Patrice Cox
New Roofing
Roof Installation, Metal Roofing, Shingles Roofing, Flat Roofing
GUTTERS
Seamless Rain Gutters, Gutter Installation
Meet The Team
Robert Orso Publisher/Owner
Rebecca Wilson Writer
Ron Sivak Writter
Dave Danielson Writer Jess Wellar Writer Christina Kitchen Ad Strategist Cheri Social Media Manager
Ertzberger Photographer Stephen Hinds Photographer
Preferred Partners
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
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 - RESIDENTIAL
J. S. Fresh Start Cleaning Services, LLC (251) 654-5650
CUSTOM BUILDER
Ark Builders LLC (251) 709-4331 arkbuildersllc.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
HOME INSPECTION
Complete Home Inspections, LLC (251) 510-1809 completehomeinspectionsllc.com
HVAC SERVICES
Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning (251) 259-4664
8380 Tanner Williams Road Mobile, AL 36608 hembreeac.com
HVAC/PLUMBING/ELECTRICIANS
Hansen Super Techs
Brianna Mcadory (251) 850-5322
HansenSuperTechs.com
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENT
E-Z Insurance Agency, LLC
Haley Cochran (251) 645-7283
7875 Moffett Road, Suite B Semmes, AL 36575 ezinsurancellc.com
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER
C Spire Residential Sales Executive (205) 329-1897 cspire.com
LENDER
Home Front Lending (251) 509-7791 hflend.com
Movement Mortgage
Richard C Hampton (251) 270-4482
4851 Wharf Parkway Suite D-228 Orange Beach, AL 36561 movement.com/chad.hampton
MORTGAGE / LENDER
New American Funding (952) 715-7295 nafinc.com
MORTGAGE LENDER
Community Bank (769) 777-6092 Communitybank.net
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
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
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
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
Are You Missing Important Calls?
BY ROBERT ORSO
The proliferation of spam calls has changed the phone answering culture over the last ten years to the point that most people will not answer their phone calls. I realize this is an act of self-protection to shield us from wasting our time with spammers but at the same time, we could be missing important calls and forfeiting business and networking opportunities.
We think, “if it is important, they will leave a message” and often times that is true, but not always. When we call people for a legitimate reason, it can be very frustrating when they do not answer, and some legitimate callers are put off by voicemail and will not leave a message. Frankly, a lot of people, especially older people, get the impression that you must be hard to work with because you never answer your calls. It is common for individuals to feel somewhat disregarded when they call someone and are required to leave a message, particularly if their call is not returned.
I call and talk to a lot of realtors and potential advertisers, and I hear this message a lot. “For a quicker response,
send me a text message.” Or I get a text message saying, “I’m in a meeting, can I call you later?” Which is fine if they call me back, but sometimes they don’t. Thank God for voice text!
If anyone understands how busy top realtors are, it is me! And I respect the fact that you all have to control your schedules on your terms, so I am not being critical of how you operate at all. I also know that there are a few realtors, and I see this more with the vendors you all refer me to, that it gets down to an issue of integrity. You call someone who answers, and they say, “I am in a meeting, I will call you back in ten minutes” but you never hear from them. The fact is that everyone is busy, and they are just trying to make an honest living. We should respect everyone’s time.
Over the past year, I have set four appointments with a very powerful realtor. The first three attempts were face to face, so I had to drive a long distance to the meeting. They stood me up three times. The last attempt was a Zoom meeting, and they did not show
up. They have not told me why and they have never apologized for any of the missed appointments. That, my friends is a lack of integrity.
Most people, except for the scammers, are just trying to make an honest living and most of them have something good to offer us or business to give us if we just talk to them. None of us should feel that we and our time are so important that we can’t hear what others have to say or offer. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is, “Don’t think of yourself as more important than you should.” That is good advice and will help us to treat others the way we should.
My point is, you never know who is on the other end of the phone until you talk to them. I know personally that I have reluctantly answered my phone and heard something I needed or wanted to hear. An opportunity, something that helped my business, something good. I am just saying, don’t let the scammers rob you of beneficial information. If you don’t like what you hear, just politely say, no thanks and hang up. Answer your phone when you can.
JOSH HEMBREE OF
Hembree Heating & Air
HOUSEHOLD NAME
One of the October Spotlight Vendor for Mobile Bay Real Producers, Josh Hembree, of Hembree Heating and Air, is a legacy entrepreneur intent on taking the family brand to new heights.
