Mobile Bay Real Producers | October 2022

"We are Diane Brookerd and Kimberly Blake. We have a combined experience level of 48 years in our local title insurance industry. It is our honor to serve you and your clients with a warm welcome and huge smile on our faces. We are blessed to represent Springdale Title, LLC and we are excited to introduce you to our wonderful company! Springdale Title is not like the rest, come and let us show you what you are missing!"

We have closed thousands of loans for a variety of lenders. Our staff is cross-trained both in multiple facets of the closing process and in the varying nuances of many title issues for the state in which we operate.

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

Do you:

· Need a split closing?

Have a client who is out town and needs to sign remotely?

· Need extra documents drafted for your closing?

· Have a problem with your chain of title?

Need an odd closing time, day, or location due to an emergency or other extraordinary circumstance?

If so, WE SAY YES to assist you get from CHAOS to CLOSED!

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.

We look forward to working with you soon!

Robert.orso@RealProducersMag.com

Heather Johnson

Robert Orso

Brian

Jon Jeffress Photographer

James Avera Photographer

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

CABINETS/CUSTOM

Jimmy Stocks Woodworks

James Stocks 10251 Gayfer Road Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 895-5524

FLOORING & DESIGN

Prestigious Flooring and Design LLC

Garrett Scarberry (251) 802-0363 prestigiousflooring anddesignllc.com

FOUNDATION REPAIR

MDH Foundation Repair

Shannon Reichart 108 5th Street Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 375-0565 mdhfoundationrepair.com/

GLASS & SHOWER DOORS

The Glass Guru of Mobile

Wyatt Gerald 220 Portside Blvd. Suite A Mobile, AL 36695 (251) 287-1562 theglassguru.com

HOME INSPECTION

Home Boss of Mobile County

Riaan DuPlessis 323 De La Mare Ave, Suite 9 Fairhope, AL 36532 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 230-9595 www.HomeBoss Inspection.com

ProComp Home Inspections

Billy Coley P. O. Box 603 Loxley, AL 36551 (251) 367-3196 procomphomeinspections.com

Southern Inspection Services, LLC

Mike Burchfield 1612 Chase Drive Saraland, AL 36571 (251) 404-0957

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

INSURANCE AGENCY

Lynne Ernest Insurance, LC (251) 971-3622

LENDER

Clear Mortgage Kenneth Harter (251) 282-6894 clearmortgage.com

Cornerstone Mortgage Solutions Bart Hare 12180 Ariel Way Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 753-5105 choosecornerstone.com

Homespire Mortgage Corporation homespiremortgage.com

Mission 1st Mortgage, Inc.

Bryan Dewberry 805 Church Street Mobile, AL 36602 (251) 583-4218 mission1stmortgageinc.com

Movement Mortgage Richard C Hampton 4851 Wharf Parkway Suite D-228 Orange Beach, AL 36561 (251) 270-4482 movement.com/chad.hampton

MOLD AND ODOR REMEDIATION

AdvantaClean Jimmie Newton 25421 Hwy. 181, Suite 103 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 776-4669 advantaclean.com

MOVING SERVICES

Griner Moving Services

Mobile, AL Alexandria Walter 2785 Macmae Drive Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 305-0178

PEST SOLUTIONS

E3 Termite & Pest Control Mike Adams 20040 Hwy 181 Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 850-7378 E3pest.com

Mr. Buggs Pest Patrol

Kenneth Kirby (205) 369-2205 mrbuggs.com

Proshield Termite & Pest Control

Michael Hayes (251) 776-2362 Southeastern Exterminating Mike Hollis 25378 Profit Drive Daphne, AL 36561 (251) 402-0264

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.deepsouth focus.com/

POWER WASHING

Prestige Power Washing

John Lankford 14194 Sierra Court Summerdale, AL 36580 (251) 213-8313

ROOFING SERVICES

Professional Roofing & Construction (251) 680-7500 prorc.org

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

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Southern View Media Michelle Murrill (251) 583-2605 southernviewmedia.com

