M O B I L E B AY
C O N N E C T I N G .
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT COASTAL INSURANCE GROUP RISING STAR CONSTANCE CALAMBAKAS BROKER IN CHARGE HOLLIE WOODARD MACKELLAR
Ida Sherman top agent
Meekin FEBRUARY 2021
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455 Magnolia Ave., Ste C-1 Fairhope, AL 36532 Tel: 251-928-9900 | Fax: 251-928-9904
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125 Cove Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Tel: 251-967-1026 | Fax: 251-967-1085
Maintaining insurance coverage is a critical element of responsible home ownership.
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Miranda Bennett, Agent Ed Bennett, Agent | Geri Jones, Agent
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Give Us a Call Today | 251-923-4873 3794 S MCKENZIE ST | FOLEY, AL 36535 foleyoffice@themyrickagency.com
RESI DEN T IAL | COM M E RCI A L | NE W C ONST RUC T ION | R E FI NANC E T R ANSACTIONS
WWW.FAIRHOPETITLE.COM 2 • January 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 3
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 10
14
20
Real Estate Development News
Top Agent Ida Sherman Meekin
Rising Star Constance Calambakas
26
32
38
Coastal Insurance Group
Hollie Woodard MacKellar
The Year Ahead
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Robert.orso@RealProducersMag.com . DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain solely those of the author(s). The paid advertisements contained within the Mobile Bay Real Producers magazine are not endorsed or recommended by The N2 Company or the publisher. Therefore, neither The N2 Company nor the publisher may be held liable or responsible for business practices of these companies.
ALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN • BALTIMORE • BOULDER CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE • COLORADO SPRINGS COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE • GRAND RAPIDS HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSON • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS • LINCOLN LITTLE ROCK • LUBBOCK • MILWAUKEE • MURRIETA MONTERREY BAY • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS AMERICA'S BEST REAL• ESTATE AGENTS NEWPORT BEACH • NORTH DALLAS • NOVA • OAKLAND COUNTY • OKLAHOMA CITY • OMAHA ORLANDO • PHILADELPHIA • PHOENIX • PITTSBURGH • PORTLAND • RALEIGH • SALEM • SAN DIEGO SEATTLE • SILICON VALLEY • SPOKANE • ST. LOUIS • TAMPA BAY • TEMECULA • TRI-CITIES • TRIAD TUCSON • TWIN CITIES • VIRGINIA BEACH • WASHINGTON D.C • WAYNE COUNTY • WEST VALLEY WILMINGTON • YOUNGSTOWN • ALBANY • ALBUQUERQUE • CHESAPEAKE • ATLANTA • AUSTIN BALTIMORE • BOULDER • CHARLOTTE • CHICAGO • CINCINNATI • CLEVELAND • COUR D’ ALENE COLORADO SPRINGS • COLUMBUS • DALLAS • DAVENPORT • DAYTONA BEACH • DENVER • FT. WAYNE BE PART OF THE NATIONAL REAL PRODUCERS MOVEMENT GRAND RAPIDS • HOUSTON • INDIANAPOLIS • JACKSON • JACKSONVILLE • KANSAS CITY • LAS VEGAS FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TODAY LINCOLN • LITTLE ROCK • LUBBOCK • MILWAUKEE • MURRIETA • MONTERREY BAY • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS • NEWPORT BEACH • NORTH DALLAS • NOVA • OAKLAND COUNTY • OKLAHOMA CITY @realproducers
RECOGNIZED
4 • February 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 5
Robert Orso
Owner/Publisher
James Avera Photographer
Michelle Medeiros
Sam Whitt
Ad Strategist
Jon Jeffress Photographer
Photographer
Jill Claire Gentry Writer
Dave Danielson Contributing Writer
PREFERRED PARTNERS
M E E T T H E M O B I L E B AY R E A L P R O D U C E R S T E A M
This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the REALTOR® community! CABINETS/CUSTOM Jimmy Stocks Woodworks James Stocks 10251 Gayfer Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 895-5524
The Myrick Agency Miranda Bennett 3794 McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535 (251) 517-5603 themyrickagency.com
FOUNDATION REPAIR MDH Foundation Repair Shannon Reichart 108 5th Street Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 375-0565 https://mdhfoundation repair.com/
LENDER Alabama Ag Credit Andy Grant 9810 Timber Circle Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 626-2929 alabamaagcredit.com
