M O B I L E B AY
C O N N E C T I N G .
REAL PRODUCER
Kelli
Jones
E L E VAT I N G .
I N S P I R I N G .
RISING STAR Jessica & Joe Sturgis PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Alesia Parker, Celebration Title Group of Mobile BROKER IN CHARGE Katie Sondag, Keller Williams Gulf Coast PARTNER SPOTLIGHT Brianna McAdory, Hansen Super Techs
JANUARY 2024
2 • January 2024
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 3
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 5
TAB LE OF
CONTENTS 10
14
20
Preferred Partners
Partner Spotlight: Hansen Super Techs Brianna McAdory
Real Producer: Kelli Jones
28
36
42
Rising Star: Jessica & Joe Sturgis
Partner Spotlight: Celebration Title Group of Mobile Alesia Parker
Broker in Charge: Katie Sondag
If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at Robert.orso@RealProducersMag.com .DISCLAIMER: Any articles included in this publication and/or opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The N2 Company d/b/a Real Producers but remain 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.
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 7
M E E T T H E M O B I L E B AY R E A L P R O D U C E R S T E A M
Owner/Publisher
Robert Orso
Publishing Assistant
Bella Snowden
Chistina Head
Ron Sivak
Jon Jeffress
Dave Danielson
Writter
Photographer
Ad Strategist
Contributing Writer
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 9
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!
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 11
publisher’s note
By Robert Orso, Owner
Happy New Yea r! How Will You Score in 2024?
Do you believe in vision planning? If so, what is your vision plan for 2024? I love this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.” I talk to a lot of people who cannot make a decision mainly because they do not have a vision. They are hung up on the “what ifs”. They are fearful of the future. What if my business declines? What if the economy does not get better? What if my business does not grow? One thing is for sure, if they do not make some decisions, all the aforementioned questions will come true. They will crawl into a proverbial hole and believe the sky is falling. Bad things will happen. Certainly, there are many challenges in our world today that cause non-visionary people to live in fear. Two wars, political and social unrest, cultural madness, and inflation to name a few. We must decide if these things will control how we think and talk
and if we will allow them to shape our personal universe. I try to ask myself two questions every morning when I am having my coffee and devotional time. How do I feel today? If I am not feeling positive and joyful, the next question is, what am I thinking about? Usually, if I am not feeling well, It is because I am not thinking well. With all of the negative noise around us, we have to make a conscious decision about what we will think about and choose to dwell only on the thoughts that make us peaceful, joyful and positive. Thinking good makes us feel good and we are ready and equipped to tackle our day and our responsibilities. Not to mention, we are a lot more pleasant to be around! To have the year we want to have, we must make the decision to forge forward without fear and with determination and enthusiasm. Once we make the
decision about what we want in 2024, we must only think and talk about what we want and reject thoughts of what we are tempted to fear. I am certain that all of you Real Producers are vision planning your 2024 and have goals of how many new clients you will gain, how many homes or properties you will sell and maybe how much money you will make. Keep that vision in front of you, think about it and talk about it and the universe will conspire to make it happen! You will score well at the end of 2024. SAVE THIS DATE – OUR NEXT MOBILE BAY REAL PRODUCERS SOCIAL EVENT IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024. LOCATION & TIME – RALPH & KAKOO’S ON THE CAUSEWAY – 5:30 UNTIL 8:00 P.M. LOOK FOR THE RSVP INVITATION FROM EVENTBRITE
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 13
HANSEN SUPER TECHS
partner spotlight By Dave Danielson Photos By Kayley Robinson, Deep South Focus Photography
Adding Comfort to Homeownership With all of the moving parts and systems involved with a home, your clients can breathe a sigh of relief when they have a partner on their side to keep their HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems working properly.
“With 262 employees, 15 leaders and three divisions focusing on HVAC, electrical (along with generators) and plumbing, we have the largest trade staff in South Alabama,” Brianna says. “With that in mind, we make sure that we stay in contact with our partners and clients. We’re nothing without our people.” Passion for People
That’s where the experienced team at Hansen Super Techs excels with residents across the region. Pride and Commitment
BRIANNA MCADORY 14 • January 2024
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Brianna McAdory is the Regional Manager of Hansen Super Techs. When you talk with her, it’s easy to see the commitment and pride that she and the team have in adding true comfort to homeownership. realproducersmag.com
Brianna brings a deep passion for her work to her partners and clients each day. She started in the industry in 2016. After beginning as a customer service representative, within a couple years, she was in executive leadership. In the process, she grew the largest HVAC company in South Louisiana. During her time with the company, it grew from $2 million to $27 million before she joined the team at Hansen Super Techs. Mobile Bay Real Producers • 15
We just think it’s vital that we continue to focus on going above and beyond what the need is. We are here to take that headache away. Our biggest key is giving everyone the peace of mind and comfort that they deserve. 16 • January 2024
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 17
Today, Brianna smiles as she talks about the growth and level of teamwork that Hansen Super Techs brings to the market.
