Roof Installation, Metal Roofing, Shingles Roofing, Flat Roofing
GUTTERS
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Bella Snowden Content Coordinator
Dave Danielson Writer
Christina Kitchen
Robert Orso Publisher/Owner
Jon Jeffress Photographer
Ron Sivak
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BUSINESS NETWORKING
Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Michael Galvin (251) 431-8628 mobilechamber.com
CLEANING - RESIDENTIAL
J. S. Fresh Start Cleaning Services, LLC (251) 654-5650
DRONE VIDEO/ PHOTOGRAPHER
Adobe House
Media Production
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MOVING/DELIVERY/ STORAGE
All My Sons Moving & Storage www.allmysons.com/mobile/ index.aspx
Motivated Movers (251) 621-0063 28225 N Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 getmotivatedmovers.com
PEST SOLUTIONS
E3 Termite & Pest Control
Mike Adams (251) 850-7378 20040 Hwy 181 Fairhope, AL 36527 E3pest.com
Prewett Pest Control (251) 277-1361 prewettpestcontrol.com
REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS
Baldwin Realtors Association (251) 947-3777 baldwinrealtors.com
ROOFING SERVICES
Pelican Roofing And Gutters (251) 725-3375 pelicanroofingal.com
SHORT TERM RENTAL
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Crye Leike
David Stidham (251) 405-2600
229 East 20th Avenue, Suite 1 Gulf Shores, AL 36526 www.alabamabeach vacations.com
SIGNS & GRAPHICS
Fast Signs
Pauline McKean (251) 279-0747
4668 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 fastsigns.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Southern View Media (251) 517-9425 southernviewmedia.com
TITLE COMPANY
Celebration Title Group (251) 283-0228 celebrationtitlegroup.com/ ctg-mobile/
VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES
EyeSky Video & Photo, LLC
Stephen Hinds (317) 727-2919
297 Beall Lane Daphne, AL 36526 eyeskyvp.com
By Robert Orso
RALPH & KACOO’S
SOCIAL EVENT RECAP
Photos By Stephen Hinds, Eye Sky Photo & Video
real producer
Care About What You Do
The featured Gulf Coast Real Producer’s August Top Agent, Alla Nikitina, is a world traveler and the path that led her to Gulf Shores is a fascinating story that quintessentially represents the American Dream.
“I was born in Odessa, Ukraine and lived there until I was about 8, then we moved to Poland due to my parents’ work where I finished my high school years.” Alla said.
Alla had talent in music, so her mother enrolled her in a concentrated music curriculum during her school years that provided a strong foundation of discipline. Alla played the violin and piano, and was part of the school band, orchestra, and choir, where she performed as the 1st soprano.
“It was basically a professional music school where we had regular classes in the morning and personal instrument as well as other music-related classes in the afternoon. The goal of the school was to provide a level of education that would prepare you for university majoring in music,” Alla said.
Also active athletically, Alla participated vigorously in outdoor sports while growing up, including gymnastics, mountain biking, skiing, swimming, and diving, among other activities.
Upon graduating high school Alla moved back to Odessa due to family reasons and started college, majoring in psychology. An international summer work and travel program was the initial catalyst that brought her over to the United States and Gulf Shores in particular.
“I wanted to visit somewhere in the United States that had ocean and palm trees for the work abroad program. The counselor saw that my first name was Alla, and I guess having a sense of humor, she matched me up with Alabama. I didn’t know they had beaches there at that time,” Alla said.
Flying overseas at the age of 21, her first trip turned into a minor adventure with her eventually connecting with other foreign students living in shared housing in Gulf Shores.
“We were offered jobs at local restaurants, stores and housekeeping. Everyone would choose what they wanted to do. My first job was at Jack’s Steakhouse, which was closed down years later, and Scoop’s Ice Cream in Gulf Shores,” Alla said.
By Ron Sivak
Photos by Kayley Robinson, Deep South Focus Photography
After wrapping up her first summer in the U.S., Alla returned home to begin her fall semester at the university. Upon finishing that year, she came back to Gulf Shores to work her second summer within the exchange program. It was during this time that she decided to stay in the States, a decision that propelled her along the path she follows today.
“The placement company offered me a job at the office where I would handle translating, among other tasks, such as taking calls and directing who needs to be dispatched by communicating in different languages. I am fluent in Russian, Ukrainian, Polish and English. I was also working part-time at a local restaurant.” Alla said.
It was around this time frame where Alla met Stacey Ryals, renting living space from him and maintaining that relationship over the years while becoming acclimated to living in Gulf Shores.
