2 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 3@realproducers realproducersmag.com RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL | NEW CONSTRUCTION | REFINANCE TRANSACTION SUNSURPASSEDWWW.FAIRHOPETITLE.COMSERVICEANDEXPERTISE Attorney Owned & Operated Proudly serving Baldwin and Mobile County Realtors for over forty years. Reach out to us today at (251) 937-4111 ldholt.com • attorney@ldholt.com 7581 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36527 Dedicated and Seasoned Attorneys You & Your Clients Can Trust. • 1031 Tax Saving Realty Exchanges • Preserving Family Realty Legacies • Hold Realty Assets in Protected Entities • Moving Realty through Estate Issues
4 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 5@realproducers realproducersmag.com "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! 251-270-4500 | aledocs@springdaletitle.com | SpringdaleTitle.com 220-A Portside Boulevard Mobile AL 251-287-156236695 WINDOW SEAL FAILURE? BEFORE AFTER Fantastic job! Very professional and timely. TGG was able to get me taken care of me immediately with a quick and cost-effective fix. Would highly recommend."-TrimB “ " FOGGY WINDOWS • GLASS MIRRORS • SHOWER ENCLOSURES SCAN HERE to visit our website! 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. If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Robert.orso@RealProducersMag.com . CONTENTS TABLE OF 22 Spotlight:PartnerProCompHomeInspections 38 BrokerCharge:inHollyLovett 44 REALTORCharitable®:HopeBrown 14 CasalloRisingStar:Paula 10 inProvisionsProducersRealSocialEventFairhope
6 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 7@realproducers realproducersmag.com 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 longer loan terms. 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. Self-employed borrowers can have a challenging time qualifying for a traditional home loan. But you don’t have to worry about there not being a program available for your client to qualify for a mortgage. Bank Statement programs are designed specifically for those who do not have the tax documents,W-2’s, or adequate proof of income that clearly indicates their ability to pay. Give your borrower the good news that the home that seemed out of reach can now be a reality. Danielle Dewberry NMLS#2002296 | 251-281-8108 danielle@mission1stmortgageinc.com WE ARE YOUR HOME HEATINGSPECIALISTSWARRANTY&COOLING|ELECTRICITY|PLUMBING | KITCHEN APPLIANCES | LAUNDRY Residential and Commercial Roofing Services in Mobile and Baldwin Counties “Friendly crew, professional work. They do a great job the first time without having to have them come back and fix things.” - Christopher P. (251) 680-7500 | prorc.org James Avera Photographer Jon Jeffress Photographer Asia Schnoes Social Media Project Manager Dave Danielson Contributing Writer Brian Amend Robert Orso Owner/Publisher Heather Johnson Ad Strategist MEET THE MOBILE BAY REAL PRODUCERS TEAM Lew Thomas, AdobeVideographerHouseMediaProductions Olivia McNorton Publishing Assistant & Writer
8 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9@realproducers realproducersmag.com Lynne Ernest Insurance LLC 307 S McKenzie St, Foley, AL 36535 (251) 971-3622 Let Us Find the Best Home Insurance that's Right for You! VIDEO DRONEPRODUCTION/SERVICES EyeSky Video & Photo, LLC Stephen Hinds 297 Beall Lane Daphne, AL 36526 (317) eyeskyvp.com727-2919 VIDEOGRAPHER Adobe House Media Production Lew 27940ThomasBayBranch Drive Daphne, AL 36526 (251) adobehousemp.com454-0004 TITLE COMPANY Clear Title Lisa 1680WalkerWest2nd Street Unit A Gulf Shores, AL 36547 (251) 747-2550 springdaletitle.com(251)Daphne,1501BDianeSpringdalewww.fairhopetitle.com(251)Fairhope,Suite455BrianFairhopewww.getcleartitle.comx2517524181TitleServices,LLCBrittMagnoliaStreetC-1AL36532928-9900Title,LLCBrookerdHighway98AL36526270-4500 ATTORNEY - REAL ESTATE LD Holt & Associates, LLC LD 7581HoltSpanish Fort Blvd. Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) LDholt.com937-4111 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) anddesignllc.comprestigiousflooring802-0363 FOUNDATION REPAIR MDH Foundation Repair Shannon Reichart 108 5th mdhfoundationrepair.com/(251)Daphne,StreetAL36526375-0565 GLASS & SHOWER DOORS The Glass Guru of Mobile Wyatt Gerald 220 Portside Blvd. Suite A Mobile, AL 36695 (251) theglassguru.com287-1562 HOME INSPECTION Home Boss of Mobile County Riaan DuPlessis 109 Riveroaks Drive Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) mobilecounty.comwww.homeboss300-4711This 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! ProComp Home Inspections Billy Coley P. O. Box 603 Loxley, AL 36551 (251) (251)Saraland,1612MikeServices,Southernprocomphomeinspections.com367-3196InspectionLLCBurchfieldChaseDriveAL36571404-0957 HOME WARRANTY Old Republic Home Protection Todd Powell (850) 543-1512 www.ORHP.comx1 HVAC/PLUMBING Hansen Heating & Air Chad Setchell (251) Hansenair.com471-3047 INSURANCE Coastal Insurance Group, LLC Kurt 3660WielkensDauphin Street, Suite A Mobile, AL 36608 (251) Lynnewww.coastalinsgrp.com344-9898ErnestInsurance, LLC (251) 971-3622 LENDER Clear clearmortgage.com(251)KennethMortgageHarter282-6894 movement.com/chad.hampton(251)OrangeSuite4851RichardMovementmission1stmortgageinc.com(251)Mobile,805BryanMissionhomespiremortgage.comMortgageHomespireguaranteedrate.com(251)Loxley,27084GarettGuaranteedchoosecornerstone.com(251)Spanish12180BartMortgageCornerstoneSolutionsHareArielWayFort,AL36527753-5105RateMortgageCaywoodValamourBlvd.AL36551455-2028Corporation1stMortgage,Inc.DewberryChurchStreetAL36602583-4218MortgageCHamptonWharfParkwayD-228Beach,AL36561270-4482 MOLD AND REMEDIATIONODOR 25421JimmieAdvantaCleanNewtonHwy.181, Suite 103 Daphne, AL 36526 (251) advantaclean.com776-4669 MOVING SERVICES Griner Moving Services Mobile, AlexandriaAL Walter 2785 Macmae Drive Mobile, AL 36606 (251) 305-0178 PEST SOLUTIONS E3 Termite & Pest Control Mike SpanishBranch32091AdamsBrokenCircleFort,AL 36527 (251) Mr.E3pest.com850-7378BuggsPest Patrol Kenneth Kirby (205) (251)Daphne,25378MikeExterminatingSoutheastern(251)Michael&Proshieldmrbuggs.com369-2205TermitePestControlHayes776-2362HollisProfitDriveAL36561402-0264 PHOTOGRAPHY Avera focus.com/www.deepsouth(251)Mobile,233JonFocusDeepaveradesign.com(251)JamesDesignAvera479-2545SouthPhotographyJeffressSuzanneCircleAL36608421-0517 POWER WASHING Prestige Power Washing John Lankford 14194 Sierra (251)Summerdale,CourtAL36580213-8313 ROOFING SERVICES Professional Roofing & stauterbuilt.com(251)Mobile,302LoisStauterprorc.org(251)Construction680-7500ContractingStauterRiverbendDriveAL36605230-7090 SIGNS & GRAPHICS Fast fastsigns.com(251)Mobile,4668PaulineSignsMcKeanAirportBlvd.AL36608279-0747 SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Southern View Media Michelle Murrill (251) southernviewmedia.com583-2605 STAGE & DESIGN Show Homes, Mobile - Baldwin Kim Odom 82 Plantation Pointe Fairhope, AL 36532 (251) 622-5004PARTNERSPREFERRED
After polling a few top REALTORS®, we are having our next event at noon instead of after hours. Your kids are back to school, which should free up more people to attend the event during work hours and be with their families in the evening. The event will be at Provisions, 100 N Section St. in Fairhope. There is plenty of public parking at the public parking garage off North Church Street between Fairhope Avenue and Magnolia Avenue.
