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 Fairhope Title Services RISING STAR Ryley Corliss LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT Nathan Cox, 68 Ventures
TOP AGENT
Lillian NOVEMBER 2020
FAIRHOPE
455 Magnolia Ave., Ste C-1 Fairhope, AL 36532 Tel: 251-928-9900 | Fax: 251-928-9904
GULF SHORES
125 Cove Ave Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Tel: 251-967-1026 | Fax: 251-967-1085
U NSU RPASSE D SERV IC E A ND EX P ERTISE Attorney Owned & Operated Proudly serving Baldwin and Mobile County Realtors for over forty years. 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 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 3
Are You Covered?
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 06
10
Meet The Team
Publisher’s Note: The COVID-19 Real Estate Boom!
Partner Spotlight Fairhope Title Services, LLC
16
22
26
Leadership Spotlight Nathan Cox
Maintaining insurance coverage is a critical element of responsible home ownership.
08
Top Agent Lillian Travis
Rising Star Ryley Corliss
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.
THE MYRICK INSURANCE AGENCY South Baldwin's Most Experienced Title and Closing Service!
WE PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS: H omeo w n ers | Condo | Flood | Auto
Give us a call today
Jim Owen, President www.gulfshorestitle.com | gst@gulfshorestitle.com
251-923-4873
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
3794 S McKenzie Street Foley, AL 36535
Miranda Bennett, Ed Bennett and Andrew Hesse 4 • November 2020
ALL TITLE RESEARCH PERFORMED BY OUR TITLE EXAMINERS AT OUR IN-HOUSE TITLE PLANT @realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 5
Robert Orso
Owner/Publisher
Bridgett McKerchie
Michelle Medeiros
Sam Whitt
Photographer
Rose and Ken Muse
Ad Strategist
Photographer
Photographers
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
Deep South Focus Photography Jonathan Jeffress (251) 421-0517 https://www.deepsouth focus.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
Sam Whitt Photography Sam Whitt (251) 213-3570 gulfbeachphotography.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
Staging matters!
Let us help create the vision to appeal to the most buyers for your home! Stephanie Cunningham
F U L L S E RVIC E HOM E S TAG I NG 6 • November 2020
251.404.8726 sprucedupstaging.com
INSURANCE Coastal Insurance Group, LLC Kurt Wielkens 3660 Dauphin Street, Suite A Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 344-9898 www.coastalinsgrp.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 Cornerstone Photography Rose Muse 1781-A Dawes Road Mobile, AL 36695 (251) 634-1272
PLUMBING Kirchler Plumbing Daniel Kirchler (251) 490-0931 STAGE & DESIGN Showhomes Mobile - Baldwin Kim Odom 377 Surtees St Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 622-5004 Showhomesmobilebaldwin.com Spruced Up Staging Stephanie Cunningham 20750 State Highway 181 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 404-8726 sprucedupstaging.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
STONE / CABINETRY / TILE Coastal Stone & Cabinetry Stephanie Hale 16020 S. Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 929-3475 www.coastalstonefairhope.com
stephanie@sprucedupstaging.com @realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 7
RE A L E STAT E B O O M! M! publisher’s note For many or maybe most Americans, the past few months of pandemic life have been incredibly challenging and stressful. While some types of businesses like hospitality, retail and some bars and restaurants have suffered loss or closed, other segments of business have benefitted and even doubled their business due to the COVID-19 shutdown. At least along the Gulf Coast, if you were an Auto Dealership or Boat Dealership you nearly ran out of inventory. If your restaurant was poised for take-out, you have had a good year.
Keeping paradise beautiful one project at a time.
Be thankful that you are in the real estate business! Every top agent that I have spoken to in the past three months have told me that they are busier now than any time in their careers, going back as far as thirty-eight years. But why the boom? I have asked some top agents and researched that question. Here is what I found. 1. As all of you know, we are in a seller’s market, especially in Baldwin and Mobile County. 2. Historically low interest rates spurred by the pandemic have had a nationwide effect and assisted first-time homebuyers in capturing their dream. 3. Many people have purchased second homes as an escape from a less desirable large city. 4. So many have been working from home since March and many companies have made the decision to continue remote employment arrangements indefinitely. Why not work from the beach or some other more rural and desirable place on the Alabama Coast? 5. Some, who are heavily invested in uncertain segments, like the stock market, have moved money into real estate primarily along the beach. Of course, they did not know Sally was coming. 6. Unrelated to coronavirus, the civil unrest, protesting and rioting in the larger cities have inspired people to move to more rural, politically stable, and safer areas like ours. Except for my college years, I have lived here all my life. I love this place. In my past work life, I have visited and conducted business in about thirty percent of the nation’s largest cities. Most of them are fun places to visit but I have not experienced any that I would want to live in. How long will this boom last? No one knows. What else will happen in 2020? I wish I knew. But the best answer is to expect good things and be prepared for anything.