“I’m the third generation of Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning. My grandfather started the business in 1969. As a small company, he and my grandmother would work out of their house. My grandfather would run the service calls and handle the air conditioning work.”Josh said.
“He did it for 15 years, but unfortunately suffered a debilitating back injury. Because of that my dad, who was just 16 years old at the time, dropped out of Mary Montgomery High School and started working in the business.” he added.
Hembree’s father expanded the business from a one-man operation to a stable office of 5 employees moving into the 1990’s when his son, Josh, was born.
“I was born at Spring Hill Hospital in Mobile, a local boy through and through, only moving away for a little while before coming back home.” Hembree said.
Josh spent his childhood years at Faith Academy before his parents decided
to have him and his siblings homeschooled, with early evidence of his family’s entrepreneurial DNA emerging as at 15 when he started teaching guitar (learning to play at 9 years old).
“I’m a passionate guitarist, love playing and love people. When I was around 15
years old, I had a need to get my first job, but didn’t want to just go out and work somewhere making minimum wage, so I combined my skills of playing guitar with my love of people and started teaching guitar lessons.” Josh said.
Naming his first venture Hembree School of Music, he soon expanded classes by hiring instructors to teach violin, voice, drums and piano with a total of 60 students through high school and into his early years of college at the University of Mobile. Josh eventually shut down his company to follow other passions that required 100% of his focus.
“I went to The University of Mobile on an academic scholarship, because I had my music business going and was majoring in political science with a minor in business. My end goal was to become an attorney and wanted to do everything I could to prepare myself for a career in law. I also initially met my wife Kala there. We dated a couple of
times but didn’t connect until later to eventually marry.” Hembree said.
Josh ended up choosing Jones School of Law (now Faulkner Law) in Montgomery and after law school passed the bar, on his first attempt, and immediately landed a job out at a local firm in Montgomery.
His life took a turn down the path it is on today when his father started talking about retirement.
“My father initially discouraged me from taking over the family business and wanted me to go off and do ‘better things’ in his opinion. That propelled me onto a path of following something that had always been close to my heart, practicing law.” Josh said.
“A couple years into working in the legal world, my dad announced that he was ready to retire and was contemplating selling the family company. At the time we had planted roots but, through a lot
Hembree eventually moved indoors to work as a customer service representative while learning internal office operations.
“I wanted to learn about what it takes to run a heating and air company. What were we good at? What were we not good at? How could we improve the customer experience and our offerings?” Josh said.
What he did in a relatively short amount of time was transformative.
“In 2020 we rebranded the logo, our truck wraps, modernized our marketing, updated our website, systemized how to go to market to consistently deliver positive results to our customers and became aggressive at wanting to do all we could make ourselves a household name with a reputation of quality over quantity” Hembree said.
Covid19 didn’t slow the freshly invigorated family business in the least.
“It was a blessing in disguise. People were staying at home and customers
were thinking about air purification and our sales skyrocketed.” Josh said.
Fast forward to today and Hembree Heating & Air Conditioning has the feel of a cutting-edge company with 56 years of family history behind it and now boasting a staff of 35 employees, fully serving both Baldwin and Mobile
Counties. Josh’s growing family also expanded with the birth of his son Brenton in 2021.
“I’m a big believer that healthy things grow. We embrace growth, but are not chasing it. Instead, we are chasing after constantly improving our customer service experience.” Josh concluded.
of thought and prayer, my wife and I knew the right decision was to move back home to take over the family business as third-generation owners. I had to sell my dad on the idea, but he finally agreed that it was the right decision.” he continued.
2018 was a pivotal year, with his daughter Eva being born as well as moving back down to the Gulf Coast to learn the ropes of running the family business. Josh also desired to understand operations from the ground up; not asking, expecting nor receiving any preferential treatment from his parents.
“When coming back home to work, I wanted to start at the bottom and needed to learn a whole new industry. Although I had grown up around the profession, it had never been my career and there was so much to learn. I worked as a maintenance technician, running my own calls along with about seven other employees for two years.” Josh said.
Mobile Bay Real Producer’s March Top Agent, Patrice Cox of Keller Williams Realty Mobile, is a native Mobilian who was instilled with a burning desire to succeed from the very beginning.
BY RON SIVAK PHOTOS BY BRANDON MORGAN, DREAMHOME PRODUCTIONS
“My dad is from Trinidad and Tobago and was a Merchant Marine longshoreman for many years. He met my mom in Boston while she was in school. After getting married, they came back to her hometown to have children,” Cox said.
