BUILDING CHEYENNE

Ask about our special financing!

Meet the Team

Leadership

Ross Malinski, CEO of Homes by Guardian

Ross Malinski

Ross is a Minnesota native who has been developing the community of Cheyenne for nearly twenty years. He believes the people of Cheyenne make it uniquely charming, and enjoys seeing it continue to grow and evolve into a thriving hub for natives and newcomers. As the CEO of Guardian Companies, he brings over twenty years of real estate experience managing real estate brokerages, home construction, and land development, including Cheyenne projects The Pointe, Pointe Plaza, Thomas Heights, and Whitney Ranch. As the father of three boys he loves watching his sons play sports, and enjoys a well-paired glass of wine with a meal at a local spot.

Joe Patterson, General Contractor from Homes by Guardian

Joe Patterson

Joe is a California native who moved to Cheyenne in 2005. A builder and General Contractor for 29 years, he is respected in the community as a leader in his industry and has served on multiple Boards and committees such as the Laramie County Planning Commission, the City of Cheyenne Contractor Licensing Board, and is a former President of the Southeast Wyoming Builders Association (SEWBA). He appreciates the many opportunities that Cheyenne has to offer both as a Land Developer/Home Builder and as a resident. When he’s not working on a new Development Project, Joe likes to spend his spare time at the gym, riding his mountain bike, hiking, or hitting the backroads in his Jeep with his trusted side-kick hound Sadie.

Construction

GUARDIAN HOMES

Sydney Huckfeldt

Sydney is a Cheyenne, Wyoming native, born and raised. She is a member of the South Eastern Wyoming Builders Association (SEWBA) and loves being a part of the building community. She believes Cheyenne is constantly growing and – with its rich history and great values – that it will attract new residents from all over in the coming years. When Sydney is not at the office, she spends her free time in the gym, traveling, and camping. She is a big fan of everything outdoors.

David Johnson, Home Builder at Homes by Guardian

David Johnson

David is a former Marine Corps Infantry Sergeant and has seen many parts of the world. He finds Cheyenne’s community an ideal place to work and raise his family. He is a member of the South Eastern Wyoming Builders Association (SEWBA) and enjoys the groups passion for providing regional growth. David brings a diverse skill set to the table applying his experience in logistics and operations to keep projects on the path to success. When David is not working, he likes playing his guitars and working on his classic Volkswagen.

Sales Staff

#1 Properties logo
RAYL

Ben Rayl

Ben grew up in central Minnesota where he attended St. Cloud State University. While in college, Ben gained a lot of real estate experience while managing the properties of a real estate investment group. He has combined his real estate investment experience with his knowledge of the Cheyenne market to provide top-of-the-line service to his clients. In his off-time, Ben enjoys taking advantage of all the outdoor opportunity Wyoming has to offer. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, and getting to experience Wyoming with them. Ben is a full time REALTOR® who prides himself on the quality of service he provides. If you are looking for an agent to assist you in achieving your real estate goals, give Ben a call anytime!

Brady Cates

Brady Cates

Born and raised in Cheyenne, Brady was a multi-sport athlete throughout his school career and into college, where the concept of teamwork truly took root. A devoted sports fan, Brady graduated from Cheyenne Central High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a minor in Marketing Communications from the University of Wyoming. Brady joined the Marketing Department with #1 Properties right out of college, and soon discovered his fascination with Cheyenne's real estate market. As his experience in marketing the homes of Cheyenne grew, Brady became more and more interested in the people side of real estate: he loves helping people. With so much exciting opportunity in today's real estate world, Brady can't wait to help his clients hit a home run and slide into their brand-new homes! Brady's honesty, perseverance, and dedication as a real estate professional make him the perfect choice to help you buy or sell your home!

Melissa Swalla

Melissa Swalla

Cheyenne native Melissa Swalla is definitely a people person! She loves meeting new people and hearing their stories; helping them accomplish their real estate goals is a happy bonus! Melissa practiced college ministry in her previous job, and now volunteers at and attends Meadowbrooke Church. She’s inspired by the folks she meets and strives to live and work faithfully, joyfully, and generously. Melissa is knowledgeable and down-to-earth, staying active in many community activities in addition to participating in church and volunteer groups. Melissa also volunteers with the Wyoming Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She is a huge football fan and loves the Broncos, has a degree in Journalism, plays competitive volleyball, and has a passion for travel and board games. She’s got a super power, too: organizing a junk drawer. It’s a calling! Melissa is happily married to another Wyoming native and they have two girls who keep them on their toes! Melissa is excited to help you find a place where you can thrive; she will always represent you with care and professionalism.

Mike Gerber

Mike Gerber

Drafted by the Detroit Tigers out of Creighton University, Mike pursued his lifelong dream of playing baseball at the highest level. Making his major league debut in 2018, Mike accomplished a goal that very few have reached. He later played for the San Francisco Giants and the Colorado Rockies, as well as playing internationally in Japan. When Mike and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their baby boy into the world in January of 2021, his dreams started to look different and it was then that Mike decided being home and present for his growing family was his ultimate dream. After baseball, Mike had to identify a new passion. He grew up moving all over the country as a child and witnessed the time and energy his mom put into making a house a home. Mike saw this profession as an opportunity to help others not only find a house, but a place that they, too, can make home. Mike knows the dedication and work that it takes to get to the top of the game, whether in baseball or finding a home. He isn’t afraid to put in the extra effort, and will always work hard to find his clients their dream home!