Follow Us On John Lankford (Owner) (251)213-8313
experience and knowledge in the industry and known for the highest quality work!
More than 10yrs of
Provisions offers a wideopen space for mingling and conversation. Wine, beer, and food will be pro vided. The event will open at noon and close at 1:30. Please save this date and plan to attend. Meet other REALTORS® who you have worked transactions with but have never met and see some of the REALTORS® you know. Our goal is for these quarterly private par ties for the top REALTORS® (Real Producers) to grow larger and larger. They are completely social. No agenda, no speeches, no selling. Just drinks, great food, and networking. This event is for our top REALTORS® (Real Producers) and advertising partners only. Look for a “Save the Date” email with an RSVP link soon. Please RSVP – Food and beverage availability will be based on RSVP responses. I know people receive RSVPs and think, “I would like to attend, but I’m not going to commit now. I’ll do it later.” Or “I will have to wait to see what is on my schedule.” To these two mindsets, I would say, respectively, “RSVP now and make this a priority on your schedule”! This social is for you, and it is free! I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, Sept. 13!
PROVISIONS
real producers social event
Tuesday, Sept. 13, Noon – 1:30 p.m. By Robert Orso, Owner
11 IN FAIRHOPE
AGENTS - YOUR JOB JUST GOT EASIER. Our reports feature a Repair Request Document generator for our agent partners. SCAN HERE to book online! 251-501-0334 251-367-3196 Power Washing LLCPrestige Professional Exterior Cleaning providing Soft Washing & Power Washing Services for all of Baldwin County and surrounding areas. SCAN HERE TO SCHEDULEAPPOINTMENT!YOUR
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?
Q: WHO RECEIVES THIS MAGAZINE?
FAQ
12 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13@realproducers realproducersmag.com FAQ
Welcome to Real Producers!
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 #300, and the distribution was born. For this year’s list, the minimum 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.
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.
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.
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: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A PREFERRED PARTNER?
A: The process is simple. Every feature you see has first been nominated. You can nominate REALTORS®, agents, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even your self. Office leaders can also nom inate 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 mag.comrobert.orso@realproducers 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 over came 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 interview 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 PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?
In 1996, Paula met her future hus band, Michael, at an apartment complex she was managing. They attended church and volunteered together in the children’s ministry
Photos by James Avera, Avera Design
By Olivia McNorton
In 2021, after many years of consid ering real estate as a career, Paula Casallo took a leap of faith and asked her husband for the real estate course as a Mother’s Day gift. After passing the real estate license exam on the first attempt, she knew who to con tact. Anne Dorman, one of the owners of Mobile Bay Realty, was a friend who Paula had shared many conver sations with about real estate. After a short meeting at Page and Palette in Fairhope, Paula knew that Mobile Bay Realty and the Dorman Group team were the perfect fit for her. She accepted a position on the team in July of 2021 and has found success and passion in her newfound career with the help of her family, friends, and Paulafaith.was born into a large extended family in Mobile. She grew up sharing Sundays with cousins, aunts, uncles, and her grandparents. “I was the oldest child, oldest grandchild on both sides,” she reminisces, “and being loved was an understatement — I was spoiled!” Her grandparents were always important figures in her life, teaching her the importance of having a relationship with the Lord and attending church. “I wanted to pat tern my life after them,” she reflects. Faith has always played a pivotal role in her life.” I went to a phenomenal children’s church ministry,” she says, “and that gave me the desire to work in children’s ministry as an adult.”
paulacasallo rising star
THE PERFECT CAREER department for five years before getting married. When her son Nate was born, she was offered employment at Knollwood Church and worked there for 12 years. During her time on staff at the church, Paula gave birth to her daughter, Mackenzie. Both Nate and Mackenzie attended Knollwood Christian School. Paula served as a children’s minister and later became the school’s
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 15realproducersmag.com
time for family, friends, & faith
Paula has always loved interior design and was a connoisseur of design magazines as a teenager. That love of design would inspire her interest in real estate decades later. After working as an apart ment manager, she found employment at a person nel agency and human resource company in Mobile. This combined with her experience in ministry has made working with the public her strong suit. “I think my previous employment has taught me how to communicate with and truly enjoy getting to know others effectively.”
