Realtor On The Rise
Residential & Commercial ROOFING
Roof Repair
Leaks, Re-Roofing, Shingles Replacement, Roof Coatings, Roof Tear-Offs, Storm Damage Repair
New Roofing
Roof Installation, Metal Roofing, Shingles Roofing, Flat Roofing
GUTTERS
Seamless Rain Gutters, Gutter Installation
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!
ALARM/SECURITY SYSTEMS
& MONITORING
Hunter Security, Inc. (251) 626-5112 huntersecurity.net
BACKYARD SHEDS & BUILDINGS
The Shed Junkie (251) 802-4654
www.facebook.com/people/TheShed-Junkie/61571547358391/#
BUSINESS NETWORKING
Bay Business News (251) 379-0564 baybusinessnews.com
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Michael Galvin (251) 431-8628 mobilechamber.com
CLEANING SERVICE
Honey Bee Cleaning (251) 401-4180 www.facebook.com/ honeybeeeclean
CUSTOM BUILDER
ARK Builders LLC (251) 709-4331 arkbuildersllc.com
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Mount Man of Mobile, LLC (251) 295-3085 mountmanelectric.com
FENCING SOLUTIONS
Eastern Shore Fence Company (251) 604-3018
FOUNDATION REPAIR
MDH Foundation Repair
Shannon Reichart (251) 375-0565 108 5th Street, Daphne, AL 36526 mdhfoundationrepair.com/
FOUNDATION REPAIR AND WATERPROOFING APS Foundation (205) 243-4741 alabamaprofessional.com
GARAGE DOORS/REPAIR
Fortified Installations, LLC (251) 895-7131 fortifiedinstallations.com
HANDRAILS & SEAMLESS GUTTERS
Fortified Installations, LLC (251) 895-7131 fortifiedinstallations.com
HOME INSPECTION
Complete Home Inspections, LLC (251) 510-1809 completehomeinspectionsllc.com
Ronny Reeves Home Inspections (251) 753-1030 www.facebook.com/ InspectorRonny
HOME REMODELING & HOME IMPROVEMENT
Hood’s Discount Home Center (251) 943-1801 hoodshomecenters.com
HURRICANE PROTECTION
Fortified Installations, LLC (251) 895-7131 fortifiedinstallations.com
HVAC SERVICES
Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning (251) 259-4664
8380 Tanner Williams Road Mobile, AL 36608 hembreeac.com
INDEPENDENT
INSURANCE AGENT
E-Z Insurance Agency, LLC
Haley Cochran (251) 645-7283
7875 Moffett Road, Suite B Semmes, AL 36575 ezinsurancellc.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
Beacon Insurance Services (228) 374-0067 www.beaconinsurance services.net/
MORTGAGE / LENDER
New American Funding (952) 715-7295 nafinc.com
Will Goodwin GMFS Mortgage (251) 328-4233 gmfsmortgage.com\will.goodwin
MORTGAGE LENDER
Community Bank (769) 777-6092 Communitybank.net
Community Bank (769) 777-6092 Communitybank.net
Movement Mortgage (251) 230-0321 tannergorum.com
PEST SOLUTIONS
E3 Termite & Pest Control
Mike Adams (251) 850-7378 975 W I65 Service Rd N Mobile, AL 36618 E3pest.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Captured By Tyler (706) 599-8194 capturedbytyler.com
Dream Home Productions (256) 590-3510
POOL SERVICES
River Park Pools (251) 300-9904 riverparkpools.com
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/ REAL ESTATE
Young’s Suncoast (251) 968-2535 youngssuncoast.com
REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS
Baldwin Realtors Association (251) 947-3777 baldwinrealtors.com
ROOFING PROFESSIONALS
Novare,LLC
LeWaire Waycaster (251) 517-5393 novareroofpros.com
ROOFING SERVICES
Pelican Roofing And Gutters (251) 725-3375 pelicanroofingal.com
ROOFING/ RESTORATION
I Am Roofing (251) 245-8585 iamroofing.com
SCREEN ROOM ENCLOSURES
Fortified Installations, LLC (251) 895-7131 fortifiedinstallations.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Southern View Media (251) 517-9425 southernviewmedia.com
TITLE & CLOSING SERVICES
Gulf Coast Title, LLC (251) 979-0868 gulfcoasttitle.com
TREE SERVICE / REMOVAL
Denham Tree Service (251) 401-7587
VACATION RENTALS
iTrip Vacations
Alabama Beaches (251) 974-1404 alabamaitrip.co
VIDEO PRODUCTION/ DRONE SERVICES
EyeSky Video & Photo, LLC
Stephen Hinds (317) 727-2919
297 Beall Lane
Daphne, AL 36526 eyeskyvp.com
SEPTEMBER 29 & 30, 2025
BY ROBERT ORSO
“Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away…”
With these simple words, The Beatles captured a feeling that resonates with anyone who has suffered deep loss—be it the death of a spouse, the heartache of divorce, the loss of a child, the pain of a wayward son or daughter, the shock of financial ruin, or the collapse of a lifelong career. “Yesterday” became so popular not just because of its haunting melody but because it voiced what so many feel when life takes a painful turn: life was better before, and we wish we could go back.
