Member Spotlight: ROCO Luxury Homes

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights.

Photographed by Scott Foust Studio.

Always a popular destination for weekend warriors and snowbirds, in the past several years, Phoenix and Scottsdale have experienced a massive influx of new residents, visitors who, like us, could fathom no reason to leave. This population explosion, however, has made navigating Phoenix and Scottsdale real estate increasingly challenging. In short, whether you’re a longtime local or a new resident, recruiting the most experienced real estate agent is essential.

Enter Libby Cohen, Julie Rohr, and Polly Wintergalen, the trio behind ROCO Luxury Homes. Boasting over 35 years of combined experience, Julie, Libby, and Polly offer discerning home buyers the expertise and connections essential to buying and selling luxury homes in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, The Biltmore, and Phoenix — no matter the market.

Individually, Libby and Julie are some of Arizona’s top producing agents (think top 1% of all realtors in the state), the partnership gives the ROCO Luxury Homes clients an unprecedented edge. Connection, in fact, seems to be at the heart of ROCO Luxury Homes, whether it’s to each other, their clients, or their community. “It’s our friendship that sets us apart. We were friends and colleagues before forming the partnership that is ROCO,” the ladies informs us. “Our team concept allows us to give the most attention to detail and create a custom experience tailored to each client.”

To understand how ROCO Luxury Homes achieves a white-glove experience throughout every transaction, we chatted with Libby, Julie, and Polly. Hint: it has something to do with a Rolodex that runs deep, a hands-on approach, and, in Julie’s case, a passion for golf.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Libby, Julie, and Polly, we are thrilled to Scout ROCO Luxury Homes for The Scout Guide Phoenix. Before forming ROCO Luxury Homes, you were all top-producing agents in Arizona. What inspired you to join forces? 
Libby Cohen: The partnership came together very organically. Several years ago, my sister Polly joined me at Walt Danley Realty. By the time she joined me, Julie and I had worked together on several transactions. We began to collaborate more frequently and, when it came time for a change in brokerages, we joined RETSY as a team. And thus, ROCO Luxury Homes was formed in 2019.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you choose the name for your team?
Julie Rohr: It’s the combination of two of our names, Rohr and Cohen. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Since inception, ROCO Luxury Homes has been incredibly successful — in 2021 alone ROCO Luxury Homes did 100 million dollars in real estate to land you in the top 1% of Arizona agents. What about the partnership allows you to be successful?
Polly Wintergalen: I think it’s our friendship that sets us apart. We were friends and colleagues before forming our partnership. There’s a “fun factor” that makes what we do for a living a pleasure.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: There’s also an impressive resumé behind each of you that complements your respective years in the real estate industry. Let’s chat about that… Julie, how did you get into real estate?
Julie Rohr: I grew up with a keen awareness of the importance of home. My father built a successful residential construction company, and I spent my youth surrounded by house plans and building materials, experiences which come in handy as a realtor today. After attending Augsburg University, I started a career in marketing research, which taught me how to be an independent third party. After a brief time away from the workforce, I served as Executive Director of the Opperman Foundation, an opportunity which introduced me to dignitaries like Supreme Court Justices. When my family and I moved to Arizona nearly 20 years ago, I was struck by the beauty of our desert environment and the thriving community. The transition into real estate was natural. And, after successfully representing both buyer and seller in a 30-day closing of my first listing — valued at $2,500,000 — I was hooked! 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’ve put down some impressive roots, especially around the Valley’s fabulous golf courses…
Julie Rohr: Yes! I’m originally from Minnesota, so I understand the unique needs of buyers relocating or purchasing a second home here in the Valley. I enjoy being able to share my wealth of knowledge about the community to guide them to the neighborhood that will best suit their lifestyles. As for my knowledge of local courses… I’ve been an avid golfer for 30-plus years, which has afforded me quite a detailed knowledge of the Valley’s private and public clubs. It’s especially rewarding to guide fellow enthusiasts.  

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Libby and Polly, our readers might not know that you’re not only native Phoenicians but sisters, too.
Polly Wintergalen: Libby and I are born and bred Arizonans. We grew up in Arcadia, attended Arcadia High School, and graduated from the University of Arizona. My passion for real estate — and sharing the community that raised me — was ignited when my husband and I purchased our first home in Arcadia 29 years ago. That experience inspired me to open a home staging company which, in turn, introduced me to top Phoenix-area Realtors®️. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Libby, how did you get into the industry?
Libby Cohen: My real estate career began in 2005 when my then neighbor, the real estate icon Nancy Nashban, encouraged me to get my license. I worked with Nancy until she moved to San Miguel de Allende, then joined Walt Danley’s team, where I worked for almost 15 years. It was at Walt Danley that I met Julie, actually!

