Our Staff

Bill Swedeen
As the owner/broker of Swedeen's Central Valley Real Estate, Bill Swedeen is a firm believer in The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That’s how he treats

Bill Swedeen

everyone—from friends and family, to buyers and sellers. This philosophy has provided Bill success as a Realtor far beyond the California market. In the late 1980s, for example, Bill (a sales agent at the time) was the number two agent in the United States and Canada for the Red Carpet Real Estate franchise. He has been selling Tri Palm Estates since 1987.

But Bill’s involvement in Tri Palm goes far beyond selling homes. He and his wife, Marlene, are also residents of the community and he served many years as the president of the Chamber of Commerce in Thousand Palms, California (where Tri Palm is located). Bill enjoys working and living in the same neighborhood because, he says, it allows him to meet and befriend his neighbors even before they move in.

Originally from Minnesota, Bill married his high school sweetheart 52 years ago. They have two sons, one daughter and eight grandchildren. Bill is the past president of the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church in Palm Desert.

Ken Van Brocklin
Although Ken Van Brocklin is known as a “Mobile Home Specialist,” he also handles lots, land and other residential sales and resales with a high degree of skill and confidence. Adding to Ken’s success and outstanding reputation are his strong work ethic and excellent networking skills. He has been honored with several real estate awards over the years, including the “Top Ten” agent and “Multimillion Dollar” producer. He is a member of the pro 100 Club for Tarbell and Central Valley Real Estate.

Ken Van Brocklin

Ken was born in Port Angeles, Washington, where he spent his school years. Yearning for adventure, he moved to Cordova, Alaska. Here, he became the successful business owner of a bowling center, motel, restaurant, bar and liquor store. He and his wife raised three children while living in Alaska. They also enjoyed hunting and fishing in the area. For many years, Ken was president of the Cordova School Board.

After his children grew up, Ken and his wife began winter visits to the Palm Springs area, eventually moving to the Coachella Valley. In 1990, Ken became a Realtor. In addition to selling Tri Palm homes, Ken is also a resident. He is a past president of the Tri Palm Men’s Golf Club and was President of the board for several years. Ken enjoys bowling, swimming and golf in his spare time.

Wesley Bauer
Wesley Bauer entered real estate in 1970, but after five years, he felt that his three active teenagers needed him more. Since he couldn't give the 150 percent to his clients that he felt they deserved, he

Wesley Bauer

stopped selling professionally. But Wesley never lost his love for the industry. He built two homes and bought and remodeled many other properties as investments over the years. In 1999 at the age of 55, Wesley retired. Because of his real estate investments, he was able to travel full-time by motor home for the next three years. During this time, he visited every state and traveled the entire U.S. border, taking pictures from all four corners and many points in-between. In 2001, Wesley moved to Tri Palm Estates and resumed his real estate career.

Wesley was born and grew up in Venice, California. Douglas Aircraft moved his family to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1952. This is where he finished high school, before going back to California for college. He then returned to Tulsa and married his high school sweetheart, Deanna. They raised their three kids in and around Tulsa.

Wesley’s earliest memories are of the Palm Springs area. His God-parents owned a motel on Palm Canyon Drive, and Wesley’s parents would bring him with them to visit. It must be in his blood, because, he says, living in Coachella Valley feels like home. He especially enjoys meeting the wonderful people who have discovered paradise in the desert and who are looking for just the right home in which to enjoy their retirement. Wesley believes in living the good life in our desert paradise everyday.

Ethel Hooper

Ethel Hooper

Ethel Hooper began her real estate career in Eric, Pennsylvania, in 1967. She was born in Philadelphia, but moved to Eric following her high school graduation. It was in Eric 51 years ago that she met her husband, Jim. They are blessed with three children, 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Ethel has lived in Tri Palm Estates for more than 30 years. She enjoys duplicate bridge and she golf’s whenever possible. Despite her various activities, Ethel continues to enjoy a thriving real estate career. Ethel now a widow, was a care giver for 12 years.


Bob Sherman

Bob Sherman

Bob Sherman has been a real estate agent since he relocated with his wife, Jean, to the Coachella Valley from Cordova, Alaska, in 1999. In addition to selling homes, Bob volunteers with the local Citizen's on Patrol (COP) and enjoys many of the other community activities in Tri Palm Estates, such as golf, swimming and social dancing. During the summer, Bob continues to commercially fish in Alaska’s beautiful Prince William Sound.





Dave and Angela Peterson
Definition of a TEAM: Two or more people with complementary skills, who work interdependently and adaptively toward a common goal.

David and Angela Peterson

This definition of a “team” best describes Dave and Angela Peterson. As a team for the past 35 years, this couple knew that they could work well together and complement one another’s skills and strengths. Both Dave and Angela come from public service backgrounds: Dave as a retired fire captain and Angela as a retired city clerk. They recently moved into The Club at Shenandoah Springs, after owning a home in Tri Palm Estates for five years. They have been selling homes in this area since 2007.

As Tri Palm Estate Valley residents, Dave and Angela enjoy the many recreational amenities available to them, including golfing. Dave is the head of Tri Palms Estates disaster preparedness They say that the chance to live and work in the same neighborhood makes for great flexibility and an exciting new career opportunity for both of them.