Plunkett Ellen
RISING STAR
Ann Callegen
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Tiffany Bradley, Holland Mortgage
BROKER IN CHARGE
Tom Stanton, Exit Realty Gulf Shores
SEPTEMBER 2023 MOBILE BAY
ELEVATING. INSPIRING.
CONNECTING.
REAL PRODUCER
Don't Let Another Deal Go Underwater Due To Title Issues... USE OUR PROACTIVITY & EXPERIENCE AS A LIFELINE FOR YOUR CLIENTS! I have used Dena and her company for three years now! As a Realtor, I have to be a Problem Solver in this market. I care about my Clients and Saving them $$, Getting their property Closed Efficiently! Dena and her company have always been Professional and were awesome in every task presented! I will continue to Close Properties with her and her Team! I highly recommend them! Thanks Dena! - Kathy Guidroz Dena Motroni 251.968.5586 Dena@MLJEscrowGulf.com | MLJTitle.com 74 Portico St. | Fairhope 22645 Canal Rd., Ste. B | Orange Beach
4 • September 2023 @realproducers Home Business Commercial Rentals
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 7 6 • September 2023 @realproducers realproducersmag.com WITH A CLEAN HOME EXTERIOR! Your clients & potential home buyers wow Your Family Triangle Movers Full-Service Moving Your Clients Can Rely On! • Local & Long Distance • Corporate Relocation • Packing Supplies • Full-Service Packing Solutions • Short & Long-Term Storage 866-726-1579 AllMySons.com/Alabama/Mobile Have your clients scan to easily obtain their free quote! 18 Broker in Charge: Tom Stanton - Exit Realty Gulf Shores 08 Preferred Partners 12 Publisher’s Note: Our Next Social Event - September 18th 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 . 42 Rising Star: Ann Callegan CONTENTS TABLE OF 34 Real Producer: Ellen Plunkett, One Club Gulf Shores 26 Partner Spotlight: Tiffany Bradley, Holland Mortgage Advisors (HMA)
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 (251) 937-4111
7581 Spanish Fort Blvd. Spanish Fort, AL 36527 LDholt.com
BUILDER
DR Horton (251) 447-0329 drhorton.com
BUSINESS NETWORKING
Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Michael Galvin (251) 431-8628 mobilechamber.com
FLOORING & DESIGN
Prestigious Flooring and Design LLC
Garrett Scarberry (251) 802-0363 prestigiousflooringand designllc.com
FOUNDATION REPAIR
MDH Foundation Repair
Shannon Reichart (251) 375-0565
108 5th Street, Daphne, AL 36526 mdhfoundationrepair.com/
HOME IMPROVEMENT/ MAINTENANCE
All Inclusive Maintenance (251) 509-4618 aimremodels.com
HOME INSPECTION
Complete Home Inspections, LLC (251) 510-1809 completehome inspectionsllc.com
Crum Home Inspections (251) 281-7387
www.crumhome inspections.com
Home Boss Inspection
Riaan du Plessis (251) 230-9595
323 De La Mare Ave, Suite 9 Fairhope, AL 36532
www.HomeBossI nspection.com
Legendary Home Inspections (251) 367-3196
legendaryhome inspections.com
HOME WARRANTY Home Warranty Inc. (260) 433-4027 homewarrantyinc.com
Old Republic Home Protection
Todd Powell (850) 543-1512 x1 www.ORHP.com
HVAC SERVICES
Don Hembree Heating & Air (251) 259-4664 hembreeac.com
HVAC/PLUMBING
Hansen Heating & Air
Brianna Mcadory (251) 471-3047
Hansenair.com
INSURANCE AGENCY
Coastal Insurance Group, LLC
Kurt Wielkens (251) 344-9898
3660 Dauphin Street, Suite A Mobile, AL 36608
www.coastalinsgrp.com
Goosehead Insurance (251) 999-6931 wigginsflock.com
Lynne Ernest Insurance, LC (251) 971-3622
LENDER
Airborne Mortgage Group
Kenneth Harter (251) 282-6894
airbornemortgagegroup.com
Holland Mortgage Advisors
Tiffany Bradley (251) 219-4043
HMAmortgage.com
Movement Mortgage