HOME MAINTENANCE & REMODELING Lat 30 Property Maintenance & Repair Brett Hataway 181 West 8th Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36542 (251) 597-0589 HOME WARRANTY Old Republic Home Protection Todd Powell (850) 543-1512 x1 www.ORHP.com HVAC/PLUMBING Hansen Heating & Air Chad Setchell (251) 471-3047 Hansenair.com INSURANCE Coastal Insurance Group, LLC Kurt Wielkens 3660 Dauphin Street, Suite A Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 344-9898 www.coastalinsgrp.com
6 • February 2021
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Bancorp South Richard Fuquay 3290 Dauphin Street Suite 600 Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 340-1760 www.bxs.com Cornerstone Mortgage Solutions Bart Hare (251) 753-5105 www.choosecornerstone.com Mission 1st Mortgage, Inc. Bryan Dewberry 805 Church Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 583-4218 mission1stmortgageinc.com MOVERS Eastern Shore Transfer, Inc. Angie Garner 586Theakston Street Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 517-4434 x2512093868 PEST SOLUTIONS Proshield Termite & Pest Control Michael Hayes (251) 776-2362
PHOTOGRAPHY Avera Design James Avera (251) 479-2545 averadesign.com Cornerstone Photography Rose Muse 1781-A Dawes Road Mobile, AL 36695 (251) 634-1272 Deep South Focus Photography Jon Jeffress 233 Suzanne Circle Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 421-0517 www.deepsouthfocus.com/ Sam Whitt Photography Sam Whitt (251) 213-3570 gulfbeachphotography.com/ PLUMBING Kirchler Plumbing Daniel Kirchler (251) 490-0931 STAGE & DESIGN Show Homes, Mobile - Baldwin Kim Odom 526 Caliber Steet Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 622-5004 Spruced Up Staging Stephanie Cunningham 20750 State Highway 181 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 404-8726 sprucedupstaging.com
STONE / CABINETRY / TILE Coastal Stone & Cabinetry Stephanie Hale 16020 S. Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 929-3475 www.coastalstone fairhope.com TITLE COMPANY Anchor Title Company Preston Nash 3173 - B Dauphin Street Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 478-9800 anchor title.com Clear Title Lisa Walker 1680 West 2nd Street Unit A Gulf Shores, AL 36547 (251) 747-2550 x2517524181 www.getcleartitle.com Fairhope Title Services, LLC Brian Britt 455 Magnolia Street Suite C-1 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 928-9900 www.fairhopetitle.com Gulf Shores Title James Owen 100 Cove Avenue Gulf Shores, AL 36547 (251) 968-6185 gulfshorestitle.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 7
THE YEAR AHEAD By Robert Orso
This publisher’s note is written one month in advance of publication, so I would not dare to make any predictions on where our country and community will be in dealing with COVID19, the economy or life in general. I will only state my optimism about the year ahead. The vaccine is being distributed and my hope is that we will soon be an unmasked society again! We all long for normalcy to return and I refuse to believe that normal will be some kind of “new normal.” No, normal would be how things were pre-COVID-19. I believe all of you want the real normal. We have been truly fortunate that our community has been much less altered than some other areas of the country, which means that we will return to normal life earlier than most areas. Let us be thankful for that! I would like to offer my condolences to any of you who have had family members or friends adversely affected or who have died due to COVID-19. A few months ago, I did not know anyone who had COVID. Now I know many and have even lost a couple of elderly acquaintances. My, what a year it has been. Looking ahead, we should all be prayerful and hopeful that 2021 will be a year like no other. I have learned that keeping a positive attitude, speaking cheerful words, and focusing on the things that are most important to me and my family will typically
yield great results. I have several goals for this year, some of them lofty, and I am sure you do as well. Focus and faith are the key. My goals include the growth and effectiveness of this publication. The Real Producers Platform includes two things. This magazine and quarterly, private social events for the top agents and partners who receive the magazine – the best of the best. We launched our first publication in April 2020, but we have been unable to have our first social event due to COVID. That is about to change. In the next issue, I will announce the details of our first event(s). Due to crowd restrictions, we will probably have two to three smaller events in different locations and hopefully have a BIG EVENT late spring.
