For years, Darin built a highly successful career in Sales & Marketing, leading teams and managing business operations for some of the country's top retail corporations. That executive-level experience taught him something crucial: even the most complex transactions can be streamlined when you put people first.

Today, Darin brings that same philosophy to real estate, transforming what's often the biggest financial decision of your life into a process as straightforward as 1, 2, 3. He's mastered the art of anticipating obstacles before they arise and navigating the unexpected bumps with calm expertise, turning what could be a stressful experience into a journey you'll actually remember fondly.

What truly sets Darin apart isn't just his goal-oriented approach—it's what fuels him at his core: being of service. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer feeling overwhelmed or a seasoned seller navigating a complex market, Darin goes above and beyond to ensure you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.

Under Darin's leadership, Stone & Story Real Estate Group has become one of the fastest-growing and most highly regarded real estate teams in Northeast Kansas. He leads by example, working tirelessly alongside his team to maintain a laser-like focus on two non-negotiables: exceptional customer satisfaction and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

When you work with Darin and the Stone & Story team, you're not just getting a real estate transaction—you're gaining a trusted partner who's invested in your success and dedicated to making your real estate dreams a reality.

Brian Laird is a Founder, Vice President, and REALTOR® at Stone & Story Real Estate Group, known for his creative eye, hands-on approach, and genuine care for clients. Licensed in Kansas, Brian works with buyers, sellers, and investors across residential, new construction, commercial, and investment properties.

With professional training in photography and a culinary background that sharpened his attention to detail, Brian personally oversees all staging and photography for the agency—ensuring every home is thoughtfully presented and positioned to stand out.

Brian also leads Stone & Story’s property management division, where he helps clients build, manage, and protect their investment portfolios with a focus on long-term value and attentive service.

Beyond real estate, he is deeply involved in the community, serving as Chairman of the Mulvane Art Fair in support of the Mulvane Art Museum at Washburn University and as Board Secretary for Braided Haven, an organization providing housing and support for homeless LGBTQIA+.

His love of travel, the arts, and continual growth shapes a real estate experience that feels thoughtful, personal, and easy to trust.

Annette is motivated by connecting with people. She thrives in helping people articulate their dream life so together they can find the perfect home for this part of their journey.

In addition to real estate, Annette is a personal design coach. She specializes in personalizing each home to each individual's lifestyle while offering options that stay in their budget. Annette brings calm so the client can make the best decision for them. As an intuit designer, entrepreneur, and business & life coach, Annette will open the space you need to expand into a life by your design.