Richard C Hampton (251) 270-4482
4851 Wharf Parkway Suite D-228
Orange Beach, AL 36561 movement.com/chad.hampton
MOLD AND ODOR
REMEDIATION
Lightspeed Restoration
Jimmie Newton (251) 776-4669
25421 Hwy. 181, Suite 103 Daphne, AL 36527 LightspeedRestoration.com
MOVING/DELIVERY/ STORAGE
All My Sons Moving & Storage
www.allmysons.com/mobile/ index.aspx
Motivated Movers (251) 621-0063
28225 N Main Street Daphne, AL 36526 getmotivatedmovers.com
PEST SOLUTIONS
E3 Termite & Pest Control
Mike Adams (251) 850-7378
20040 Hwy 181 Fairhope, AL 36532
E3pest.com
Proshield Termite & Pest Control
Michael Hayes (251) 776-2362
Southeastern Exterminating (251) 402-0264
PHOTOGRAPHY
Deep South Focus
Photography
Jon Jeffress (251) 421-0517
233 Suzanne Circle, Mobile, AL 36608 www.deepsouthfocus.com/
POWER WASHING
Prestige Power Washing
John Lankford (251) 213-8313
14194 Sierra Court Summerdale, AL 36580
REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS
Baldwin Realtors Association (251) 947-3777 baldwinrealtors.com
ROOFING SERVICES
Pro Roofing Solutions (251) 376-5810 proroofingsolutions mobile.com
Professional Roofing & Construction (251) 680-7500 prorc.org
SIGNS & GRAPHICS
Fast Signs
Pauline McKean (251) 279-0747 4668 Airport Blvd. Mobile, AL 36608 fastsigns.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Southern View Media (251) 517-9425 southernviewmedia.com
STAGE & DESIGN
Showhomes, Mobile
- Baldwin
Kim Odom (251) 622-5004
82 Plantation Pointe Fairhope, AL 36532 www.showhomesmobile baldwin.com
TITLE COMPANY
MLJ Escrow (251) 968-5586 www.mljtitle.com
Springdale Title, LLC
Diane Brookerd (251) 270-4500 1501B Highway 98 Daphne, AL 36526 springdaletitle.com
VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES
EyeSky Video & Photo, LLC
Stephen Hinds (317) 727-2919
297 Beall Lane Daphne, AL 36526 eyeskyvp.com
A Professional Service with a Personal Approach
Performing Licensed and Certified Residential Inspections in Mobile and Baldwin County for Over 20 Years
Plumbing Systems & Appliances | Electrical Systems | HVAC Systems Foundation & Crawl Space (as accessible) | Roo ng & Attic (as accessible)
Windows/ Doors | Installed Kitchen Appliances | Fireplace/ Chimney | Pools
Garage/ Workshops | Exterior Siding | Deck/ Patio | Topography/ Drainage
@realproducers realproducersmag.com
Daniel Crigger, Owner (251) 510-1809 chi.mobile.llc@gmail.com completehomeinspectionsllc.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9 8 • September 2023
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 11 10 • September 2023 realproducersmag.com Inspiring conversations with the nation’s top real estate agents. Same Brand, New Reach – Tune in for free today podcast.realproducersmag.com
Asia Schnoes Social Media Project Manager
Dave Danielson Contributing Writer
Crystal Barley Publishing Assistant
Lew Thomas, Videographer Adobe House Media Productions
Chistina Head Ad Strategist
Robert Orso Owner/Publisher
REAL PRODUCERS TEAM MOBILE BAY MEET THE
Jon Jeffress Photographer
Ron Sivak Writter
By Robert Orso publisher’s note
Our Next Social Event
Mobile Bay Real Producers will have our next social event will be on September 18, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at One Club in Gulf Shores! Located at 4500 Gulf Shores Parkway. This is a beautiful facility and is the largest private community and resort in the area. Our event will be centered around their new pool area with access to inside facilities as well. Due to the extreme heat, we wanted to wait until fall and get past Labor Day.