SAVE MONEY, SAVE TIME
Homeowners, Auto & Business Insurance Coverage You Deserve Rates You Can Afford We do ALL the Work
Sa
The COVID-19
Kurt Wielkens, Agent 251-344-9898 kurt@coastalinsgrp
Ryan Ried, Agent 251-342-8269 ryan@coastalinsgrp.com
3660 Dauphin St. Ste A • Mobile, AL 36608
Check us out on Facebook or online at
www.coastalinsgrp.com
A SHIELD OF PROTECTION FOR YOUR HOME
We get rid of pests fast, safely and affordably.
Contact us today for an estimate!
Call us at 251-597-0589 for all of your condo and residential maintenance and repair needs.
Locally Owned & Operated | Over 30 years experience
myproshieldpest.com | (251) 776-2362 michael@myproshieldpest.com
Serving the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, & Ft. Morgan area. 8 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9
Your Resource for Results
partner spotlight
Fairhope Title Services, LLC 10 • November 2020
@realproducers
By Dave Danielson Photos By Sam Whitt Photography
The way you dedicate to your clients’ needs goes way beyond the business at hand. Your efforts don’t come with an expiration date, right? You’re there to answer questions years down the road. In the same way, it means a lot when you have a partner who approaches their business with you in the same way. That’s where Fairhope Title Services, LLC, comes in as a true resource for results today and tomorrow.
realproducersmag.com
Brian Britt is Owner of Fairhope Title Services, LLC, and also practices law alongside attorney Brant Richerson at his law firm, Kopesky & Britt, LLC “We really work to be a resource for the REALTORS® in Baldwin County. We’re constantly trying to educate newer agents, as well as being a resource for more experienced REALTORS®,” Brian emphasizes. “The fact
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 11
we’ve been at it so long and have staff with so many years of experience is the key. When an issue arises, there’s usually not too much that we haven’t seen before so we are able to get most issues resolved very efficiently.” Tradition of Excellence Fairhope Title Services, LLC, was originally formed in 1980 by Ron Kopesky. Ron and Brian worked together at the company and also as partners in the law firm of Kopesky & Britt, LLC. While you won’t find a big difference in products between title companies, there are other differentiating factors. “We’re committed to service, first and foremost, and we really feel we bring a lot to the table because of our legal expertise,” Brian says. “Our main method of taking care of clients is through providing the best possible service. The way we compete is to give the very best service and we also have a really broad base of knowledge when it comes to the legalities associated with issues surrounding real estate transactions. So we have a lot REALTORS’® association, Baldwin Realtors. In fact, of tools in our toolbox we can offer.” he routinely teaches classes to industry members and has chaired the association’s Forms committee Building Strong Bonds for the last four years. The relationships Brian and his team enjoy with We recognize that real “I help create and update their REALTOR® partestate agents are the the documents that ners are central to their lifeblood of our company. REALTORS® use in their secret of success. So we want to do everything daily practice, whether it’s purchase agreements “We recognize that real we can to help them be as estate agents are the good and successful at their or various addendum forms,” Brian explains. “I lifeblood of our comcareers as they can be. also teach classes to REpany. So we want to do ALTORS® so when they everything we can to help them be as good and successful at get out in the field they are really well equipped to put those documents to good use for their clients.” their careers as they can be,” he says. The approach Fairhope Title Services, LLC takes is To help accomplish this, Brian has been extremely involved with the local all about being there when it matters the most.
12 • November 2020
“We always say don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call us. Most REALTORS® have my cell phone number, and I’m glad they do. Even if I’m not working on their transaction, I’m always happy to answer REALTORS’® or lenders’ questions and help work through issues that arise for them. Hardly a day goes by without me taking a call from someone and helping them solve a problem.” Passion for People Brian’s passion for his work begins with people. First, there is the drive to serve people who are and will continue to be his neighbors.
