s wife, Trish, played a key role in designing many of the operational systems that still drive the business today. From day one, Lesley, Eric’s wife, was instrumental in establishing the company’s branding and marketing foundation, and today Erika Utter manages the day-to-day execution of those efforts, supported by Faith Couch.
On the sales side, Director of Sales and Lead Listing Agent Lacy Weber leads from the front, while Orville Williams, a longtime friend and dedicated Integrator, helps keep the organization aligned and running smoothly. Nikki Barker serves as the inside sales associate, helping drive opportunities and connect with clients, while Kelsey Blocker oversees client relations and ensures a high level of service throughout every transaction.
Behind the scenes, the team is built with depth and experience. Teri Thompson manages closings and keeps transactions moving to the finish line. Lisa Miller works closely with clients on planning and zoning, helping navigate the complexities that come with land. Michael Graves and Matthew Thomas serve as project managers and focus on sourcing new opportunities. The company is further supported by in-house attorney Mike Willis, Director of Operations Jake Spriggs, Controller Livi Shubert, with support from Cristie Kizer on the financial side, and COO Nick Ary.
Supporting that core group is an incredible team of roughly a dozen agents who specialize in finding the right buyer for each property we list. It’s a close, tight-knit group that takes pride in working together, serving clients at a high level, and consistently getting deals across the finish line.
Helping Clients See the Bigger Picture
Ary’s favorite part of the business is helping landowners discover the true value of their property. Often that means looking beyond the land’s current use to understand what it could become.
“In real estate, especially land, you always have to consider highest and best use,” he explains. “Land that’s agricultural today may eventually transition into residential or commercial development as cities expand.”
By analyzing zoning, infrastructure, and development trends, Ary and his team help clients make informed decisions about whether to sell, subdivide, or hold property.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help people realize the full potential of what they own,” he says.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
Outside the office, Ary enjoys golf, travel, and spending time outdoors—particularly hunting and fishing when the seasons change. He also organizes an annual charity golf tournament supporting youth in agriculture and has raised well over $50,000 and now has a scholarship and grant program to allow more opportunity for kids.
The event has already raised tens of thousands of dollars to help young people participate in livestock shows and agricultural conventions.
For Ary, giving back reflects the same values that guide his business: commitment to community, strong relationships, and a willingness to invest in the future.
“Success means nothing if you’re not helping people along the way,” he says.
Looking ahead, Ary Land Company continues to grow, expanding both its real estate services and its investment activities across several states. Yet despite that growth, Ary remains focused on the same principles that started it all.
Build strong systems. Protect the culture. And always take care of people.
In the land business—and in life—that approach tends to pay off.