“I was born at Mobile General Hospital, now known as USA Medical Center, and I have four siblings - two sisters and two brothers,” she added.
Patrice
Destined For Greatness
Cox
A gifted student, Patrice was in the very first class selected to attend Dunbar Magnet School.
“Dunbar is known for its performing arts, and I had the opportunity to take advantage of some of the electives they offer, like ballet and drama. It nurtured my creative side,” she said.
Moving on to Murphy High School, Patrice joined ROTC as a freshman due to its emphasis on discipline. Her tireless work ethic also emerged early, as
evidenced by her participation in a work-study program during her sophomore year. By her senior year, she was one of the youngest managers at her job, overseeing a team of adults at just eighteen.
“I actually took vacation time off work during spring break so I could participate in my high school activities while balancing my work responsibilities,” Cox said.
After graduation, Patrice considered a medical career
and decided to test the waters by getting licensed as a medical assistant. She then went to work for a medical equipment company, quickly mastering the sophisticated processes and procedures involved in insurance billing. With ambition to match her talent, she soon moved to another company offering broader horizons.
“After reaching the ceiling in my current role and wanting more, I decided to take on a director of operations position to learn every aspect of that business,” Cox said.
After several years of successfully managing and growing the company, Patrice made another daring leap of faith - starting her own medical supply business.
“I have always felt destined for greatness, possibly in a boardroom, calling the shots. I knew my value and what I had to offer any organization,” Cox said.
Patrice attributes her strong Christian faith, instilled at an early age, as the bedrock of her bold decisions.
“I have a strong faith in God and was raised in the church, growing up attending Sunday school. My lifeline was the church, and it still is to this day. If I continue to put my trust in God (and I do), everything else will fall in line,” she said.
Applying everything she learned from her previous positionsand with no guidance, mentor, or safety net - Patrice fearlessly tapped into her savings to start her own medical supply business in 2005. At the same time, she was also raising her high school-aged daughter, April Lechelle, as a single mother.
“While I was building my business, I would pick my daughter up from school while working my delivery routes.
The SUV would be packed, and I remember leaving her a tiny little spot to sit. She was used to being surrounded by boxes. I was trying to build a company and be there for her, all at the same time,” Patrice said.
Cox’s company was successful almost from the start and flourished for five years until
unforeseen circumstances forced her to pivot.
“In 2010, my father became gravely ill and needed continuous home care and supervision. I was the only family member at the time that could provide it. Additionally, regulatory changes in my industry had diminished my company’s bottom line, so the timing seemed right to shut it down. It was God’s plan,” Patrice said.
Her interest in real estate, sparked by her time as a
business owner, led her to obtain her license several years later, after her father’s health improved.
“When I get an idea about something, it’s like a tapping on my shoulder, a little voice telling me it’s time to make a move. Once the decision is made, I don’t hesitate,” Cox said.
After getting licensed in late 2014, Patrice knew that Keller Williams Mobile was where she wanted to work in 2015.
Life always has challenges, and we must have faith to overcome them.
When I first started in real estate, I didn’t have a car and drove a rental for a year with no guarantee of income. I thank God for my strong support network and never take any blessing for granted.”
philosophy of constant growth and improvement.
“Life always has challenges, and we must have faith to overcome them. When I first started in real estate, I didn’t have a car and drove a rental for a year with no guarantee of income. I thank God for my strong support network and never take any blessing for granted,” Cox said.
Inspired by her mother’s example, Patrice’s daughter is now a successful business owner in her own right. In her spare time, Cox enjoys gourmet cooking and organizing events with family and friends to celebrate the value of relationships.
She loved the culture and felt at home almost instantly.
Fast forward to today, and the wisdom of her choice is selfevident. As she celebrates her 10-year anniversary in 2025, Cox has been ranked as a top producer at Keller Williams for eight of the past ten years. To date, she has helped over 300 families find homes and has closed over $53 million in volume. True to form, she earned her associate broker’s license in 2018, illustrating her
When asked for advice for those inspired by her story, Patrice was generous.
“Be open to continuous education. You always need a coach. You always need a mentor. Even when you achieve success, strive to be better. Always put God first, and He will reward you.”
FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE, CONTACT PATRICE AT (251) 222-0827 OR PATRICECOX@KW.COM
KATHARINE
RICE
TThose who have had the chance to know and work with Katharine Rice know they have an experienced ally on their side—one who will go above and beyond to help them realize their dreams. As a REALTOR® with Local Property in Fairhope, Katharine achieves success for those around her as an active advocate.
Katharine’s approach to her work is rooted in her love of helping others, a strong
would have been if I had someone to guide me through it,” she says. “This reflection has become the foundation of my approach as a realtor.”
Today, Katharine strives to be the guide she once needed— an advocate for buyers new to the area and a reliable, hardworking partner for sellers looking to make their next move. Her goal is to educate and empower her clients, whether they’re moving across the country or just across town.
“It’s such an exciting and rewarding experience to help someone not only find a house, but the right home for them,” Katharine says. “I love working with both buyers and sellers. Helping buyers is such an exciting and rewarding experience— it’s not just about finding a house but discovering the perfect home for them. For sellers, I ensure that the transition of selling their home is as seamless and stress-free as possible.”
work ethic, and a passion for creating meaningful connections. Whether she’s guiding newcomers to Baldwin County or assisting locals in finding their dream homes, Katharine’s dedication to her clients shines through in everything she does.
From Hospital Administration to Real Estate
Katharine’s path to real estate was not a typical one.
Originally from a small town in Alabama, she and her husband, Will, moved to Baldwin County when he took a job in the area. The transition to a new location sparked Katharine’s interest in real estate.
“I dove headfirst into researching where we should live and why, aiming to understand the nuances of this incredible region. Looking back, I often think how much easier the process
Selling a home can be an emotional and complex process, and Katharine takes pride in guiding her clients every step of the way, providing them with the confidence and support they need to move forward.
Initially, Katharine stayed home with their three children after the move, but as her kids grew older, she decided it was time to explore real estate full-time.
“Time management became more and more important. You can do anything if you plan for it,” she explains. To stay organized and focused, Katharine and Will set aside time each week for
meetings to strategize and plan for both their personal and professional goals. This teamwork has helped Katharine maintain balance between her growing real estate career and family life.
Helping Clients Find Their Dream Homes
One of Katharine’s favorite parts of her job is the moment when a client finds the perfect home. “I love showing someone home after home, and then finally seeing their eyes light up when they walk into the right one,” Katharine says. “It’s that moment when I know I’ve matched their needs, and they’re ready to take the next step in their journey.”
Real estate is a profession that demands hard work and
instilling in her children. “My husband and I work hard to show our kids the importance of perseverance and resilience,” Katharine says. “As Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘Nothing worth having comes easily.’ We want to set an example for them of what it means to work hard and achieve your goals.”
A Growing Career
In just a short time since becoming a REALTOR®, Katharine has built a thriving career. In 2024, she closed nearly $4 million in sales volume, and in 2025, she has already surpassed $1 million in sales volume. Katharine’s success is a testament to her dedication, professionalism, and the strong relationships she builds with her clients. Much of her business comes from referrals, and she values the trust her clients place in her to guide them through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
resilience, and Katharine embraces those challenges wholeheartedly. She knows that the process of buying or selling a home can be overwhelming for many people, and her goal is to make the experience as smooth as possible. “I’m not just helping my clients find a house, I’m helping them find a place where they can build their life,” she adds. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging, and that’s what makes this job so rewarding.”
Katharine’s commitment to her clients goes beyond just showing homes. She takes the time to understand their unique needs and desires, making sure she’s guiding them toward the best possible options. Her work ethic is a reflection of the values she’s
opportunities for students in Baldwin County.
“I believe in giving back to the community, especially when it comes to supporting local schools and children,” she says. “Education is such an important part of a strong community, and I’m proud to be part of an organization that helps make a difference.”
In her free time, Katharine enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and attending her children’s sports and activities. “We love going to the beach and spending time outdoors,” she says. “We also love playing pickleball and going for walks together as a family.”
Katharine is proud of her accomplishments, but she remains humble and focused on her clients. “I’m just honored to be part of their journey,” she says. “Helping people find the right home is such a privilege, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Family and Community Involvement
Outside of her real estate career, Katharine is deeply involved in her community. She and her husband, Will, are active members of First Baptist of Fairhope, where they take part in church activities and volunteer their time. Katharine is also a board member of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing educational
reflects her commitment to managing her time effectively and staying true to her values.