The drive that the Hansen Super Techs team brings is fueled by a continual appetite for growth and learning. In fact, each member of the team receives over 150 hours a year in ongoing training to ensure that they are delivering the best service and expertise.
“We put people first in all we do, including delivering a five-star experience to clients and employees,” she says.
As Brianna says, “We just think it’s vital that we continue to focus on going above and beyond what the need is. We are here to take
Growing with Teamwork
that headache away. Our biggest key is giving everyone the peace of mind and comfort that they deserve.” Leading the Way
When you talk with Brianna, it’s clear that she represents a powerful spirit of contribution that is delivered through the vital products and services they provide. “We change lives every day, whether it’s giving a customer comfort and air quality or our employees getting the satisfaction of having the ability to change people’s lives,” she explains. “We never stop until everyone is satisfied.” Wonderful World
Away from work, Brianna treasures time with her family, including her husband, Jeremy, and their three children — 7-year-old son, Coty; and 4-year-old daughters, Callie and Ella. In her free time, Brianna loves time with family, as well as dancing and spending time at the beach. As Brianna looks to the future of delivering excellence to partners and clients at Hansen Super Techs, the drive to excel and elevate the experience permeates everything. 18 • January 2024
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“Once a customer calls us once, we take pride in knowing they will call us again. Our team members are trained and certified to provide the best experience. They are trustworthy, and we use the highest, innovative technology,” she emphasizes. “And it’s not just about the service we’re here to perform. It’s about relationships through time. We aren’t going anywhere. In the meantime, we continue to take big steps forward — continually enhancing the experience for those we serve.” When you and your clients are looking for a partner who will continually go above and beyond to add a true level of comfort to homeownership, look to Hansen Super Techs today! Contact Hansen Super Techs Today for Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing and Electrical! Fast. Friendly. Affordable. Phone: (251) 850-5322 Email: Brianna@hansenair.com Website: HansenSuperTechs.com Mobile Bay Real Producers • 19
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 21
Kelli
real producer
Jones
By Ron Sivak Photos by Lisa Johnson, Deep South Focus Photography
DR Horton
A Passion For The Business Kelli Jones, Mobile Bay Real Producers Top Agent for January, was born a Midwesterner but chose lower Alabama as her permanent home, drawn to the relaxed lifestyle, warm southern climate and natural beauty found in Baldwin County. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Kelli attended high school at Northrop High School and excelled academically “I was pretty much an ‘A’ student, good in math but also took interest in architecture. I was the only girl who took shop class, which was a bit of a strange anomaly in high school for the early 1980s. I’ve always liked designing floor plans for homes,” Jones said. Interested enough in design to initially consider pursuing a career in architecture, Kelli eventually decided to get an accounting degree from Indiana University. It was during her sophomore year when she met her eventual husband, Tom. The couple was married in 1986 and Kelli was now working in her husband’s family business. Not long after, the husband-and-wife team re-launched the family business where Kelli handled the office responsibilities while Tom managed the multiple commercial contractors to keep construction on schedule.
22 • January 2024
The couple also started a family while stepping into the next decade, with the birth of their first daughter, Lauren in 1989, their son Adam in 1993 and their youngest child, Mackenzie, was born in 1999.
