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 .
Rising Star Dre Reynolds Partner Spotlight Kim Odom Showhomes Mobile-Baldwin
Rea l P r o d uce r
SA M
Leadership Spotlight Paul Carter
CALDERONE NOVEMBER 2021
Dedicated and Seasoned Attorneys You & Your Clients Can Trust. FAIRHOPE
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U NSURPASSE D SERV IC E AND EX P ERTISE Attorney Owned & Operated Proudly serving Baldwin and Mobile County Realtors for over forty years. RES I DE NT IAL | COM MERCIA L | NEW C ONSTRUC T ION | RE FI NANC E T RANSAC T IONS
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WWW.FAIRHOPETITLE.COM 2 • November 2021
• 1031 Tax Saving Realty Exchanges • Preserving Family Realty Legacies • Hold Realty Assets in Protected Entities • Moving Realty through Estate Issues
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 3
TABLE OF
CONTENTS 10
My name is Diane Brookerd. I am a local Title Agent with over 30 years of experience in the local title industry. I am excited to introduce you to SPRINGDALE TITLE where WE SAY YES! We have closed thousands of loans for a variety of lenders in multiple states. Our staff is cross-trained both in the multiple facets of the closing process and in the varying nuances of each state in which we operate.
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20
Publisher’s Note Thanksgiving in History
REAL Producer Sam Calderone
Preferred Partner Kim Odom
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34
40
Rising Star Dre Reynolds
Leadership Spotlight Paul Carter
Last Social Event of the Year
We also pride ourselves on staying up-to-date technologically and educationally so that we may offer the safest and most satisfying closing experience possible to our clients. It is our pleasure to tackle the hard problems and complicated closings that other title companies shy away from.
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.
Do you: · · · · ·
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
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We also love to SAY YES to meeting needs in our community and offering discounts to the First Responders and Veterans that work so hard to keep us safe.
committed to end human trafficking.
FOR EVERY AD SALE WE MAKE, N2 DONATES ENOUGH MONEY TO FREE 2 SLAVES FROM CAPTIVITY.
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The average Fortune 500 company donates about 1% of their profits to charity. The N2 Company donates 2.6% of their gross revenue.
Thanks to the businesses within these pages, our Area Directors, and readers like you, we’re able to break the chains of this horrible reality.
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Visit n2gives.com to learn more about our fight.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 5
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 OWNER
Your premier hometown roofing experts. Robert Orso
Owner/Publisher
Michelle Medeiros Ad Strategist
James Avera Photographer
Call Lois Stauter today for a complimentary estimate. 251.230.7090 StauterBuilt.com
Lew Thomas,
Videographer Adobe House Media Productions
Locally Owned & Operated
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Jill Claire Gentry Writer
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6 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 7
PREFERRED PARTNERS
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! ATTORNEY - REAL ESTATE LD Holt & Associates, LLC LD Holt 7581 Spanish Fort Blvd. Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 937-4111 LDholt.com BUILDER/CONSTRUCTION Lundy Akridge Construction & Development Aaron Akridge 6281 Halfmile Road Irvington, AL 36544 (251) 366-1508 CABINETS/CUSTOM Jimmy Stocks Woodworks James Stocks 10251 Gayfer Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 895-5524 FOUNDATION REPAIR MDH Foundation Repair Shannon Reichart 108 5th Street Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 375-0565 mdhfoundationrepair.com/ HOME INSPECTION Home Boss of Mobile County Riaan DuPlessis 109 Riveroaks Drive Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 300-4711 www.homeboss mobilecounty.com Mobile Bay Inspections Christian Leman 1664 Lamar Street Mobile, AL 36604 (765) 426-5575
8 • November 2021
HVAC/PLUMBING Hansen Heating & Air Chad Setchell (251) 471-3047 Hansenair.com
LENDERS Clear Mortgage Kenneth Harter (251) 282-6894 clearmortgage.com
INSURANCE Coastal Insurance Group, LLC Kurt Wielkens 3660 Dauphin Street, Suite A Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 344-9898 www.coastalinsgrp.com
MOVING COMPANY R S Services Kyle Richardson 3704 Moffett Road Mobile, AL 36618 (251) 895-2675 www.richardsonservices.com
LENDER Alabama Ag Credit Andy Grant 9810 Timber Circle Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 626-2929 alabamaagcredit.com
PEST SOLUTIONS E3 Termite & Pest Control Mike Adams 20040 Hwy 181 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 278-7954 E3pest.com
Bank of England Mortgage Alabama (BOE) Bryant MacKellar 1710 Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 (404) 840-6612 www.boealabama.com