We all face moments when the shadow of yesterday hangs over today. The memory of laughter around the dinner table before your spouse’s illness, the warmth of a child’s hug before rebellion and distance, or the sense of purpose before the layoff or the business closing—these memories can be both comforting and suffocating. Nostalgia can be a gift that reminds us
of the beauty we once had, but it can also become a chain that keeps us from stepping into what God still has for us.
We cannot live in yesterday. Time only moves in one direction, and staying stuck in the past will not bring back those moments. “Yesterday” touches us because it is honest about how quickly everything can change, but we must remember that yesterday does not define today unless we allow it to.
You have a choice: will you live in the shadow of yesterday, or will you choose to live today and step forward into tomorrow?
Choosing to live again does not dishonor the memories of better days; it honors them. It says, “Because those days were good, I will not waste what I have left.” It is okay to remember better times, but we must refuse to give up. We can fight our way back from loneliness, despair, and financial loss by taking small steps: reaching out to someone, serving others
getting out of bed and making the next right choice.
Life will never be exactly as it was before your loss. But it can still be good, even if different. Even if your career ended, you can still contribute and build something new. Even if your child is far from you, your love and prayers still matter. Even if you lost your spouse, you can find purpose in honoring their memory by living well.
“Yesterday” is a song of longing, but it should not be the song of our lives. We can acknowledge what we have lost, grieve it fully, and still decide that we will not remain there. With God’s strength and the courage to take one step at a time, we can move from the shadows of yesterday into the light of today and the hope of tomorrow.
Because life, though changed, is still worth living—and your story is not over.
Here’s What The Top 300 Mobile Bay Agents Sold!
TOTAL TRANSACTIONS $4,154,851,633 SALES VOLUME
30 AVERAGE LISTINGS SOLD $13,849,505 AVERAGE SALES VOLUME PER AGENT
139 MOST TRANSACTIONS BY A SINGLE AGENT OR TEAM HIGHEST VOLUME BY A SINGLE AGENT OR TEAM $64,154,758 9,029
Ronny Reeves, Mobile Bay Real Producers Spotlight Vendor for August 2025, is a product of Mobile County, has been a serial entrepreneur most of his life and is a case study in continuous improvement.
“I was born in Mobile Infirmary, grew up in Chickasaw and have lived here my whole life.” Reeves said.
Ronny graduated from Satsuma High School where he was a wellrounded student.
“I played city league baseball and was active in soccer at Satsuma. In school, clubs such as computer science and
“I went to Bishop State Community College and earned an associate’s degree in applied science, focusing on auto body repair, and obtained an ASE certification. After going to work, I realized this career was more suitable as a hobby.” Ronny said.
Moving into information technology, Reeves picked up a second degree in computer networking and went to work for Circuit City. It was there where Ronny first ventured into small business ownership, with two partners, at the age of twenty-two.
“We started a venture that, for a while, was very successful. However, when the economy declined in 2008, a lot of consumers stopped buying luxury items and this dried up our revenue. I learned a lot during that first start-up that carried over into future ventures.” Reeves said.
Ronny learned and grew from every decision, and applied what he learned to increase his salary at every stop in his professional life.
“At every juncture, I’ve always tried to better my circumstances. With that focus in mind, I’ve managed to virtually double my income at every move in my career.” Reeves said.
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) benefitted me after graduation.” Reeves said.