After summer ended, Alla moved to Atlanta due to being offered a management position in quality control for a large company and was able to maintain her work visa.
Fast forwarding through the ensuing years found Nikitina going back overseas to complete her degree and receive her master’s degree in Psychology, endure the passing of her mother, relocating back to Gulf Shores, marrying her current husband, Ivan Vasilchev, and the birth of
her children. Son Maxim was born in 2013 and daughter Alissa was born in 2016.
2015 was also the year she reconnected with Stacey Ryals with Ryals Realty. Always skilled at cultivating and retaining close relationships as well as naturally impressive with her professionalism and intelligence, Alla was offered a position with Ryals almost immediately after they connected again.
“With the birth of my first child I stayed at home to give myself fully to my child. Before I got pregnant with my second child, I encountered Stacey Ryals and he said ‘Why don’t you help me do some rentals since you have so much free time. I know you like to be active.’ So after that I went and helped him with rentals at my own pace. A little later, he suggested that I get my real estate license, and earned those credentials in 2017, after the birth of my daughter.” Alla said.
“The first major property we worked on together after I became licensed was Creekside RV Resort in Foley. We worked on the advertisements of the project and learned it. The main thing was to get people to buy some thing that did not exist yet so it had to be explained perfectly to envision it by buy ers. Our first closing was in February 2018, and we were all finished by August, so 61 RV lots were sold out pretty fast.” she added.
Additional work with Whispering Pines East & West and Marabella Apartments as well as Representing Belle Fountain Land Company in all land sales cemented Alla Nikitina and Ryals Realty as a major player in the area.
In 2022 the com pany was recog nized as “Broker of the Year” by Crexi, nation wide commer cial real-estate platform. In 2023, Ryals Realty was
Care about it and make a difference, it will bring you an excitement and you will be paid back.
recognized again as “Broker of the Year” by Crexi and top producer by Land.com while also found among the top tier of producers, based on sales volume in the Baldwin and Mobile County by MLS rankings.
When asked for insight to give those inspired by her journey from Europe to America, achieving stellar success in real estate after a long path and humble beginnings as a foreign exchange student, Alla spoke from the heart.
“I believe that you will succeed if you really love what you do and not doing it just for the money. Care about it and make a difference, it will bring you an excitement and you will be paid back.” she concluded.
Complete
Performing Licensed and Certified Residential Inspections in Mobile and Baldwin County for Over 20 Years
Pest Control for the Modern World
Mobile & Baldwin County Pest, Termite, and Mosquito
Casey Roberts Real Estate Specialist
WHAT TOP REALTORS THINK ABOUT
Mobile Bay Real Producers
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Mobile Bay Real Producers team and their advertisers for their unwavering support. Their dedication to showcasing our area’s top producing agents, hosting networking events, and providing FREE publicity through their publication and social media is greatly appreciated!”
“Real Producers Magazine is an excellent platform for fostering connections with fellow agents and brokers, offering invaluable industry knowledge. Furthermore, it serves as an exceptional source for locating licensed vendors catering to the diverse, everyday needs within the real estate profession.”
“Mobile Bay Real Producers Magazine is a big supporter of the Real Estate industry in general. They work hard to make sure the public knows who the Real Estate agents are that are well connected, knowledgeable & giving back to the communities we live in. They also do a great job of connecting their readers with high quality resources from anything such as attorneys to heating and air companies. I always love to read the magazine every month!”
Cody Maley – Scout South Properties, Elberta
“I LOVE the Mobile Bay Real Producers community! From the social events to the meaningful articles composed in the magazine to the rich social media content, the quality of the brand is evident in every facet. I’m very thankful for this publication dedicated to Realtors and the real estate sector.”
“I cannot express how impressed I have been with the article I was featured in for Mobile Bay Real Producers. As the on-site Broker for Caribe Resort / Caribe Realty in Orange Beach, Alabama, this article has not only had an impact to our local market, but several of my clients from around the country called to congratulate me. Many of the guests that visit our resort come back every year and I have come to know them over the course of my employment. This article was greatly embraced by some of our long- term guests and clients who have purchased property from me. To this day I keep a copy or two in the sales office which gives me instant credibility to the buyers and sellers of Caribe Resort condominiums. I must say, not only did I get an ego boost, but my clients could not congratulate me more on such a fine article.”
Many thanks to the team at Mobile Bay Real Producers!
“The magazine got me a lot of recognition and great reviews from my friends and clients. I felt like it was very classy, and the article was well written. Thanks for this great opportunity”.