South Baldwin's Most Experienced Title and Closing Service!
We hear a lot on the news about how resilient we Americans are to bounce back from hard times, but I believe we can multiply the resiliency factor by five on the Gulf Coast. I am happy that, despite COVID and lockdowns, the real estate business has been extremely good for all of you. Now all you need is more inventory to list and sell. My guess is that you all hope the market is as good this year as it was last year. You are in the fortunate position of not needing to bounce back but bounce up.
Jim Owen, President www.gulfshorestitle.com | gst@gulfshorestitle.com Gulf Shores Office 251-968-6185 • 1-866-33-TITLE (84853) 100 Cove Avenue, Gulf Shores, AL 36535 Foley Office 251-943-9973 • 305 N. Cedar Street, Foley, AL 36535 Bay Minette Office 251-968-6185 • 410 Courthouse Square, Bay Minette, AL 36507
God only knows what this year holds, but I am full of faith and expectation that great things are at our door. I hope you are too!
ALL TITLE RESEARCH PERFORMED BY OUR TITLE EXAMINERS AT OUR IN-HOUSE TITLE PLANT 8 • February 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9
new listing
OPPORTUNITIES
real estate development news By Robert Orso Photos & Description by Paul Stewart, Developer
From time to time, we will feature new real estate developments that offer new sales opportunities to all of our Real Producers recipients. This month we are highlighting Beach Village Resort (BVR) in Orange Beach. This is a unique property with outstanding amenities and appearance. A coastal lifestyle community nestled in the heart of Romar Beach on Alabama’s beautiful Gulf Coast. Starting at only $440K Beach Village Resort is the newest gated residential community on the
10 • February 2021
Alabama Gulf Coast and will offer 67 coastal cottages nestled between Perdido Beach Blvd and Gulf State Park. Located in popular Romar Beach just across the street from the Gulf of Mexico, Beach Village Resort will feature a great range of amenities that are desirable among homeowners and vacationers alike — including beach access, an outdoor zero-entry saltwater pool (heated seasonally), lazy river, private cabanas, and on-site management. Nature enthusiasts will love the resort’s elevated boardwalk that connects to Gulf State
Park which accesses many hiking & bike paths including the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Beach Village Resort homes are built to Gold Fortified standards and feature resistant Ipe decking, metal roofing, and Hardie Board exterior siding. Well-appointed interiors will have pinewood and tile flooring, custom cabinets/shelving, solid stone countertops, high ceilings, and elegant crown molding on both levels. Beach Village Resort homes will make excellent vacation rentals or enjoy all to yourself as a permanent resident! @realproducers
Property Details • Professional Natural Landscaping Throughout • Brick Paved Streets • Elegant Turtle Friendly Street Lighting • Meticulously Planned Gated Entry • Fiber Optic Wiring Throughout • On-Site Management • Additional Parking Throughout • Beach Access with Signaled Pedestrian Crossing • Elevated Nature Boardwalk • Direct Access to the Hugh S. Branyon Back Country Trails Resort Class Pool • Zero Entry • Salt Water • Temperature Controlled • Lazy River • Island with Sunken Firepit • Private Cabanas Available • Slide for Adults & Kids Alike • Poolside Kitchen Area • Men’s & Women’s Restrooms • Open Air Workout Space Home Details • 1,200-1,500 Sq Ft • Gold Fortified = Home Durability & Competitive Insurance Rates Exterior - Coastal Architecture • Hardie Board Siding • Metal Roofing • Ipe Hardwood Decking • Double Parking Pad • Impact Resistant Doors & Windows • Outdoor Shower
Interior • 2 Bedrooms • 2 Full Baths • 1 Half Bath • 12 ft. Ceiling (1st floor) • 10 ft. Ceiling (2nd Floor) • Wide Cut Pine Wood Flooring • Custom Solid Wood Cabinetry & Shelving • Solid Stone Countertops Throughout • Custom Tile Showers/Baths • Crown Molding Throughout • Stackable Laundry Closet • In-Home Fire Suppression System • Optional Smart Home Package • Furniture Packages by Pat O’Neal Available
Only steps from the beach and Gulf State Park. Minutes from local hot spots like The Wharf, The Hangout, and The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. It’s only a short drive to Tanger Outlets, The Park at OWA, and Pensacola, Florida, home of the Blue Angels.