Photographed by Scott Foust Studio.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: It sounds meant to be, especially considering how well your backgrounds complement one another's. What does that look like for clients?
Julie Rohr: Our team structure not only allows us to be available to our clients 24/7, it has empowered us to offer a truly concierge real estate experience to clients, whether they're buying or selling. Between the three of us — and the rest of our team — we can execute an exceptional level of detail and tailor the experience to each transaction. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What kind of details?
Libby Cohen: After living in the Valley for decades, we’ve developed relationships with the best of the best in home experts. We facilitate everything for our clients, from consultations with designers and home stagers to professional organizers and licensed contractors or handymen. For example, as a former owner of a home staging company and prolific home remodeler, Polly has a keen understanding of what’s required to sell a home and a grand vision for every home she shows. And because even the most immaculate homes need a little shush, we happily oversee all maintenance and staging before listing. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of your deep roots (again), what is it like to work with newcomers to our the Valley?
Libby Cohen: Being a Phoenix Native, I’m well versed in the choicest neighborhoods of Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and downtown Phoenix. And I think I speak for all of us when I say that it’s so rewarding to share our love of the Valley — its healthy lifestyle, prolific activities, and beautiful landscapes — with others. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Beyond introducing (or reintroducing) clients to the Valley, what is the most rewarding part of your work?
Polly Wintergalen: Every opportunity to help clients achieve their real estate goals — whether that includes buying, selling, or both — is incredibly rewarding. But I hold a special place in my heart for first-time home buyers. There’s nothing like being part of the excitement of purchasing a home for the first time!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your clientele, while focused on luxury real estate transactions, runs the gamut.
Julie Rohr: Absolutely. In addition to our daily buyer/seller transactions, we’re working with builders and developers to help them identify great investments properties.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What advice would you give to give to potential clients?
Libby Cohen: It’s simple and straightforward: whenever you are buying or selling a home, use a professional realtor who knows the market.

Photographed by Scott Foust Studio.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As it would be an understatement to say every member of the ROCO Luxury Homes team knows the Phoenix and Scottsdale market, let’s chat about the specifics of our market. Specifically, what you love about living and working in the Valley…
Libby Cohen: There’s so much to love about the Valley — from our healthy lifestyle to our sunny climate, the incredible culinary offerings to the vibrant art scene, easy access to fabulous hiking to seamless indoor/outdoor living! Personally, I also love being close to family and sneaking away to Flagstaff for cooler temps during the summer. 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your love of the Valley is palpable. And we know this love has inspired extensive work in support of our community. Can you speak to the causes you support?
Libby Cohen: It’s so essential for us to give back, and we support a number of charities collectively and individually. For example, Polly is a loyal supporter of Chemo Companions, a non-profit coordinating emotional support through a network of trained volunteers at chemo lounges. I support the Heard Museum — which showcases the Native American heritage essential to Arizona’s history — The Phoenix Heart Ball — which raises more money for The American Heart Association than any other in the country — and The Master Gardeners Program. As an avid gardener, it’s so rewarding to share my passion for gardening with elementary school children in the program. It’s a privilege to serve — whether it’s our clients or our community at large. 

VALLEY FAVORITES

LIBBY COHEN’S LOCAL FAVORITES

Dining: Christopher’s
Drinking: Hanny’s
Shopping: Scottsdale Fashion Square
Gifting: Valerianne
Activities: Exploring new hiking trails with friends
Event: Arizona Tennis Classic

JULIE ROHR’S LOCAL FAVORITES

Dining: Steak 44 | Tarbell’s | Francine for Lunch | Vincent’s for a romantic evening
Shopping: The Linen Tree | The Paper Place

POLLY WINTERGALEN’S LOCAL FAVORITES

Dining: Nook Kitchen in Arcadia
Drinking: Steak 44
Shopping: Bungalow Furniture
Activities: Biking through Arcadia with husband, Ed
Event: Holiday High Tea at The Phoenician

View ROCO Luxury Homes’s current exclusive luxury listings here and learn more working with Julie, Libby, and Polly by reaching out directly via phone or email and tell them Scout sent you!