Victor Howard – Ridings Realty, Mobile
I am Victor Howard, a passionate and dedicated Realtor with Ridings Realty, LLC, with almost three years of industry experience. I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to Mobile Bay Real Producers magazine for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting real estate professionals. Their team has been a delight to work with, showcasing utmost professionalism, organization, and a hands-on approach. I was honored to be featured in their March 2023 issue as a rising star, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for real estate with others. Thank you Mobile Bay Real Producers for all that you do!
Kayla Sanders, Marketing & Communications Director, Baldwin Realtors “Baldwin REALTORS® is thankful for the partnership we have with Mobile Bay Real Producers. As our affiliate members, they have sponsored several of our REALTOR® networking opportunities throughout the year. And we know they are working hard to spread a good word about the value of our members to the communities they serve.”
Amanda Spears – Bellator Realty, Spanish Fort
Erick Haffner = Realty Executives, Gulf Shores
Tracy Womack – RE/MAX Signature Properties, Mobile
Pam Stein – Roberts Brothers Realty, Fairhope
Stan Szapiel – Caribe Realty Inc., Orange Beach
Amanda Spears
Erick Haffner
Tracy Womack
Pam Stein Kayla Sanders
Victor Howard
Stan Szapiel
Cody Maley
By Stephen Hinds, Eye Sky Photo & Video broker in charge
By Jess Wellar
ERICA TIVET-SMITH
Leading With Compassion
IIf Erica Tivet-Smith’s clients or agents aren’t sleeping at night, she’s not sleeping either. A former Real Producers rising star and cover agent feature, the dynamic broker-owner at the helm of Beyond the Sail Realty in Orange Beach will do whatever it takes to figure out a solution.
“I’m a very caring and giving person,” Erica reflects. “I am also always thinking outside the box.”
A NATURAL NURTURER
Erica grew up in Houma, Louisiana. Before venturing into real estate, she dabbled briefly in nursing; however, Erica’s early years were defined by her role as a mother.
“Raising children and caring for others really shaped who I am today. I’ve been told by my assistant/office manager, who is also a dear friend, that I can be in the worst of moods and no one would ever know it,” Erica laughs.
“I just try my best to be a calming presence at all times.”
MAKING THE LEAP
Erica’s real estate career began in 2015, driven by a need for personal fulfillment and a desire to set a positive example for her children.
“Besides being a mother and a wife, I wanted to have a career so my kids would look up to me. I needed to make myself proud and find myself again,” Erica recalls.
Her initial years in real estate quickly proved successful, and by 2017, she had earned her broker’s license. (Erica is currently licensed in both Alabama and Florida.)
In January 2023, Erica took a bold step by founding Beyond the Sail Realty. Despite being relatively new, the brokerage made impressive strides last year with a total volume of over $15.3 million with 46 transactions.
This year, her boutique brokerage is projected to hit $20 million as they continue to grow, with seven full-time agents and one admin.
“Beyond the Sail Realty has already closed 21 deals this year,” Erica adds. “But my hope is to add more
seasoned agents to our roster so I can focus on mentoring our newer agents so we all thrive.”
Erica continues, “We’re a very laidback and family-oriented group. There’s no drama in our office — I won’t deal with that! We also have very few fees, a lot of learning tools in our arsenal, and make everyone feel incredibly welcome.”
A HEARTFELT APPROACH
Erica’s approach to real estate is deeply influenced by many years spent raising her brood and her innate desire to help others. This dedication to client care has already set her relatively-new brokerage apart from the pack as they gain traction in the Mobile Bay market.
“My caring attitude is the key to the brokerage and our motto really says it all! ‘Where We Go Beyond The Sail’ are our favorite words, because we really do go beyond the sale to meet
ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A BROKER YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE GOING TO AND THAT CAN HELP YOU.
our clients’ needs and then stay in touch,” she affirms.
Erica’s vision for her brokerage is to create a collaborative environment where agents can focus on what they do best while helping each other out. Her emphasis on integrity and support underscores her commitment to nurturing talent within her team.
With so much experience under her belt over the past nine years, Erica offers ample straightforward advice for up-and-coming agents, echoing her personal ethos.
“Agents need to stay consistent and stay in touch with clients. Always do the right thing. If you are not sure, make sure you have a broker you feel comfortable going to and that can help you,” she counsels.
“Moreover, training and picking the right brokerage is important. Find a mentor that has the same values you do. Then put in the work and hours and it will pay off.”