@realproducers
As Brian says, “Baldwin County is really booming, but it still has a small-town and close-knit feel. By the time we get to the closing table, most of the hard work is done and we love getting to engage and visit with our friends and clients face to face here in the office.” Brian is quick to praise his team and their direct impact on the firm’s longterm success. “We have 13 of us on the team between our Fairhope and Gulf Shores offices,” he says. “One of the greatest things about our group is that we are 100 percent a family. We have a couple of team members who have been with us
realproducersmag.com
for 20 years, and there are several others who have been here 10 years. We have a lot of longevity. So we’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve helped each other through good and bad times. We are very close and we all take care of each other.” Away from work, Brian looks forward to time spent with his wife, Beth, and his children — 15-year-old daughter, Maggie, and 3-year-old twins, George and Mary Katherine. In his free time, Brian enjoys time outdoors … hunting, boating, canoeing and fishing. He also plays guitar and has a real passion for cooking. Giving back to the community is also a big part of who he is. As a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Brian serves as an Elder, and is also involved with the congregation’s Witness and Outreach Committee
— identifying and helping to meet the needs of area residents. As Brian considers his team’s longstanding tradition of success, he feels a deep sense of pride in the way they make it happen. “I would hope we’re known as a company that does things the right way. We don’t cut corners,” he says. “Even if it’s a lot more difficult or time-consuming to do something, that’s the way we do it.” For More Information About Fairhope Title Services: Email: brian@KBLawLLC.com Phone: 251-928-9900
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13
GIVE YOUR CLIENTS A BETTER JUMBO LOAN!
Introducing Jumbo Bank Buster Low-rate jumbo loans that are big on convenience
Jumbo Bank Buster is a competitively priced jumbo loan that's faster and easier than ever. Your clients can count on initial approvals within two days and closings typically in less than 25 days. The result? You're at the closing table in record time! • Competitive rates in line with big banks • Underwritten to conventional guidelines • Relaxed reserve requirements • Loan amounts from $765,601 - $1,500,000 • 700+ FICO • Primary and second homes
Give me a call today!
Bryan Dewberry, PRESIDENT
Office: 251-289-1141
NMLS# 1455110
info@mission1stmortgageinc.com
Mission1stmortgageinc.com | NMLS# 1968994 | 805 CHURCH STREET, UNIT 2
|
MOBILE, AL 36602
This is not a commitment to make a loan, nor should it be construed as lending advice. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet LTV requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines, and are subject to change without notice based on applicant’s eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over life of loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of the loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant. Mission 1st Mortgage Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 1968994.
14 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 15
leadership spotlight By Jill Clair Gentry Photos By Sam Whitt Photography
N AT HA N C OX OF 6 8 V E N TU R E S 16 • November 2020
Surveying the vast enterprise 38-year-old Nathan Cox has built since 2008—16 companies with over 400 team members, over 4,000 lots developed and 1,700 homes built, and more than $4.2 billion in transaction volume—you might wonder how someone could conceive and execute something like this in just 12 years. What are the secrets to his success? What does a person like Nathan do every day to maintain such a high level of growth and innovation? For Nathan, it’s not about what he does. It’s about what he doesn’t do. “I don’t watch the news, read the paper or have any kind of social media,” he says. “I try not to fool with anything beyond my control. I don’t have any hobbies or a social life—when I’m not at work, I’m with my wife and kids. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Nathan’s sleep habits also go against the grain. Six days a week, he’s up at
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
3 a.m. and arrives at the office with Paws, his 7-year-old white golden retriever, by 3:30 a.m. “I have had this routine for well over a decade,” he says. “I like to get to the office early and think through things before the rest of the world wakes up.” Starting out After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in 2004 with a degree in finance and economics, Nathan joined the Marine Corps and served as an infantry officer from 2004 to 2007. During his deployment in Iraq with the 3rd Battalion 6th Marines, Nathan was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” for Valor as a 1st Lieutenant. After an honorable discharge from the Marines, Nathan moved back to Baldwin County, married his wife Kimberly, obtained a real estate license, and got to work.