Contact Beach Village Resort, LLP for more information: 251-209-8046 or Kaiser Sotheby’s International Realty 251-980-7400
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 11
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12 • February 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13
top agent By Ida Sherman Photos by James Avera, Avera Design
20 Years, making clients’ dreams come true Ida Sherman Meekin’s only regret in her real estate career is that she didn’t start sooner.
Ida Sherman Meekin 14 • February 2021
“I was a mom with a hectic schedule, and if I had known that real estate was my passion in life, I would’ve gotten my license sooner,” she said. “I always knew it was my niche and that I’d be good at it. But did not know the love I would have for helping people’s dreams come true. From helping find their dream home, a vacation home, commercial place for their business or simply helping them stage their home it made me happy.” Before beginning her career as an agent 20 years ago, Ida worked in the software support industry in Houston, Texas. Since becoming an agent, she’s done just about everything in the industry. Ida is licensed in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. She primarily worked along the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a real estate agent developing subdivisions, drawing her own plans and picking out all of the décor along with being a top producer selling homes. Until she filled her lifelong dream of moving to Ono Island four years ago.
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“I grew up in Mobile, and I used to come to Ono Island as a child with my parents to visit a friend,” she says. “I knew I’d love to live here one day, but it was just a dream.” She never expected that dream would come true. “Not only did the dream of living on the Island come true, but to be able to work on the Island doing what I love to do has been a bigger dream come true,” Ida says. “I love everything about it—it’s private, gated, family-friendly and you can access everything by boat: restaurants, beaches and entertainment.” After the move, Ida joined Bellator Real Estate & Development’s Orange Beach office. After being with Bellator a year, broker Jeff McLaurin asked if she would like to move to the Ono office since she lived on the Island. With no hesitation, Ida took him up on the offer.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 15
referrals are everything in this business. Just do the right thing.” In addition to integrity, availability is essential. “When a client calls, I try to be available no matter what,” she says. “I never know what my schedule is going to be. It can change with one phone call. My phone is always beside me, even while I’m sleeping.” Embracing technology has helped Ida be successful as well, and it has helped the real estate industry as a whole, she says. “Thanks to my wonderful husband DR Greg Meekin for my beautiful dream home and to Jeff McLaurin, my broker at Bellator Real Estate and Development, for my dream job,” she says. Ida loves selling real estate in the Ono Island area, although she still works with buyers and sellers all along the Gulf Coast. She will drive from Mississippi to Florida up and down the coast daily to get her job done. Ida says she has been very blessed to be a top producer every year since she has gotten her license. When the market crashed, she was still able to remain a top producing agent. “I chose Bellator because they’re a good company that cares about the agents like family, and they are a Christian company and very family-oriented,” she says. “I’ve been successful with them—after a short time of being with the company, I was a top producer (2019).” Ida’s career as an agent is impressive, but her experience isn’t limited to working with buyers and sellers. In Mississippi, Ida has overseen the
16 • February 2021
building of over 100 homes in subdivisions she developed. This experience has allowed Ida to offer her listing clients a unique perspective. “I can help them identify the value of their home, stage it and get top value with the home looking its best,” she says. “For every listing, I help clients stage, recommend paint colors and changes to improve value. I love interior design and staging. I think that is one of the biggest gifts I can offer my clients.”
