Roof Installation, Metal Roofing, Shingles Roofing, Flat Roofing
GUTTERS
Seamless Rain Gutters, Gutter Installation
Bella Snowden
Christina Kitchen
Robert Orso
Ron Sivak
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!
CLEANING - RESIDENTIAL
J. S. Fresh Start Cleaning Services, LLC (251) 654-5650
DRONE VIDEO/ PHOTOGRAPHER
Adobe House
Media Production
Lew Thomas
(251) 454-0004
27940 Bay Branch Drive Daphne, AL 36526 adobehousemp.com
Richard C Hampton (251) 270-4482 4851 Wharf Parkway Suite D-228 Orange Beach, AL 36561 movement.com/chad. hampton
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
975 W I65 Service Rd N Mobile, AL 36618 E3pest.com
Prewett Pest Control (251) 277-1361 prewettpestcontrol.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Captured By Tyler (706) 599-8194 capturedbytyler.com
REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS
Baldwin Realtors Association (251) 947-3777 baldwinrealtors.com
ROOFING SERVICES
Pelican Roofing And Gutters (251) 725-3375 pelicanroofingal.com
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Robert.orso@RealProducersMag.com .
SHORT TERM RENTAL
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Crye Leike
David Stidham (251) 405-2600
229 East 20th Avenue, Suite 1
Gulf Shores, AL 36526 www.alabamabeach vacations.com
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
TITLE COMPANY
Celebration Title Group (251) 283-0228 celebrationtitlegroup.com/ ctg-mobile/
VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES
EyeSky Video & Photo, LLC
Stephen Hinds (317) 727-2919
297 Beall Lane
Daphne, AL 36526 eyeskyvp.com
broker in charge
By Ron Sivak
timeline for everything, from what to do, to where to be, and when to be there. It was very strict, but a great learning experience.” Cummings said.
Kelly was active in academics as well as many sports including lacrosse, field hockey and soccer. As the son of an Alabama alum, who played on the Crimson Tide golf team, it also seemed natural that Kelly would become a scratch golfer at a very young age. Soon after finishing high school, Kelly moved back to Mobile where he met his beautiful wife of 40 years, Maria.
FIND YOUR NICHE
Cummings Kelly
Mobile Bay Real Producers September Broker in Charge, Kelly Cummings, was born at Mobile Infirmary Hospital and lived in Montrose and Fairhope, until the age of 10, before moving away and later returning to his roots as a young adult.
The Cummings family name holds a lot of generational cachet locally in the realm of real estate for both Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
“My father, Jack, was a builder and architect in Fairhope for many years and developed several subdivisions. Montrose Village was probably the
biggest one. He owned the Fairhope Hardware store on Main Street for many years as well. He also developed both the Saint James and Shadow Wood Apartments in Fairhope,” Kelly said.
“My father’s brother, Marl Sr., was a commercial realtor. He started in the 1950’s and was known as Cummings and White-Spunner for many years. He was also the president of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors, MAAR, in 1965. My brother Reid was the President of MAAR in 2000, and I was the MAAR President in 2016. My son Ryan is a Realtor and the
third generation of the family in the business.” he added.
Kelly attended Bayside Academy in Daphne prior to moving and then continued high school at an all-boys prep institution, Blue Ridge School, in Dike, Virginia. He credits the foundations for his steely discipline and tireless work ethic to his formative years back then. Those attributes have helped form him into the businessman that he is today.
“Attending Blue Ridge was probably where my work ethic started; it was a very structured facility. You had a
Kelly initially pursued a career in the restaurant business upon his return to this area.
“I worked at the Admiral Semmes Hotel and Riverview Plaza for several years and then joined Morrison’s Cafeteria as a restaurant manager.
We moved around quite a bit, living in North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia before landing in San Antonio, Texas. That is where I became a big Spurs fan, which is still solid to this day! We had season tickets and went to most of the home games.” he said.
The 1990’s found the Cummings clan back in Mobile, closer to family and moving inexorably towards the path he follows today. A natural born entrepreneur and self-starter, Kelly began his own business that eventually necessitated the need for real estate licensing.
“I moved into the manufactured housing business and wound up opening my own company called Port City Mobile Homes. Additionally, we had a mobile home dealership in Gautier, Mississippi for five
Photos by Lew Thomas, Adobe House Media
years, but sold that and ran Port City for about ten years.” Cummings said.