Enjoying work with his hands, Ronny also proactively formed an auto club while growing up.
“My group of friends liked fixing up our cars, and I inherited a 1989 Chevy Cavalier from my older sisters that needed lots of work. With little money, we scrounged up what was available to keep our cars running.” Ronny said.
After graduation, Reeves pursued vocations that held interest for him in youth.
Ronny’s next decision offered him another opportunity to focus on entrepreneurship, as a franchise owner with Bunny Bread.
“Basically you develop a district and buy it from them. I had the Orange Beach route for several years and it was hugely successful, until the BP oil spill happened.” Reeves said “It seems like every single time I’ve tried something, it goes well, but then the universe leads me on to somewhere else, which is fine.” he added.
After the oil spill, Reeves moved over to SSAB and also made a third move into entrepreneurship, utilizing the lessons he learned over the years to propel him onto the path he follows today.
“My coworker who recruited me to SSAB also had an entrepreneurial mindset, and we constantly bounced ideas off each other. A catalyst for my decision to pursue home inspection was his wife, who was a real estate agent.” Reeves said.
“In this business, you’re able to see something different almost every single time, whether a residence or a commercial building. It isn’t monotonous and the environments are different.” he continued.
Running parallel to Ronny’s home inspection venture was the fact that
“YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE FAILURES, BUT LEARN FROM THEM, BECAUSE IF YOU DO GIVE UP THE VERY NEXT OPPORTUNITY COULD BE THE ONE WHERE YOU MAKE IT.”
After completing his training, Ronny hit the ground running for Superior Home Inspections in 2021 and hasn’t looked back, effectively doubling his business every year since he started, due in large part (he feels) to word-ofmouth referrals. He also credits much of his success to a superb ability to communicate with customers as well as best-in-class expertise, currently holding the highest certification level possible with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Ronny is also passionate about giving back, having donated personal effects towards cancer treatment for nearly half a decade.
“One thing I’m really proud of is that I’ve grown and donated my hair four times to people undergoing cancer treatment. I’m not exactly sure what first drew me to it, but I’ve always felt a deep pull to help others in any way I can.” Ronny said.
“It’s a simple but meaningful way to give back and something that requires time, patience, and care. It’s become part of who I am: someone who shows up for others, especially when they’re facing something hard.” he added.
his wife, Brittany, was also beginning a career as a realtor, and so the decision felt like a family affair.
In addition to adding Mississippi as part of his service area in the near future, Ronny offered heartfelt advice to those inspired by his journey into entrepreneurship.
“I never stopped following my dream and always had another idea spark up. You are going to have failures, but learn from them, because if you do give up the very next opportunity could be the one where you make it.” he concluded.
“I was acquainted with my wife from high school when we were friends. We dated much later, were eventually married in 2016 and bought our first house from a Roberts Brothers agent. Brittany went to work for them after getting licensed and currently she is a broker / realtor for McCarron Real Estate in Mobile.” Reeves said. Get in touch with Ronny at (251)753-1030 or eliteinspections group@gmail.com
When Sean Walker made the decision to leave behind a secure leadership role in healthcare to enter the unpredictable world of real estate, he did it with eyes wide open—and a heart full of faith.
Sean, a seasoned professional who now works as a Realtor with DSLD Homes, didn’t start his journey in the housing market. In fact, his path began in service to his country and community. With 21 years in the U.S. Army and another two decades working in healthcare leadership with Infirmary Health, Sean had built a career rooted in helping others. That same purpose continues to fuel him today, just in a different form.
“I really enjoy helping people,” Sean says. “In the Army, I served my country. In
healthcare, I helped patients. And now in real estate, I get to help people find a home—that place where life happens.”
The turning point came in 2016 at a meeting hosted at The Battle House in Mobile, Alabama. Sean was there in his role with Infirmary Health, but the topic that captured his imagination had little to do with medicine. A firm had been brought in to present plans for a new bridge that would connect Mobile and Baldwin counties, a project
projected to reshape the region’s infrastructure and future.
“They put up a picture of the bridge— looked almost like the Golden Gate— and they talked about how this area could become the next Orlando or Jacksonville,” Sean recalls. “They were highlighting all the growth potential here. It was like a light went off in my head.”
