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
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

Kristin Jennings

We met Jim at an open house in Coronado. We are so grateful to have found an excellent San Diego Realtor! His consistent follow up, professionalism, market knowledge, and patience with our changing needs has been impressive. His expert advice led us to the perfect investment. Jim’s calm determination to help us never failed. His experience shielded us and helped us negotiate three offers and in the end, lead us to our right place. Jim and Kilee went above and beyond during our search, offer and the inspection process AND continue to assist even after closing. We now feel more like friends than clients! THANK YOU JIM and KILEE!

Kathy Bass

Kylie was amazing no matter what we needed. She was there for us. She was working with my daughter in California and I was in Florida and somehow she managed to keep in contact with both of us and make everything happen. Just the way it was supposed to she wouldn’t be on and beyond any agent I’ve ever worked with

Oliver Peet

Jim is the consummate professional. He solves problems, works swiftly using his seasoned knowledge of the field, shows great courtesy and thoughtfulness, and works very well with not just the realtor community and buyers, but other professionals associated with real estate transactions, from escrow services to bankers, builders, investment managers, tax consultants, estate attorneys, and family members. For our house, Jim put together a highly effective, far-reaching, and ambitious marketing campaign—at his cost—which together with prudent pricing brought multiple offers on the home within days. This ultimately led to the identification of its true market value; a seller could not ask for more from the bottom line. His negotiations with buyers’ agents, including achieving special terms we desired, and his recommendations to guide our responses to offers resulted in a sale for which we felt not only especially well-served, but moreover left us satisfied that we had given all prospective buyers an equal and fair chance to put their best offer forward. Our family is indebted to Jim for shepherding us sure-footedly and very successfully through the fraught process of a high-value real estate transaction where, in the end, everyone was a winner. We highly recommend him.
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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!