BEYOND THE BROKERAGE
Outside of work responsibilities, Erica’s life revolves around her family. She has been happily married for five years to Mike Smith, a retired Army veteran and agent at Beyond The Sail. Erica is also the proud mother of five
Photos
sons: Tyler, 22, a Marine; Kacey, 21, a mechanic at Ford; Owen, 15, who attends Elberta High School; and John, 31, who is married and has given Erica her first grandchild, Zac. She also has a son Joey, who lives in California.
The family’s beloved pets include an English bull dog named Zoey, a Labrador named Fisher, and a Pomeranian named Kona.
“We love going out in our boat, beach days, and spending time with friends,” Erica shares.
In her spare time, Erica also stays active by being involved in her community. She started the Gulf Coast Veterans Meet and Greet last October and supports various nonprofits, including Stop Soldier Suicide, local churches, and many other worthy organizations.
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE SALE.
“Whenever people reach out to me and are in need, I’m sponsoring them in some sort of way,” Erica asserts, highlighting her commitment to giving back.
Looking ahead, Erica’s focus is on growing Beyond the Sail Realty and increasing the fledgling brokerage’s familiarity in the community, all while living up to its motto.
“We try to stand out in this industry because, with so many agents, clients can choose to go anywhere. I really just want to make sure our clients get the best service possible before, during, and after the sale,” she concludes.
“To me, success comes with sleepless nights and long days of dedication. Dedication is success.” I REALLY JUST
By Ron Sivak
Kacoo’s
RALPH & KACOO’S
On The Causeway
Cajun Spice
Ralph & Kacoo’s is the featured August Spotlight Restaurant Vendor for Mobile Bay Real Producers and has reestablished itself as one of the premier restaurants in the area to visit for a quick lunch or fine family dining.
Having originally opened on the causeway nine years ago to fanfare, replacing the footprint formerly occupied by Lap’s Grocery & Grill, owner Don Davis personally oversaw the implementation of their first eatery located near the water. Occasionally, an Alabama alligator may float nearby to amplify scenery.
Ralph & Kacoo’s was also the recipient of local love from area media, one of notable import was penned in Lagniappe, a local newspaper with its own Cajunthemed connotations.
“A name like Ralph & Kacoo’s is easily recognizable in these parts. If you live on the Gulf Coast, you’re bound to have heard the name, seen or even visited the Baton Rouge location or perhaps the New Orleans restaurant.
This is the restaurant group’s first waterfront property. Some of us may tend to turn up our noses at what we perceive to be a chain restaurant, but I don’t really hold Ralph & Kacoo’s to that label. With an expansive menu there are bound to be some things you may not like, but you can bet your bottom dollar there is something you will. There is a reason this restaurant has been around since the 1960s, so don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.” Lagniappe Cuisine Editor Andy McDonald stated in a May 17, 2022 food review.
For those who have never set foot inside the restaurant, there’s more background:
The first Ralph & Kacoo’s started in 1969 on a marshy bend of the old Mississippi called False River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and soon another opened in Bossier City. It instantly became popular with locals as well as visitors to the area’s busy fishing camps. Fame soon spread with the speed of snapping alligator jaws, and the seafood restaurant with the quirky name quickly dotted landscapes across the Southeast.
In the early 2000’s, a successful grocery store chain owner named Don Davis acquired the company and moved its headquarters to Lufkin, Texas. In 2015 he opened up the Mobile site with adjacent sister eatery, Café del Rio, set up nearby on Battleship Parkway.
The name Ralph and Kacoo’s came from the original owners, Ralph and Catherine Olinde. Their grandkids couldn’t pronounce
Similar to the lifecycles of many small businesses in general, and restaurants in particular, Ralph & Kacoo’s recently took a step back and decided to do wholesale restructuring and upgrades to its Mobile locale after evaluating the bottom line and concluding that metrics weren’t living up to company expectations.
February of this year saw Ralph & Kacoo’s hold a brand new grand reopening, after $1 Million in renovations had been poured into the space for improvements.
“We ripped out all the old carpet throughout the whole building and put in fresh new carpet. There is fresh paint both inside and outside the building. We moved the downstairs bar, added downstairs air conditioning and remodeled the upstairs bar. Walls were knocked down in the front to open up the space to make it more inviting. All new
Photos Provided By Ralph &
spotlight
Addie Lamour, General Manager
her name so wound up calling her “Kacoo” for short and the rest is history.
cushioned chairs were purchased, new kitchen equipment was installed and additional murals were painted everywhere.” new general manager and events coordinator Addie Lamour said in an interview.
Lamour is from the Mobile area and has a sterling reputation as a local restaurateur as well as a website and digital marketing specialist.