Proshield Termite & Pest Control Michael Hayes (251) 776-2362
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
PHOTOGRAPHY Avera Design James Avera (251) 479-2545 averadesign.com Deep South Focus Photography Jon Jeffress 233 Suzanne Circle Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 421-0517 www.deepsouthfocus.com/
ROOFING SERVICES Stauter Contracting Lois Stauter 302 Riverbend Drive Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 230-7090 stauterbuilt.com SIGNS & GRAPHICS Fast Signs Pauline McKean 4668 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 (251) 279-0747 fastsigns.com
TITLE COMPANY 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
Springdale Title, LLC Diane Brookerd 1501B Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 270-4500 springdaletitle.com VIDEOGRAPHER Adobe House Media Production Lew Thomas 27940 Bay Branch Drive Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 454-0004 adobehousemp.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Southern View Media Michelle Murrill (251) 583-2605 southernviewmedia.com STAGE & DESIGN Show Homes, Mobile - Baldwin Kim Odom 526 Caliber Steet Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 622-5004 STONE / CABINETRY / TILE Coastal Stone & Cabinetry Stephanie Hale 16020 S. Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 929-3475 www.coastalstone fairhope.com
PLUMBING Kirchler Plumbing Daniel Kirchler (251) 490-0931
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9
Thanksgiving IN HISTORY
One now lately instituted -- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions--to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly
and punctually -- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness onto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord -- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us -- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
Given under my hand at the City of New-York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. George Washington Amid all the things we are thankful for, I submit that the number one thing should be God and country. As I mentioned at the beginning, let us talk (and pray) about what we want for our nation. Happy Thanksgiving!
publisher’s note By Robert Orso
Well, I cannot let November expire without saying something about Thanksgiving because being thankful is a powerful force for the one who is thankful and for those around them. If we could just always remember to talk about what and who we are thankful for instead of what we do not like and about what we want instead of what we do not want, oh how happy we would be! One definition of thanksgiving is, “the expression of gratitude, especially to God.” Most of you know that the holiday season of Thanksgiving had its origin with the Pilgrims in 1621. For many of us, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes feasting, four-day weekends, football games, floats, family reunions, or a forerunner to Christmas festivities. The “first Thanksgiving,” however, was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Having lost forty-six of the 102 original colonists to the bitter winter of 1620, the survivors yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621 and had a three-day celebration
10 • November 2021
to give thanks. The next celebration was not until June of 1676. It is proper that we are thankful for the people, careers, health, prosperity, success as well as the insignificant things we enjoy, but we need to remember that the holiday is rooted in the founding of our country and the adversities they endured to create the great nation we live in. George Washington proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1789 and Congress finally sanctioned the holiday in 1941. Here is a verbatim copy of his proclamation. By the President of the United States of America: a Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me `to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to
be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be -- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks -- for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 11
real producer By Jill Claire Gentry Photos by Jon Jeffress of Deep South Focus Photography
SA M
CA L D E R O N E O F RE/ MAX PARTNERS
Winning Through Prioritizing Relationships Every successful real estate agent has a quality that makes them shine. For Sam Calderone, it’s his personality. Sam is the quintessential extrovert— able to be around people and engage in conversation all the time, reading the room and understanding nuanced interpersonal dynamics with ease. Putting it simply, people just like Sam. It is obviously working for him: in 2020, Sam closed 115 transactions (71 of which were listings—more than any other agent in the Mobile MLS) worth a total of $25 million. “Not all personalities mesh well with one another,” Sam says. “Mine is one where I’m good at working with everyone. That’s definitely my biggest asset.”