“In 2004 we were in the process of developing a subdivision. I wanted to be the licensed Realtor on site to help sell both land and the manufactured homes in the Yancey Glen development, which is still around today.” he added.
In 2007 when property values started their Great Recession nosedive, Kelly pivoted and closed his business to work with his brother Reid, who was the broker / owner of The Cummings Company. It was there where he found his footing in a unique market niche that eventually elevated him into the industry expert he is known as today.
is that there are over 30 agents who do this kind of work. Locally there are probably only 6 or 7 agents, besides myself, that do this kind of work.” he added.
“In 2008 was when the market really started its down-turn, I began getting into the REO (foreclosure) world, working in the Broker Priced Opinion market,” Kelly said.
Broker Priced Opinions (BPOs), by definition, are informal appraisals performed by real estate agents, brokers, or appraisers. Their valuations rely on the property considered and local comparables. Cummings initially put these reports together on local foreclosed properties and soon started garnering recognition.
“Asset managers started to recognize the quality of my work and rapid turnaround on getting these done. Suddenly, I started getting assets to manage from occupancy check to the closing table. I was soon handling all facets of the transaction.” Cummings said.
“Today I work for 14 different companies and a couple of hedge funds. At any given time, I’ve managed anywhere between 50 and 70 properties simultaneously. Statewide, my guess
From a unit transaction perspective, his office is always listed at the top of the Mobile and Baldwin County NMLS leader board, averaging around 100 transactions yearly. His best year was in 2009 with around 150 units sold.
Kelly took over as sole broker / owner of the Cummings Company in 2013 when his brother, Reid, moved on to South Alabama as a Professor of Finance and Real Estate and Assistant Dean for Financial Affairs for the Mitchell College of Business.
Recognition also follows excellence, a family tradition for Kelly, who received the David D. Roberts award in 2015 followed by MAAR’s “Realtor of the Year” in 2017.
When asked for insight to give to those inspired by his unique journey into real estate, carving out a singularly unique path separate from most agents in the area, Kelly offered succinct directives.
“First, find a place where you fit, enjoy, and get along with everybody. Second, find a niche. Whatever that might be, stick with it, work hard and craft it well. Success will follow.” he concluded.
For questions or comments about this article, contact Kelly at (251) 331-9300 or kelly@ thecummingscompany.com
First, find a place where you fit, enjoy, and get along with everybody. Second, find a niche. Whatever that might be, stick with it, work hard and craft it well. Success will follow.
Mobile Bay Real Producers
THEY
LOVE US!
Amanda Spears – Bellator Realty, Spanish Fort
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Mobile Bay Real Producers team and their advertisers for their unwavering support. Their dedication to showcasing our area’s top producing agents, hosting networking events, and providing FREE publicity through their publication and social media is greatly appreciated!”
“I LOVE the Mobile Bay Real Producers community! From the social events to the meaningful articles composed in the magazine to the rich social media content, the quality of the brand is evident in every facet. I’m very thankful for this publication dedicated to Realtors and the real estate sector.”
Erick Haffner = Realty Executives, Gulf Shores
“Real Producers Magazine is an excellent platform for fostering connections with fellow agents and brokers, offering invaluable industry knowledge. Furthermore, it serves as an exceptional source for locating licensed vendors catering to the diverse, everyday needs within the real estate profession.”
Tracy Womack – RE/MAX Signature Properties, Mobile
“Mobile Bay Real Producers Magazine is a big supporter of the Real Estate industry in general. They work hard to make sure the public knows who the Real Estate agents are that are well connected, knowledgeable & giving back to the communities we live in. They also do a great job of connecting their readers with high quality resources from anything such as attorneys to heating and air companies. I always love to read the magazine every month!”
Stan Szapiel – Caribe Realty Inc., Orange Beach
“I cannot express how impressed I have been with the article I was featured in for Mobile Bay Real Producers. As the on-site Broker for Caribe Resort / Caribe Realty in Orange Beach, Alabama, this article has not only had an impact to our local market, but several of my clients from around the country called to congratulate me. Many of the guests that visit our resort come back every year and I have come to know them over the course of my employment. This article was greatly embraced by some of our long- term guests and clients who have purchased property from me. To this day I keep a copy or two in the sales office which gives me instant credibility to the buyers and sellers of Caribe Resort condominiums. I must say, not only did I get an ego boost, but my clients could not congratulate me more on such a fine article.”