“I met Mr. Davis for the sole purpose of trying to help him with his websites, noticing on social media that they wanted to make upgrades. He asked me about my background and when I told him about formerly owning a restaurant, he offered me a management position since they were in the process of restructuring staff and remodeling.” Lamour said.
“This happened in January of this year, and I had just shut down my restaurant in December, and so the timing was perfect. It felt like a big responsibility that I could handle. Mr. Davis said that he had only come out of retirement to vastly upgrade his Mobile location” she added.
Local food critics are already espying.
“I’ve noticed the parking lot a little more crowded every day. It must be the food, decor or possibly the keys in the piano bar that draws them in. Either way, welcome back.” McDonald said in the March 20, 2024 issue of Lagniappe.
Welcome back indeed and best wishes for continued success.
By
Opportunity Meets Purpose
Kramer Devin
The world is filled with opportunities. But what’s the key to unlocking those possibilities?
As you’ve likely found, it begins with a strong sense of purpose that guides your efforts day by day.
Devin Kramer, a REALTOR® with Farmstead Real Estate and Development is a very good example of this effect at work.
Pursuing New Possibilities
As Devin came of age in Phoenix, Arizona, he went right into work, being heavily involved in the Humane Society of the United States, his local Chamber of Commerce in Mesa, Arizona and he attended college in Erie, Pennsylvania at Mercyhurst University as an adult, non-traditional student. He was accepted on his SAT scores and letters of recommendation, working full-time, and he graduated earning Summa
Cum laude honors. He was also the recipient of the President’s Award for Adult Excellence.
Devin’s introduction to Gulf Shores wasn’t through a job hunt but a family vacation that sparked his interest in the area’s booming real estate market.
“I saw the growth and potential here,” Devin recalls. “I felt that real estate was my future.”
Dissatisfied with the corporate route, Devin made a bold decision to relocate to Gulf Shores in July 2021. Leaving behind his prior pursuits, he immersed himself in the world of real estate, driven by a desire for a career that offered both challenge and financial stability.
Getting His Start with Mentorship Under the mentorship of Alison Foote at Farmstead Real Estate and Development, Devin found the support and guidance crucial to launching his new career.
“The real estate industry appealed to me because it never stops evolving,” Devin explains. “Every day is different, filled with new challenges like negotiating contracts and navigating complex situations.”
Dave Danielson
Photo By Stephen Hinds, Eye Sky Photo & Video
His passion for continuous learning and adaptability has been instrumental in his rapid rise within the field.
Signs of Success
There have been plenty of signs of success to point to. In just over two years since obtaining his real estate license, Devin’s achievements are noteworthy. His first year alone saw him close 25 transactions totaling $6.9 million, followed by another 22 transactions amounting to $7.9 million in his second year in 2023.
Beyond the numbers, Devin’s personal journey has been shaped by his background and values. Coming from humble beginnings, he understands firsthand the challenges of securing stable housing and financial security.
“I’ve been in those difficult situations,” Devin shares. “It means a lot being able to help others navigate those challenges and find their dream homes. That’s incredibly rewarding for me.”
Family Gratitude
Family plays a significant role in Devin’s life and career. He credits his mother and two sisters for their unwavering support, which has been pivotal in his success.
Away from work, Devin finds joy in staying active, whether it’s hitting the gym at Ace’s Better Bodies or exploring Gulf Shores through outdoor activities such as kayaking and spending time on the boat with friends. He also likes going to concerts at the Wharf in Orange Beach.
Looking ahead, Devin aims to further integrate himself into the Gulf Shores community by volunteering with the Dolphin Island Sea Lab—an endeavor that reflects his commitment to giving back to the community.
Advising New Agents
shares advice for others who are planning on a career in real estate themselves.
“Finding a mentor and a supportive broker is crucial,” he advises.
As Devin continues building for the future, Devin
“Look for someone who has your back and offers both legal guidance and coaching. Find someone who supports your work style, whether it be a more hands off approach, or something that is more structured with regular trainings and team meetings.”
Devin also emphasizes the importance of traditional methods like cold
calling, door knocking, and hosting open houses as effective ways to build a client base, cautioning against overly costly marketing campaigns. He also recommends staying consistent in your daily work and finding your niche.
As he says, “Specialize in one area of real estate like residential, condo and resort sales, land, relocation, etc., rather than spreading yourself too thin and diluting your strengths.”
Congratulations to Devin Kramer for putting the transformative power of seizing opportunities and following one’s passion to work for those around him.
His journey serves as an inspiration to others seeking a career that blends challenge, growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives.
Find someone who supports your work style, whether it be a more hands off approach, or something that is more structured with regular trainings and team meetings.
