Tempe, Leslie & Shana Real Estate Team

Written by Elizabeth McCabe | Photos by Shawna McDuffie, Peak RES

Four women. Four very different paths. One powerhouse team that proves real estate doesn’t have to feel transactional, cold, or cookie-cutter.

The Tempe, Leslie & Shana Real Estate Team isn’t built on ego or competition. It’s built on trust, experience, faith, and a whole lot of follow-through. Clients don’t just get advocates, problem-solvers, and a group of women who genuinely enjoy working together.

That chemistry? You can’t fake it.

A Team That Formed Naturally 

The Tempe, Leslie & Shana Real Estate Team didn’t originally set out to dominate real estate. After moving back to Oklahoma from New Jersey, Tempe needed flexibility while raising four kids. “I didn’t take it very seriously for a while,” she admits. That changed as her children got older. By 2017, Tempe was all in and she hasn’t looked back.

Leslie Berndt came next, though Tempe had to work for it.

The two had known each other since college (crossing paths in 1984) and reconnected years later on a tennis court in Edmond. Tempe saw something immediately. “She’s personable and friendly and people love it,” she says. It took six years (and a well-timed parking lot phone call) before Leslie finally joined the team.

Nine years later, the partnership has evolved by design. Leslie now focuses on referrals and past clients, stepping back to prioritize family and two beloved grandbabies. “It’s been a whirlwind and a blast,” she says. “But I wanted balance.”

Then came Shana Haley. That’s when everything clicked.

Shana Haley: Strong Roots, Stronger Mindset

Shana brings grit. Raised on a farm in western Oklahoma, she spent 30 years running rental and sales centers before getting her real estate license three years ago. Once she sold her businesses, it was time for a new chapter.

“It felt like home right away,” she says of joining McGraw REALTORS®. After hosting open houses, she met Tempe and Leslie and the fit was immediate.

“I love every aspect of it,” Shana says of real estate. “The design side. The staging. Being around people. It doesn’t feel like I’m working.”

She’s known on the team as the “get it done” person. “I don’t like to be defeated,” she says. “I’ve got a strong mindset and strong communication skills.” Shana now serves as co-team lead alongside Tempe and the trust runs deep.

Debbie Liefer: The Missing Piece

Debbie Liefer joined the team officially in December 2025, but the connection goes back much further. Her mother once played tennis with Tempe and Leslie, and when Debbie mentioned wanting to pursue real estate, the dots connected fast.

“Real estate has always intrigued me,” Debbie says. “I was finally at a place in my life where I could get into it, and I love it.”

After a long career in sales and marketing, primarily in the food service industry, Debbie was ready for something more personal. “Before, it was all about the bottom line for the company,” she explains. “Now I get to help individuals and do things the way I believe they should be done.”

The team didn’t hesitate. “We would love to have you on the team,” Tempe told her and they meant it. She was welcomed with open arms. 

What Makes This Team Different? They’re Real.

For a team of women, the dynamic is refreshingly honest.

“Leslie and I talk to each other like sisters,” Tempe says. “People think we’re arguing, but we’re not. We’re just talking it out. And then we’re done.”

Shana made it clear early on: no drama here. “If you think they’re fighting, they’re not.” 

“There are no mean girls,” Tempe adds. “We treat each other with a lot of respect.”

They share faith. They share families. Their husbands are friends. Their dogs are beloved friends. And yes, every client knows about the cinnamon rolls. For the past few years for Thanksgiving, clients receive homemade cinnamon rolls using a grandmother’s recipe. It’s a small gesture with a big message: you matter. After all, it’s the small personal touches that make a difference. 

Client Experience: Calm, Competent, and Deeply Personal

Across the board, the team shares the same philosophy: remove anxiety, stay on top of details, and never make it about yourself. Tempe clarifies, “It’s not about you. It’s about them.”

Leslie takes pride in making clients feel safe and informed. “I want them to know I have everything under control,” she says. “I don’t want them to feel anxious.”

Shana agrees. “Creating a positive experience for the customer is everything.”

And when things get emotional (which they often do), this team knows how to stay steady. “You can’t get emotionally involved or take things personally,” Leslie explains. “You’re working for the transaction. Do what is best for the client.”

Why They Love What They Do

Tempe doesn’t sugarcoat it. “It’s fun. I really enjoy it,” she says. One experience stands out above the rest, helping a couple displaced by eminent domain. “They hated every house. Then they finally bought one and they loved it. Seeing people happy in their new home? That’s it for me.”

Shana sums it up simply: “I truly love what I do.” Debbie feels the same. “I love helping people,” she says. “I’m very passionate about it.”

Life Outside of Real Estate (Yes, They Have One)

This team practices what they preach about balance.

Tempe shares, “We work together and play together. We’re friends, not just business associates. We play cards, go to dinner, and play golf. We’re trying to figure that out!”

Leslie protects her Mondays and Wednesdays for grandbabies, a decision shaped by a life-altering moment when one grandchild required open-heart surgery at birth. Time with them is precious and priceless. “I also like being out in nature, cooking, trying new restaurants, and staying connected with family,” adds Leslie. 

Shana’s happy place is Grand Lake, where she plans to grow the team’s presence. Tempe and Dan spend time walking dogs, traveling to Hawaii, skiing, and figuring out pickleball scoring (“It’s confusing,” Tempe laughs).

Debbie hits the golf course, travels with her husband, and soaks up time with grandchildren with another on the way. She couldn’t be more excited.

Looking Ahead 

The focus isn’t flashy.

“We want to benefit people,” Tempe says. “Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and I take it pretty seriously.” Shana echoes that thought: grow the team, strengthen their presence at Grand Lake, and keep delivering excellence.

Leslie plans to deepen relationships with past clients because “the best advertising is word of mouth.”

Debbie’s goal is simple and powerful: “Get more business, help more people, and support my teammates.”

The Bottom Line

The Tempe, Leslie & Shana Real Estate Team works hard. They show up. They tell the truth. They talk things out. They care deeply about the people they serve and about each other.

They’re not trying to be the loudest team in the room. They’re too busy being the ones clients trust most. They’ve earned their reputation over the years, refusing to take shortcuts, going above and beyond for their clients, and shining above the rest. That’s why they are the best!