CARLYLE - Kallis Harper is now authorized to sell residential, agricultural and commercial properties in Saskatchewan and recently signed on as an agent for Coldwell Banker Choice Real Estate.
Forty-two-year-old Kallis was born and raised in Estevan. He married Crystal 13 years ago and they have two daughters, Cadence, 11, and Peyton, 10.
In 2007, they purchased property located eight kilometres south of Manor from Carl and Audrey Englot. Over the years they have completed many renovations on their home quarter including several additions to their farm residence, and they erected a new riding arena and other farm buildings.
From her home, Crystal owns and operates Artesian Sands Equestrian. She has 30 years of experience in the horse industry and has given English and Western riding lessons for the past 20. She owns 12 Andalusians, which are used for training and breeding purposes.
The Andalusian is a Spanish breed that is commonly grey in colour. It is known for its intelligence, sensitivity and fantasy looks. They are featured in many movies, including bullfighting and war horse films that the kings rode to battle.
Crystal is well known in the equine industry and has sold her horses all over North America. She has a number of clients who come for lessons from a 100-kilometre radius. In 2015, the Harpers erected a 60-foot by 180-foot building that includes a fully enclosed riding arena. On the east end is a long, full length mirror which enables one to have a visual of their progress.
The riding arena is tinned in red and can be seen from miles away. Artesian Sands Equestrian has an active Facebook page.
Kallis has been steadily employed for many years after graduating from SIAST with a degree in business and marketing. From 2011-2021, he operated an oilfield business from his home. Since 2015, he has also been employed full-time as an assistant groundskeeper at the Carlyle Golf Club.
Steve Polsom is planning on retiring after the 2022 season, at which time Harper plans on becoming superintendent.
For the past two years, Kallis has been diligently studying for his real estate licence and has recently joined Josh LeBlanc and the Coldwell Banker firm out of Estevan. Kal has a good feel for all types of real estate, personally owning vacation property at White Bear Lake, living with his parents at Kenosee Lake in his younger days during the summer months, owning farmland, and operating a small business.
Said Harper, “I am relishing the challenge of selling real estate. In Saskatchewan, online auctions have traditionally only been used for farm properties with residential properties being few and far between. I believe this is a growing trend that needs to be utilized especially with the increasing property values and demand at Kenosee Lake.”
Harper also indicated that working at the Carlyle Golf Club has helped him make many contacts over the years.
He added, “I have found a lot of friends and made a lot of connections while working in Carlyle. This should really help me become successful in helping my clients with their real estate needs.”
The Harpers love the rural life and their daughters enjoy being farm kids. Cadence and Peyton raise chickens, plant and assist in tending to a large garden, and of course ride horses. In addition, the Harpers have also started raising Turkish Kangals. These are guardian dogs and are sometimes nicknamed the Wolf Killer. They are a sleek, handsome breed and when fully grown can reach a weight of 150 pounds. Their bite force is 743 pounds per square inch and predators stay away.
The family presently owns four of these dogs and are planning a breeding program.
The Harpers have been self-employed all their lives and are very successful farmers and entrepreneurs.