12 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13
Sam says meeting people and networking are essential, but cultivating and maintaining relationships with clients, other agents and industry partners is huge. “Relationships are my number one, and that’s why the majority of my business is referrals,” he says. “From the start, I’ve treated people how I want to be treated, and it has paid off. I don’t care if I’m selling a two-bed/onebath for $60,000 or a million-dollar home—I treat all my clients the same way.” Good relationships can even help buyers’ offers stand out in a hot market in which multiple offers are common. “If I’m working with a seller client helping them look through multiple offers, and I see one from an agent I trust, I will tell the client, ‘This is a great agent. I have no doubt he or she will do what needs to happen to help this deal
14 • November 2021
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close,’” he says. “That’s a useful piece of information that goes a long way with a seller.” Since 2005, Sam has been building relationships with clients, working around the clock to assist them, and getting creative to ensure successful transactions. “In sales, you’re 100 percent commission, so a lot of agents see a dollar sign when they’re working a deal, and they’re not always going to give that client what they need,” Sam says. “I’m a people pleaser. The way I see it, if I please the people, I get the dollar in the long run.” The freedom to employ creative strategies to make deals close smoothly is the primary reason Sam was drawn to RE/MAX Partners at the beginning of his career. “I worked a deal with a RE/MAX agent very early on, and I noticed how flexible and creative that agent was able to be to work the buyer side,” Sam says. “I loved it. At RE/MAX, you’re an independent contractor, so you get to make your own decisions. They allow you to be as creative as you need to be to help your client.” The most recent development in his career has been creating a team, something he was skeptical about for years. The team includes three other agents: Sam’s sister Lauren Moody, James Galloway, and Tiffany Perkins. “I was hesitant about having a team for a while because I want everything to be perfect, and it’s hard to relinquish control when you’re accustomed to only having to hold yourself accountable,” Sam says. “I
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FR OM THE START, I’VE T R EAT ED PEOPLE HOW I WAN T TO BE T R EAT ED, AND IT HAS PAID OF F. I DON ’ T CARE IF I’M SELLING A TWO- BED/ON E-BATH F OR $60,000 OR A MILLIO N -DOLLAR HOM E—I TREAT A LL MY CLIENTS THE SAM E WAY.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 15
was also hesitant because I wanted to be able to ensure that I had the time that’s necessary to nurture a team. I’m definitely not perfect, and I’m learning more about being efficient through this team. They’re teaching me as much as I’m teaching them.”
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As he learns to mentor a team of newer agents, Sam’s top piece of advice is to treat real estate like a daily job interview.
Check us out on Facebook or online at
www.coastalinsgrp.com
Ryan Ried, Agent 251-342-8269 ryan@coastalinsgrp.com
“Most people get into real estate because they think it’s easy,” he says. “But when you have this job interview mindset, that changes everything. Buyers and sellers are your bosses, and you are interviewing for a new job every day. That means you’ve got to get off the couch, get out of the house, and hit the ground running.” When Sam isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his sons, Slayton, 5, and Sawyer, 7. They love visiting his family’s farm in Leroy, and Sam also enjoys frequenting downtown Mobile. He is an advocate for the revitalization of downtown and is a huge Sandy Stimpson supporter.
16 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 17
18 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 19
preferred partner By Jill Clair Gentry Photos by Sam Whitt Photography
Staged Homes Sell For Top Dollar and Fast! Every real estate agent knows staging can make a world of difference when it comes to selling houses. The advent of television shows that revolve around real estate, remodeling, and interior design have made buyers increasingly interested in a home’s aesthetic, and professional staging shows a home’s potential like nothing else can. According to Forbes, 95 percent of staged homes go under contract in 11 days or less—at a 17 percent higher price than non-staged homes.
kim odom
Kim Odom, owner of the Mobile and Baldwin franchise of Showhomes, a 34-year-old home nationwide staging company, says the real estate market in the Southeast has been a bit slower in implementing staging, but it’s becoming more and more of a necessity.
— show homes
20 • November 2021
“Here lately, REALTORS® who have been doing this for 15-20 years are calling me and saying ‘We’ve never had this issue before—this home just
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isn’t selling,’” Odom says. “It just goes to show you, people are more selective when shopping for homes now. When they walk in, we want the home to draw their attention and want them to visualize themselves living in the house.” Filling a Need
Before moving to South Alabama, Odom lived in Birmingham, where she worked in interior design. Seven years ago, Odom and her family moved to Fairhope. “While we were in the process of looking at homes, we noticed we were seeing a ton of empty homes on the market,” Odom says. “At that time, home staging was something you saw on HGTV, but it wasn’t being implemented in the real world. I saw a big need for home staging in this area. I decided to buy the Showhomes franchise five years ago, and it’s been growing ever since.”