Libby Cohen: 602-291-1446 | Libby@libbycohen.com
Julie Rohr: 602-317-5667 | julierohr@gmail.com
Polly Wintergalen: 602-320-1850 | pollywintergalen@gmail.com

Member Spotlight: Citrine Natural Beauty Bar

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. In anticipation of Volume 3, we’re thrilled to start our story-telling mission of new and returning scouted members through Member Spotlights.

Photographed by Shannon Gilpin.

From non-toxic sunscreens (a must in our desert environment) to sustainable skincare, clean beauty is redefining makeup and skincare routines worldwide. And, closer to home, Citrine Natural Beauty Bar is redefining Phoenix and Scottsdale’s access to the best in clean beauty.

Owned by the lovely Melissa Lenberg, Citrine is a one-stop shop for clean beauty with a meticulously curated selection of products to delight even the most discerning skincare experts and makeup artists. Yet, Citrine is more than a veritable haven for the product junkie. Combining extensive educational programming, personalized consults, and — of course — the latest and greatest in clean products, Citrine is an unparalleled local beauty resource.

Recently, we had the pleasure of chatting with Melissa about her decades in the beauty industry, her expertise in clean beauty and wellness, and why it’s so important to make the switch to non-toxic.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’re a beauty industry veteran that got her start in cosmetics at age 15. When did you begin adopting clean beauty?
Melissa Lenberg: With a love for all things beauty, I dreamed of becoming a professional makeup artist from a young age. Even a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis at age 18 couldn’t stop me and the same year, I moved to Los Angeles at 18 to follow my dreams. While in Los Angeles, I was exposed to the city’s quintessential health and wellness culture. That, in conjunction with a health diagnosis, inspired me to take a hard look at what I was putting in and on my body. I was shocked by the ingredients in the beauty products I was using and decided to make the switch to non-toxic, clean products in an attempt to heal my body.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What was your experience in making the switch?
Melissa Lenberg: As I learned more about everyday toxins and lessened my toxic load through clean beauty, I not only began to feel better, but friends and family began to notice the change, asking me what I’d been doing differently. I got a lot of compliments about my skin!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Naturally — no pun intended — this experience inspired Citrine…
Melissa Lenberg: Absolutely! When I made the switch, I knew I had to inspire others to do the same. After a transformative trip to Sedona, I watched the true powers of manifestation unfold. In fact, it was when I was meditating in Sedona that my vision of bringing this lifestyle came into focus. The business, the mission, the ideas all became clear to me. A week after returning from the trip, I found the perfect storefront, signed a lease, and Citrine was born!

Photographed by Shannon Gilpin.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What, specifically, was the vision for Citrine?
Melissa Lenberg: I believe no one should ever have to sacrifice health in exchange for self-care and that when we take care of our skin and our bodies from the inside, our bodies take care of us in return. My intention is that Citrine becomes the go-to clean beauty destination to experience that healing through high-vibrational products that will not only transform your skin and make you feel beautiful, but heal Mother Earth at the same time. Citrine is that belief comes to life in a glamorous, community-driven environment.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: For those who haven’t experienced Citrine firsthand — and they must experience it firsthand to get the full, luxury effect — can you share how you achieve that vision?
Melissa Lenberg: We pride ourselves on a highly-selective curation process to bring the best in high-quality, completely clean, yet luxurious and glamorous beauty products. Every product in-store and online has been thoroughly vetted, from research to testing. We combine this lineup of world-class products with extensive education and pampering to empower our customers and help them feel their best, inside and out.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: This is a great point to ask: what is clean beauty? We often see it paired with terms like non-toxic, organic, and the like…
Melissa Lenberg: The term "clean beauty” is convoluted and unregulated. In fact, it lacks any set standards, and the beauty industry is largely self-regulated. Anyone can claim a product is “clean." However, at Citrine, we’ve set standards for what we consider to be truly “clean.”