RSVP emails began being sent out in July, so please RSVP early to allow us to accurately plan and make your event the best it can be. As always, great small bites will be provided, and for this event, a cash bar will be open.
Food availability will be based on RSVP responses, so be sure to RSVP!
The only Realtors we invite to our events are the top Realtors who produce 90% of the real estate transactions. Currently, that is about 6% of the Realtors in Baldwin and Mobile Counties. You should be honored to be included and I hope you will make this a priority.
Our events are strictly social and networking events for the elite community of real estate titans, and they are always fun and rewarding because of who you meet and network with to continue your amazing success. Be on the lookout for your invitation that will come via Eventbrite. I look forward to seeing all of you I have met and those of you I have yet to meet!
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13 12 • September 2023 @realproducers realproducersmag.com
- September 18th
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 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.
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 individual. 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 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 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.
14 • September 2023 @realproducers
numbers: 53505, EMP-6321, MG-2057, MP-4128, ELEC 08445 FAQ
License
FAQ
16 • September 2023 @realproducers GARRETT SCARBERRY | OWNER 251.802.0363 PRESTIGIOUSFLOORINGANDDESIGNLLC.COM PARTNER WITH THE PRESTIGIOUS TEAM TO SELL YOUR LISTINGS FASTER! HARDWOOD SERVICES REMODELING CUSTOM FIREPLACES LICENSED INSURED BONDED CERTIFIED
STANTON
ALWAYS IN YOUR HEART
Tom Stanton, broker/owner of Exit Realty Gulf Shores and Mobile Bay Real Producers September featured Broker in Charge, grew up in Monroeville, due north of his current home on the Gulf Coast.
“I went to high school at Monroe Academy and graduated in 1974 with a class of 35 students.” Stanton said.
Tom was the quintessential athlete growing up, active in most sports.
“I played basketball, football, tennis and ran track. My dad wanted me to be a baseball player, but I didn’t like it.” he said.
Stanton was also active in the local church growing up, where his future wife, Toni Allen, also participated.
“We took part in all the church programs. Everything revolved around that in our small town.” Tom said. Stanton was also raised around the real estate industry due to his mother.
“My mom, Ouida Stanton, was an agent, so real estate has been with me all my life. She worked for The Farish Agency, in Monroeville.” he said.
Tom and Toni eventually re-connected at Auburn University and soon became a couple. Tom studied
Construction Science while Toni took up Journalism. In 1980, they tied the knot and began starting a family.
“I went to work as an estimator with an outfit called Southern General Contractors in Monroeville. My wife was home having babies and we started our family quickly. We wound up having four children, two boys and two girls.” Tom said.
Oldest daughter Bonny was born in 1982, then Allen in 1983, Molly in 1985, and Tommy in 1987. By 2010, all four had finished college and married. Tom and Toni currently have 13 grandchildren.
In 1984 Stanton picked up his real estate license while still working as a contractor. He felt it might be needed in the future and was a natural progression. A few lateral job moves later found him working on Ono Island in the early 1990’s.
homes. It wasn’t anything like it is today.” Tom said.
“I bought into a development with Bob Malone at Commander Realty. It was a site called Woodbridge going up in Foley. It took a lot more work than expected, so one day Bob said to me, ‘You got your license, why don’t you sell a little real estate?’. That suggestion got me out of construction quick. With my work contacts, it blossomed.” Stanton said.
Another seminal moment happened early in the new Millenium, transforming Tom into a business owner.
20 • September 2023 @realproducers
IT WAS ALL NEW AND FRESH BACK THEN, THEY WERE JUST STARTING TO DEVELOP HOMES. IT WASN’T ANYTHING LIKE IT IS TODAY.
which I initially thought was the dumbest name ever heard for a company in this industry.” Tom said.