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 23
During this time, Jones began designing and building homes along with her husband. It was also during this decade that the growing family also first became attracted to the allure of lower Alabama while on spring vacations. ““It was in 1996 that we first took our children on vacation to Gulf Shores. We were surprised at how nice the beaches were in Alabama. It was a nice family atmosphere and the kids loved it. We began visiting more than once a year.” Kelli said. After eight years of visits, the couple started purchasing real estate with the thought of possibly making a permanent move down to the area in the future. Back in Indiana, their social circles were dismissive of the idea. “We were going to move down here one day, but nobody took us seriously. It was understandable because of having a successful company in Indiana. Eventually circumstances changed to the point where it happened. Some of our friends were shocked. Later, when they came to visit us, and saw how nice the area was, they
24 • January 2024
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understood. We love it here,” Jones said. She went on to say that economic conditions in the Hoosier State had shifted enough in the late 2000s to adversely impact their joy in the family construction business, finally cementing their decision to move. “My husband would comment many days that he wasn’t enjoying the work anymore,” she added. 2012 was a watershed year. Kelli came down to Gulf Shores with her daughter on a 4-day vacation, while also browsing at homes in Fairhope. “On the first day, I came across one of the D.R. Horton communities. The sales agent asked me what I was going to do for work after moving here, and I mentioned being interested in doing his job, already having my real estate license. Unknown to me, he passed my contact information along to his manager.” Kelli said. “The next day his manager called and asked me to come to interview. I met with him to discuss the sales agent position. While driving back home
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 25
we put on as a company I attended, trying to get my face out. I was always on the phone and worked every day for a year, never taking a day off.” she said. Her background and love for design, carried since high school, was beneficial. Jones took the initiative to shadow her community on-site supervisor building the new D.R. Horton homes to learn the local building guidelines to illustrate her competency to prospective buyers. “Buyers usually research the internet before visiting to view homes. I work hard to earn their business by providing information and answering their questions while learning some key points about them. Finding a common trait with the buyer helps them feel comfortable with me when they are ready to make one of the largest purchases in their lives.” Kelli said. Fast forward to today, and Kelli is coming off three of her most successful sales years in her career.
to Indiana, the manager called to offer me the job and to start in two weeks. I told him that I needed a month. I was not expecting to receive an offer and had to prepare our family for the move.” she added.
come down to mow the grass at our Fairhope house while visiting. I would be out showing homes and growing my business working seven days a week with very little time to do daily chores,” Jones said.
For a while, the family commuted back and forth. Kelli, along with her youngest daughter, moved into their new house bought in Fairhope while Tom divested the family business and worked on selling their home in Indiana.
New to the business, new to the state and not knowing a soul in the local market massively motivated Kelli to succeed in her new job, where others might have quickly wilted under the pressure.
“During that time frame, about every six weeks or so, Tom would
“I had to get to know real estate agents very quickly. Any event that
26 • January 2024
Finding a common trait with the buyer helps them feel comfortable with me when they are ready to make one of the largest purchases in their lives.
In 2021, 100 homes were closed for D.R. Horton. In 2022, a banner year, Kelli closed 156 new homes with a sales volume of over $54 million. In 2023, she closed 100 homes yet again. Her success has been nothing short of staggering. Pithy by nature, Kelli offered sterling insight for those possibly inspired by her journey towards stellar success. “Know what you are selling and listen to the buyer. In this market, you can make it whatever you want. The more passion you have for the business the more successful you will be,” she concluded. For questions or comments about this article, contact Kelli at (251) 654-3309 or krjones@drhorton.com
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 27
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Book a Free Consultation Today! Mobile Bay Real Producers • 29
& STURGIS Jessica Joe
rising star
By Dave Danielson Photos By Stephen Hinds, EyeSky Video, Photo, Film Productions
I
magine you’re moving into an area that you know little or nothing about. You’d want to know about the areas that are right for your family and you’d want someone to help you traverse the landscape. That’s exactly the value your clients get when they work with you. It’s also the same spirit of continual drive and care that powers Jessica and Joe Sturgis. As Partners and REALTORS® leading Team Sturgis, with Mobile Bay Realty in Fairhope, Jessica and Joe are experienced guides for those they serve. “We love working with people who are moving into the area. I like being an ambassador for the area and telling people about local arts venues and the local community,” Jessica says.