STAGE & DESIGN Show Homes, Mobile - Baldwin Kim Odom 82 Plantation Pointe Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 622-5004

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

MLJ Escrow (251) 968-5586 www.mljtitle.com

Springdale Title, LLC

Diane Brookerd 1501B Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 270-4500 springdaletitle.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES

EyeSky Video & Photo, LLC

Stephen Hinds 297 Beall Lane Daphne, AL 36526 (317) 727-2919 eyeskyvp.com

VIDEOGRAPHER

Adobe House Media Production

Lew Thomas 27940 Bay Branch Drive Daphne, AL 36526 (251) 454-0004 adobehousemp.com

the

Home Insurance that's

307 S McKenzie St,

(251)

EVERYONE

WANTS TO BE

PAID

Helping Those Who Help You

All of you rely on your business partners to get you to the closing table and assist your clients with their needed or desired changes and services before they list their property or after they have purchased a new home. I know you want to be the “be all, end all” resource for your clients because this helps you build or improve your relations for future referrals and even friendships. I have heard it and read it many times in the articles we have published: “Real estate is all about relationships.” I would go a step further and add that “life is all about relationships.”

Next to your client relationships, perhaps the most important busi ness relationships you need to have are with those vendors and service providers who help you get your deals done and get paid. In that regard, real estate is not much different than any other type of business.

This brings me to the point of this article. Since I began Mobile Bay Real Producers in 2020, I have met with a lot of businesses about advertising in this magazine. Keep in mind that I only call on those businesses or individuals you refer me to. I never approach anyone who is not recom mended by one of you. Much to my surprise, I have heard comments like the following when I called for an appointment or during a meeting. “I don’t like to work with REALTORS®. All they want is a free estimate to get their deal done, and I never get any business out of it.” In other words, I never get paid for my time. Or “I have been abused by REALTORS® in the past, and they are not my focus.”

A good example of this is the roofer who said he gets called for a free estimate, but then the buyer or seller uses some other roofer. The estimate was just for the REALTOR® to get all their numbers together to determine the asking price or offer for the home.

I do not believe that any of you would intentionally or knowingly create a situation like this. It is more likely that the seller or buyer decides to get other estimates and chooses the cheapest bid. But remember, you recommended the company that

provided the initial estimate because you knew that they do quality work. In most cases, we get what we pay for, so the cheapest bid in no way guaran tees the quality or promptness of the work or service.

I wonder what would happen and how much you could improve your rela tionships with your preferred vendors if you stayed engaged and encouraged your clients to use the vendor you recommended, so that they could also get paid for their efforts? Free estimates are a deduction from their bottom line unless they have a decent percentage rate of getting the job.

I am not, nor have I ever been, a REALTOR®, so who am I to give you advice? Well, I am just attempting to give you an “outside of real estate” perspective on how some businesses perceive REALTORS®. I have person ally met with over two hundred top REALTORS® in the last 30 months, and I know that most of you are chari table people of high integrity. My guess is that you would prefer your clients to use who you recommend, so they have a good experience. I also expect that you prefer that your preferred partner gets the job. I know you want to help those who help you. After all, every one would like to be paid.

ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE

Welcome to Real Producers! Some of you may be wondering what this publication is all about, which is why we have created this FAQ page. Here, we will answer the most commonly asked questions from around the country regarding our program. My door is always open to discuss anything regarding this community — this publication is 100% designed to be your voice!

Q: WHO RECEIVES THIS MAGAZINE?

A: The top 300 agents in the Mobile Bay Area. We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021, in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. We cut the list off at number 300, and the distribution was born. For this year’s list, the mini mum production level for our group is $7 million in 2021. The list will reset at the end of 2022 for next year and will continue to update annually.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?

A: The process is simple. Every feature you see has first been nominated. You can nominate REALTORS®, agents, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even yourself. Office leaders can also nominate real estate agents. We will consider anyone you bring to our attention because we don’t know everyone’s story, and we need your help to learn more.