Paula’s family of four moved across the bay to Fairhope in 2016. Her husband Michael is employed with UIC Professional Services/ Bowhead as a Software Engineer and can be seen helping on the parking team at 3 Circle Church every Sunday. Her son Nate is a senior and her daughter Mackenzie is a junior both at Fairhope High School. They are both regularly active at school, church, and in their community.
Librarian. It was the perfect opportunity and a blessing to be with her children every day and still be able to contribute to her family and church.
16 • September 2022 @realproducers
For Paula, the key to her current success as an agent is cultivating authentic relationships with her clients. “I genuinely want to help people,” she affirms, “I try to make my clients as comfortable as possible in what could otherwise be a stressful situation.” Because Paula has only been a practicing agent for a year, she stresses that she does not have all the answers, but she will do her best to find out! Learning and growing are an essential part of her job. Her years in human resources and customer service have taught her that honesty is always the best policy. “I treat my clients how I want to be treated,” Paula says. She not only recommends the golden rule I genuinely want to help people. I try to make my clients as comfortable as possible in what could otherwise be a stressful situation.
18 • September 2022 Be Confident In Your Property Transaction Inspecting homes pending a sale or pre-market home inspections! SouthernInspectionServices.net • (251) 404-0957 Covering Mobile & Baldwin Counties
to new agents but says joining a team of agents is a great opportunity for beginners. “Being a new agent can be challenging; you really have to hustle to get your business going. Being part of a group that works together and supports each other is amazing!” She loves working with Anne Dorman and Shanna Lolley on the Dorman Group Team, stressing that their col laboration and support have been essential. Her future goals include “paying it forward” and starting a team of her own one day. For now, Paula feels she is exactly where God wants her to be. She hopes people will hear her story and feel confident to pursue their dreams at any age. “My daughter recently asked me what my dream job would be,” she says, “I told her that I was doing it!” When Paula is not busy with her family and selling real estate, she enjoys watching her son play football, shopping with her daughter, spending time with her best friends — her mom and sister — and planning annual trips to Mentone, Alabama. “I feel extremely blessed,” she says, “I get to be a mom, a wife, and have a job that I love!”
Paula’s contact (251)realty.compaula@mobilebayinfo:232-1344
20 • September 2022 @realproducers PrestigiousFlooringandDesignLLC.com 251.802.0363 We Can Help Make That Home SOLD! Hardwood Services | Remodeling | Custom Fireplaces
22 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23@realproducers realproducersmag.com SERVING THROUGH CLEAR COMMUNICATION
“We focused our busi ness from the beginning on how many families we can serve. And that’s really our main focus. That’s how we base our success,” Bill Coley stated, talking about his business, ProComp Home Inspections. “We feel like if we focus on serving others, and serving our community and helping our neigh bors, then everything else will InspectionsProCompfollow.”Homecame about after Bill had bought a few properties himself and found that he did not know the name of the person who had inspected the proper ties. “I wanted to give clients a more personal and higher quality and level of commu nication.” Built on his experience as a con tractor, the company is also veteran-owned in that Bill served in the U.S. Army after high PROCOMPINSPECTIONS
partner spotlight By Brian Amend Photos by James Avera, Avera Design school, specializing in both communication and supply logistics. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, Bill attended Bishop State College HVAC Technical School. He then employed that trade as part of an HVAC, electrical, and plumbing outfit. In 2009, Bill went into law enforcement, resuming public service, work ing for both the Loxley Police Department and then the Fairhope Police Department until 2015. As a home inspector, Bill Coley endeavors to communicate clearly to the client the strong and weak points of the property and the substance of any repairs or modifications that may be needed: “One thing that sets us apart, why wouldREALTORs®wanttouse us, is because of our con struction background and knowledge. We know what’s important in the home inspection or the findings. We
HOME
to convey the weight of any findings accurately not just to avoid unnecessarily discouraging buyers but also to guide them in the right direction when findings are substantial. The most rewarding part of this vocation, he stated, is when buyers inform him that one of his inspections led them to purchase a better home than the one they had been considering: “I’ve gotten several phone calls and text messages that say, ‘Thank you so much for letting us know about the issue with that house. The second one that we found is absolutely perfect, and we’re so glad you gave us the information that we had to make the right decision.’”