Local Roots
As Joe says, he and Jessica are able to bring a special level of experience by being locals who grew up and went to school in the area. “This area is growing so rapidly. A lot of people who move here aren’t familiar with the charm and the beautiful areas here. We have long known this area as a secret gem,” Joe says. “We have lived all over from Alaska to Florida and both coasts. We know what people are looking for when they come to the south we like to surprise them with what is here and we have been in their shoes.” Joe served in the U.S. Coast Guard for a number of years. In 2019, the couple lived in Oregon. That’s
Active Ambassadors 30 • January 2024
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 31
We work well together and we help each other. We just enjoy spending our days together. That’s the dynamic of our partnership. We fill in each other’s gaps.
the point when Jessica earned her real estate license and started her journey in the business. They moved back home to Alabama a few years ago. After Joe retired from the service, he joined Jessica in real estate in 2023. “I had a good connection with the military and it made sense for Joe to join me. He was already a bridge for the clients we were working with,” Jessica points out. “We work well together and we help each other. We just enjoy spending our days together. That’s the dynamic of our partnership. We fill in each other’s gaps.” Outstanding Teamwork
Clearly, Joe and Jessica make a great team. “I enjoy the opportunity to see Jessica much more than I ever did before as a military member,” she says. “She is a great teacher and having her help me figure out what I’m doing has been a blessing by far.” Wonderful Life
Away from work, Joe and Jessica treasure time with their children,
32 • January 2024
including her 15-year-old daughter, Isla; 11-year-old son, River; and 8-year-old daughter, Evelyn.
team. Together, they like to spend time outdoors, including at the beach, as well as in and around the water.
In their free time, they stay very active. Jessica has a passion for community theater, including taking part in productions at Theater 98 in Fairhope. Joe volunteers with the local high school band. He also has enjoyed coaching his son’s soccer
Passion for Their Profession
The passion they have for what they do is multiplied for the love they share together. “In my experience, I can say that my wife is incredible at customer service.
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 33
A lot of agents aren’t able to do that. We work well as a team and do a good job of transitioning from one situation to the next and being able to cover more ground.
She is more than happy to go out of her way to make sure they get what they need,” Joe says. “Being service-related and all of the military connections that we have had through time. For us it’s fun to give them the answers.” “We are able to offer a seamless experience for our clients,” Jessica says. “A lot of agents aren’t able to do that. We work well as a team and do a good job of transitioning from one situation to the next and being able to cover more ground.” Jessica and Joe feel deep gratitude for the bonds they have built through time. “My broker is Allison Ward. I feel very well supported under a broker like her,” Jessica says. “She is always pushing us for continuing education and different opportunities for mastermind sessions.”
34 • January 2024
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Joe agrees, saying the office they’re in is extremely supportive of the community and the military. “My lifestyle was to rise early, work long days and do everything you could to ensure the support of soldiers,” Joe says. “To be able to step back and see a group like this be so supportive of their agents means a lot. And it’s great to see the way the leadership is supportive, and people don’t hold their information. They share it and want to see others succeed.” We’re proud to recognize the contributions and achievements of Joe and Jessica Sturgis. They continue to make a vital impact on their clients and our community. For questions or comments about this article, contact Jessica at (251) 508-4191 or jessica@mobilebayrealty.com
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 35
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 37
partner spotlight By Ron Sivak Photos by Lisa Johnson, Deep South Focus Photography
Celebration TITLE GROUP OF MOBILE
Alesia Parker C E L E B R AT E L I F E Alesia Parker, Mobile Bay Real Producers January Spotlight Vendor and owner of Celebration Title Group of Mobile, was born in Biloxi. Her first memories growing up, however, were of playing in the white sands on Dauphin Island around the tender age of four. “I am an Air Force brat. In the late 60’s, my dad was stationed at the 693rd Radar Squadron at the Air Force Base on the east end of Dauphin Island. When the base closed, he retired and we moved to Theodore” Parker said. “As a child growing up, I pretended to be a teacher and bank teller. I’ve always been someone that wanted to help and direct other people.” she added.
38 • January 2024
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 39
Alesia was a well-rounded student in high school, with good grades and active in the band. “I enjoyed my high school years and was a ‘band geek’. I played the trumpet and was captain of the Rifle Corps. It was a huge part of high school and all-consuming.” Parker said.
After that conversation, I made up my mind to become an agent. I started classes that summer and finished in about eight weeks.
40 • January 2024
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Upon graduation Parker ramped up into young adulthood quickly. Alesia moved on to the University of South Alabama to pursue a business degree in accounting. At the beginning of her freshman year in college, she married her high school sweetheart, Gary Parker. Parker also worked while attending South, attending classes in the morning and at the bank in the afternoons. “One of my first jobs was at First Southern Federal, a savings a loan bank that closed in the early 1990’s. I worked and paid for classes each quarter. The bank would reimburse
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me for business related classes with an acceptable grade. So, I worked my way through school and ended with no student loans.” After graduating from college, the young entrepreneurial couple started several businesses with one of their longest lasting established in the mid-1990’s. “In 1994, Gary felt like he could design a better metal building than what was being manufactured at the time, making the system more efficient to erect. We started with just a computer in a room designing metal buildings and that turned into an 18 year journey. With Parker Building Systems, we have buildings up all over the country and even have some in Belize.” Alesia said. That decade also saw the birth of her two children, Danielle in 1990 and Alex in 1992.