Many thanks to the team at Mobile Bay Real Producers!
Pam Stein – Roberts Brothers Realty, Fairhope
“The magazine got me a lot of recognition and great reviews from my friends and clients. I felt like it was very classy, and the article was well written. Thanks for this great opportunity”.
Victor Howard – Ridings Realty, Mobile
I am Victor Howard, a passionate and dedicated Realtor with Ridings Realty, LLC, with almost three years of industry experience. I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to Mobile Bay Real Producers magazine for their unwavering support and commitment to promoting real estate professionals. Their team has been a delight to work with, showcasing utmost professionalism, organization, and a hands-on approach. I was honored to be featured in their March 2023 issue as a rising star, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for real estate with others. Thank you Mobile Bay Real Producers for all that you do!
Kayla Sanders, Marketing & Communications Director, Baldwin Realtors “Baldwin REALTORS® is thankful for the partnership we have with Mobile Bay Real Producers. As our affiliate members, they have sponsored several of our REALTOR® networking opportunities throughout the year. And we know they are working hard to spread a good word about the value of our members to the communities they serve.”
Cody Maley – Scout South Properties, Elberta
Erick Haffner
Tracy Womack
Pam Stein
Kayla Sanders
Victor Howard
Stan Szapiel
Cody Maley
Amanda Spears Harper
LONG - TERM VISIONARY
Amanda Spears Harper discovered her passion for real estate following a challenging relocation to Baldwin County twenty years ago. Frustrated by her own negative experience with an ineffective sales agent, in an era predating the popular home search sites, Amanda felt that she could do better. Her track record with Bellator Real Estate consistently validates her intuition.
Early Years
A native of Birmingham, Amanda grew up in central Texas, then moved to north Alabama in 1991. After attending college and building an eclectic resume that includes working in insurance billing for various medical offices, as a certified Chiropractic Assistant and X-ray Tech, and even as the Director of HR for a nurse staffing agency, she decided that it was time to seriously explore the world of real estate sales.
“God will open the right doors at the right time. Each of my previous jobs taught me skills that have been invaluable in my real estate career,” Amanda recalls.
Her transition into real estate in 2018 was spurred by her desire to help others. It gave her the opportunity to be available for and provide for her family.
Flying Solo (Again)
Amanda is one of only a handful of agents in our area who possess the Baldwin REALTORS® Baldwin County Certified Specialist designation in all three areas simultaneously: Eastern Shore, Resort and Rural. She is also National Association of REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) endorsed, Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR® ) and At Home with Diversity® (AHWD) certified.
Towards the end of 2020, Amanda was approached by two fellow REALTORS® about joining her at Bellator. Due to the traction she had gained throughout that year, and the workload that followed, she decided to form a team, Spears Group, to be able to serve both established and new clients more efficiently.
real producer
By Jess Wellar
Photos By Stephen Hinds, Eye Sky Photo & Video
Photo Location - 8 Reale & The Wharf Heron Pointe
In June 2023, Amanda disbanded her team and returned to being a solo agent. Despite the transition, she still achieved significant success, closing 22 transactions and achieving the Double Diamond award level for her individual efforts.
“I enjoyed having a team, and I would like to revive Spears Group in the future, but it would have to be the right fit and not just because I’m busy,” Amanda adds. “I’m continuing to keep my options open but I’ve learned the hard way strategic planning is key.
This year, Amanda’s goal is to hit $8.25 million in sales, and she is already on track to exceed that projection. Her devotion to client service has also earned her several accolades, including the Diamond Award Level winner for three consecutive years and two nominations for the Eric A. Jones Award. The Eric A. Jones Award is awarded annually to the Bellator Agent who in the eyes of his or her
peers demonstrates a tireless pursuit for excellence in every endeavor, with a selfless attitude and an overall zest for his or her profession.
“Those nominations meant a great deal to me because the award is not based on production, I was nominated by my peers,” Amanda notes.
No Shortcuts
Amanda’s success can be attributed to her relentless, disciplined approach to real estate.