A nomination currently looks like this: Email us at robert.orso@realproducersmag.com with the subject line “Nomination: (Name of Nominee)” and explain why you are nominating the individ ual. Maybe the person has an amazing story that we need to tell, or perhaps someone overcame extreme obstacles, is an exceptional leader, has the best customer service, or gives back to the community in a big way. The next step is an inter view with us to ensure a good fit, and then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an

interview and for our photographer to schedule a photo shoot.

Q: WHAT IS THE COST TO FEATURE A REALTOR®, AGENT, OR TEAM?

A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. The feature costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of Real Producers.

Q: WHO ARE THE PREFERRED PARTNERS?

A: Anyone listed as a preferred partner in the front of the magazine is a part of this community and 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 preferred partner you see in this publication.

We won’t even meet with a business that you have not vetted and stamped for approval, in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network for the REALTORS® and agents in the area and for the best affiliates 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 real estate agents, please let us know. Send an email to robert.orso@realproducersmag.com.

By Robert Orso,

Kurt

Ryan

top REALTORS® and top moms

SOUTH REALTY cody

By Brian Amend

Photos By Lisa Johnson, Deep South Focus Photography

How Do They Do It!

While some days are definitely more difficult than others, the true magic of the working mom is that we always work to find solutions, and we always figure it out! We are forced to integrate our thoughts of both work and family to ensure their congruency. Showing scheduled for Thursday evening at 5 p.m., Millie needs to be picked up from preschool no later than 6, and school is 45 minutes from showing… “Siri, call Grandma for pick-up duty.”

I don’t know how she does it!

As women, we are told that being a mother will be the hardest job we will ever have. When I entered real estate seven years ago, I was told the exact same thing about being a REALTOR®.

As moms, we all dreamed of the flexibility making your own schedule could provide, so without a doubt, we were all up for the challenge!

Cody Maley, broker and owner of Scout South Properties, Hayden Kaechele and Lindsay Scapecchi, both REALTORS® with Scout South, are mastering clients and kids, one day at a time. Some days do entail what you might imagine a typical REALTOR®’s day would look like … heading to the office to formulate a list of properties to preview for a buyer client, then off to tour a new condo that just hit the market for an investor … our high heels click-clacking on the marble floors of the lobby and our phones capturing the breathtaking view of the Gulf.

Other days might include bribing your toddler with candy while giving them a piggyback ride across a 40-acre tract IF you are lucky enough to have clients that value you as a REALTOR® and understand that you are, first and foremost, a mom that, for whatever reason, had to bring your child with you to a showing. I can speak honestly in saying that there have been times I have looked at my kids and thought to myself in frustration and exhaustion… “This would be so much eas ier if you weren’t with me right now.”

I can’t tell you how many times a week someone says to me, “I don’t know how you do it.” My response is always the same … my village!

“It is at those times that I have had to take a very hard look in the mirror to remind myself what a gift it is that they CAN be with me right now,” says Cody.

Walkthrough Friday at 11 a.m., an hour before we get a call from school to pick up a sick child that sits in the car and plays on their iPad until we finish the walkthrough, then doctor visit follows. The orga nization it takes on a daily basis to coordinate our days, coupled with the sacrifice that our families make at times, definitely adds the ever-growing weight of our guilt; however, we march on to tomorrow … giving all the tick les and kisses before drop-off, taking a deep breath when we are finally alone in the car, and we go 90 miles an hour until it’s time for pick up. Our second shift then begins, and although our minds are taxed from the day, our mommy hearts could not be more full as a slobbery kiss is planted on our cheek.

The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” could not ring more true for Cody. Building a business and a brokerage while also raising babies has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. “I can’t tell you how many times a week someone says to me, “I don’t know how you do it.” My response is always the same … my village! It takes 100% support from my spouse, family, friends, caregivers and, of course, our amazing Scout South Transaction Coordinator, Lindsay Tyler, to help ensure none of the balls I am juggling accidentally drop.”

