Jessica Lambert

A Life Built on Grit Most people don’t walk away from a successful business they helped build from the ground up. But I’m not most people—and I’ve never really followed a typical path. I’m Wisconsin land agent Derrick Backaus, and before I helped clients buy and sell rural property, I spent over 30 years in the stainless steel fabrication industry—learning every aspect of the business from welding to management, sales to engineering. That company was part of my family. We built it together from the ground up, eventually employing over 50 people. I thought I’d be there forever. But life had other plans. Turning Point In 2017, everything changed. My wife was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma after months of unanswered health issues. Around the same time, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away just a few years later. And then I lost my mom to Lewy Body Dementia. I was spending more time in hospitals than boardrooms—and for the first time in my life, I started asking myself if I was really where I was meant to be. It tested my faith. It challenged everything I thought I knew about success. As my wife started her treatments, it was clear to me that family life was more precious than business life. It took her multiple years to “ring the bell” and hear the words your cancer is inactive. It was at this point we made the decision to sell our family business. I stepped away, unsure of what would come next—but fully certain that it needed to be rooted in purpose. Purpose, for me, was back to basics of serving customers not only on a business level but more on a personal level. Back to the Land, Back to Myself Even during my years in business, I was never far from the dirt. I’ve bought and transformed raw acreage into wildlife habitat, restored ponds, built food plots, planted orchards, and even launched a hemp farm to produce CBD oil through my business, DAB Hemp Farm LLC. These endeavors kept me grounded in so many ways. I saw some failures along the way, but those failures taught me to keep trying to get it. I know what it means to invest in land with your own hands, and I’ve seen what a property can become with the right care and vision. Today, I live in Trempealeau County, surrounded by apple trees, whitetails, agricultural fields, and grandkids who love to sit in the stand with me. I love to show my grandkids the true value of the outdoors. It warms my heart, that they love to be outside shooting bow, casting a line or sitting in the tractor. My dad once told me something I’ll never forget: “Son, invest in land because God isn’t making any more.” He was right. That simple advice shaped how I live, how I invest, and how I help others see the true value of the land beneath their feet. That value comes in many shapes and forms.  For some, it’s truly investing of dollars but for others it’s a passion that brings more value than money could ever buy. Why I Do This Now When I found LandGuys, it wasn’t just another brokerage—it was a team built on values I recognized. People who understand that land isn’t just bought or sold—it’s passed on. The property I now farm, hunt, fish, and live on was one couple’s dream meant to be passed on.  That dream was carried on when my family showed up with three daughters who all fell in love with their property.  It wasn’t just a sale; it was a vision carried on by the next generation.  With over 30 years of experience serving people in business, community service, and land management, I now get to guide clients through some of the most meaningful transactions of their lives. Whether you’re buying your first hunting property or preparing to sell a piece of land your family has owned for generations—I understand the weight of that decision. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a second chapter. One I didn’t expect, but one I’m grateful for every day. Let’s Walk it Together If you’re looking for a land agent who’s been in the field, on the tractor, and around the table for tough decisions—I’d be honored to walk that path with you. Let’s talk about where you are and where you want to go next. Contact me Derrick Backaus, Wisconsin land agent, today or follow me on Facebook.

17 Years of LandGuys: Every Piece of Land Tells a Story—Here’s Ours Seventeen years ago, LandGuys was built on a simple truth: land isn’t just a transaction—it’s a legacy. The LandGuys rural land story began with that belief and continues to grow with every property we walk, every client we serve, and every story we help tell. What began as a working relationship between Scott Whittington and Toby Stay—broker and outfitter—soon became the foundation of something bigger. Scott was a broker for Cabela's Properties in Springfield, and Toby was the local expert he always called. Eventually, Scott picked up the phone with a new kind of pitch: “I’m starting my own real estate company. Come build it with me.” Since then, LandGuys has believed in telling the stories behind the properties, the people, and the places that make rural life so meaningful. What started with a few agents who shared a passion for hunting, farming, and the outdoors has grown into a trusted team serving clients across Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. And while a lot has changed over the past 17 years—markets, technology, and even the landscape itself—our mission has remained the same: to help buyers and sellers connect with land that fits their goals, honors their lifestyle, and tells their story. Built by Landowners, For Landowners LandGuys wasn’t born in a boardroom. It was built in the field, in the timber, on CRP ground, and down gravel roads. Scott didn’t set out with a grand business plan. He just knew he wanted to be in the rural real estate space—serving the kind of people he already knew and respected. “I was living in a rural area, making friends with farmers, and I was intrigued by the idea of land as an investment—something you could enjoy, grow crops on, and see real return.” That curiosity grew into passion, especially as Scott found more ways to connect buyers with sellers and see the value in better marketing rural properties. A Team That Believed in the Vision As LandGuys grew, it attracted like-minded individuals like Don Wagner — similar to Toby, Don was also going through the buying and selling process. Toby had now started the licensing process and Don was considering it too. They were managing land, working in the outdoors, and seeing the gaps in how rural properties were handled. Eventually, both joined the LandGuys team. Don even sold his business and moved to a brand-new area—without a single listing—just belief in the mission. “There was a lot of trial and error in those days,” Don says. “But we all had the same values—integrity and doing what’s best for the client. That’s what built the foundation.” Innovation From Day One “When I started with LandGuys, Scott had a clear vision of how we wanted to shape the company's visual presence,” Don said. That meant being first-to-market with drone footage, immersive listing videos, and cutting-edge marketing. “We crashed more drones than we flew,” Don said, “but we learned. And I really believe we were the first in the market with this kind of visual marketing.” Today, LandGuys still leads the industry with: 4K drone video Award-winning, high-quality photography SEO and digital strategy for listing visibility Creative storytelling and targeted marketing More Than a Brokerage—A Culture of Trust Scott built LandGuys to be more than just a brokerage. He recognized early that rural real estate needed a new kind of approach—one rooted in innovation and relationships. His belief that every client should feel heard and valued shaped a company culture that still defines LandGuys today. It’s not about one transaction—it’s about a lifetime of land. Helping Clients Build Legacies At LandGuys, we don’t just help people buy or sell land—we guide them through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. Whether it’s a hunting retreat, generational farm, or ag investment, we highlight the beauty, potential, and future each property holds. Our passion for rural life is reflected in how we approach every listing—with care, creativity, and a commitment to real results. Thank You for 17 Years We’re grateful for the people who shaped this story: Our clients, who trusted us with their land and their legacy. The LandGuys team, whose grit, heart, and dedication brought this vision to life. And Scott Whittington, whose leadership and leap of faith started it all. The LandGuys Rural Land Story Isn’t Over Seventeen years in, we’re just getting started. We’re growing. We’re innovating. And we’re still walking the fields, sitting at kitchen tables, and telling the stories that matter most. Every piece of land tells a story. Let LandGuys help tell yours. Contact a LandGuys broker today and stay connected with us on social media.