At the time, Sean was feeling the financial and professional stagnation common in management roles. “No matter how many hours I worked, my salary didn’t change,” he explains. “That meeting made me realize there was a massive opportunity coming to Baldwin County. Land was cheap, growth was inevitable, and I didn’t want to miss out.”
Taking the Leap With that, he jumped into real estate. He joined Bellator Real Estate and started part-time. By the end of 2019, he was all in—leaving behind a stable income for the risk and reward of 100% commission. It was a leap not taken lightly.
“I had two kids in college, and giving up a salary was scary,” Sean says. “But my wife, Michelle, really encouraged me. She’s been a nurse for 30 years, and she saw how frustrated I was. One day while we were walking through Jubilee Farms, she looked at me and said, ‘Sean, are you going to do this or not? You have to take a leap of faith.’ And I did.”
That leap has paid off in more ways than Sean could have imagined. Today, he’s a valued member of the DSLD Homes team and has carved out a reputation as a reliable, dedicated Realtor with a passion for helping his clients navigate what can often be a stressful process.
The Joy of Helping People
He especially enjoys working with firsttime homebuyers—people just starting out or trying to rebuild. “Seeing the look on their face when they get the keys to their first home—it never gets old,” he says. “That feeling of excitement, hope,
THAT FEELING OF EXCITEMENT, HOPE, AND ACCOMPLISHMENT, IT’S THE BEST PART OF WHAT I DO.”
and accomplishment, it’s the best part of what I do.”
His approach is grounded in service, not just sales. Sean believes in guiding people through one of the most significant transactions of their lives with honesty, patience, and care. It’s not unusual for him to run into former clients in the grocery store or at Lowe’s, and those connections have become one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.
Outside of work, Sean is a family man who finds joy in the simplicity of the fall season. “I love deer hunting, college football—especially Alabama— and just being outdoors,” he says. “Fall is my favorite time of year. It’s when I can relax a little, enjoy time with friends, fire up the grill, and watch some great football.”
But make no mistake—Sean works hard year-round. Real estate doesn’t come with clock-in, clock-out hours, and Sean is known to work six or seven days a week during the summer to build momentum and serve his clients with excellence.
Words for the Next Generation His advice to new agents? “Don’t quit. You’re going to face rejection, setbacks, and self-doubt—but push through. Find your niche, develop your communication skills, and build
MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON’T LET YOURSELF BECOME A STATISTIC. JUST KEEP GOING.”
relationships. Most importantly, don’t let yourself become a statistic. Just keep going.”
Sean credits his determination to avoid becoming “just another failed agent” as one of the primary drivers behind his success. “There are a lot of different ways to succeed in this business. You’ve got to find what works for you and then pour everything into it.”
At the heart of Sean’s story is a simple but powerful foundation: faith. His decision to pursue a new career wasn’t just about opportunity—it was about
belief. In himself. In his future. In the people around him.
“I hope people would describe me as faithful, honest, Christian, and hardworking,” he says. “That’s what I aim for every day—just to be a good man, doing good work, and making a difference.”
With a story that spans service, sacrifice, and bold decisions, Sean Walker is living proof that sometimes, the best moves in life are the ones made with conviction— and just a little leap of faith.
Get in touch with Sean at (251) 454-3352 or seanwalker.realty@gmail.com
“You can’t stay in business for over 50 years without operating from a place of integrity, honesty, transparency, and trust,” points out Jordan Bodenhamer, Qualifying Broker at Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals. “We have never strived to be the biggest vacation rental management company on the Gulf Coast; rather, we aim to be the best and the most dialed in. We value quality over quantity.”
Since 1974, this family-owned company has remained a cornerstone of the
Gulf Coast’s real estate and vacation rental market. Headquartered in the heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama, with a second office on the beach and satellite locations nearby, Young’s Suncoast combines boutique-level service with industry-leading expertise. The company manages hundreds of vacation rental properties across Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan, backed by a dedicated team of full-service vacation rental employees and a real estate brokerage.
BY JESS WELLAR
With nearly 75 team members and deep community roots, Young’s Suncoast delivers tailored solutions to owners, investors, buyers, and guests alike, expertly handling everything from property management and investment sales to strategic marketing and guest support. Jordan, now the company’s Qualifying Broker, is part of the next generation leading this Gulf Coast legacy forward.
