“I’ve always been curious about that house ever since I went to DU in the 70’s, ” says Rollie. “I tried to figure out how to drive up to it with no success. I somehow knew I’d have something to do with it someday and 30 years later, I’m selling it. It’s definitely the pinnacle of my real estate career. “
Rollie lives just beneath the Sleeper house in Genesee, in a home she describes as a big mountain house with lots of deck space, wild life in the yard and walking trails everywhere. “I’m definitely an outdoor, mountain person.” She says, “I work in Cherry Creek and I live in the foothills and have the best of both worlds.”
Rollie credits her appreciation for the outdoors to growing up in a small town outside of Cleveland, Ohio and spending her summers at camp in Maine, where she rode horses, learned to sail, bike, canoe, play tennis and developed an enduring love of nature.
After two years at the horsey Stephens College in Missouri, Rollie transferred to DU and hasn’t left Denver since. After college, she went into the wholesale clothing business and had a showroom at the Denver Merchandise Mart and moved into retail in the 80’s with two clothing stores called JJ Trappings. “I really enjoyed the sales aspect of the clothing business,” says Rollie. “ I loved helping people find the perfect outfit and now I enjoy helping people find their dream house.
When Rollie isn’t working she loves to travel and continues to be passionate about riding. Her favorite annual vacation combines both. Each fall, she participates in the “girl’s round-up” in which she and several of her like- minded Denver gal pals head out to a dude ranch for a week of riding the range.
Favorite Clothing Store: Neiman Marcus
What gives a woman/man style? A sense of self
Which social event is your favorite? The Western Fantasy Ball
What are your volunteer activities? Over the past 20 years, I’ve served on many boards including Volunteers of America, National Jewish Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Children’s Diabetes, The Denver Center Alliance, and the IIE, Institute of International Education.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever met? Bobby Short, the cabaret singer, at the Carlyle in New York. He’s a family friend and has played the piano in my parents living room many times. He’s just so fascinating and talented and has taught me his appreciation (not to mention all the words) to all the greats like Noel Coward, Gershwin and Rogers and Hammerstein.
Who is your hero and why? My father, who passed away about a year and half ago, because he taught me confidence, strength and the importance of family.
If your life were a movie, who would play your part? Barbara Hershey, Debra Winger or Candace Bergen.
Saturday nights are most likely to find you: On a dance floor or at home with a book.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? I’m eclectic and nature is very important to me.
What one word describes you best? Candid
What word would you like others to use to describe you? Passionate
What was your first job? I was a hostess at the Hatch Cover Steak House in Cherry Creek
If there were one thing you would change about yourself, what would it be? I’d think before I spoke more.
What is your greatest indulgence? Sunsets wherever I am in the world.
What is the best gift you have ever received? The gift of love
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My two sons, Dax, 20, and Rhett, 18.
What is the trait you most deplore in others: Duplicity
Which talent would you most like to have? I’d love to be able to sing and not be totally embarrassed, and speak French.
What is your current state of mind? Open to new adventures
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Raising my two teenaged sons by myself.
What is your most treasured possession? My family photos
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Abstinence
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? Self pity
What is the quality you most like in a man? Healthiness, honesty and loyalty
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Same
Do you have any your favorite books or writers? I like Deepak Chopra and Susan Jeffers, inspirational books and no-brainer romance novels.
What is the best advice you have ever received? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.
Do you have a motto? Do the thing that counts and don’t count it.