“Clients being able to sign documents online or right from their phones has made the way so much easier,” Ida says. “With all the real estate websites at their fingertips, buyers can view all the pictures and see video of properties, and with Google Earth, they can check out what’s around the surrounding area. Over the last few years with technology, I have been able to sell homes sight unseen, which has certainly made things easier with 2020 being a challenging year for all.”
When Ida isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her four children and grandchildren as well as traveling and scuba diving with her husband. “I have learned after all these years how important family time is,” she says. “It’s truly a treasure. I used to work so much and never take any family time. It’s very important to balance family and work, no matter how big your passion is for your work.”
And for buyers? Ida loves helping people find their dream homes, vacation homes and the commercial property that’s perfect for their business. “My sellers are always happy, but I love working with buyers too—we are finding their dream home and it’s just so rewarding. I love it,” she says. Ida’s advice for agents who are just getting started is simple. “Always be upfront and honest, tell the truth and do the right thing,” she says. “Take care of your clients like family. A good reputation and
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 17
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Check us out on Facebook or online at
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 19
C O N S TA N C E CALAMBAKAS
C R E AT I N G I M PA C T Creating an impact requires action. And that action depends on the energy to see an idea through to fruition. Constance Calambakas is a prime example of that. As a REALTOR® with Brett Robinson Real Estate Sales & Development, and this month’s Rising Star, Constance represents the possibility of positive energy. RE L E N T L E S S D R IV E Those who know her attest to her desire to never sit still … to make things happen. Where does her drive come from? “I think that really comes from my family,” Constance says. “They were all workhorses. I thrive off of being busy. In the restaurant business growing up with my family and seeing the harder you work, the more results you’re going to achieve.” It’s an approach to life that Constance also applies to business.
rising star By Dave Danielson Photos by Jon Jeffress
20 • February 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 21
As she says, “I just really like to work. I think it’s fun. I have a real passion for doing what I do in real estate. In fact, I think it has been the perfect choice for me.” F I NDI N G HER N E W HOME Constance moved to the area in May 2018 from Montgomery to join her partner in life, Colin McDonough. In Montgomery, Constance had been extremely involved in a wide range of positive pursuits. “I worked at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce in Economic Development, and had always worked as a recruiter,” she says. “As I was thinking about what I wanted to do next, I needed something that could keep up with me. That’s my personality. Real estate seemed like the natural fit. I like the fast-paced feel of the business.” M A K I NG A MA RK Like most who enter the business, Constance faced challenges in launching her real estate career. But she kept moving forward. “It was hard at first,” she remembers. “The way I describe getting started, it was a lot of busy work to get busy. It was a lot of cold calling. But it wasn’t anything crazy. Once I built my confidence up, and learned the products, it started clicking.” M A K I NG T HE MO ST OF E AC H MO ME N T Those who work with Constance see her forward-moving qualities. One of those that stands out immediately is her quickness. “I’m impatient to move things forward,” she says. “So I like to respond quickly. I believe that being quick and
22 • February 2021
doing what you say you’re going to do is very important. As part of that, I live and die by my planner.” Her approach has created true results all the way around. In fact, in 2020, Constance recorded an impressive total of nearly $7 million in sales volume. POSITIVE PU R SU I TS Away from work, Constance looks forward to time spent with Colin, as well as her parents and family. Time cooking and hanging out with friends is also at the top of her list, along with spending time at the beach and enjoying water activities.
As she thinks about her still-early career, Constance is dynamic proof that those with vision, energy and purpose can pursue and achieve their goals. “For those who are thinking about getting into real estate, I would advise them to save up their money and to not give up,” Constance emphasizes. “If you don’t like to be told ‘no,’ then this isn’t the job for you. At the same time, this is a career of possibilities. Eventually, someone will say yes.” When you’re looking for a tangible example of positive energy at work in the world, you need look no further than this month’s Rising Star, Constance Calambakas.
SO I LIKE TO R E SP O ND Q U ICKLY. I BE LIE V E THAT BE ING Q U ICK A ND D O ING W HAT YO U SAY YO U ’ R E G O ING TO D O IS V E RY IMP O RTA NT.
