Origins (1918–1945) – Lee’s Early Life and Path to Coronado

Lee Mather was born in 1918 on a Kansas prairie farm — one of 12 children — where hard work, discipline, and resilience were part of everyday life. 


He learned valuable skills early, including typing at high speed, which later opened career opportunities.


After serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during WWII (where his typing skills helped his role), he was stationed in Coronado. This would become his lifelong home and business base.

1946 – First Steps in Real Estate

After WWII and settling in Coronado with his young family, Lee started working at Strand Realty in 1946 — his first real estate role. 


From the outset, he believed “the customer always comes first,” listening closely to clients and gaining a reputation for honesty and service.

1953 – The Start of Lee Mather Company

In 1953, Lee founded the Lee Mather Company, Realtors at 944 Orange Avenue in Coronado — the official start of his own real estate company. 


The original office, with its distinctive Art Deco façade, remains a local landmark and still stands today.


Under his leadership, the brokerage grew to multiple offices and more than 60 agents serving Coronado and San Diego.

Family Leadership & Continued Service

The business remained family-owned for decades, with his youngest daughter, Debbie Riddle, later becoming a partner and leader. 

 

After more than 60 years in operation, Lee Mather Company became the oldest real estate brokerage in Coronado.


In 2020, the company merged with Coldwell Banker West  — joining a powerhouse brokerage with more than a century of history and a worldwide footprint in residential real estate.

 

The iconic office at 944 Orange Avenue continues to operate with Nelson Riddle Team of Coldwell Banker West.

Jim Nelson
Debbie Riddle
Kilee Waller
Amanda Russell
Delmira Sumner
Fevin Reyes
Jim Nelson
Jim Nelson
Agent License ID: 01852936

Phone +1(619) 415-5574

Address Coronado: 944 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

Website https://nelsonriddleteam.com

Jim Nelson embarked on his Real Estate career in 2010 at the bottom of the worst recession since the 1920’s.  People questioned his decision to jump into the epicenter of the economic crash but he knew that if he could carve out a career at the bottom, the rest would take care of itself.
 
Fueled by his passion for investment real estate and his desire to help people obtain their dream of home ownership, Jim brings renewed vigor to the Coronado and San Diego markets. Whether you are looking for the “forever” home, are a 1st time buyer, or a seasoned real estate investor, Jim’s insights on the macro & micro markets creates winning solutions for his clients.  By leveraging his degree in Psychology from UCSB, his customer service credentials from top Resorts in Park City and San Diego, Jim is able to promote and sell your home or investment in Coronado and beyond.  Well regarded in the community and among his peers, Jim makes up half of the Nelson Riddle Team and is excited to meet you and help you buy or sell today.

Client Testimonials

Karen Moore

Jim Nelson is a gem of a realtor. He is knowledgeable about the San Diego real estate market, as well as understanding the unique qualities of the many neighborhoods around San Diego. He was attentive to our described desires for a family home, price point, and was flexible as some of our stated parameters changed over time. At no time was Jim ever pushy, and always presented options to us that we may not have considered otherwise. His relationships with other realtors and straightforward demeanor was extremely helpful when deciding on a home, and he was instrumental in putting together an offer that enabled us to purchase a home that was perfect for our family. He was able to quickly get needed inspections done, and also helped us in getting a contractor for desired renovations. He shows excellent attention to detail and I highly recommend him as both a buyer and seller realtor.

mistersammie

Jim Nelson is a gem of a realtor. He is knowledgeable about the San Diego real estate market, as well as understanding the unique qualities of the many neighborhoods around San Diego. He was attentive to our described desires for a family home, price point, and was flexible as some of our stated parameters changed over time. At no time was Jim ever pushy, and always presented options to us that we may not have considered otherwise. His relationships with other realtors and straightforward demeanor was extremely helpful when deciding on a home, and he was instrumental in putting together an offer that enabled us to purchase a home that was perfect for our family. He was able to quickly get needed inspections done, and also helped us in getting a contractor for desired renovations. He shows excellent attention to detail and I highly recommend him as both a buyer and seller realtor.

Robert Moore

Jim Nelson and his team are very responsive and extremely honest and professional. They know the San Diego real estate market inside and out. Having bought and sold several properties across the country, we have encountered a variety of real estate agents and brokers. Jim is among the best with whom we have ever interacted and we will certainly continue to utilize Jim's knowledge and expertise of the San Diego market in the future. Jim and his team took the time to listen to our needs and concerns and tailored our property search in an efficient and straight-forward manner. At closing, Jim and his team handled every last detail to ensure everything went smoothly and we closed on time. Jim's experience handling 1031 exchanges really made a difference when dealing with some complicated aspects of our transfer. Thanks Jim!
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WORK WITH US

The Nelson Riddle Team has been providing exceptional results for over 35 years. Whether it is buying your first home, selling your beachfront estate, or conducting a 1031 exchange, we are here every step of the way. We look forward to meeting you and helping you realize your real estate dreams!