As a REALTOR®, you must have a drive. There is no one making you

Our kids are only little once, and if we don’t make the effort to cherish every single moment that we can, those moments will be gone forever. That is where the balance comes in!

Obviously, we love being REALTORS® as well, and are also fulfilled by helping our clients reach their goals and making dreams come true! This delicate balance is something we work extremely hard every day to achieve, but both our kids and our clients are worth every effort!

punch a clock or making sure you are doing what you need to do every day to be successful, and it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison. What I have come to appreciate is that everyone is in a different season of life. Our kids are only little once, and if we don’t make the effort to cherish every single moment that we can, those moments will be gone forever. That is where the balance comes in! Obviously, we love being REALTORS® as well, and are also fulfilled by helping our clients reach their goals and making dreams come true! This delicate balance is something we work extremely hard every day to achieve, but both our kids and our clients are worth every effort! Oftentimes I have found myself at a crossroads, trying to find the

balance between furthering my career and being the mom I need to be. It usu ally involves some give and take, and a lot of multitasking, but then the magic of the working mom sets in, and as we are making PB&Js for tomorrow’s lunch, we are developing the steps to our next big business move in our head, preparing to crush the next quarter!

For questions or comments about this article, contact Cody at cody@scoutsouth.com or 251-752-6334.

Scan

real producer

JonesMindy

One of the true signs of success is getting a genuine sense of joy out of the moments that fill each day.

Mindy Jones makes the most of those moments — and the opportunity she has to serve the needs and best interests of those around her.

As a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Paradise, Mindy definitely enjoys the experience of getting her clients to the closing table.

realproducersmag.com

By Dave Danielson

Photos by James Avera, Avera Design

We have some really gorgeous homes. Along the way, I love the process itself of helping others. It’s always a fun experience.

“I love showing properties … seeing all the different locations and styles we have here in the area. I feel that what we get to do in our work is a very unique privilege to be able to go inside other people’s properties,” Mindy says.

“We have some really gorgeous homes. Along the way, I love the process itself of helping others. It’s always a fun experience.”

A Rewarding Journey

Mindy earned her real estate license in 2008 and joined the RE/MAX team about seven years ago.

She was born and raised here. After high school, she went on to com plete her education at Auburn before returning to the area to work in phar maceutical sales.

At that point, she and her husband started their family, welcoming three children into the world.

“After my third child, I dove into real estate full-time. I started out on a team at RE/MAX Paradise and then went on as an individual agent after a couple of years,” she remembers.

Record of Results

Mindy has steadily built on her record of achievement through time. One of the things that has helped her is her deep roots and familiarity with the area.

“I’ve always lived here, and it helps,” she says. “I know the area, and it helps me to be passionate about sales here because I’ve lived here my whole life.”

Never one to shrink from a challenge, Mindy continuously hones her abilities to maintain her edge.

“I’m a very competitive person in every thing I do. It’s trying to do the best I can. I love setting and hitting goals,” Mindy says.

“RE/MAX is really good at setting mile stones. And that fits me very well because I’m very goal-oriented.”

Setting the Bar

Mindy’s success continues to skyrocket. In fact, in 2021, she recorded an astounding total of $41 million in sales volume.

In 2022, she’s on track to go beyond that. Along the way, she was the first female agent at RE/MAX to hit Chairman, then Titan and then Diamond levels of achievement.

Mindy is quick to shine the spotlight on her assistant.

“My assistant, Kayla, has been with me for nearly four years,” Mindy says. “Between she and I, we are in tune together, and we stay really organized.”

Wonderful Life Family is at the heart of life for Mindy. She cherishes time with her husband, Jamie, and their three children — 22-year-old Bailey, 16-year-old Falon and 10-year-old Reece.

In her free time, she has a passion for boat ing, CrossFit and cheering on the Auburn Tigers.