For Jordan, the business is more than a job, it’s a passion and a family legacy. A fourth-generation native of Gulf Shores and the daughter of a four-term mayor and businessman, Jordan grew up immersed in the world of hospitality, city development, and community leadership. She started nearly 25 years ago at the bottom, answering phones for $5.15 per hour, working her way through nearly all the departments.
“From my mentors, I learned quickly that no job is beneath me, and in order to lead, you have to get in the trenches with your employees,” she points out.
Jordan obtained her real estate license in 2012, her broker’s license in 2023, and stepped into the role of Qualifying Broker in 2024.
While she has a sharp, creative mind, her real strength lies in big-picture thinking and strategic problemsolving. She’s one of only a handful of Certified Resort Specialists in Baldwin County and has chaired local property management committees while being sponsored by the local tourism board
ONCE YOU SEND YOUR CLIENT OUR WAY, WE TREAT THEM LIKE GOLD. WE SPEAK THE LANGUAGE OF HOSPITALITY AND WE SPEAK FLUENT ROI.”
to obtain her TMP designation for effective STR marketing.
“This industry lets me lead with both head and heart, and that’s where I shine,” she smiles.
Honesty Over Hype
So what sets Young’s Suncoast apart in a saturated market?
“We’re radically relationship-driven,” Jordan explains. “Our model is built on strategy, local insight, and high-touch service. Nothing we do is cookie-cutter.”
With over 90 competitors in the Gulf Coast vacation rental market today, Jordan notes that it’s easy for investors to be misled by inflated projections and bad advice. This is where Young’s Suncoast truly stands out by prioritizing truth, transparency, and realistic expectations.
The internal team plays a massive part in that consistency. “The business may have been started by men,” Jordan jokes, “but it’s women running the show now.” This includes Kelly Cotton, General Manager, and Brandi Boykin, Marketing Director — both with over 20 years at the company — as well as a roster of 50 dedicated full-time employees and 25 seasonal employees and real estate agents.
“We have a terrific team that is our boots on the ground; they all live locally and help our business thrive,” Jordan gratefully acknowledges.
One of the company’s strongest assets is its ability to partner with agents,
particularly those with investor clients. Through their Outside Agent Referral Program, Young’s Suncoast offers impressive commissions for referrals, along with the protection of existing client-agent relationships.
“We are the ultimate ally for outside Realtors,” Jordan asserts. “Once you send your client our way, we treat them like gold. We speak the language of hospitality and we speak fluent ROI.”
Jordan even offers custom, co-branded ROI calculators and projections for agents looking to present short-term rental opportunities to buyers. “I want agents to text me, call me, and ask for
advice. We want to be your trusted resource and partner, not just a vendor,” she emphasizes.
What fulfills Jordan most isn’t just influencing the business; it’s building something much more meaningful through deep, personal connections.
From mentoring her team to supporting property owners and creating unforgettable guest experiences, Jordan loves the fast pace and constant evolution of her work.
“No two days are ever the same,” she reflects. “We’re solving problems, manag-
“There’s so much misinformation out there. I’m committed to having the hard conversations upfront, so investors can make smart decisions based on reality, not hype.”
The company has no interest in scaling simply for acquisition, either. She points out that many competitors do so, which often leaves owners in the lurch once the company is acquired.
“We’re not going anywhere,” she adds. “We’re in this for the long haul.”
Outside of the office, Jordan is a proud single mom to her 10-year-old son, Easton.
“He’s my ‘why’ in every sense of the word,” she shares. “We love baseball, classic cars, and making each other laugh.”
Jordan’s parents remain her biggest supporters and help her juggle the many demands of running a business. The Bodenhamer family are big car enthusiasts and proudly sponsor the Bama Coast Cruisin’ each year.
A creative at heart, Jordan spends her free time painting, writing, and dreaming up new ventures. “One day,” she laughs, “I might even write for SNL. My childhood dream was and still is to become a stand-up comedian!”
ing relationships, and pouring back into our community every single day.”
Despite the rise of automation in the vacation rental industry, Jordan believes that human connection is what will always set her business apart. “The winners will be those who balance hightech with high-touch. And that’s our sweet spot,” she affirms.
Having navigated five decades of market shifts, Young’s Suncoast certainly knows how to adapt. But Jordan is crystal clear on the importance of staying transparent in today’s competitive landscape.