“However, every time I went back over, they would tell me something else that made sense. I soon thought this was where I needed to be to grow my business. They had the tools I was looking for, and the commission plan was well designed.” he added.
Tom went on to say that he bought the first franchise to open in Alabama, the first to open in Baldwin County and the second overall to set up shop in the state.
From 2002 to 2008 Exit Realty Gulf Shores saw mind-blowing growth, opening satellite offices in Perdido Key, Orange Beach, Summerdale, and Daphne.
“In 2002 we started out with about eight agents. By the time 2008 came around, before the market went crazy due to the Great Recession, we had five offices and upwards of 300 agents.” Stanton said.
After the market imploded, his company downsized at a frighteningly fast rate. Compounded by the BP oil spill in 2010, Stanton survived by pivoting to the foreclosure market, showing grit and determination, when an overwhelming number of competitors shuttered permanently.
Exit Realty Gulf Shores finally saw a turnaround in the residential market in 2014. Wife Toni and youngest son Tommy played an instrumental part in making it happen.
“Tommy got licensed as a Realtor that year and Toni became licensed to teach pre-licensing and post-licensing courses. It was a nice way to start building back up because she was bringing in agents who needed a job. We added between 25 to 30 agents a year using this program. Today we have between 60 to 70.” Tom said.
Now back and as strong as ever, with a new location recently opening in Orange Beach and managed by son Tommy, Stanton reflected on the innumerable collection of awards lining his shelves from 21 years in the industry.
For Tom, there are only a handful that hold special significance for him and his family. These include:
The Exit Phoenix Award (2022), awarded for offices undergoing extraordinary adversity, enduring, and still seeing stellar success.
Brokerage of the Year in Alabama, 2017 to 2021; Top Office in Sales Volume and Top Office in Transactions in 2022.
2020 and 2021 were especially noteworthy, with back-toback assaults from a COVID-19 lockdown, followed by a soggy sucker punch from Hurricane Sally the very next year.
“Our office flooded, and we lost all our furniture and flooring. Sheetrock had to be torn out and we were working out of one little conference room that didn’t get any damage in the building, trying to keep things going.” Tom said.
Other highlights include seeing son Tommy honored as Baldwin Realtor Association “Realtor of the Year” in 2021, as well as proudly watching him serve as President of the Baldwin Realtor’s Association in 2022 (Tom served the same role in 2000).
When asked for insight he could proffer those who would start or move into a career in real estate, Stanton supplied an interesting statistic:
“I read an article several years ago saying that most people start their final career at age 55. I’m very fortunate to have been in a business I’ve loved all my life. Everybody can’t say that. Real estate is one of those things. If you love it, it’s always in your heart and stays there forever.”
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23 realproducersmag.com
24 • September 2023 @realproducers Residential & Commercial Listing Photos | Aerial Property Photography 3D Virtual Tours | Social Media Tiles | Virtual Staging Scan to easily book a listing project 251.421.0517 | DeepSouthFocus.com Jon & Julie Je ress, Owners Listing Photos Delivered Within 24 Hours! DEEP SOUTH FOCUS PHOTOGRAPHY, where your "image” is our "focus" Kurt Wielkens, Agent 251-344-9898 kurt@coastalinsgrp Ryan Ried, Agent 251-342-8269 ryan@coastalinsgrp.com 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! VA Loans FHA Home Loan USDA Loans Home Refinance Home Purchase Scan here to easily partner with us Ken Harter, US Army Veteran NMLS #1804351 (251) 282-6894 ken.harter@airbornemortgagegroup.com Airborne Mortgage Group Powered by Edge Home Finance NMLS #891464
Tiffany Bradley
By Dave Danielson
Photos by Lew Thomas, Adobe House Media Productions
partner spotlight
Holland Mortgage Advisors (HMA)
Customized Approach
In the same way that no two paths are the same, it follows that no single set of recommendations will work for multiple mortgages and customers.