Mindy has a sustaining drive that fuels her suc cess and achievements on behalf of others.

“My number one goal with all clients is to have repeat business. I want to be their forever agent. I try to build relationships with everyone and stay in touch with them. I want them to say that I’m not just a REALTOR® but a friend,” Mindy says. “I treat them the way I want to be treated.”

For questions or comments about this article, Contact Mindy at mindy@ alabamaparadise.com or 251-747-0854.

CHAD HAMPTON

& MOVEMENT MORTGAGE

BIG-PICTURE DIFFERENCE

By Dave Danielson

Photos By James Avera, Avera Design

One of the ways you have reached the level of success that you enjoy in real estate is by being there for your cli ents for the long-term … well beyond the time the transaction has ended.

In turn, it means a lot to know you have a partner on your side that approaches their business the same way you do.

That’s the impact you enjoy when you partner with Loan Officer Chad Hampton and Movement Mortgage … an organization that is ready, willing and able to make a big-picture differ ence for your clients.

“I like the fact that every day I get to meet with people and try to help them with whatever it is they’re doing. For example, whether that means working with a client who is buying their home, or with investors and helping them find a way to make money or earn a return on their investment,” Chad says.

“I want to make sure that whatever we’re helping people with fits in with their overall financial goals.”

Passion for the Profession Clearly, Chad has a passion for what he does … putting his heart and soul into his work.

“I put a lot of hours in because I love what I’m doing. I care so much that I’ll uncover every stone I can to make something work. I work with a lot of first-time homebuyers and think outside the box. I’ve worked in the audit world and mergers/acquisitions world,” Chad says.

“I look at things from a data and engineering perspective and what we can make work. I do a lot of investor business and lots of complicated proj ects because I’m a data person. I’m a numbers person since I had worked in corporate engineering.”

history of success in the business, dating back nearly 20 years. Before that, he had always worked for large corporations.

“I had never been in a commission-based or sales-based role before. One of my really good friends said he thought I would be good at this,” Chad says.

“I had been handling things similar to this for corporations, so I decided to give it a try, and it seemed like a natural fit. I like the fact that I can make an impact on people. One of my first deals as a loan officer was where I found a way for a guy to retire faster. I saw the impact on his life. It changes my perspective. I found what I’m sup posed to be doing.”

The Right Path From the very start, it was clear he was on the

right path. In fact, he earned Rookie of the Year honors for Movement Mortgage for the State of Alabama and for the Southeast U.S.

Success is obviously a team sport, and Chad is quick to shine the spotlight on the four-person team of professionals around him.

“I’m really excited about our team. We kept growing, and I had the opportunity to expand my team. I have a really good team. They all care,” Chad says.

“That’s what makes it fun. We are known for not giving up on things and fighting for people and making things happen that might not be easy.”

Wonderful Life

Away from work, Chad treasures time with his family, including his wife, Tiffany, who is a teacher, and their children — their 10-year-old

daughter, Kate, and their 6-year-old son, Jon David.

In their free time, Chad and his family enjoy their home in Orange Beach and spending time on the water. They also have a passion for riding their bicycles together.

Through time, Chad has taken a lot of pride and joy in being a connector.

“I’ve always spent my whole life doing that, and I have built a network through time. I know lots of people, and they generally know that I want to help,” Chad says.

“The reason why I work so hard to expand and get a great team is so that I can serve our partners and clients better so I can be more available and still be very fast and efficient. In the

process, I like teaming up with likeminded people who want to grow. “

When you’re looking for a partner who will invest themselves in your business and in your clients’ success with a big-picture perspective, look to Chad Hampton and Movement Mortgage.

“Through what I do, I get to see people with tears of joy when they get a home … something they never thought they would be able to get,” Chad says with a smile. “I get a lot of opportunities to make a positive impact on people.”