The especially rewarding aspect of receiving these phone calls and texts is knowing that the guidance for which they are thankful will “impact a whole family.”
The consequence of this kind of communication drives Bill’s enterprise: “The reason I got into home inspections, to begin with, I feel like a lot of buyers possibly walked away from properties that they really shouldn’t have been scared of because of language used in inspection reports and it not really being explained by the ProCompinspector.”strives
24 • September 2022 know when we find an issue, we can relay that information to our clients to let them know if it’s insignificant or a low-cost issue. An inspector that doesn’t have that background may have to refer the client to a contrac tor to determine the significance of the issue.”
I’VE GOTTEN SEVERAL PHONE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES THAT SAY, ‘THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LETTING US KNOW ABOUT THE ISSUE WITH THAT HOUSE. THE SECOND ONE THAT WE FOUND IS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, AND WE’RE SO GLAD YOU GAVE US THE INFORMATION THAT WE HAD TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION.’
With his wife Ashley, Bill has four children, the oldest of whom, his daughter Tyler, age 21, has graduated culinary school and now works in Michigan in the food services industry. He has three sons, all of whom like to go boating and fish ing with him. “We’re on the water just about every weekend,” Bill stated. His oldest son, Christian, age 17, is a senior attending trade school to learn the practice of welding. His son Cullen, age 16, is a junior in high school and plays on the school’s golf team as well as with his father recreationally. Bill’s youngest, Cayden, age 12, is a “sports fanatic” who loves to play football and basketball. When asked about charities to which he donates, Bill related that he likes to help out individual families and leave his donations as anonymous as “paying it forward” to someone at a Starbucks drive-through.
26 • September 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com Kim Odom (251) 622-5004 kodom@showhomes.com Home Staging | Restyle | DesignFollow Us On showhomesmobilebal Call today and let us help you get your listing to appeal to as many buyers as IMPRESSIONSMATTERSPRESENTATIONpossible!ANDFIRSTCOUNT! Don't let ClosingruinPESTStheseyourDate! MRBUGGS.COM 251.979.1857 TOTAL HOME PROTECTION
Billy’s contact (251)procomphomeinspections.cominfo:367-3196
28 • September 2022 @realproducers realproducersmag.com Riaan du Plessis CPI, OWNER Cell: InterNACHI251-300-4711®Certified Professional Inspector® CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL INSPECTORS YOU CAN REFER TO YOUR CLIENTS FOLLOWInfo@HomeBossAL.comHomeBossInspection.com251-230-9595USON • Open 7 days a week • Same day Reports • Mold and Air Quality Testing • Residential & Commercial Inspections • Sewer Scope Prevent Loss, Contact the Boss! SERVING ALL OF MOBILE & BALDWIN COUNTIES Home Bossis now aCertified Fortified ������tor�� Damp crawl space - Sagging floors Call 251 333 9355 for a FREE estimate www.mdhFoundationRepair.com Exclusive providers of: Cracked foundation Uneven Sidewalks or Pool Decking Foundation problems don’t get bet ter with time... ... they get bet ter with us! Helping you help your clients myproshieldpest.com | (251) michael@myproshieldpest.com776-2362 We get rid of pests fast, safely and affordably. Contact us today for an estimate! Locally Owned & Operated | Over 30 years experience NOT PESTS. POTENTIAL BUYERS SHOULD BE SWARMING THE PROPERTY
Kristy Dave Danielson by Kayley Focus being one
Photography What are the parts of what you do that you enjoy the most? What satisfies and fulfills you? Chances are very good that your prime sense of satisfaction comes from
RESOURCEFUL AND REWARDING real producer By
Photos
First Steps Forward Kristy grew up in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Prior to that, she started in vacation industry sales at the Perdido Beach Hilton in Orange Beach.