“I absolutely love working for Holland Mortgage Advisors (HMA). Our company carries with it a reputation and brand unmatched by any other in the industry. No single scenario is the same, and our team works tirelessly to ensure every REALTOR partner and customer has a great experience,” Tiffany boasts.
More about HMA
HMA is a highly respected independent mortgage lender headquartered in Pennsylvania since 2005. The company is licensed in 12 States: Alabama, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Missouri & Mississippi. HMA has multiple-year winners of the 5 Star Mortgage Professional Award.
Results
You Can Rely Upon
Senior Loan Officer, Tiffany Bradley is that type of partner that you can count on to deliver a truly customized approach when helping a customer with their mortgage and financing.
“I enjoy talking with buyers. Everyone’s financial situation is different … and I love learning what’s best for each person to help them buy the home of their dreams,” Tiffany says.
“It’s always great when I hear back from clients … to see how their family has grown and developing that personal relationship through time.”
Moving Through Time
Tiffany grew up on the Gulf Coast, then moved to Atlanta and then relocated back to the Gulf.
“I’m originally from the Gulf Coast, then relocated from Atlanta with my husband a few years ago to be closer to my parents and brother, and nephews, who all reside in Baldwin County.”
Tiffany started working in the financial industry 13 years ago. In time she became a personal banker, mortgage loan assistant, and mortgage loan originator to put home loans together.
“I’ve loved the mortgage side of the business,” she says. “I like putting the puzzle pieces together to figure out the best financial mortgage product for each person.”
Quality Solutions Right On Time
Tiffany is quick to highlight the contributions of her team and the quality of the organization as a whole.
“It is truly a collaborative effort between our Loan Officers and Operations Department and the strength of teamwork is reiterated and reflected in HMA’s core values,” she says.
“We work together 365 days a year, 7 days a week. As part of that, our standard hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. With the mortgage industry and the market being as competitive as it is, it’s important that we are available for them when they need us.”
Quality Control and Superior Service
Another advantage that HMA has is in terms of its control over the entire process.
“We are a fully delegated mortgage bank, which means we fund mortgages with our own money and control the process from start to finish. It’s all done in house,” she says.
Family Fulfillment
Away from work, Tiffany cherishes time with family, including her husband, Alan, and their children— their son, Gregory, and their daughter, Grace.
In her free time, she and her husband enjoy cruising on the boat with her family and can usually be found on the weekends at Pirate’s Cove. They also have a passion for animals, including their three dogs.
For All the Right Reasons
Through time, Tiffany has continued to build an impressive record of results. And it has always started with that same customized approach.
“My hope with my REALTOR® partners is that they know from start to finish and beyond closing that I am reliable, trustworthy and committed,” Tiffany says.
“I am very transparent throughout the process. You will hear from me throughout every step
or the mortgage process. That’s one of the most important pieces.”
When you’re looking for a partner to deliver the same level of customized care to your clients as you do each day, look to Tiffany Bradley and HMA.
Contact Tiffany Bradley with Holland Mortgage Advisors Today!
30 • September 2023 @realproducers realproducersmag.com Never Delay Insurance Again! WIGGINSFLOCK.COM 251.385.5033 Call us today and let us LIGHTEN THE LOAD! Denny Hall 251.650.1622 Brandy Byrd 251.328.4080 Tessa Wiggins 251.999.6931 ind GOOD INSURANCE for your clients? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED. HOME AUTO FLOOD • SAME DAY QUOTES • BINDER CHANGES IN AN HOUR HELPING MAKE CLIENTS HOME DREAM HOME! 20+ years of trusted experience Carpentry • Painting • Plumbing • Repairs & More! aimremodels.com YOUR THEIR
Email: tbradley@hmamortgage.com Phone: 251-219-4043
32 • September 2023 @realproducers We're Motivated to Move Your Clients! Residential Moves | Long Distance Moves | Loading & Unloading | Packing & Unpacking Scan here to ensure a stress-free move for your clients today 251.621.0063 | hello@getmotviatedmovers.com
Plunkett Ellen
ONE CLUB GULF SHORES
Transforming Gulf Shores: The Visionary Story of ONE Club
Entrepreneur Daniel Palmier serves as the Founder and Chairman of UC Funds, a distinguished private finance firm. In addition to Mr. Palmier’s long-standing track record in commercial real estate, his philanthropic passion found expression in the ONE Foundation, a global non-profit whose mission is to assist individuals in local and global communities to attain a better quality of life. In 2016, Daniel purchased Emerald Greens, a 490unit condo and apartment golf course community located on Gulf Shores Parkway and adjacent to Craft Farms.