“I treat my business like a business. I wake up every day and work, just like if I had to punch a time clock,” she states.
Her commitment to continuous improvement and proactive marketing efforts further set her apart.
“I don’t limit myself to selling in one area or type of property. Through many transactions, I’ve developed an extensive knowledge and versatility
that allows me to serve a wide range of clients effectively.”
Her advice to newer agents is taken directly from her own playbook. Amanda emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit and not being afraid to move until you do.
“Approach every situation with integrity, confidence, and competence so no one will ever question your ability,” she suggests. “Sharing your experiences, good and bad, with a potential client builds trust by giving them some insight into your character and work ethic. Keep yourself up to date on knowledge, skills and trends in your area of expertise. If you’re not continually learning and keeping yourself ‘in the know,’ remember your competition is.”
Outside The Office
Approach every situation with integrity, confidence, and competence so no one will ever question your ability. Sharing your experiences, good and bad, with a potential client builds trust by giving them some insight into your character and work ethic.
Beyond work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband, Eddie Harper, as the newlyweds tied the knot in May 2024.
“I have two daughters, Emma and Lena, and now, two sons, Peyton and Matt,” Amanda shares. “Both girls attended Coastal Alabama Community College, where they played tennis. Emma is now enrolled at Jacksonville State University, and Lena is attending Auburn University. The boys are pursuing their careers — one as a commercial pilot and the other as an insurance adjuster.”
Amanda enjoys spending her free time with family and friends, attending local festivals, boating, and hanging out on the beautiful coastal Alabama beaches. She is also deeply committed to giving back to her local community.
She is a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the American Heart Association’s Annual Baldwin Art for Heart Gala, she
volunteers with Junior Achievement USA, and serves on the Central Baldwin Education Foundation Board.
Looking towards the future, Amanda envisions real estate as a lifelong pursuit. Amanda remains dedicated to personal development, actively pursuing her broker’s license and engaging in property investments to further her career.
WE CREATE OUTDOOR SPACES
“This is my career for the long term. Real estate is something I see myself doing indefinitely,” Amanda affirms.
“I envision training new agents someday to uphold and raise industry standards,” she concludes. “Real estate
isn’t merely a job—it’s a means to assist others and create enduring change. I’m committed for the long term, regardless of market fluctuations.”
For questions or comments about this article, contact Amanda at (251)752-3747 or amanda@ alabamagulfcoastlife.com
Mike Adams Adams
By Ron Sivak
RISE TO THE CHALLENGE E3 Termite &
Pest Control
Mike Adams, Mobile Bay Real Producers September Spotlight Vendor and owner of E3 Termite and Pest Control has deep roots in Louisiana, and evidenced with “Cajun Mike” proudly seen on his business cards.
“I grew up in a town called Central located northeast of Baton Rouge and was a country boy growing up on 10 acres. My grandparents actually lived next door to us.” Adams said.
Mike was the middle child between an older brother and younger sister, and was born blessed with strong social skills that served him well into adulthood.
He also developed a strong work ethic at an early age, working for his father who was a retired firefighter that owned a successful construction business.
“I basically grew up with a crescent wrench in my hand, and remember being around tractors as early as 7 years old.” Mike said.
Adams was also well-rounded in high school, active in sports as well as music.
“Dad was a baseball coach, so my brother and I played under him growing up. I also played football until my freshman year, getting injured. I was also in the honor band playing trumpet and baritone.” Adams said.
After high school, Mike went to night school at a local Business College studying computer programming while working full time repairing and selling vacuum cleaners doorto-door. He quickly discovered an aptitude for marketing, and had an innate ability to evaluate situations to adapt his strategies for success.
“Selling vacuum cleaners, my goal was to get at least three appointments, knowing I could probably close at least one. It was a lot of prospecting but I kept on knocking until those meetings were set.” Adams said.
A fateful move towards his path today happened at the age of 24 while visiting a friend.
Photos by Lew Thomas, Adobe House Media
partner spotlight
Don’t do what everybody else is doing. Find a better way to be different from everybody else and rise to the challenge.
“I was at a friend’s house, and Orkin was there. The technician could not get under the house to treat it. After telling him that I could do it, he challenged me, going so far as to offer me a job on the spot if successful. After coming out, the rest was history.” Mike said.