Contact Chad Hampton and Movement Mortgage Today! Phone: 251-270-4482

Email: Chad.Hampton @movement.com 601-624-7163

THROUGH WHAT I DO, I GET TO SEE PEOPLE WITH TEARS OF JOY WHEN THEY GET A HOME … SOMETHING THEY NEVER THOUGHT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO GET.

WAHLERT & APRIL HUNT

ENCOURAGEMENT & FAITH

Two of the most powerful elements when it comes to reaching for and achieving success.

Kendall and April know all about that through their leadership roles with Water’s Edge Realty. April is the firm’s Florida Broker, while Kendall is the Alabama Broker for Water’s Edge Realty. Together, they epitomize the possibilities that can become real through encouragement and faith.

“We try very hard to create a special culture where our agents can come together and feel like they are surrounded by others that are encouraging them to succeed. We want people to feel like Kendall and I are also cheering them on and making sure that we are both available to support the agents that we work with every day. As part of that, my faith in Jesus is very important and for people to see Him living through me,” April explains.

Kendall emphasizes, “We are a Christian-based brokerage. Our goal is helping our agents succeed, but it’s more about who they are as people and how they are perceived in the community than simply being a successful agent, April and I are striving to be Godly women, and we want to portray that in our lives at home and work. We have set high expectations, and we have found many like-minded people who have chosen to join us.”

OPENING NEW POSSIBILITIES

That is definitely an understatement. In fact, Waters Edge Realty features 35 agents, and it just opened in January of this year.

As Kendall says, “I attribute our growth to God and the fact that we are working for Him and that April and I are very different in personality and bring different strengths to the table.”

brokers in charge

By Dave Danielson

Photos by Kayley Robinson, Deep South Focus Photography

Kendall earned her real estate license in March 2005, with April beginning her adventure in the business in 2017.

TAKING STEPS FORWARD

Kendall got into the business when she was just 20 years old.

“When I was in high school, my mother and I used to tour open houses in Georgia. She owned multiple rental properties. That initially piqued my curiosity about the world of real estate,” Kendall says. “Then when I was 20, I was at the University of West Georgia, I had a speech due, and I had to speak in front of the entire class. I was so nervous, I called my dad and told him that I wanted to withdraw from school and go into real estate. He said, ‘Promise me if it doesn’t work out, you’ll go back to college.’ and I never looked back.”

April has admittedly worn many hats through life. She and her husband got married at 18 and 19 years. Initially, she was a cos metologist, then a stay-at-home mom, and then an elementary school teacher before entering into real estate.

“My husband is a pastor. As we started our family, I stayed at home with our three kids until our youngest went to kindergar ten,” April remembers. “ I went back to college as an adult with three small kids and got a degree in early childhood education.

I taught first grade before moving to Fairhope. Then when we moved, it was important that we started our ministry together. I took a year off to help him with the church. As I was deciding what I wanted to do next, I was introduced to a group of REALTORS®, including Kendall who encouraged me to give it a try.”

She definitely picked the right time to try it. In fact, she recorded $4.5 million in sales volume in her first year.

FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS

Away from work, family makes life so much richer for both Kendall and April.

Kendall treasures time with her husband, Ricky, and their children — 15-year-old Kaden, 13-yearold Peyton and 4-year-old Greystan. In their free time, Kendall likes spending time on the boat with their family creating memories.

April and her husband, Johnny, look forward to time with their children — 20-year-old Gavin,

18-year-old LexieGrace and 16-yearold Gage. April’s children have been very involved in sports, which engages the family a lot of the time.

Those who know and work with Kendall and April appreciate their thoughtful and positive approach. “ I am motivated by seeing lives change. There are agents we have brought onboard whose entire finan cial situation has changed because of real estate.” Kendall says. “It’s great to pour into people and know that you have given them the tools to grow their business and succeed.”

As April says, “Leading Waters Edge is an extension of the way my husband and I operate in ministry … to come alongside people to be support and help them.”

For questions or comments about this article, contact Kendall at kendallsoldit@ gmail.com or 706-575-8800. Or contact April at aprilhunthomes@ gmail.com or 318-773-8606.

