By Carol Fisher-Linn
To begin the story of Amy DeTine, one must first envision this low-key, highly accomplished local country woman of Ellicottville in the classic blue-and-white Buffalo Catholic school uniform of the 70’s. One of six girls, it was the family tradition to attend Mount Saint Mary’s high school and undergo the rigors of a religious education under the guidance of mostly stern-faced nuns. Uncertain what to do after high school graduation, Amy was invited to join some friends providing food service at Poverty Hill Ski area (later called Concord); she found she loved it and the area and simply never left. As she rather wryly states, “I never made it out. And it was a good thing.”
Cyanne, on her land in Great Valley and numerous other activities to keep
her busy at an age when many already seek retirement, she said this: “It is
exciting. Often, we are helping people with one of the biggest investments
of their lives, whether it is a year-around home or vacation property.
After that short gig, Amy’s first real job (albeit, short-lived) was at Fitzpatrick and Weller Lumber – in the plant – on the glue line. Quickly realizing that was not for her, she found her place working at local restaurants, using her skills at foodservice as well as tending bars. Ted LaCroix soon came into her life. They married in 1991 and worked together (with Ted serving as General Manager) managing all food service at Holiday Valley Resort. This included not only The Hearth Restaurant, but all conferences, weddings, and events. Says Amy, “We oversaw many local kids’ wedding receptions who now have kids of their own.” Life was good and the years passed quickly until the day Ted wanted to retire. It was a turning point for Amy, who decided she also wanted a change.
Enter long-time friend, Patti Crist who, like Ted, literally grew up in Allegany State Park. Years ago, there were many private residences in the park area which provided employment (Ted’s dad was a carpenter for ASP) and the most amazing environment to raise a family. Imagine! Patti and her mom, Paula France had established the successful Ye Olde Towne and Country Real Estate business which eventually became known as Century 21 Town and Country (T&C), and invited Amy to consider investing her energies into selling real estate.
Now in her 23rd year of successful selling with ERA (Patti Crist eventually sold T&C to Bill Soffel – it is now known as ERA Team VP). The name may have changed but the team remains quite constant with Amy performing steadily in the top ten in the ERA offices and recognized as one of the top agents in this area.
Asked why she still works in the field when she has her horses, Shiloh and Cyanne, on her land in Great Valley and numerous other activities to keep her busy at an age when many already seek retirement, she said this: “It is exciting. Often, we are helping people with one of the biggest investments of their lives, whether it is a year-around home or vacation property. It is a privilege to help in that process. Selling real estate is serious business which must be treated with respect and due diligence. We must be flexible and learn how to go with the flow in the market to serve our clients best.” Amy’s specialties are buyer’s agent, listing agent, relocation and consulting. See more about Amy on her UTube here: https://youtu.be/FLwEG13Z-kg.
As if selling Real Estate is not full-time enough, Amy has a few other activities to keep her from being bored (or is it Board?). Amy is a Board Member of the EV-GV Ambulance Board, and serves on the Great Valley Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Assessment Review. Amy also serves as President of the Board of Directors for Community Action Enterprises – an arm of Connecting Communities in Action – which used to be Cattaraugus Community Action (CCA). They manage four different housing complexes in Little Valley, Randolph, Delevan, and Franklinville for low income, elderly, and disabled persons. When her husband Ted died in 2015, Amy filled his spot on the EVGV (Ellicottville Great Valley) Trail Board, and now serves as Treasurer for an extensive, long-range venture which is very close to her heart, and which will have a significant impact on the region when it is finally launched. According to Amy, the project, first introduced and organized by Ken Hinman may appear to be daunting but is certainly doable in the long run. Why not educate yourself and get involved? For information, go to evgvtrail.org. Because, you see, that is what Ellicottville does!