Adams attributes the years of training received with Orkin as the bedrock for his high level of expertise today.
“I ran pest control route for a couple years and then went into sales, which is my favorite part of the whole industry, and did really well. I was eventually asked to do corporate trainings in Atlanta because my closing rates were so high. At one point they recruited me intensely to move to corporate focus on trainings, but I didn’t want to leave Louisiana at the time.” he said.
Mike did eventually move to Sears Termite & Pest Control after 12 years at Orkin, enticed by a substantial pay increase. After a company buy out three years later, he found himself employed with Terminix in 2011, prior to moving to lower Alabama due to a job opportunity presented to his wife.
“We were living in New Iberia back then, where my wife Alison is from, and she had a good job offer in Mobile for work. When we came over to look at the area we fell in love and were eager to come here.” Adams said.
An innate entrepreneur, Mike initially started his own consulting business and worked from home to manage the household upon moving to Fairhope, due to his wife’s heavy travel schedule during the week, before eventually going work for another local termite company.
A skilled marketer, he soon plugged himself into the community, and was as a member of a local BNI Chapter in 2019 where the next stage of his professional life unfolded.
“I met Walker Goodrich in my BNI networking group who owned a business that provided spray foam insulation for houses. No termite company at the time could treat a home or provide a bond with spray foam treatment. After tapping into my experience to devise a methodology, I got on the
phone to work with local insurance underwriters to iron out the details on coverage. Similar to the dare to go under a house that initially got me into this industry, this challenge facilitated me opening E3 Termite and Pest Control.” Adams said.
“E in the name stands for environmentally friendly products that we use. The 3 means we do at least three treatments on every house. We have done up to six treatments on a property and are often called in by Realtors to get the job done when others cannot.” he added.
Fast forward five years later and Mike has seen steady success with continual evolution and growth. In 2022, the family moved from Fairhope to their dream home located on the water in Theodore. In 2023, the business moved from their Spanish Fort space to their current headquarters in Mobile, enjoying a fourfold increase in office and warehouse space.
“This is a family run company with my wife working as office manager, ten employees and plenty of space for training. We’re also concentrating on pushing our pest control a bit stronger and have
come up with a new insulating product called hemp insulation. It does not absorb moisture, which means that termites (and other pests) hate it.” Adams said.
When asked for insight to give to those inspired by his story of transitioning into a successful life of entrepreneurship, Mike was candid.
“Don’t do what everybody else is doing. Find a better way to be different from everybody else and rise to the challenge.” he concluded.
To get in touch with E3 and Mike, call (251) 850-7378 or mike@e3pest.com
PRINT IS STILL ALIVE.
Celebrating two decades of print excellence, now 800 niche magazines strong (and counting).
By Dave Danielson
MATT CREEL
THE DEVELOPMENT OF DREAMS
The visions of the future that each of us have can come true. But the likelihood of that happening begins within each of us.
Matt Creel is one who understands that. As a REALTOR® with Signature Properties, Matt supports the steps of others toward their future … by maintaining his focus on development to reach dreams.
Matt got his start in real estate through his interest in investing.
“We were flipping houses, and I got licensed to help with that,” he explains.
This early exposure to the industry paved the way for his career shift. Prior to real estate, Matt worked in public accounting, traveling along the Gulf Coast and working with auto dealerships.
His background and education in business, combined with a keen interest in real estate, led him to partner with a friend and an investor to delve deeper into the field.
Crucial Conversation
The pivotal moment in Matt’s career came when he approached his neighbor, the owner of Signature Properties, with a proposal. “I asked if I could hang my license with him,” Matt recalls.
This connection proved fruitful. His first listing, in February of 2021, was one of his own flip properties in Valley Grande, AL. This property caught the attention of local Dallas County investors who happened to own a beach house in Gulf Shores they were interested in selling. This relationship would lead to a stream of referrals and by June 2021, Matt had transitioned into beach real estate full-time.
Personal Connections
For Matt, the appeal of real estate extends beyond the transactional.
“The flexibility is a double-edged sword,” he says. “You can wake up every day and set your own schedule, but to be successful it takes discipline and structure.”
This flexibility has allowed Matt to balance his professional responsibilities with family life, providing him with the opportunity to attend his children’s sporting events and be present in their daily lives.