“In the Marine Corps, every two weeks you got the same paycheck regardless of how hard you worked,” Nathan said. “When I got out, I didn’t want to do anything that involved a salary. I wanted to be rewarded for my effort, with no ceiling. I started out as an agent and loved it. There is a direct correlation between how hard you work and what you earn.” Vertical integration Nathan’s real estate career began just as the 2008 recession hit. “I had to adapt and find where the opportunities were,” he says. “In the beginning, I focused more on the investment front, and now we’re more oriented on the vertical integration side.” Vertical integration in Gulf Coast real estate is the long-term goal of 68 Ventures, a holding company that contains 16 businesses. It began with Bellator Real Estate and Development in 2008 and Truland Homes in 2011. Mobile Bay Real Producers • 17
“It’s all about treating people like you want to be treated,” Nathan says. “The way we add value to a customer’s life is to solve a problem for them, and if you can, they will love you for it. It all comes down to making their lives easier.” Nathan’s “68” The story behind the name 68 Ventures goes hand-in-hand with the company’s purpose, to “see all we can do with all we have been given.” According to the 68 Ventures website, the number 68 is derived from the jersey number worn by hockey player Jaromir Jagr. Jagr’s grandfather was killed in 1968 during the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia, and he wore the number 68 to honor his grandfather and his country.
The ultimate vision, Nathan says, is to provide a seamless experience from “trees to keys,” servicing a customer through the entire process of building, purchasing, owning, maintaining, upgrading, and selling their home. That’s where each of the 16 companies under the 68 Ventures umbrella come in. A customer can work with a 68 Ventures company to handle:
18 • November 2020
• Land development (Terracore Development Services) • Homebuilding (Truland Homes and Limitless by Truland Homes) • Commercial construction (Crucible Construction) • Real estate transactions (Bellator Real Estate & Development) • Title and escrow services (Sentinel Title) • Loan brokerage services (Trulend Mortgage) • Home, auto, life and commercial insurance (Align Insurance Group)
“Our company’s 68 comes from everyone that sacrificed for us to be where we are today and for everyone who is counting on us going forward,” Nathan says. “It is a heavy burden to bear, but it is truly why we do what we do. The heavier the load, the more fulfillment we attain. As more and more people depend on us to help them achieve what they want in this life, the further aligned we become with our purpose.” In addition to serving as 68 Ventures’ CEO, Nathan is actively engaged with the work of the Cox Family Foundation, which provides grants to organizations along the Gulf Coast. He enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures as well as spending time with his wife Kimberly and their three children, Savannah, 11; Scarlett, 9; and Luke, 7.
• Residential property management (Podium Property Management) • Pest Control (GoPest Solutions) • Landscaping (Kent’s Landscaping) • Residential, commercial and industrial door sales and installation (Mobile Bay Overhead Door) • Waste management (BCC Waste Solutions) • Plumbing (Southeast Plumbing & Leak Detection) • Leadership development and consulting (Warrior 360)
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 19
Looking to turn your
Serving the Gulf Coast since 2003
Dream Kitchen
design into reality?
Visit our Showroom for cabinetry ooring tile countertops and more!
Come by for a free estimate! Open Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm
16020 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope | 251-929-3475 | www.coastalstonefairhope.com 20 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 21
Lillian
Travis Bellator Real Estate & Development
Lillian Travis began her career in real estate in 2015 thinking it would be a nice part-time job after her children began school. Before she knew it, that little part-time job became a career. Five years later, Lillian is on track to exceed $20 million in sales for 2020. “I have a business degree, and since my kids were in school, I wanted to put that degree to use and help provide for our family,’” Lillian says. “Real estate was the perfect fit. I’ve always loved houses and everything about real estate. I just thought it would be something fun to do, and then it exploded.” Working with Bellator Real Estate & Development from the beginning has helped Lillian fast-track her success. From the beginning, she has had the opportunity to serve resale clients as well as work with new construction neighborhoods through Truland Homes. She is currently the agent for four new construction neighborhoods in Daphne.
top agent By Jill Clair Gentry Photos By Sam Whitt Photography
“Being a Bellator agent has allowed me to have the great opportunity to develop knowledge of new construction and everything it involves,” she says. “I’ve helped clients from dirt to the finished product and everything in between. I sometimes work with people for years before they decide what they want to build.”