From mentoring new agents and educating property owners to quietly supporting local families in need and sponsoring regional events, Young’s Suncoast’s impact stretches far beyond the sandy shores.
“This island raised me into the woman I am today,” Jordan concludes, “and now it’s my mission to give back to the community that shaped me — with integrity, grit, compassion, and a whole lot of heart.
Want to learn more, receive a free ROI calculation, or refer a client?
Visit www.youngssuncoast.com or call/text Jordan Bodenhamer today at (251) 223-7564.
Same Brand, New Reach –Tune in for free today
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When asking Annette Oden why she loves what she does, you believe her when she answers it’s because of the people she gets to work with every day. She believes people come into your life for a reason, and that God is guiding all her decisions.
On the advice and persistence of a longtime friend, Oden started working as a real estate agent. She enjoys helping other agents with their transactions and answering their questions and was a natural choice to be nominated and chosen to be the Managing Broker of Bellator Real Estate’s Mobile office.
Oden pursued a broker’s license on the encouragement of Troy Wilson, president and CEO of Bellator Real Estate, saying, “It came at just the right time. I love helping, serving, mentoring, coming alongside, sharing knowledge
and experience I’ve acquired over time; it is a natural fit. And I love this team, this office, these agents. I trusted Troy and I knew, for whatever reason, he trusted me. I felt empowered to jump in with both feet. I knew, at Bellator, I’d be supported. It wasn’t a hard decision at all. I wouldn’t have missed this season with these people for the world!”
Oden started working in real estate and got her license in 2014. She said she closed her first sale within 30 days and was hooked and realized real estate is a service industry. “REALTORS® help people solve their real estate challenges and realize their real estate dreams,” she added.
When she first started working at Bellator, she said she was looking for a local company, not a franchise. “It needed to be a company, led by people
with a business mind and a deep passion for the people we serve,” said Oden. “This also came at a time when my business had grown to the point where I needed to either hire an assistant or make a move to a company who offered real support.”
“I met Don Jones, the broker in the Bellator Real Estate Mobile office at the time,” she continued. “He taught a Continuing Education class, and he made it so much fun. When I decided to make a move, I remembered Don and already felt a little bit of a connection. Upon meeting with Troy and Don, I learned about Monica Alidor, the admin in this office, and all the tools available at Bellator. The icing on the cake was when I learned we have a full-time marketing team that are professionals who support our agents daily. That sealed it for me. I joined the company
and never looked back. I became the qualifying broker two years later.”
Again, when asked about her work, she circles back to her agents, the support staff and the management and other brokers within Bellator. “I love supporting and nurturing agents. Seeing their vision for their businesses, getting a glimpse into their hearts and minds and helping them get to their dreams lights me up. Bellator’s executive staff and this broker team is the stuff of dreams – seriously. I always dreamed of it but didn’t hold out a lot of hope that it was possible. I believe God sees, hears and knows. He sets us up for success.”
“I also really like the real estate community at large,” she said. “A major goal is to encourage and cheer on lifegiving agents wherever I find them. ‘When the water rises, all boats float.’ I like encouraging professionalism and camaraderie.”
Born in Laurel, Miss., Oden was a music student in college, attending both Tennessee Temple University and Southeastern Baptist College. Before real estate, she was a published and awardwinning songwriter and producer. “I wrote musicals, complete with a story and songs, for children’s choirs, and I loved it,” she said. Oden worked at a local church and then for a local Christian music company.
On a personal note, Oden said her family is at the center of all she is and all she does. She met her husband John in college, and they will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in October.
“Even at my age, I still believe I can change the world, or at least, my part of it. I’m a happy person and I laugh a lot. I think that’s a superpower.”
The couple have three adult children (two sons and a daughter).
“Our children are incredible people,” she added. “We’re so proud of them. Being empty nesters has been interesting to say the least, but I think I’ll always miss having our babies at home. Mom is my favorite identity.”
In her spare time, Oden said she likes being at home with her family. “It is restorative and gives me energy for everything else in my life.”
“I enjoy baking sourdough bread; the process is cathartic,” said Oden. “Podcasts are part of every single day. I love long
walks every evening and John and I like to garden in the summers. Floating in our pool is something I look forward to every year. We enjoy a quiet, peaceful life together and we’re grateful for it.”