three Fs: Faith, Family, and Friends. As you will see later in this article, he also incorporated a fourth F – Funinto his Gulf Shores ventures.
The origin of ONE Club came from Daniel and UC Funds’ recognition of a growing market teeming with opportunity. This venture was not only a lucrative investment, but a chance to contribute significantly to the economic development of Gulf Shores. In addition to the business aspect of the purchase, Daniel also integrated the teaching from his grandmother of
A decisive turn came when Dan invited Ellen Plunkett to head his newly formed realty company to buy and sell condos, starting with his ambitious vision into what we now know as ONE Club Gulf Shores. Ellen began her real estate career in Rhode Island, where she was first licensed, and continued working as a broker for nearly two decades in Boston and the surrounding Northeast area. Over the course of 20 years, she brokered an impressive $50 million across diverse real estate products, establishing her success in the field. Now, Ellen Plunkett is nominated as one of the top producing Brokers in the Gulf Coast area. To date, Ellen has brokered more than $24 million in condo sales and land deals in Gulf Shores.
When Ellen was first hired, the mission was to renovate the condos and apartment homes, golf course, and amenities and elevate the new brand, ONE Club, as a 5-star resort community on par with destinations found in Miami or Palm Beach, Florida, but one that was affordable in nature.
real producer
34 • September 2023
By Rosemarie McElwee
Photos By Lew Thomas, Adobe House Media Productions
Apartment and condo renovations were just the beginning of the improvements occurring at ONE Club. Over $25 million has been invested to a series of comprehensive renovations since its opening in 2018. The golf course was completely overhauled, and a partnership was created between Troon Golf’s Craft Farms courses to offer the Best 45 holes in golf. The team then transformed a local golf grill into a stunning restaurant and sports bar called Bar 45 complemented by two new pools, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a golf simulator, and indoor game rooms. Meanwhile, the buildings and living spaces saw new roofs, fresh paint, new appliances, cabinetry, wood plank flooring, and a complete refurbishment of the clubhouse.
Over time, the ONE Club business model changed as the ONE Club apartment rentals were so successful, Ellen and Dan purchased all the condos and converted them to renovated apartments and furnished vacation rentals. Today, ONE Club stands as the most popular lifestyle development on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, complete with a sought-after golf course and pool club that is available for public memberships. ONE Club’s success is undeniable. It’s been named the #1 Residential Community in Baldwin County for four consecutive years. Its golf and social memberships have seen phenomenal growth, and it
has fostered close partnerships with the city and county for ongoing economic development.
The ambitious vision for ONE Club does not stop here. Plans for more growth are in motion with acquired contiguous land to ultimately own over 100 acres for a to-be-developed mixed-use community, including retail, apartments, hotels, and other commercial uses. The opportunity for growth and development is as strong and visionary as it was at the beginning of the project, and Plunkett and Palmier remain committed to developing business in the region.
Palmier’s ONE Foundation has also been instrumental in fostering community involvement and philanthropy. It has contributed $100s of thousands of dollars to Gulf Shores and Baldwin County, extending its reach across Alabama. An annual charity golf tournament was created to support local environmental initiatives, Alabama’s Gulf Coast Zoo, and special programs with the Gulf Shores School District. ONE Foundation’s support has been crucial during times of disaster in Alabama, providing healthcare services during hurricanes, tornadoes, and significantly contributed to the sustainability for the Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 37 realproducersmag.com
Gulf Shores’ attractiveness goes beyond its pleasant climate and award-winning white quartzite sand beaches. Its natural resources, including a 6,000 acres state park which is ranked #1 in America, and commitment to environmental sustainability make it an appealing destination. Cost-wise, it offers a more affordable alternative to Florida without compromising on amenities and services. The local school district is the best in the County, and the nearby Gulf Shores International Airport is set for expansion, promising increased accessibility for visitors and residents.