22 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Lillian says the company culture at Bellator is unmatched. “I like the camaraderie and the relationships within the brokerage,” she says. “Bellator has good core values and is a great place to work. They provide us with a lot of resources that a lot of other brokerages don’t—it’s a great work environment.” Lillian says her personality and values have also been beneficial to her career. She wholeheartedly believes in treating every client the way she would want to be treated. Lillian, who moved to the area from Mississippi only three years before becoming an agent, works with all kinds of clients and any kind of property—from new construction to older homes on the Bay.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23
You’ve got to always be patient and mindful of the gravity of this decision for them.
“I’m very friendly, and I listen to people and try to really understand what they want,” Lillian says. “I give them the experience that I’d want to receive. I go above and beyond for every client, whether the transaction is $100,000 or $1 million. People always seem to say I become a friend or feel like a family member, and that’s what I love to hear.” In addition to her natural giftings, Lillian has invested in the Ninja Selling training program and says it has allowed her to streamline her business and provide exceptional service to her customers. “It’s a unique system not very many people use,” she says. “It has plans you follow that allow you to interview a buyer or seller to make sure you know exactly what their needs are. It also has a really nice follow-up process that is a great way to stay in touch and keep in contact with past clients or prospects.” Lillian’s advice to new agents is to listen more than they speak. “This is the biggest investment most people will ever make,” she says. “They don’t do it often, so they don’t always know how it goes or they’ve forgotten. You’ve got to always be patient and mindful of the gravity of this decision for them.” Lillian lives in Old Towne Daphne with her husband, Sean, who owns and operates Eastern Shore Street Eats, a catering and food truck business. The couple has three children, Hayden, 14, Abigail, 12; and Emmaline, 10. When the kids aren’t participating in activities at Bayside Academy, the family enjoys being out on the water in their boat.
24 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 25
Those who carry out their professional lives at a high level tend to have many of the same qualities in common. One of those is a strong sense of appreciation for the opportunity they have to make a difference. A perfect example of this is Ryley Corliss. As a REALTOR® with Ashurst & Niemeyer, Ryley serves others with a sense of genuine gratitude. “Sometimes we can get caught up being focused on the outcome. While our goals are important, if we focus only on that, we can lose patience for the things it takes to reach those results,” Ryley explains. “On a personal level, what drives me and gets me ready to go in the morning is my family, and having the opportunity to impact my community on a local level.” STA RT ING HER PATH As Ryley came of age, she graduated from Auburn University in 2017 with a degree in Finance. While attending school she interned with a company that also offered some real estate services. “That’s where my interest started,” she says. “As I got out of college, I thought it wouldn’t make sense to get right into real estate, so I took a job at a bank in Southern Alabama, but it wasn’t where I wanted to be. So when my husband got a chance to start his own company, we moved to Fairhope in 2018. As he started his company, I got my start in real estate with Ashurst and Niemeyer.” As Ryley recalls, her first year in the business brought challenges.
rising star By Dave Danielson Photos By Sam Whitt Photography
RY L EY C OR LI S S GE N UI N E G R ATI TU D E
26 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 27
“It was a lot of hard work, and 2018 was a tough year for me, but it taught me a lot,” Ryley recalls. “It forced me to develop my skills and put the systems in place that I needed to be successful.” S U P P O RT A N D S UCCESS Ryley is thankful for the support she has received. “I had a lot of help along the way,” she explains. “My company is super supportive with a great work family. I attribute a lot of my success to them. I still have a long way to go. I don’t consider myself very successful, because it’s a journey…but it definitely gave me a head start.” Her passion for what she does comes through loud and clear. “I love my first-time homebuyers. A lot of them are in my own age group, and that’s a lot of fun for me…being able to help someone get to that first step is a huge deal for me. Their excitement is unbeatable as they reach one of their dreams.” 28 • November 2020
STRONG FOU NDATI ONS Family is at the heart of Ryley’s world, including her husband, David, who works in his own business as a forester. In her free time, Ryley has a love of staying active and exercising, including walking, yoga and periodic classes. She’s also a big fan of Auburn football and cherishes time spent with her friends and family. Ryley is also involved in her community. She’s devoted to St. James Episcopal Church, and also serves as Social Chair for the Young Professional of the Eastern Shore organization. “I really enjoy that group, because it’s a good way to bring young people and business together,” she says. ADVICE FOR A DVA NC I NG A CAREER She also offers advice for those who are considering real estate as a career…with ideas for gaining traction in the industry she loves. “I think one of the best things that new agents can do is to get their systems in place,” she says. “Another key element is writing out their goals, then
sticking to their system and goals… and not giving up when it gets hard without getting sidetracked.” I ND I V I D UA L I MPAC T When you get to know Ryley, it’s clear that she brings kindness, thoughtfulness and her caring nature to the world…combined with her drive and strong work ethic. “I just really want to make the experience a little bit brighter for the people I come in contact with,” she smiles. “If I can do that, then we’re good.” As Ryley considers the early success she’s attained in her relatively young real estate career, she feels it is an ongoing journey. “I don’t think you can ever really truly attain success,” she emphasizes. “For me, it’s about being happy. Every day, I wake up and do the best of my ability. If I’ve done my job and impacted one person that day, I feel I’ve had a successful day. I do plan out my weeks, months and year…the little triumphs come on a day-to-day basis. Over time, that builds up to a level of success where you can feel happy and fulfilled.”