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23
F U L L S ERV I C E H O M E STAG I N G
Serving the Gulf Coast since 2003 Let's schedule a call today!
Stephanie Cunningham
251.404.8726 | stephanie@sprucedupstaging.com sprucedupstaging.com Keeping paradise beautiful one project at a time.
Call us at 251-597-0589 for all of your condo and residential maintenance and repair needs.
Serving the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, & Ft. Morgan area. 24 • February 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 25
Coastal
Expertise On Your Side
INSURANCE GROUP
By Dave Danielson Photos by James Avera, Avera Design
26 • February 2021
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Conditions on the ground in this business can definitely change. In fact, it’s one of the few things you can count on. When those changes take place, it’s good to know you can count on something solid and stable … like the professionals at Coastal Insurance Group, a team of professionals that you can count on to put expertise on your side. Experienced Leadership. Working with Purpose. Leading Coastal Insurance Group are partners Kurt Wielkens and Ryan Reid with 25 years and 17 years of industry experience respectively. The agency was formed in 2019 with a five-person team of dedicated professionals, including Agent James West. Many in the group had worked together before, creating a powerful dynamic. As Ryan says, “We’re like a family. We all help each other out. We care about our clients and each other.” As Agency Principal, Kurt feels a true sense of purpose in what he does. That comes through immediately when you talk with him. “It’s a truly great feeling knowing that we have so many possibilities when it comes to serving the best interests of our real estate partners and clients,” Kurt emphasizes. “With Coastal Insurance Group, we are independent. That means we have the ability to provide our clients with a dozen options in many cases, rather than just one or two. And that makes a major difference for them.” Mobile Bay Real Producers • 27
Ryan feels a deep pride in being there to provide valuable protection. “For me, it’s about being able to help someone in a time of need when a claim comes up, and helping them get back to where they were,” Ryan says. “Our clients aren’t numbers. We get to know each person personally.” Those options clearly make a huge difference in a region that has lately been subject to the whims of an active hurricane and storm environment. “The insurance industry definitely takes a close look and is constantly considering its business in coastal counties,” Kurt explains. “As a result, the market for insurance is constantly changing. A company that might be favorable to write business with one year, might not be the next. Or a company that may have been active for several years, may decide to pull out.” Focused Expertise It’s an impact that is felt across the various types of property insurance. “This is our area of expertise. It’s what we focus on,” Kurt explains. “We take a very thorough approach,
28 • February 2021
and we research every company that does business here, so that we can truly capture the many possibilities that exist for our clients as independent agents. In fact, we have contracts with almost every one of the companies that offer coverage here. As a result, we literally have a market for anything and everything as long as the house is in good shape.” The value of insurance is irreplaceable when it matters most — having the protection in place to save insureds from devastating loss and helping them rebuild and move forward with their lives in a time of need. “When I think about the parts of this business I enjoy the most, that’s where it starts … with people,” Kurt points out. “It gives me great pleasure when someone comes to me and they’re paying higher premiums, and I’m able to get them into a better situation and get them with a much better company … in turn, saving them some money in the process.”