According to a Wall Street Journal, Baldwin County has been the fastest-growing county in the Country for a decade, with a notable percentage of the population increase coming from retirees being priced out of South Florida. But young professionals and groups between ages 30-50 have also begun to flock to the area thanks to the flexibility of a work-from-home world.
Seeing around corners, Palmier anticipated this growth even before the migration of new residents, intrigued
by the natural beauty, attractive climate, and recreational options in the area. Gulf Shores recently saw the first new zoo open in the country in 25 years and extensive sporting facilities less than a quarter of a mile from ONE Club. Golf enthusiasts have the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, and the area houses the largest manmade reef in the world, which is home to countless species of sea life. Every year, Gulf Shores hosts such national events as the Women’s NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship to a national ESPN viewership, the Hangout Music Festival, and several national fishing tournaments throughout the year.
The story of ONE Club is, at its heart, a tale of expertise, entrepreneurship, love of Baldwin County, and transformative leadership. The future is bright as Ellen Plunkett, alongside Team ONE, the ONE Club family, and Palmier, continues to chart a course that promises prosperity and growth. The vision of ONE Club and Gulf Shores flourishing together for decades to come is well within reach. And as this journey unfolds, there’s nothing but excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 39
The story of ONE Club is, at its heart, a tale of expertise, entrepreneurship, love of Baldwin County, and transformative leadership.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 41 40 • September 2023 @realproducers realproducersmag.com 251-270-4500 | aledocs@springdaletitle.com | SpringdaleTitle.com 25369 HWY. 98, DAPHNE, AL 36526, Suite D-1, in the Southern View Media Building 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE We Say to Your Clients! Our years of experience in the real estate industry make that promise a reality Diane Brookerd Scan here to turn your client’s chaos into a successful closing! WE SAY YES TO: Split Closings • Remote Signings Additional Documents • Chain of Title Issues Extraordinary Closing Circumstance • & More! myproshieldpest.com (251) 776-2362 michael@myproshieldpest.com Locally Owned & Operated Over 30 years experience NOT PESTS. POTENTIAL BUYERS SHOULD BE SWARMING THE PROPERTY CHECK US OUT!
CALLEGAN
PERPETUAL MOTION
One of the telltale signs of true leadership is the ability to make things happen through time.
Ann Callegan is one such leader.
As a REALTOR® with RE/MAX of Orange Beach, Ann has a kind of commitment that can accurately be described as perpetual motion.
“My relationships with clients go on forever,” she says.
“I become great friends with them and help them go above and beyond. They are always part of my life. I never stop.”
Ann hold credentials as a Resort and Second Home Specialist.
“I love looking at the properties,” Ann says. “Sometimes customers will apologize for having me go to several places to find the right place for them. But I say, ‘Don’t apologize. I love it as much as you do.’”
PREPARING THE WAY
Before getting into real estate, she built a successful background that prepared her for the trials and opportunities in the business.
Her story began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, working at her parents’ family business — advertising for Yellow Pages.
“We did national sales, and that was good experience, because I look at real estate as sales as well. That got me started in my career. I loved real estate through time,” Ann remembers.
“On the weekends, I would go to open houses and critique the houses and decide if I thought they had placed the house at a good price. I just loved to do that.”
OPENING A NEW CHAPTER
In time, Ann and her family knew that the era of Yellow Pages was drawing to a rapid close.
“We sold the business. That year, in 2009, there were 154 companies like ours in the business. By the next year, there were only four left.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 43 realproducersmag.com
By Dave Danielson
Photos by Lew Thomas, Adobe House Media Productions
rising star
In 2004, Ann and her husband bought a house in Orange Beach.