Bushaw W
Robinson, Deep South
the
who guides others forward in their own lives. That seamlesstheirthetopics.for“IKristywhentunitiesthemdon’tachieveand“IresourcefulserveherrewardingbusinessfindsinwithAsandapproachBushawdescribesperfectlyKristyandhertolifebusiness.AssociateBrokerRE/MAXParadiseOrangeBeach,Kristyhercareerinthetobevery…givinganopportunitytootherswithhernature.amagoodlistener,Ihelpthemtotheirgoals.Ipushthem.Iletknowwhatopporareavailabletheyareready,”says.likebeingaresourceawidevarietyofIwanttomakeprocessofowningnewpropertyasaspossible.”
Away from work, Kristy treasures time with her family, including her daughter, Caitlyn, who attends the University of South Alabama and is pursuing a When someone calls and says they want to buy real estate, and they want a place their family can enjoy, my goal is to ask as many questions as possible to save customers time and money.
Solving Issues One of the most rewarding parts of what Kristy does is helping people solve their issues.
32 • September 2022 @realproducers
Positive Spark When you talk with Kristy, you can see the spark she has for what she does. “I really enjoy being able to help people. It’s a real boost for me,” Kristy says. “I tend to be very action-oriented. I always like to approach things from the standpoint of, ‘How can I help you today? How can I make it better?’ I like being able to give my clients a new beginning in a brand new home. Having said that, I really enjoy the variety of real estate that I work with, including condos, houses, land, lots, commercial and residential properties.”
“I love helping people and helping clients come up with solutions. Each phone call is an interview. When some one calls and says they want to buy real estate, and they want a place their fam ily can enjoy, my goal is to ask as many questions as possible to save customers time and money,” Kristy says. “That’s my goal … to help them achieve their goals in a shorter fashion.” Her record of results has been remarkable. In fact, as an example, in the month of June, Kristy ranked as the number one producing agent in Alabama across RE/MAX offices and number 10 in the Baldwin County Multiple Listing System. Kristy definitely does that. And those who have worked with her in the past reach out to Kristy for her advice well after the closing table.
Family Fulfillment
“I really enjoyed that. It was a great opportunity to promote the Gulf coast, which I love. I’ve seen the coastline completely change through time,” Kristy says. “My dad got me into real estate. My dad said he would make sure that I would be okay and support me while I was getting into it. He just wanted me to pursue it.”
Kristy's contact (251)Kristy@KristyBushaw.cominfo:223-1111
34 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 35realproducersmag.com Kurt Wielkens, kurt@coastalinsgrp251-344-9898Agent Ryan Ried, ryan@coastalinsgrp.com251-342-8269Agent Homeowners, Life, Auto & Business Insurance 3660 Dauphin St. Ste A • Mobile, AL 36608 Check us out on Facebook or online at www.coastalinsgrp.com Now is the time to prepare, do not wait for a storm to come and be too late. Understand your coverage BEFORE you file a claim • Answer all of your questions Make sure you understand your policies • Know what to do and expect We have dozens of companies to help with the most competitive home and auto policy for you. Give us a call today! communications degree, and daughter, Regan, who is a senior in high school. When it comes to giving back, Kristy has also been very involved in her local REALTOR® association over time. As part of that, she serves as a member of the Government Relations Committee. In addition to giving her a chance to give back to the industry she loves, she also takes opportunities to further herself with continuing education beyond what’s required for ongoing licensing renewal. In her free time, Kristy has a passion for running marathons and half Whenmarathons.yougiveyour clients the best of your experience and expertise and are there after the deal is done, you build relationships for the long run.
36 • September 2022 @realproducers 25378 Profit Dr. | Daphne, AL 36526 251-621-1750 8370 Jeff Hamilton Rd. Ext. | Mobile, AL 36695 251-639-3481 SouthEasternSolutions.com PROVIDES A QUICK, PROFESSIONAL TERMITE REPORT, TO BOND THE HOME & GET THE CLOSING QUICKER!