Reliable Resource Coastal Insurance Group offers a wide range of valuable plans, including homeowner and auto insurance. “That’s a process that we really enjoy,” Kurt says. “If they’re willing to sit down and talk about their coverage, I’ll give them tips on how they can improve their current policy, even if it’s not with us. Sometimes, people have too many claims and we just can’t take them on at the moment, yet I ask them to send their policy information to me. When they do, we do a review and give them ideas on what they can do to make their situation with that existing policy better. We try to help people however we can. I’ll be the first one to tell someone if they’ve got a better deal somewhere else.” As Ryan says, “We know the importance of being timely. So we like to turn quotes around as quickly as possible. When we get a request, we like to get pricing back within an hour. We value our real estate partners and we put great emphasis on putting them and their clients first.” Navigating Evolving Flood Maps One of the results of the more active storm environment has been an evolution in flood maps. “As our REALTOR® partners know, a lot of places are now listed in flood zones that never used to be categorized in that way before,” Kurt explains. “So we always advise that, if
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in doubt, check the current flood zone locations. There was a big remapping done in June 2020. But the good news is that a lot of properties that were put into flood zones that weren’t categorized that way before can qualify for grandfathering.” Those who qualify to be grandfathered can get in at a preferred rate even if they’ve recently been rezoned. “In general, anything built after 1973 will require an elevation certificate for flood insurance. It’s a good idea to have a certificate for homes built prior to that, as well,” Kurt says. “Another thing I like to suggest to our real estate partners is, if they’re selling a house in a flood zone, get a copy of the seller’s elevation certificate so the buyer doesn’t have to pay for it. And if they don’t have flood insurance, try to work it into the deal.” Life’s Priorities Family is central to life for Kurt and Ryan. Kurt’s father was local iconic REALTOR® Vernon Wielkins,
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who enjoyed a longstanding, successful career in real estate for nearly 25 years. “I’ve lived here all of my life. As a native of the area, I know the area very well and enjoy sharing whatever information I can to help others,” he says. In his free time, Kurt likes to play golf, playing the guitar and singing. Ryan also looks forward to time spent with family, including his two daughters—7-year-old Sanders, and 4-yearold Lawson. Both girls are students at St. Ignatius School. In his free time, Ryan enjoys just about anything outdoors, with favorites being fishing, hunting, mountain biking and camping. Ryan also has been an active supporter and Board member through time with the Coastal Conservation Association, and currently serves as Treasurer for the organization’s Western Shore chapter.
When you visit with the team at Coastal Insurance Group, you quickly understand the tireless approach the team takes and the pride they share in helping people have vital coverage in place. “We take time to explain the coverage,” Ryan explains. “When you work with us, you’re part of our family of insureds. You’re going to know what you’re purchasing. And in your time of need, you can trust us and know we’re going to get you taken care of.” As Kurt says, “We want to put our knowledge to work the best we can every day. We return our calls promptly, and we work hard to find the best options to get the job done. If somebody needs us, we’re going to be there for them.” For More Information About Coastal Insurance Group: Website: www.CoastalInsGrp.com Phone for Kurt Wielkins: 251-344-9898 Phone for Ryan Reid: 251-342-8269 Email for Kurt Wielkins: Kurt@CoastalInsGrp.com Email for Ryan Reid: Ryan@CoastalInsGrp.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 29
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 31
Local P ropert y, Inc.
Local- Centr ic B outiqu e – Making Real Es tate Pe rsonal
Hollie Wo o d a r d M a c Ke l l ar
By Jill Clair Gentry By Jon Jeffress, Deep South Photography
32 • February 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 33
# B ecomeALoc al For Local Property, Inc. broker/owner Hollie Woodard MacKellar, the word “local” means everything. Born and raised in Fairhope, Hollie is deeply invested in the Mobile Bay area in both her personal and professional life. When she began her boutique real estate firm in 2018 after 13 years as an agent, she wanted it to embody her love for the community. Local firm, local vibe “That’s why I didn’t make the name of my business about me—‘Local Property’ can mean something different to everyone, but it definitely embodies who I am,” she says. “When I go on vacations, I want to go where the locals go—those places the tourists don’t know about. And with my clients who move here from other places, I love being their local source of information and inviting them into our world to get them connected to our community so they can feel like a local immediately.” 34 • February 2021
Before beginning her real estate career and moving back to Fairhope at age 30, Hollie was a flight attendant with Delta. She and her husband Bryant lived in New York, Atlanta, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. “I know what it feels like to move to a new place and not know anyone—it’s a lonely feeling,” she says. “I want people when they move to our community to feel like they are a part of something and that people know and care about them. At Local Property, we make it a point to invite our clients to events, tell them about our favorite gyms and restaurants and recommend pediatricians, preschools, hair stylists or handymen. They’re always coming to us for recommendations, and I love that they need us and we can provide that sense of community for them.” An agent-centric work environment When Hollie founded Local Property, she used her experience with several different brokerages to create a company that combined her favorite aspects of each. “Every brokerage I worked with was a different stage of life, and I learned so much from each one,” she says. “If you’d asked me years ago if I wanted
to be a broker, it was never a desire or dream—it just kind of developed. I saw where there was a need for promotion of agents rather than a big box company, and I wanted to start something new and fresh. Agents make a company, and clients make agents. If you take care of your agents as well as you take care of your clients, then you know you have a strong foundation for a fantastic company.”
want my agents to know I’m still dealing with the same things they are. I never thought of myself as a leader, but as much as I love selling and helping my own clients, I love seeing the success of my agents. That joy is incredible.”