Katharine hopes her clients would describe her as kind, compassionate, and an advocate for their needs. “I strive to be a trusted advocate for my clients, providing steadfast support and guidance throughout the entire process,” she says. “I’m dedicated to being professional, responsive, and paying attention to every detail, because they deserve nothing less.”
Helping people find the right home is such a privilege, and I take that responsibility seriously.”
Advice for Success
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Katharine offers some valuable advice: “You can do anything you set your mind to. But you have to be self-motivated, and time management is essential.” In real estate, as in life, staying organized and focused is key to success. Katharine’s approach to her career and her personal life
Katharine Rice’s passion for helping others, combined with her strong work ethic and dedication to her clients, has made her a standout REALTOR® in Baldwin County. Whether she’s guiding a family relocating to the area, assisting a local client in finding their dream home, or helping sellers market and sell their home with confidence, Katharine’s unwavering commitment to excellence shines through.
FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE, CONTACT KATHARINE AT (334) 333-4646 OR KATHARINE@LOCAL PROPERTYINC.COM
DREW RAMBO
REALTY EXECUTIVES, GULF COAST
ON-DEMAND NAVIGATOR
BY JESS WELLAR
PHOTOS BY TYLER ERTZBERGER, CAPTURED BY TYLER
Drew Rambo doesn’t just run a successful office franchise; he fosters one big family. As the managing broker and co-owner of Realty Executives Gulf Coast, Drew works alongside his wife, Clarissa, and his father-in-law, Randy McKinney, to lead a team of 37 agents in Gulf Shores.
Supporting six other Realty Executives offices spanning three states including Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, and two decades in the industry, Drew brings more than expertise — he brings an honest, helping heart.
“We’re not the brokerage for everyone, and we don’t want to be,” Drew says matter-of-factly. “We operate like a family, celebrating and collaborating together, and working through challenges as a team.”
Making Moves
Raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Drew earned both his bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s in public administration with a focus on economic development from Auburn University. His early career at Auburn’s Center for Governmental Services involved helping cities and counties fine-tune employee pay scales.
“It was a great foundation in business and government, but when Clarissa
graduated from our alma mater, we moved to Baldwin County to join her family’s real estate business,” Drew explains.
Initially working in franchise sales for Realty Executives, Drew transitioned to managing the local brokerage in 2008 — just as the housing market imploded.
“We took over ownership during one of the toughest times imaginable,” Drew recalls. “Then in 2010, the BP oil spill made things even harder.”
But thankfully Drew and his cohorts adapted, diving into selling bank-owned properties and taking on any listing they could find.
“You do what you have to do to get through tough markets,” Drew adds.
True Family Affair
The Realty Executives Gulf Coast office is a family operation. While Drew focuses on managing agents and fielding their questions, Clarissa is out in the field. She closed $11 million in personal sales last year alone, and offers hands-on guidance with contracts. Meanwhile, Randy, with over 45 years of experience, provides high-level oversight and strategic advice.
“If there’s a conflict or a tough question, we say, ‘Let’s take it upstairs,’” Drew jokes, referring to Randy’s upstairs office.
The familial ties extend beyond the office door. Drew’s mother-in-law runs a land title company in the same building, and his brother-in-law specializes in 1031 exchanges from a neighboring office. Despite the close quarters, Drew insists the family knows how to separate work from personal life.
“When we’re all together outside the office, we don’t talk about work,” he says. “It’s all about family time, which is a healthy boundary.”
Always Accessible
Drew’s leadership style is grounded in availability. This approach has made him a trusted resource for his agents for years.
“I always try to answer my phone,” he affirms. “If I can’t, I’ll text back to let them know when I’ll call. Agents need someone available in realtime, not a day or two later.
“If I don’t know the answer, I won’t shoot from the hip either,” he adds. “I’ll collaborate with Clarissa, Randy, or even my mother-in-law if it’s title-related. It’s about pointing agents in the right direction.”
The agents’ source of support doesn’t end with Drew and his relatives though. The brokerage’s Business Support Specialist, Jennifer Ables, plays
a pivotal role in training new agents, organizing monthly sales meetings, and offering tech support.
“She’s invaluable and a pivotal piece of our organization,” Drew emphasizes. “She keeps us all accountable and focused.”
Drew’s advice for aspiring agents speaks directly to his approach over the years. “Answer your phone,” he suggests. “I hear it all the time that agents are difficult to get in touch with and that seems odd to me … We sell real estate but this is a people business. You can’t broker a deal with another agent without talking and working through issues.”