“I was just very blessed with the type of work that we did. I could technically be a stay at home mom since they went to work with me. When they started school then I could be off in time to be with them. Danielle loved to dance and was a ballerina for the Mobile Ballet. Alex was into sports, especially soccer. He even studied two summers in Bolivia. Now there are grown and have blessed me with 5 grands.” Parker said. Alesia’s leap into real estate came in 2009 through a coffee chat with her next-door neighbor, well-known local realtor Elaine Sessions with Robert’s Brothers. “I reached out to Elaine and talked to her a little bit about real estate to understand what it all about. After that conversation, I made up my mind to become an agent. I started classes that summer and finished in about eight weeks. In October 2009, I got my real estate license and started
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 41
Always the student, Alesia soon branched off into another one her passions, personal coaching, while attending a real estate training course.
Nation and it was an easy conversation because of working in complimentary industries. After listening to Amanda talk about the Celebration Title Group culture, Alesia had a huge ‘Aha Moment’ and wanted to become a partner in the business.
“I have always taught in some capacity all of my life. Whether it was with my children or mentoring other people. I have always wanted to pour into others. In 2012, I took my first Floyd Wickman Master Sales Academy course.” Parker said.
Based in Central Florida with sixteen offices across the region, Alesia is only one of four franchises in a different state, and the first in Alabama. This month, they are celebrating their one year anniversary opening in Mobile.
“In 2014, I got a call from the president, Mike Pallin, asking me to become a trainer. He felt that I could be a good fit. I flew to Detroit and became an approved Floyd Wickman trainer and would go around the country teaching those classes, which I loved.” she added.
“I didn’t go looking for title. Title found me. I’ve sat through many closings in 14 years. Typically, it is a very somber experience and a quiet, sterile environment. Too often, my customers would look at me after signing a stack a paper and say ‘Is that it?’. Now I can say ‘Cue the Confetti! Let’s celebrate!’” Parker said.
with Robert’s Brothers. I’ve been an agent for 14 years.” Parker said.
Alesia soon expanded her training acumen after joining Wayne Salman’s’ Hero Nation coaching program. She is a business empowerment coach for Wayne still today helping her coaching clients gain clarity and reach their goals. It was through this group where she first became introduced to Celebration Title Group. In 2020, Parker met Amanda Douglas, the founder of Celebration Title Group, at a conference with Hero
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To celebrate that milestone, we allow our customers to blow off confetti cannons. I can just say, you cannot blow off confetti cannon and not smile.
“Buying or selling a home is a milestone. To celebrate that milestone, we allow our customers to blow off confetti cannons. I can just say, you cannot blow off confetti cannon and not smile. There are a whole host of other things that we do differently. We are very proactive with communication. We offer automated net sheets and a platform for mobile deposit for buyers to submit their earnest money. You have to just experience the Celebration Title Group difference.” Alesia said. For advice to those inspired by her story, Alesia encourages others to step out of their comfort zone and take action toward their dreams. “You never know what is possible until you try.” she concluded. For more information about Celebration Title Group, contact Alesia at (251) 689-4948 or alesia. parker@celebrationtitlegroup.com
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 43
Katie SONDAG
broker in charge By Jess Wellar Photos By Stephen Hinds, EyeSky Video Photo Film Productions
The Mentor’s Mentor
“Put people first, and the rest will follow – people matter. Don’t be afraid to try something someone else said wouldn’t or couldn’t work.” Katie Sondag isn’t afraid of being the underdog. As the broker in charge at Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast, Katie oversees a staggering 175 agents in the Daphne and Orange Beach offices, a feat made all the more remarkable by her relatively short three-year stint in the real estate industry after overcoming plenty of personal obstacles. Katie is redefining success with her hands-on approach to mentoring agents, plenty of grit, and a devout belief in the potency of relationships. “I look at this career as a privilege to serve others, and I take great pride in always striving to do the right thing, lead by example, and leave everyone I meet — whether on the professional side, or on the client side — one percent better than I found them,” Katie remarks. From Stay-at-Home Mom to Leader
Before the world of real estate beckoned, Katie navigated the complexities of life as a stay-at-home mother with a military spouse. She embraced the challenge, but life took an unexpected turn, when her eldest son, Caleb, was diagnosed with a severe speech delay and an autism spectrum disorder at the age of two.