“We had always planned on coming here to retire. When I sold the business, he retired from Marathon Oil as Operations Maintenance Coordinator, a role he had for 31 years,” Ann remembers.
“Then we came to Orange Beach. We had also opened up a pizza restaurant. I enjoyed it but it still wasn’t what I wanted to do with my life.”
GETTING HER START
Ann and her husband sold the business and she made the decision to go into real estate. After earning her license, she interviewed with multiple brokerages. Then she found where she knew she should be.
“When I interviewed with Patrick Daily, I knew that’s where I wanted to be. He is such a strong mentor. He’s a great man and leader,” Ann
I TELL PEOPLE THE TRUTH AND I PRIDE MYSELF ON IT. IT’S IMPORTANT AS A BUYER’S AGENT THAT YOU PROTECT YOUR CLIENT TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY IN PURCHASING THAT PROPERTY.
says. “He keeps us focused on what we’re doing. It’s not just business. I felt like I was back with another family.”
That family feel has nurtured her achievements in her career. In fact, when she started in the business in 2018, she set a goal of earning a spot in the Hall of Fame within five years. It was a goal she ended up achieving.
LIFE’S FULFILLMENT
Family holds a huge place in Ann’s heart. She treasures time with her husband, Harvey.
“He helps me put up signs and he comes to take videos of me to put on Facebook. He is very supportive and proud of what I’ve accomplished,” she says with a smile.
In her free time, she and Harvey enjoy their property on the water near Old River. She enjoys jet skiing, as well as pontooning on the river.
44 • September 2023
When it comes to giving back, Ann is involved in the Baldwin County Humane Society.
“We adopt and do some animal rescues with cats. We have two rescue cats at our house,” she says.
In addition, she and the members of the team send a portion of every commission to the Children’s Miracle Network. In fact, her office has been the highest contributing RE/MAX office in the state. Their funds go to benefit the local hospital in Mobile.
As she says, “It means so much to be able to see the results on the faces of the children there.”
FINDING A WAY FORWARD
With honesty, compassion and knowledge, Ann finds a positive way forward for her clients.
“I tell people the truth and I pride myself on it. It’s important as a buyer’s agent that you protect your client to the best of your ability in purchasing that property,” she says.
No matter what the opportunity or the property, Ann Callegan equips her clients for success with her relentless efforts and perpetual motion forward.
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 47 @realproducers realproducersmag.com 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.” (251) 680-7500 | prorc.org KIM ODOM (251) 622-5004 kodom@showhomes.com showhomesmobilebaldwin.com Call today and let us help you get your listing to appeal to as many buyers as possible! Staged properties sell up to 25% over listing price and spend 75% less time on the market than a non-staged home.� Staging | Photo Prep | Consultations | Design Follow Us On
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 49 48 realproducersmag.com Mention This Ad For An Exclusive Offer! Beau Crum Owner & Inspector 251.281.7387 CrumHomeInspections.com Partner With An Expert Home Inspector Who Operates With Integrity To Ensure Your Clients Are Confident In Their Real Estate Purchases! Pet Friendly • Same-Day Reports New Construction Builder Warranty Inspections Buyer Inspections • Seller Inspections • Drone Inspections Veteran Owned FREE Home Evaluations Termite Control • Pest Control Mobile Office: 251.639.3481 | Daphne Office: 251.621.1750 | SoutheasternSolutions.com Scan For A Quick Turnaround On Reports To Help You Close Faster! ...Turn Into A Nightmare! Don’t Let Your Client’s Dream
Spray Foam Homes | Stucco Homes Homes On Pilings Eco-Friendly Products Triple Protection Treatment Plan Call us today for an inspection! 251.850.PEST (7378) E3Pest.com Get the BEST Termite Inspection for your Buyer/Seller! We are now using Crawl Bots on Crawlspace Inspections with HD Videos!