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you and Citrine define clean beauty?
Melissa Lenberg: At Citrine we define clean beauty as high-quality, high-vibrational products formulated with ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be safe in every aspect. Or in other words, we've sourced the most innovative brands formulated with the finest, toxin-free ingredients to offer the best in clean beauty.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: What does that product curation process look like?
Melissa Lenberg: Our curation process is informed by three key pillars: quality and performance, key ingredients, and sustainability. First and foremost, the products we consider must be unparalleled in their formulations, packaging, and results. The ingredients found in those formulations must also be high-vibrational, clean (of course!), innovative, and sourced with supreme care. After passing these criteria, we consider sustainability. We only select ethical, transparent products, researching origins to ensure packaging is eco-conscious and high-quality ingredients are organically farmed and intentionally sourced. Only after passing those three pillars do we consider the product for our testing process to ensure it's appropriate for ourselves and our customers. After being tested and approved by myself, our diverse team takes each product through a testing process to evaluate the efficacy, ease of application, and safety. Products that give a “wow” factor are approved. 

Photographed by Shannon Gilpin.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’re beginning to understand why education is such an integral part of the Citrine experience…
Melissa Lenberg: Beauty can be overwhelming and confusing. Experiences of leaving a beauty counter wondering if the product you purchased will work or trawling the internet for tutorials and advice are ubiquitous. And there’s so much information out there to digest about all forms of beauty and skincare products. At Citrine, we do the legwork for you so you can rest assured that every item you take home meets the criteria you deserve: luxurious, natural, conscious, non-toxic, and intentional.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: You personally test each and every product that passes your key pillars. Do you have any current favorites readers need to add to their makeup bags or skincare routines?
Melissa Lenberg: Being completely hands on in the curation process affords me the opportunity to discover a ton of fabulous new brands and products. I actually curate a “Most Loved” list monthly to share my current favorite finds. This month [April 2023], I’m reaching for Tata Harper’s Revitalizing Body Oil for full body hydration, the fresh and flirty Florgasm perfume by Heretic, a bronze glow courtesy of Jane Iredale’s Refillable Purebronze Matte Bronzer, Tata Harper’s Concentrated Brightening Essence for skin prep and product absorption, and RMS Go Nude Lip Pencil!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Earlier, you mentioned that you’ve designed an experience that’s both educating and pampering. Can you speak to the pampering part?
Melissa Lenberg: In addition to hosting community-based events — from masterclasses with founders like Jena Covello of Agent Nateur to sound bowl healings — we’ve designed a personalized experience to inspire your clean beauty journey. Think: a one-on-one product education, skin analysis and consultation, mini facial, makeup application, hand massage, and flower essence treatment!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We can attest — it’s divine! And, we’d imagine, rewarding for you.
Melissa Lenberg: Empowering women around their beauty and self-care rituals is the most rewarding part of the work — aside from helping them transition to living a healthier lifestyle, of course.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: For those that aren’t local, are there any ways they can experience Citrine and take advantage of your fabulous resources?
Melissa Lenberg: Absolutely! Citrine is not just a beauty store, it’s truly a community. In addition to store hours and hosting in-person events, anyone on a clean beauty journey can find resources, products, and support on CitrineNaturalSkin.com. From blog series like “Toss the Toxins” to virtual consultations, our intentionally curated selection of products to a Clean Beauty 101 Guide, we’re here to assist

Photographed by Shannon Gilpin.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of local, let’s talk about Citrine being a Phoenix-founded brand. Are there any other local favorites we should add to our list of health and wellness go-to’s?
Melissa Lenberg: I love Kaleidoscope Juicery, the Phoenix-founded True Food Kitchen, and Buddha Bella.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’re originally from Arizona… What do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Melissa Lenberg: I love being in the desert, it’s so beautiful and offers so many ways to connect to nature.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: And finally, a question we love to end our Member Spotlights with: How do you give back to your community?
Melissa Lenberg: This is such a great question and I’m thrilled to that share we’ve built supporting our community into the Citrine business plan. I’m even more thrilled to share how well it’s been received by our customers. We give back with every Glam Bag, a gift with purchase event that clients love. Most recently, our Glam Bags have been supporting Phoenix Dream Center in their fight to end human and child trafficking, a cause I’m passionate about.

Whether you’re making the switch or fully committed to clean, a visit to Citrine Natural Beauty Bar’s flagship location at The Biltmore (2502 E Camelback Road, Suite 166) is a must. It’s a veritable haven for the beauty aficionado with a passion for clean makeup, wellness, skin, and hair products.

Not local? Find an abundance of information and inspiration — plus all of Citrine’s expertly curated products — online and follow along on Instagram to connect with their community. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!