By Brian Amend Photos by Lisa Johnson, Deep South Focus Photography
A
When agents asked Holly Lovett and her business partner Audie Street to open a brokerage, they both said, “only if we can make it the kind of place where we’ve always wanted to work ... Most companies start with a financial concept,” Holly related. “We started with our ‘Why,’ and then the very last step was, ‘Can we keep the doors Beyondopen?’”keeping the doors open, the business that opened as Main Street Properties in Pensacola, FL, in 2011, now has around 200 agents with offices in Pensacola and Perdido Key, FL, and Daphne and Mobile, AL. Having become Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties in 2016, the agency has
38 • September 2022 Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Main PropertiesStreet
BUSINESSREALCOMPANYRELATIONSHIPINTHEESTATE
LOVETTHOLLY broker in charge
Holly emphasized that her business is not simply about the numbers: “We are a relationships company in the real estate business.” This mindset applies not just to customers who buy and sell properties through the brokerage but also to everyone who is in any way touched by the brokerage’s business: “When delivery drivers walk in to bring our packages, I want it to be something they look for ward to every day.” The agency also supports the community through The Main Street Foundation, a nonprofit organization that functions as a “gap” provider of assistance. When asked what this entailed, Holly answered that a person who loses their home in a fire or other event can apply to various agencies and to insurance companies to get assistance, but that takes time. A gap organization like The Main Street Foundation can step in and help with immediate needs, like replacing Christmas presents lost in a late December fire. The Main Street Foundation can and has helped in such situations. At Penelope’s House, the Main Street Foundation helped furnish a children’s room so that mothers can complete an appli cation there or get a needed change of scenery for a small child who can benefit from furniture in their size, including infant swings. Last year, The Main Street Foundation collected over 10 tons of food for Feeding the Gulf Coast and other area food banks via donations solicited door-to-door by Main Street agents. The work of The Main Street Foundation aligns with Holly’s sense that the business is about relationships.
40 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 41@realproducers realproducersmag.com sold over $3 Billion in real estate since opening and was recognized last year on the prestigious Swanepoel Mega 1000 list. Main Street agents have an over 80% productivity rate, impressive under any circumstances, but even more so when you realize that statistic includes brand new agents. “I take a lot of pride in that number because it shows how we’re investing in our people and helping them be productive.”
“Some people just want to go to work, sell some houses, and go home. They don’t want to collect food door-to-door, throw a party at the nursing home, cook for the families at Ronald McDonald House, or put a Santa hat on and donate an Xbox to a family. I get that,” Holly related. “At the same time, we’ve had the opportunity to just absolutely change some lives” while maintaining the necessary business focus to be an award-win ning brokerage many times over. At times, Holly has had to overcome incredulity that business people could genuinely be so altruistic or generous, but she takes it in stride and says that actions and results over time speak for themselves.
I TAKE A LOT OF PRIDE IN THAT NUMBER BECAUSE IT SHOWS HOW WE’RE INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE AND HELPING THEM BE PRODUCTIVE.
Holly’s career has been about making the greatest impact, which is why she chose to mentor agents. “I had an epiphany early in my career,” she explained. “When I got this business figured out – what makes it work and how to make it work for you — I realized that I could sell 100 homes a year if that was my goal. And that would be really good. I could make a big impact on my kids’ lives and help a lot of other people that way. And at the same time, I realized that I have a gift. A unique skill set to train and develop top talent. If I really want to make the biggest impact, I could help 100 agents each to sell 100 homes a year, and now, we’re really changing lives. That’s when my mission came into focus.”
Holly comes by her drive to “influence for good, positive change and impact,” pretty honestly. Her trailblazing grandmother, Jewel Adams, was the first female member of the board of directors of the Mobile Area Association of REALTORS® and a tenacious businesswoman and brokerage owner in her own right, long before that was a commonplace occurrence. It’s easy to see, with the large portrait hanging outside her office, why Holly holds the memory of her grandmother close to her heart.
42 • September 2022 Mobile Bay Real Producers • 43@realproducers realproducersmag.com
Holly’s advice to up-and-coming agents is wise advice for us all:
“Always value your relationships and guard against technologies or techniques that make a process more efficient and rob you of your effectiveness in that area. Communicate well, take care of your people, invest your time and emotions wisely, and never place a value on a business relationship based on the market of the moment. Treat everyone, at all times, as though they have a sign around their neck that says ‘Make me feel important.’ Because they are.”
By Dave Danielson Photos by Kayley Robinson, Deep South Focus Photography
charitable REALTOR®
One of those who has been very engaged as a REALTOR® and as a good neighbor is Hope Brown.