Immersion in the Community Brings Success

When David Roberts moved to Fairhope, AL, from Shreveport, LA, four years ago, he and his wife, Michelle, became very intentionally involved in the local community, “immersing” themselves, as David put it. This did pay off for his real estate career, but he did not start out with that intent. “It wasn’t to be successful in real estate. We wanted to be a part of the community and be involved with all the wonderful things this community has to offer, and success is kind of a byproduct of that.”

David and his wife, Michelle, a graphic designer, live in Fairhope with their two daughters, Mary

Marshall, age 14, and Caroline, age 10, and with two dogs, Scarlett, a black Labrador Retriever, and Anna, a Blood Hound and Poodle mix. Both children are active in Academy level soccer. “We love watching them play,” David said. The family’s move to Fairhope came after vacationing there and falling in love with the coastal community. One of the family’s favor ite pastimes is boating. “In our free time, if we’re not on the soccer field, especially if it’s warmer, we’re out on the boat enjoying the islands or fish ing.” David’s family owns a vacation home, which he personally manages, and he tries to let other people enjoy the magic he and his family have

found on the Gulf Coast: “A lot of people come to the beach once a year. I try to make that experience special and memorable for them.”

An usher at St. James Episcopal Church, David is also on the board of St. James’s Church School and on the board of Ecumenical Ministries, a county-wide nonprofit serving low-in come families and individuals. Active in the Mardi Gras organization Knights of the Ecor Rouge, David is also the Treasurer for Fairhope Sunset Rotary and was named Rotarian of the Year for 2021-2022. David and his family are also very involved in the Fairhope Yacht Club, which is one of their

rising star

By Brian Amend

Photos by Kayley Robinson, Deep South Focus Photography

In our free time, if we’re not on the soccer field, especially if it’s warmer, we’re out on the boat enjoying the islands or fishing.

favorite places to enjoy the beautiful views of the Mobile Bay.

For David, real estate is fundamen tally about relationships, and he con siders this the most rewarding part of the business: “When you sell some one’s home, or you help someone buy a home, you form this relationship over the time it takes.” This goes hand in hand with being able to help people, and the relationships can last for years. “Whenever I have a difficult listing to sell, or I have a client that is looking for something very specific, I like to solve those problems for them.” Both the problem-solving and the relationship-building are intrin sic to the process: “Buying a house is such an emotional thing — you go through that with your clients every step of the way — so when you finally get a deal closed, it’s very rewarding.”

David started out in real estate in Shreveport, LA, after graduating from Texas Christian University and working in sales in various industries. These jobs provided “great sales training” and instilled a “great work ethic.” “I worked with such a great, diverse customer base,” he recounted. A close family friend who was a top agent mentored him, and he was able to use his previous experience in sales to start the new career. Success greeted him as he won Rookie of the Year at a national real estate broker. When asked about what advice he would give new agents, he says be prepared to work hard, to first study the market and become an expert, which takes time. The next step is to let everyone know what one is doing in order to learn how one might be able to help. Becoming an expert in the market expands one’s ability to help others and contributes to them knowing, liking, and trusting that per son. “When I was new, people gave me a chance because they knew me, they liked me, and they trusted me.”

Now a REALTOR® for Wise Living Real Estate. David is enjoying being surrounded by “incredibly caring and intelligent people” at the small, bou tique firm and learning from its adept brokers. He is always focused on find ing ways to provide a better customer experience: “I harp on providing nextlevel customer service.” His customer service philosophy hinges on keeping clients’ interests first: “If I can do that, success will come.” He has been enjoying life as a REALTOR® since 2013, and in addition to finding success and rewarding relationships has found since that time that “quite frankly, it’s a lot of fun.”

For questions or comments about this article, contact David at david@ wiselivingre.com or 251-278-5633.

Whenever I have a difficult listing to sell, or I have a client that is looking for something very specific, I like to solve those problems for them.