Balancing Act
out West are a favorite tradition, and this spring, Drew, Clarissa, and their parents will head to Greece for a muchanticipated vacation.
For Drew and Clarissa, success is about more than just numbers. “It’s maintaining a proper work/life balance,” Drew notes. The couple’s two children, Sutton (15) and Saylor (12), keep their schedules full with basketball, baseball, and volleyball games. At home, their beagle, Annabelle, goldendoodle Oakley, and rescue cat Goldie provide plenty of entertainment.
“We work nights and weekends, but we also get to attend school events and games,” Drew points out. “It’s a trade-off, but it’s worth it.”
When the family isn’t busy with sports, they enjoy deep sea fishing, boating, and traveling together. Annual ski trips
In addition to his leadership in real estate, Drew is deeply involved in his community. He serves on the Foley Mainstreet Board of Directors and the Foley Rotary Board and is an active member of Orange Beach Methodist.
On The Horizon
With $81.5 million in brokerage volume and 166 transactions last year, there’s little doubt Drew and his family have built a thriving business. But they’re not resting on their laurels. The couple remains committed to growing their agent roster and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment.
“We’re open to experienced and new agents alike,” Drew elaborates. “Our
dynamic systems and fee structure is designed to support agents at every stage of their career; from offering affordable, low monthly fees for the new agent to allowing a top producer to reach their cap and make 100 percent of their commission.”
As for the next five years? Drew’s focus remains on his family.
“Clarissa and I are in the current mode of raising our kids,” he concludes. “After that phase, we’ll reassess. But for now, it’s about being present to enjoy them and soak up all the memories while continuing to recruit and maintain our business’s momentum.”
FOR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS ARTICLE, CONTACT DREW AT (251) 609-9882 OR DREWR@REALTYEXECUTIVES.COM
What Top Realtors Think About Mobile Bay Real Producers
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!”
Cody Maley – Scout South Properties, Elberta
“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.”
Amanda Spears
Erick Haffner
Tracy Womack
Pam Stein
Kayla Sanders
Victor Howard
Stan Szapiel
Cody Maley
Welcome to Real Producers! Some of you may be wondering what this publication is all about, which is why we have created this FAQ page. Here, we will answer the most commonly asked questions from around the country regarding our program. My door is always open to discuss anything regarding this community — this publication is 100% designed to be your voice!
Q: WHO RECEIVES THIS MAGAZINE?
A: The top 300 agents in the Mobile Bay Area. We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021, in Mobile and Baldwin Counties. We cut the list off at number 300, and the distribution was born. For this year’s list, the minimum production level for our group is $7 million in 2021. The list will reset at the end of 2022 for next year and will continue to update annually.
Q: WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR BEING FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE?
A: The process is simple. Every feature you see has first been nominated. You can nominate REALTORS®, agents, affiliates, brokers, owners, or even yourself. Office leaders can also nominate real estate agents. We will consider anyone you bring to our attention because we don’t know everyone’s story, and we need your help to learn more. A nomination currently looks like this: Email us at robert.orso@realproducersmag.com with the subject line “Nomination: (Name of Nominee)” and explain why you are nominating the individual. Maybe the person has an amazing story that we need to tell, or perhaps someone overcame extreme obstacles, is an exceptional leader, has the best customer service, or gives back to the community in a big way. The next step is an interview with us to ensure a good fit, and then we put the wheels in motion for our writer to conduct an interview and for our photographer to schedule a photo shoot.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST TO FEATURE A REALTOR®, AGENT, OR TEAM?
A: Zero, zilch, zippo, nada, nil. The feature costs nothing, my friends, so nominate away! We are not a pay-to-play model. We share real stories of Real Producers.
Q: WHO ARE THE PREFERRED PARTNERS?
A: Anyone listed as a preferred partner in the front of the magazine is a part of this community and will have an ad in every issue of the magazine, attend our quarterly events, and be a part of our online community. We don’t just find these businesses off the street, nor do we work with all businesses that approach us. One or many of you have recommended every preferred partner you see in this publication. We won’t even meet with a business that you have not vetted and stamped for approval, in a sense. Our goal is to create a powerhouse network for the REALTORS® and agents in the area and for the best affiliates so we can grow stronger together.
Q: HOW CAN I RECOMMEND A PREFERRED PARTNER?
A: If you have a recommendation for a local business that works with top real estate agents, please let us know. Send an email to robert.orso@realproducersmag.com.