As Hope explains, the gap in medical care can be something that is easily overlooked in our society today. “Oftentimes, patients fighting these conditions have to keep working because if they lose their insurance, they can’t cover their treatments,” she points out. “We want to help them financially and emotionally. It’s very localized and very much a need because it makes an impact in the Brascommunity.”AcrosstheCauseway provides an invaluable service, and Hope has been proud to be part of it as a sup porter and volunteer through the last few “Breastyears.cancer isn’t just a physical thing … it is an emotional and mental challenge to overcome, as well,” she says.
As REALTOR®/Associate Broker with Roberts Brothers, Hope exemplifies what it means to make an individual impact … through her involvement as a committee member with Bras Across the Causeway.
The greatest achievements in the world start with vision … with one person having a glimpse of what the world could be like … and then they take action.
Meeting a Real Need
INDIVIDUAL IMPACT
Adding Light Another one of Hope’s favorite local organizations to support is Light of the Village … an inner-city
Breast cancer isn’t just a physical thing … it is an emotional and overcome,challengementaltoaswell.
The same holds true for those who join the effort to support positive causes that help our neighbors.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 45realproducersmag.com
“It focuses on connecting with breast cancer patients in the area. We help patients at Providence Hospital cover their basic living expenses … giving them the freedom to focus on getting better,” Hope explains. “Time is very limited, but I wanted to make sure that I got involved with an orga nization that actually gives back to the community.”
Hope has a lot of admiration for the couple who started the organization — Jon and Doloris Eads.
“In 2001, there was a crack house that was trans formed into the base of Light of the Village. Now children have an afterschool program where they can come … a safe place where they can study, get tutoring and a snack,” Hope explains.
“They have hearts of gold. I like to visit and volun teer with them,” she emphasizes. “They are literally the light in the dark.”
46 • September 2022 program that provides a Christian ministry to spread the message of faith, hope and love to the inner city.
“That’s really what they focus on … to help these kids and give them a little support. They also have a summer program. They involve Christ-centered college and high school kids to mentor the younger kids through summer camps.”
A Career of Caring Before beginning her real estate career, Hope worked in human resources as a medical industry Regional Recruiter. She also served in the mortgage business for 15 years before she earned her real estate license. But as she explains, her start in the business really got underway well before that. “I’ve been in real estate since I was 5 years old. That’s when both my parents got into real estate. My parents started and took me everywhere with them. I had the luxury of growing up in the busi ness,” Hope says.
Hope’s contact (251)hopebrown@robertsbrothers.cominfo:463-4304 It was a God thing. I really felt a calling.
“When I was in the mortgage business for 15 years, the idea of going into real estate kept coming to me. It was a God thing. I really felt a calling,” she remembers.
“I took real estate classes in three weeks and took the test and started.” It didn’t take long for Hope to make a lasting impact. In fact, during her first year in the business, she earned Rookie of the Year honors. Family Highlights Away from work, Hope cherishes time with her family, including her husband, Russ, and their two children — Faith and Christian.
In her spare time, Hope and Russ enjoy being engaged with their church and share a passion for cooking,” she says. “My husband loves to cook. He loves to be in the kitchen. We found when we do it together, we enjoy it as a family.
“I always said I never want to sell real estate. I saw all the hard work and dedication that my mom put in. She has been in it for over 30 years.” Some things are meant to be. And that’s the feeling Hope definitely has had about her career.
“During COVID-19, there was a different need. I became a better neighbor. During COVID-19, I invested in my neighbors. I checked on my clients and called them every other week to see how they were and asked if they had needs,” Hope says. “I cook and freeze food. That’s my closing gift to clients and to neighborhoods and friends. I show up with lasagna and put it on their front doorstep. I have a lot of elderly people on my street. I wanted to make sure that everyone was safe and had essentials. I like to check on people. I’ve taken something I love to do and used it to help my community. I hope it’s bringing hope to people.” Hope definitely does that on a daily basis. And it all begins with individual impact.
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Hope has incorporated her passion into her profes sion with a very tasty way of saying thank you.
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