Pepper Rohr

Written by Zachary Cohen | Photos by Shawna McDuffie, Peak RES

When COVID struck in 2020, business around the globe was upended. The dramatic shift in how people worked and lived helped some industries—like real estate—while others struggled mightily. 

At the time, Pepper Rohr was working in her family’s transportation business. As the global economy shut down, the company suffered. 

“We were doing the bare minimum, whereas before, we were so busy. I knew in my heart of hearts that while I loved the legacy and family story, it also didn't feel like me. I realized then that it wasn't worth the fight. And I'm a fighter, so that’s saying something,” Pepper reflects.

The events of 2020 caused Pepper and her family to take an honest look at their future. They eventually decided to shut the business down. It was an aligned choice for Pepper, opening a doorway into new possibilities.

As she sorted out her professional life, she came across a job listing to be a builder’s sales rep. 

“It just clicked. My husband and I used to go to open houses for dates. On Sunday afternoons, we'd roll up to look at houses we had no intention of buying. I always enjoyed that. I’m interested in the strategy of businesses,” Pepper explains. “So I applied.”

Pepper began her real estate career as a builder’s rep and got licensed the following year. What has unfolded in the four years since has been better than she could have ever imagined.

Drawing on Her Roots

Pepper grew up in Edmond. After a stint as development director for an international dance company in New York City, she returned home to Edmond to raise her family. That’s when she began working for her family's transportation business.

“It sounds odd, but every single career I have had has a piece I use in real estate,” Pepper explains. “In arts development, it was like being a real estate agent for the arts. I would show the product and talk about why we need donors, soliciting corporate and private donors. In transportation, I was the person between the consumer and the workers. The communication skills I practiced there are so valuable.”

When she started her real estate career, Pepper knew she was in the right place. She continues to be a new construction expert, partnering with JW Mashburn Homes. Meanwhile, she started a small team at Keller Williams Elite. 

Rising to the Top

Pepper leads a team that includes her husband, three additional agents, and an administrative assistant. In 2023, the group closed 28 homes for $15 million.

“Our team is hand-selected,” Pepper shares. “I have a 30/60/90-day trial where we talk about where we are and make sure it’s a good fit. We have weekly one-on-ones to set goals. It’s high touch.”

While Pepper maintains a niche in new construction, her business has also expanded into traditional resale real estate sales. She continues to represent JW Mashburn Homes, a well-respected Oklahoma City-based builder founded in 1960.  “JW Mashburn is integrity-based," Pepper states. "I had them build my personal home. The reason is because I see everything behind the scenes, and everything they do is fantastic.”

Pepper’s top asset in her business is her relationship-building skills. She gets energy and thrives on relationship-building.

“I love people. My husband calls it Pepper-ing somebody. By the end of a phone call with someone, I know things about their family, the stories that matter to them… and I'm not using it as a sales technique. I really care to know those things,” Pepper explains.

Full-Time Agent, Full-Time Mom

Pepper is proud of her real estate accomplishments, but her family is her top priority. She and her husband, Clint, have two children, Charlie (9) and Ramsey (7). Pepper enjoys family adventures, reading, gardening, and supporting local art. Her favorite artists to support are her professional musician husband, dancing daughter, and thespian son.  

In and outside of real estate, Pepper is all about relationships. She wants to create a legacy that is beyond her own success by pouring into her family, team members, and clients.

“I want people around me to have a fulfilled life, and I want to be part of that,” she closes.