Oden does have a few mottos for herself, but ‘Be kind; everyone is going through something they don’t talk about’ is one that she lives by daily. “Even at my age, I still believe I can change the world, or at least, my part of it,” she said. “I’m a happy person and I laugh a lot. I think that’s a superpower.”
When asked about selling and working in Mobile, Oden explained how she loves where she lives. “A few years ago,
I became a Tourism Ambassador for the city of Mobile and spent that summer doing all the things available that locals probably don’t usually do,” she said. “My daughter and I went to every museum (including the Carnival Museum & Mobile Museum of Art, her favorites), we had lunch at fun local spots, experienced the local attractions, took photos all over the downtown area and soaked it all in. We love the farmers’ markets from downtown to Tanner Williams and always enjoy visits to Dauphin Island. People often say Mobile is a ‘big, small town’ and I agree. It’s home.”
Get in touch with Annette at (251) 3437777 or aoden@gobellator.com
BY ASHLEY HORN PHOTOS
BRANDON MORGAN, DREAMHOME PRODUCTIONS
Tony Argueta has been working in real estate in the Mobile area for more than five years but in sales for much longer.
Argueta grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and says he moved to Mobile in 2016 with his high school sweetheart. He said the difference in cities was quite a shock. “When I moved to Mobile, one of the things that really stood out to me was how friendly everyone was,” he recalled. “I remember coming home and my neighbors waving at me from my car and I thought that was the weirdest thing. And then going somewhere, to a gas station or a grocery store, and people holding the door for you was crazy.
No one does that in Florida, so southern hospitality is definitely something to be admired.”
Argueta is a Realtor with Bellator Real Estate in Mobile. He started working in retail at an early age and decided to change to real estate at the encouragement of a friend. “When the pandemic struck retail stores were shutting down so people would stay home. I started exploring other opportunities and I got my real estate license,” he explained. “I realized I could do a lot more in real estate than investing in corporate America.”
He joined Bellator Real Estate after working with the Mobile
“Honestly, getting to the finish line and seeing everybody’s faces and range of emotions from anxious, to excited, to happy to sad to mad and then it just all comes together at the end and they’re signing on the dotted line and everybody’s happy; that is my favorite part of the job.”
office Broker Annette Oden. “I was working a deal with Annette, and I loved her positivity and the energy she brought. She invited me to look at Bellator and I told her I wasn’t interested and happy where I was.”
Oden persisted and invited Argueta to lunch. “I decided to have lunch with her just because I wanted to get to know her as a person – I was genuinely interested in what I could learn from her. She also invited me
to one of their meetings and everybody was so warm and welcoming and eager to share, and it was just a really great environment,” he added. “I loved the fact that everybody was spiritual and welcoming and accepting of everyone, so I decided to make the switch and I’ve been happy ever since.”
Argueta says his favorite part of the job is getting his clients through the roller coaster of emotions they feel when
purchasing a home. “Honestly, getting to the finish line and seeing everybody’s faces and range of emotions from anxious, to excited, to happy to sad to mad and then it just all comes together at the end and they’re signing on the dotted line and everybody’s happy; that is my favorite part of the job.”
In his spare time, Argueta says his family makes him the happiest. “I met my wife in middle school, and we were high school sweethearts,” he said. “At first, she didn’t want to
date me and she was a very good friend of mine and we always kept in contact. Eventually, she gave in, and we started dating and we’ve been together ever since.”
Argueta has a son and a daughter, and his favorite thing is spending time with them cooking, eating
Oter than real estate and gardening and Argueta says he is a tech guy. “I am also a content creator. I love staying informed with growing technology and I have a ton photography gear for content creation, and I love learning about AI. I’m a big fan.”
Argueta said he is a firm believer in that you can learn something from anyone, especially people who are more successful than you. “I like to sit down and pick their brains and learn as much as I can.”
and watching movies. “Mostly we are a big foodie family,” he explained. “We do a lot of cooking and a lot of experimentation of things we would like to try. I just recently got into gardening, so I’ve been in my backyard whole lot growing tons of vegetables and fruit.”
He also believes in the phrase “how you do anything is how you do everything.” He explained “I try to everything at 1000 percent so if I interact with you I will always over deliver; that’s my goal.”
Get in touch with Tony at (251) 767-1222 or targueta@ gobellator.com
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-toplay 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.