Since Local Property began in 2018, Hollie has brought on 30 agents. She makes it a priority to push her agents to constantly strive to be better by providing accountability, training and opportunities for certifications and continuing education.
“I really want to give a shout out to our Vice President of Sales, Kasey Reeves,” Hollie says. “She’s always got my back, and she has the same vision that I do. She has helped elevate the company, and because of her commitment and work ethic, I can go on vacation, be a mom and have a personal life. She is so supportive to all the agents and so helpful to everyone.”
“In a world of so many companies, agents can work anywhere,” she says. “I want them to know it’s special. I worked hard to make my own business, and now I get to help my agents shine and promote the hard work they do. It’s a big deal to constantly be bettering yourself in your profession and to push yourself. We talk about how if you’re comfortable, you’re not learning and growing. And if you get complacent, someone is working harder than you.”
Hollie also believes it is important for her as a broker to continue to sell real estate. “I worked for competing brokers, and I worked for sales managers, and I personally learned more from competing brokers who were in the trenches with me,” she says. “I @realproducers
Having people on board who Hollie trusts to co-lead is essential to a successful brokerage and a balanced life.
I n e ve r th o u g h t o f m ys e l f a s a l e a d e r, b u t a s m u ch a s I l o ve s e l l i n g a n d h e l pi n g m y o wn cl i e n ts , I l o ve s e e i n g th e s u cce s s o f m y a g e n ts . Th a t j o y i s i n cr e d i b l e.
Build relationships, build a business Nurturing empathy in herself and her agents for every other person involved in a transaction is incredibly important to Hollie as well. “Brokers have to remember what it’s like to be an agent, and agents have to remember what it’s like to be a buyer or seller,” she says. “We have to put ourselves in our clients’ shoes and really know what it feels like. Otherwise we lose compassion and empathy for connecting with our clients. This is not about transactions; it’s about serving people and connecting with them for a lifetime.” It’s a no-brainer to bend over backward for clients, but Hollie says it’s also beneficial to treat every single person—from the home inspector to the receptionist at the tile company— with respect and kindness. realproducersmag.com
“We are best friends and absolutely inseparable,” she says. “He is a great encourager and a huge risktaker, and I love that about him. He pushes me to be better and loves to help promote me.”
The MacKellars have two children. Their son Campbell is in ninth grade, and their daughter, Audrey Claire, is in fifth grade.
“If you are good to inspectors, plumbers, title companies and other agents, they are going to want to show up for your clients and do a great job,” she says. “This is a small town, and people know who you are—you’ve got to treat people the way you want to be treated. If you work well with others, they’re an advocate for your business. Transactions are not a race to the finish line. It’s all about the journey and the people you work alongside with. That is what builds your business for a lifetime.” When Hollie isn’t working, she is spending time with her family. Bryant, her husband of 22 years, is area manager for Bank of England Mortgage in Daphne.
“I do everything I do because of my kids,” Hollie says. “It’s such a struggle juggling motherhood and work, and I have guilt like all other moms that I can’t always be at every event. But I always, always feel appreciated by my kids. They never make me feel like I work too much because they are very involved.” Campbell and Audrey Claire spend a lot of time at the office with their mom, and they help her with everything from composing texts to clients while she’s driving to teaching her new technology. “Audrey Claire and I even did a TikTok together of a beach house,” Hollie says. “It’s truly a family business and we are all involved. We work together and play together.” The entire family, as well as anyone who meets her, is enamored with their 80-pound Goldendoodle, Laddie, who is a regular visitor to the Local Property office in downtown Fairhope. Mobile Bay Real Producers • 35
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 39
