About Us
580-223-4026
1110 K Street NW
Ardmore, OK 73401
Frances No. 1 Realty is a local and family-owned and operated real estate agency that serves clients throughout Ardmore, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. Since 1976, our trained real estate agents have helped our clients buy or sell their residential property or homes. When you work with one of our real estate brokers, you know you’ll get all the details you need about the local community, environment, and property or home you’re interested in buying or selling.
From giving due diligence during the evaluation process to marketing your property to the right buyers, we can help. To learn more about buying or selling residential or commercial real estate, contact us today!
Meet Our Team
Frances Woodward, Founder
Frances Woodward was the original owner and broker of Frances No. 1 Realty. She started in the business in 1976 and opened her first office in 1977 at Tiffany Plaza in Ardmore. In 1980, she moved her business to its current location at 1110 NW K Street, Ardmore. She served the Ardmore area and the surrounding counties operating the real estate agency for a total of 40 years. She left a wonderful legacy of service to the industry.
She truly practiced integrity and honesty throughout her long career and her motto was, “You are my number one concern”. She was instrumental in organizing the Southern Oklahoma Board of Realtors, held many offices in the organization and was honored as Realtor of the Year. Frances No.1 Realty has been a member of the Ardmore Chamber of Commerce since the company’s origin.
Frances was born in the Gene Autry area of Carter County and lived in that area all her life. She married Carl Woodward in 1946 and they raised 4 daughters. They owned and operated a small cattle ranch. She was always dedicated to her family of 4 daughtrs, 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Frances was the dedicated director of the Methodist Youth Fellowship and other youth programs, keeping the community teenagers active and involved. On one occasion, she arranged for them to have their first ride in an airplane and also scheduled many Friday night skating parties. She is known for her pecan pies and the food that she took to those who were ill or in need, and she always extended helping hand – whether it was at the hospital, nursing home, or to someone who was down on their luck.
She married Merle Maxwell just before their 80th birthdays. They enjoyed bible study, church and traveling, and were active members and dedicated servants of the LORD at the Gene Autry Methodist Church, where Frances was a lifelong member.
Carlene Gragg
(580)-220-8437
cgragg.gragg@gmail.com
Carlene Gragg is the broker/owner of Frances No.1 Realty. She is the daughter of Frances and joined the real estate team in 2013.
She was raised in the Gene Autry area and, now, resides in Love County with her husband, Carl. They own and manage some rental properties in Marietta, and operate a small cattle ranch as well. They have two sons living in the Dallas / Fort Worth area and three grandchildren. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Marietta, and participate in the Cross and Crown Ministries.
Carlene served 36 years in the public school system and is a retired teacher. She taught high school mathematics and science at schools in Dickson, Ardmore, Lone Grove, Marietta, and Lindsay.
She loves gardening, reading, playing the piano, singing in the church choir, and teaching her Sunday school class.
Lesa Adams
(580)-465-6665
lesa5561@gmail.com
Lesa Adams was born and raised in the Ardmore area. In 1977, she married Steve and made their home in the Dickson area, raising 3 children. They are members of Faith Southern Baptist Church and, now, have 6 grandchildren who are the “apples of their eyes”.
They moved to a small cattle ranch near Wynnewood nine years ago, where two of their children live, while one is still in Ardmore teaching in the school system. Lesa and Steve’s grandchildren visit them often and they love to swim in the pool, fish in the pond, and hunt on the property.
Lesa is actively involved in the family pecan harvesting business and drives the rake tractor all day during the harvest season. The business is a great way for the family to be together and is enjoyed by all.
She has been a sales associate at Frances No.1 Realty since 1999. She joined her dad C.D. Akers in the real estate business here at Frances No. 1 Realty. C.D., now deceased, was a longtime associate and knew everybody.
Rita Ponder
(580)-220-1308
ritaponder120@gmail.com
Born and raised in Nebraska, Rita Ponder moved to Oklahoma in 1980, where she started her tenure with Frances No.1 Realty the same year. She is a broker associate and has her GRI credential. Rita is currently serving on the board for the So
Southern Oklahoma Board of Realtors as treasurer for the group.
Rita has traveled extensively abroad due to her husband’s employment and lived in countries like England, Greece, Peru, Nigeria, and Holland, for over a period of 15 years. She has shared her experiences, pictures, and souvenirs with several school classes and other groups. She has also vacationed in several countries.
She has a passion for gardening and has a greenhouse full of all kinds of organic vegetables. She also handles a small cattle operation and is an active member of Gene Autry Methodist Church.
Rita has raised two children and has a large extended family. She owned and operated a convenience store and also spent time in the lending profession. She serves on the board of directors for the University Center of Southern Oklahoma. She has been the president of the American Legion Auxiliary for the last 12 years, having served on their scholarship committee and volunteers at the Veterans Hospital.
Harold Julian
(580)-504-0196
hjrealty@cableone.net
Harold Julian has been an active real estate agent since 1978, and became associated with Frances No.1 Realty in 2014. He is a real estate investor in the rental business and is also a property manager for other investors.
Raised in McCurtain County, Harold attended college at Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma, majoring in business management and business administration. While being there, he met and married Phyllis and they made their home in the Ardmore area. They have one child and 3 grandchildren who live in the local area.
Harold is a missionary and a Deacon in Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ardmore, and loves telling people about Jesus. He has been on 11 foreign mission trips to 11 different countries, while his most recent trip was to Malawi. He also is an amateur photographer and enjoys photographing people and scenery.
Kim Van Winkle
(817) 559-096(3
kvanwinkle34@gmail.com
Kim Van Winkle joined Frances No. 1 Realty May 1st 2020, after receiving her real estate license. Kim was born and raised in Central Illinois, where she played varsity sports all 4 years of high school and spent time with her family and friends.
After high school she went straight into retail customer service, where she worked her way up to store management. Customer service has been the #1 priority for Kim. She works very hard to make sure everyone she helps receives the best customer service. It's the excellent customer service they receive that keeps people going back to those businesses she has been employed with.
Kim and her husband Rodger moved to Texas in 2003 where she managed 2 Hallmark stores before joining Aldi in 2009. In 2012 she moved her family and their Longhorn cattle herd to Ratliff City, OK. During those years, she managed the Aldi store in Ardmore, OK. In 2018 she left Aldi to manage the Save A Lot store, where she continues to work.
In her free time you will find her taking pictures of her longhorns, revamping furniture, bowling and spending time with her husband and fur babies.