“When they get older and have kids of their own, I hope they look back and
You can wake up every day and set your own schedule, but to be successful it takes discipline and structure.
Photos By Stephen Hinds, Eye Sky Photo & Video
It’s a universal law that your level of success can never exceed your level of personal development.
remember the time we were able to spend together because of my career in real estate and they are thankful for that”
Building Each Day
Matt’s real estate career has seen impressive growth. In 2021, he achieved $6 million in sales, which doubled to $12 million in 2022 across 23 transactions.
Matt’s success is evident in his ability to juggle multiple business ventures.
This adaptability is a testament to Matt’s commitment to his career and his diverse interests.
Family Foundation
Family plays a central role in Matt’s life. He is married to Courtney, an Assistant Principal at Gulf Shores Elementary, and they have three children: Cal, 14; Sam, 15; and Emma, 16.
Balancing a busy career with family responsibilities is no easy accomplishment, but Matt manages to blend his professional and personal lives seamlessly. His wife’s support and his children’s activities are integral to his daily routine.
When he’s not working, Matt engages in a variety of activities that contribute to his personal growth and well-being. He is passionate about fitness, running nearly every day as a form of therapy. Matt also volunteers with the Orange Beach Methodist Youth Group and values quality family time.
His commitment to personal development is evident in his reading habits; he often listens to audiobooks and podcasts,
continuously seeking knowledge and self-improvement.
“My path in personal development really started in 2018,” he explains. Inspired by Sir Isaac Newton’s notion of standing on the shoulders of giants, Matt embarked on a quest for growth.
His search led him to influential books and resources, including Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, which introduced him to the benefits of an early morning routine. This book, along with others like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, significantly impacted Matt’s approach to life and work, enhancing his physical fitness, meditation practice, and affirmations.
Leading the Way
For those entering the real estate field, Matt offers valuable advice.
“It’s a universal law that your level of success can never exceed your level of personal development,” he says.
He encourages newcomers to focus on personal development, emphasizing that growth in this area will naturally lead to professional success.
“Work on you as much as you can, and the rest will come,” he advises. Matt’s experience underscores the
importance of continuous learning and self-improvement in achieving long-term success.
The largest achievements in the world still start with a single step. Day by day, Matt Creel pursues success with a steady commitment and a hunger to keep growing and developing for those around him.
For questions about this article, contact Matt at (334) 799-2218 or matt@burkartinvestments.com
By Michelle Murrill
THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS,
SOUTHERN VIEW MEDIA
A LEAP OF FAITH
Nine years ago we took a leap of faith. With some savings, a dream, a few grapes in the fridge and a loose business plan we risked it all to start Southern View Media.
The hardest things became the things I am most proud of. Reflecting back, we made 5 major commitments during that first year. Wedidn’t have EOS yet or even a project management system, but I wrote them in my notebook and we referenced them a lot to keep us moving in the right direction. 1. Do our best even if it means working long after we are tired, mentally exhausted or burned out. Sometimes it still led to failure. 2. Always help the small business we are working for, even if it meant not making as much money or sending them somewhere else. 3.
Educate business owners on marketing so they could participate in discussions and decisions and not be fooled by fancy words and fast talkers. 4. Don’t pay ourselves for 2 years. 5. Hire people smarter than us. After nine years a few things have changed but a few have stayed the same: 1. I still get burned out, but I take breaks. I still work until 3am but only once or twice a week. 2. I still always tell business owners what they need to hear even if it means losing their business. I still take it personally if I can’t help them. 3. I am still dedicated to educating business owners, but now I have more opportunities to do it in group presentations rather than one on one. 4. I get paid now (most of the
time). 5. Finally, the standards we have set for the Southern View Crew have held their own and this team is the thing I am most proud of. Even team members who have moved on to bigger and better things, I am proud and honored we were part of each other’s journey. As we celebrate our nine year anniversary I realized that even though my business has changed and evolved, my heart and vision has stayed the same. I want to help small businesses and see them continue to grow. I want the Southern View Crew to make a contribution to the local economy and community. There have been A LOT of lessons, tears, joy, friendships, humbling moments, heartbreaks, Menty B’s, successes and failures along the way. Welike to think we have aged like fine wine. (When life hands you grapes....make wine.) Cheers to nine years!