F O R M E , I T ’S A B O U T B E I N G H A P PY. E V E RY DAY, I WA K E U P A N D D O T H E B E ST O F M Y A B I L I T Y. I F I ’V E D O N E M Y J O B A N D I M PAC T E D O N E P E R S O N T H AT DAY, I F E E L I ’V E H A D A S U C C E S S F U L DAY.
Beautifully Staged
to sell quickly and for more money!
Kim Odom
(251) 622-5004 kodom@showhomes.com
Call today and let us help you get your listing to appeal to as many buyers as possible!
That’s what it looks like to serve others with a sense of genuine gratitude.
@realproducers
Follow Us On realproducersmag.com
Home Staging | Restyle | Design www.showhomesmobilebaldwin.com Mobile Bay Real Producers • 29
FAQ
ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE
We realize that Real Producers is a new concept here in the Mobile/Baldwin area, and some of you may be wondering what it’s all about. That is why we have created an “FAQs About This Magazine” page. Here we will answer the most commonly asked questions around the country regarding our program. My door is always open to discuss anything regarding this community – this publication is 100 percent designed to be your voice! Q: Who receives this magazine? A: The top 300 agents in the Mobile and Baldwin County markets.
We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from January 1, 2018–December 31, 2018. We cut the list off at number 300, and the distribution was born. For this year’s list, the minimum production level for our group is on pace for $4.5 million in 2019. The list will reset at the end of 2020 for next year, and continue to update annually. Q: What is the process for being featured in this magazine? A: It’s really simple – every feature you see has first been nomi-
that has not been vetted by one of you and “stamped for approval,” in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network, not only for the best REALTORS® in the area but the best affiliates, as well, so we can grow stronger together. Q: How can I recommend a preferred partner? A: If you have a recommendation for a local business that works
with top REALTORS®, please let us know! Send an email to robert.orso@realproducersmag.com.
nated. You can nominate other REALTORS®, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even yourself! Office leaders can also nominate REALTORS®. We will consider anyone brought to our attention because we don’t know everyone’s story, so we need your help to learn about them. A nomination currently looks like this: You email us at robert.orso@realproducersmag.com with the subject line, “Nomination: (Name of Nominee),” and explain why you are nominating them to be featured. It could be they have an amazing story that needs to be told – perhaps they overcame extreme obstacles, they are an exceptional leader, have the best customer service, or they give back to the community in a big way. The next step is an interview with us to ensure it’s a good fit. If it all works out, then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview and for our photographers to schedule a photoshoot.
Real Estate Marketing Photos Delivered in 24 hours
Q: What does it cost a REALTOR®/team to be featured? A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. It costs nothing, my friends, so
nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of real producers.
Residential & Commercial Photos & Video Aerial Photography & Videography Matterport & Zillow 3D Tours Virtual Twilight Photos Virtual Room Staging Property Websites 2D Floor Plans Flyer Creator
Q: Who are the preferred partners? A: Anyone listed as a “preferred partner” in the front of the maga-
zine is a part of this community. They will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our quarterly events, and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every single preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business
Jon & Julie Jeffress, Owners BOOK US ONLINE www.DeepSouthFocus.com • Jon@DeepSouthFocus.com • 251-421-0517
30 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 31
32 • November 2020
@realproducers
realproducersmag.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 33