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 21
paint colors or the flooring—we cover all of that. With the pandemic, a lot of people are working from home, and they don’t want to have to worry about having painters come in while they’re in their home. So it’s always best if you can paint and do any type of updates before the home is on the market.” Many clients are so pleased with Odom’s work on their old home that they hire her to help set up their new one. All furnishings are for sale if clients want to purchase them for their new home, which helps keep Odom’s inventory fresh. “We also do a lot of design work for our clients,” Odom says. “We can come into their new home and help them select furniture, update light fixtures, and choose paint colors and flooring.” Results That Speak for Themselves
Many times, Odom says home staging is either the first option or the last resort. “We get a lot of calls from clients whose home has been sitting on the market for two years,” she says. “Most of the time, we come in and stage, and it’s under contract in a week. It’s really amazing.” Odom says she wishes all customers would make staging their first option.
Odom says buyers expect movein-ready homes, and staging helps them see a home’s full potential. For empty houses, Odom can fully stage every room, and for occupied homes, she advises clients what to change about their existing furnishings, art, and design and can bring in supplemental items. Every home staged by ShowHomes receives professional photographs as well. “Photos are usually the buyer’s first impression of your home, so they are very important,” she says. “We want the home to stand out among everyone else’s.”
22 • November 2021
A Different Kind of Design
Home staging is different from interior design, Odom says. “It’s not designing for one person’s specific taste,” she says. “We want to appeal to a large group of people. We try to get owners to neutralize the home—for example, we need to remove football stuff or any kind of personalization. You’d be surprised how much of a turnoff that can be for a buyer.” To ensure a neutral, polished look, Odom has a warehouse full of furniture, art, rugs, and more she uses to stage homes.
“We work in all homes, from lower price points all the way up to multi-million dollar homes,” she says. “Our furnishings match the price point at which the home is listed, so it is a very realistic, seamless look.”
When we get those messages telling us the house is under contract, I still get excited to hear that every time. I love what I do, and I love helping people.
She also consults with clients about paint colors and other upgrades they might make to help their homes sell quickly. “Whenever I walk into a home, I’m looking at it from a buyer’s perspective,” she says. “I don’t want for you to come back and say the home is getting feedback that buyers don’t like the
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“Think of it like this: your first price drop is generally $10,000 to $15,000,” she says. “Our staging services are cheaper than that price drop. So in reality, staging saves you money because it makes it much more likely you’ll sell the home for more money, more quickly. When we get those messages telling us the house is under contract, I still get excited to hear that every time. I love what I do, and I love helping people.”
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23
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Professional Inspector® 24 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 25
DRE REYNOLDS OF ROBERTS BROTHERS
PURSUING WHAT’S POSSIBLE rising star By Dave Danielson Photos by Jon Jeffress of Deep South Focus Photography
Belief plays a primary role in every success. Without it, hopes remain hopes. Dreams stay dreams. Your clients appreciate the work you do on their behalf each day to make their visions of the future come to pass. Dre Reynolds is one who exemplifies that spirit. As a REALTOR® with Roberts Brothers, Dre moves forward with purpose … in the process, pursuing what’s possible. “Making people’s dreams come true is what I love the most about what I have the opportunity to do each day, “ Dre says. “It’s just that feeling you get when everybody has said no to your client, and you finally get a yes. You can’t put a price on that feeling. It melts my heart and makes me realize that all things are possible.” Man of Faith
Dre’s positivity is a direct reflection of his faith. “I give credit to Christ. I’m just an instrument to help people realize what can happen,” Dre explains. “I’m not some superhero. I love what I do and I’m good at what I do, but I know that all things work together with God.”
26 • November 2021
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Before embarking on his real estate journey, Dre enjoyed success on another path, as a youth pastor for six years. “I really enjoyed working with middle school and high schoolers. Once I felt the Lord was leading me in a new direction, I didn’t know how to do it with a young family. I was working a part-time job and there was a guy who came in the store. He was dressed really nice,” Dre remembers. “As I walked out, he started talking
with me and he said that he wanted to invite me to his real estate school. His name was Johnny Roberts.” While Johnny offered Dre a full scholarship to his school, the timing wasn’t right. “I was 21 years old, I had two jobs and I couldn’t fit any more on my plate. So, I had to walk away from it,” Dre says. “Even though it didn’t work out for me at the time, it did plant seeds in me for the future.”