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“I had to navigate the physically and mentally difficult path with two kids under two, and a husband who was serving our country overseas,” Katie reflects. “Caleb did not speak until he was 4 … It was a challenging time.”
While managing the home front, however, Katie says she has always found herself drawn to leadership roles. “I managed a coffee shop back in college, where I fell in love with leading others and watching them grow,” she recalls. “I was the youngest manager in that franchise business and still turned it into one of the highest-performing stores in the company.”
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 45
After her son’s diagnosis, Katie put everything else on hold and dedicated herself to ensuring Caleb received the necessary therapy and care. Today, Caleb’s promising future is a testament to his mother’s belief that challenges can be overcome with resilience and the right mindset. “With a ton of hard work and dedication on both his part and mine, Caleb is now a thriving 10th grade student at the Alabama School of Math and Science, where he excels in all things academic,” Katie says with pride. “He plans to study neuroscience at a top university in a few short years. He truly is a product of a very dedicated parent, and a hard-working young man with big goals.” A Hands-On Approach
46 • January 2024
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the cornerstone of my business philosophy. I don’t prioritize production numbers because my focus is on building relationships in and around the community.” As the director of mentors for Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast, Katie’s mentorship role extends to approximately a dozen new agents. “I take the mentorship role very seriously; what motivates me is not the almighty dollar, but proving myself as a hands-on mom and now a hands-on broker,” she shares. Katie’s passion for serving as a mentor to other mentors underscores her commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth within the industry.
Katie’s approach to success goes beyond conventional metrics — she admits she doesn’t even track her sales numbers so there’s no point in using them in her advertising. Her business is a unique blend of the production side, where she seamlessly handles residential, investor, and commercial markets, and the leadership side, where mentorship and relationships takes center stage.
The Balancing Act
“When others around me succeed, that is how I define success,” she asserts. “My focus on relationships forms
In an incredibly busy but full life, Katie juggles her roles as a mother, broker, and mentor. Her four boys— Caleb (15), Aiden (14), Mason (10), and Brennan (7) —
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“Success as a mentor is when you can help someone else and lead them to change the trajectory of their future,” Katie states. “My joy lies in watching others discover their passions and unlock talents they didn’t know they had.”
Mobile Bay Real Producers • 47
are her world and the driving force behind her career. Outside of work, Katie and her family enjoy relaxing at the beach, spending time with their three wonderful furry friends, Winston (a mini schnauzer), Lady (a mini poodle) and Sherman (a yorkiepoo), and cheering on the LSU Tigers from her parents’ season ticket seats in Death Valley.
But don’t compare yourself to others. Why would you ever compare your Chapter 2 to someone else’s Chapter 27? You have your own story. “Everything I do to grow my career is for my kids,” Katie points out. “I want to provide for them a future I never thought possible, but I also want to show them that no matter how late in life you start, or far behind you feel you are, you can put your head down, do the work, and make big things happen for yourself.” Looking Ahead
stay-at-home mom to a leader in Mobile Bay real estate also serves as inspiration for her agents as well as her own children. “I tell my agents that even if they’re 55 and just got their license, everybody can find success if you do the work,” Katie emphasizes. ““But don’t compare yourself to others. Why would you ever compare your Chapter 2 to someone else’s Chapter 27? You have your own story.” As Katie charts her path forward, her sights are set on starting her own team at KW and continuing to grow her mentoring endeavors, while still making time to give back to her community. “I am currently on the Baldwin REALTORS® Foundation Board, and was just recently elected as the vice president and president-elect for the upcoming term,” Katie concludes with a smile. “This is a relatively new, terrific foundation that focuses on housing deficits in the area and I’m excited to lay the groundwork to further impact my community.” For questions or comments about this article, contact Katie at (678) 315-4338 or katiesondag@kw.com
Katie’s remarkable journey from
48 • January 2024
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Mobile Bay Real Producers • 49
FAQ
Staged properties sell up to 25% over listing price and spend 75% less time on the market than a non-staged home.�
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.
50 • January 2024
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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
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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.
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