Job Title: Real Estate Assistant Company: LandGuys Location: Springfield, IL (remote work is not available) Job Type: Hourly (35-40 hours/week) Overview: LandGuys is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Entry-Level Real Estate Assistant to support our real estate and retail operations. This role offers hands-on experience in listing coordination, retail inventory management, administrative support, and customer service. Ideal for a self-starter looking to grow within the real estate industry.   Responsibilities 1. Listing Coordination  Listing Upload & Management:  Upload and maintain property listings on the company website and third-party platforms. Ensure accuracy of property details, pricing, descriptions, and media. Maintain consistent branding, formatting, and quality in all listing presentations. Media & Content Coordination:  Organize and upload finalized property media (photos, videos, virtual tours). Create engaging, SEO-optimized listing descriptions. Coordinate with marketing department to have flyers, graphics, signage, and brochures created. Collect and manage client testimonials for use on websites, social media, and print materials. Assist with updates to weekly newsletters and other digital marketing content. Data Entry & Quality Control:  Verify listing details such as square footage, amenities, and zoning for accuracy. Track and update listing status (e.g., active, pending, sold, expired). Ensure all listings comply with MLS rules and local real estate regulations. Customer & Agent Support:  Respond to agent inquiries and assist with listing-related troubleshooting. Communicate with agents to gather missing property information. Provide updates on listing performance and analytics. Administrative & CRM Tasks:  Maintain accurate records of listings, agreements, and client communications. Update internal databases and CRM platforms with current property and client data. 2. Retail Inventory & Fulfillment  Inventory Management:  Monitor inventory levels and restock as needed to ensure product availability. Receive, inspect, and log incoming shipments. Organize stockrooms for efficient product access and workflow. Conduct routine inventory audits and resolve discrepancies. Fulfillment & Shipping:  Assemble and package real estate marketing materials, promotional items, and mailers. Coordinate shipping logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries. Process orders for retail and branded materials. Track shipments and update client databases with relevant information. 3. General Office Support  Sort and process incoming mail and deliveries. Maintain a clean and professional office appearance. Assist with other administrative tasks as needed.     Schedule Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Schedule Type: Full-time hourly (35-40 hours/week), hourly position with consistent daytime hours and potential for additional hours, as needed On-Site: This role is an in-office position based in Springfield, IL. Remote work is not available.     Requirements Education & Experience:  High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or Real Estate is a plus. 0–2 years of experience in real estate, administration, or data entry (internship experience or exposure to listing platforms preferred). Skills & Competencies:  Attention to Detail: Accuracy in listing data and inventory tracking. Organization: Ability to manage multiple priorities and stay on top of deadlines. Communication: Strong written and verbal skills. Customer Service: Professional and helpful in interactions with agents and clients. Physical Stamina: Comfortable lifting inventory boxes and handling shipping materials. Problem Solving: Able to respond quickly to issues like listing errors or fulfillment delays. Preferred Qualifications:  Familiarity with real estate CRM software, inventory tools, or e-commerce platforms. Experience with shipping logistics (UPS, FedEx, USPS). Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 and Apple products.     How to Apply: To apply for the Real Estate Assistant position with LandGuys, please submit your resume outlining your qualifications, experience, and why you are passionate about joining our team to Careers@LandGuys.com. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity further. Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Responsibilities may evolve and change over time based on business needs and individual performance.