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 27
The Time is Right
Fast forward 10 years. Life had moved on. Dre had moved closer to the time when he was ready. “I wanted to be a better provider for my family. I knew that if I did real estate, I wanted to give it my all. Around the first of the year then, I told my wife that I was going to do real estate to earn some extra income,” he remembers. “I took my income tax return and took the test. Unfortunately, I failed and I was bummed out. But my wife was very encouraging.” Dre went back to work. This time, he passed, earned his license, and dove in. He got his start with Better Homes & Gardens where he started working with Leighton Dees. “Leighton is an excellent mentor. He shaped my focus when it came to
28 • November 2021
understanding real estate. He showed me the road map,” Dre says. Signs of Success
In time, Dre had the opportunity to join Roberts Brothers. In the last two years, he has clearly made his presence known in a very positive way. In fact, he consistently ranks among the top 10. Dre has deep gratitude for the gifts around him that have supported his growth in the business. “I think it was the fact that I have been surrounded by support at Roberts Brothers. It makes a difference when you have that support and that team around you to make sure you’re successful,” Dre says. “The training is phenomenal. I knew what my goals were and that I would need some real focus to get there. When I
got to Roberts Brothers and saw their education and training, I realized this is where I’ll take the next step in my career to get better.” Rewarding Life
Family is at the heart of life for Dre. He looks forward to time with his wife, Dietra, whom he calls “Sweets” and their three daughters – Destiny, Khloe, and Rileigh. Dre likes touring local restaurants, watching football and movies with his wife, and vacationing with their kids. As he says, “I love my wife and my children and am totally committed to them in every way.” One highlight for Dre was the experience of appearing with several members of his family on Family Feud in 2019.
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 29
“It was the chance of a lifetime, and I got to do it with my dad, sister, aunt, and cousin. We just auditioned on a whim and didn’t think we would get chosen. But the producers loved us and said you will be on the show,” Dre smiles. “They flew us out to Los Angeles, and we ended up winning four games straight and won over $42,000. Steve Harvey was great and made us feel at home, at ease, and very comfortable.” Those who get to know and work with Dre appreciate his honest, kind nature. “What I hope people take away is that I love Jesus and my heart is pure. I am totally committed to Him. Also, I do what I say I’m going to do,” Dre says. “People give you their
30 • November 2021
dreams and place them in your hands. My job is to take that dream and make it my own and then when I give it back, it will be exactly what they had in mind. My hope is that I get to do this for the rest of my life. I’ve been able to help people in a way I never thought I could. It’s so fulfilling knowing that I can help others.” Congratulations to this month’s Rising Star, Dre Reynolds, who is making an unforgettable impact by pursuing possible.
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 31
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32 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 33
leadership spotlight By Jill Clair Gentry Photos by Lisa Johnson of Deep South Focus Photography
PAUL CARTER Simple to Successful
34 • November 2021
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F
For the last 32 years, local independent agent Paul Carter has established himself as a pillar of the real estate, insurance, and property management communities throughout the Mobile area. He started his own successful business, The Paul Carter Agency, 13 years ago after having faithfully served the Gulf Coast managing a family-owned real estate and insurance agency. Simple to successful
Paul is thankful for his upbringing. “Dad was a poor country preacher in Camden, AL, and then in Uriah,” Paul says. “Dad was one of those salt-of-the-earth men who worked hard, was honest as they come, and loved everyone. He was a true servant-leader throughout his long career, which included serving as the Chaplain at Searcy Hospital for 30
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years. Mom came from a large, poor family. She was smart, hardworking, and a true leader.”
Carter have excelled in their careers in leading teams at Alabama Power and USA Medical Center, respectively.
Paul credits his mother’s rise in rank from nurse to nurse administrator as his inspiration for never being afraid to dream big and work hard.
“My brother and I love to tell the story of painting the entire exterior of our family home when we were only eight and nine years old,” Paul says. “The neighbors were amazed when they rode by and saw two little boys perched up on ladders with paintbrushes in their hands. We were true traffic-stoppers.”
“She was very successful and well-respected because she was a very hard worker and knew how to take on problems and challenges with a smile,” he says. “She never took things personally. She just got the job done. I strive to be that way in my business as well.” That work ethic showed up early in Paul and his three siblings. His brother—sought-after contractor, David Carter—is the owner of Picture Perfect Renovations in the Mobile area. Sisters Maria Thompson and Gayle
Upward momentum
Service and sales are at Paul’s core as a successful businessman. At 17, he worked for McDonald’s for a short time before becoming a stockboy, salesperson, and eventually a manager at Gayfer’s department store over a period of eight years. During that time, he paid his way through Mobile College, now known as the
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 35
University of Mobile. After three years with Prudential Insurance Company, Paul was recruited in 1989 to sell insurance with SmithHermann Real Estate & Insurance in downtown Mobile. Smith-Hermann was originally founded in 1891 as the Hermann & Hynde Agency, making it the oldest insurance and real estate agency in the Mobile area.
Just go help somebody. If your focus is on helping people, they’re going to tell other people. Your business will grow because your heart is in the right place.
“The partners kept urging me to get my real estate license, but I had no interest at the time,” said Paul. “Later, when I gave in and became licensed in real estate, I decided I really loved it. Thirty years later, I’m blessed to be one of the top producers in Mobile. Real estate, insurance, and investing have been really good to my family and me.” In 2008, Paul formed The Paul Carter Agency and works with his wonderful wife of 37 years, Missy, who serves as office manager. Alongside property manager Tina Moody and three part-time real estate agents, Paul and his staff stay busy every day. Together, the small team serves real estate clients and manages 140 rental properties. In a recent merger, he joined his efforts with the Schneider Insurance Agency to provide more
insurance options for clients. Paul is also a real estate investor and says his experience in that area is attractive to fellow real estate investors who need an agent. “Since we are knowledgeable in so many areas, we are able to relate to a large segment of the population,” Paul says. “We enjoy being a source of information for a vast number of
“Do the right thing. Don’t worry about the money,” he says. “Just go help somebody. If your focus is on helping people, they’re going to tell other people. Your business will grow because your heart is in the right place.”
people in our area. When I’m accompanying you to see a house, you have with you a real estate agent, an insurance agent, and someone who has been renovating houses for 20 years. It’s like having three people going with you to the showing. I am able to save buyers time and money by being able to spot issues with a house that other agents might overlook. For sellers, I’m very willing to get involved with updating a house to get it ready to sell. I can help my sellers by calling my preferred contractors to renovate the house and then when we put it on the market, we get top dollar for it.”
In his personal life, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and their adult children Jami Brannon (Michael) and Jeffrey. He is involved in the community in a variety of ways including serving as a trustee for the University of Mobile, finance chairman at Cottage Hill Baptist Church, secretary/treasurer of the Mobile Optimist Club, MLS board member of the board of realtors, and treasurer for Savannah Trace’s HOA.
Mr. Independent
Because of his personality and work experience, Paul has always preferred to be independent rather than tether himself to a corporate real estate company. He acknowledges the bigger companies are a good fit for some agents. Paul said regardless of whether an agent is working with a huge company or an independent agency, the bottom line is the same.
36 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 37
Dream Home Looking to turn your
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Come by for a free estimate! Open Mon-Fri: 8am - 5pm 16020 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope | 251-929-3475 | www.coastalstonefairhope.com 38 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 39
GulfQuest Maritime Museum
last social event of the year
Save the Date -
December 2, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
When you get the invitation, please RSVP and join other top producing realtors and our preferred partners on Thursday, December 2 at the GulfQuest Maritime Museum. Located at 155 S. Water Street in downtown Mobile. The event will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Watch for the invitation by email and text. If you do not receive an invitation, please contact me at robert. orso@realproducersmag.com. The invitations will be one-plus, meaning you can bring your spouse, partner, or friend. Remember, this event is just for you and our advertising partners. Save the date and don’t miss it! No speeches, no agenda. This event is strictly social with great food and beverages in a beautiful setting. It’s a great opportunity for networking, collaboration, and fellowship. 40 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 41
42 • November 2021
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 43