Gulf Coast Real Producers | December 2025

Preferred Partners

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CLOSING LAW FIRM

Coast Title Company (228) 334-5122 sullivanlawfirmpllc.com

Page, Mannino, Peresich

& McDermott, P.L.L.C. (228) 374-2100 pmp.org

CUSTOM COUNTERS & STONE WORK

The Top Shop (228) 863-5084 topshopgulfport.com

INSURANCE AGENCY

Fassbender Insurance, Inc. (228) 265-5885 fassbenderinsurance.com

Goosehead Insurance

- Bill Knox Agency (228) 207-5000 goosehead.com

Mac’s Coastal Insurance, LLC (228) 364-6667 macscoastal.com

United Risk Insurance Agency, Inc.

Cale Merrill (228) 206-3853

2137 E Pass Road, Ste E Gulfport, MS 39507 unitedriskins.com

MORTGAGE / LENDER

Citizen’s National Bank

Patty Busbin (601) 296-2692 yourcnb.com

MORTGAGE LENDER

Community Bank

Pam Berdine (228) 223-7460 732 Howard Avenue Biloxi, MS 36608 Communitybank.net

NEW HOME BUILDERS

Meritage Homes

Brittany Prince (251) 278-8373 meritagehomes.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Outlaw Photographers (228) 697-7063

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Ashman-Mollere Realty, Inc. (228) 216-7864 ashman-mollere.com

Next Step Property

Management (228) 203-3412 www.facebook.com/ nextsteppropertymanagement

REAL ESTATE ORGANIZATIONS

eAgent (228) 400-9215 eAgent.com

GCAR (228) 896-3122 gcarealtors.com

ROOFING & ROOF REPAIR

Strong Roofing (228) 313-3997 strongroofs.com

SECURITY / AUTOMATION

Secret Coast Security (228) 215-1345 getsecretcoast.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Southern View Media (251) 517-9425 southernviewmedia.com

TERMITE & PEST CONTROL

Vector Pest Solutions (228) 346-4451 vectorpestsolutions.com

TERMITE INSPECTION & PEST CONTROL

A & M Pest Management (228) 382-0477 www.ampestmanagement.net

Meet The Team

Economic & Real Estate Outlook for 2026

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Current Research & Forecast

BY ROBERT ORSO

The economic landscape for 2026 along the Mississippi Gulf Coast region is shaping up to be one of cautious advancement. While growth won’t be explosive, the foundations are in place for incremental gains—particularly in the housing and real‐estate sectors. For investors, buyers, and real-estate professionals, this means planning for moderate upside, manageable risk, and local markets that will diverge widely.

Economic Fundamentals

Statewide forecasts for Mississippi show modest but positive growth: the University Research Center (URC) projects real GDP growth of about 1.3 % in 2026. mississippi.edu+2mississippi.edu+2 Meanwhile, personal income growth is seen at approximately 4.2 % for 2026. mississippi.edu+1

On the Gulf Coast specifically:

• The region is supported by the “blue economy” – marine, ports, ship-building, offshore energy and supporting industries. The Mississippi Development Authority puts the region’s Blue Economy output at roughly $29.7 billion in 2024. Mississippi Development Authority

• Local commentary highlights that the Gulf Coast’s industrial spine—defense contracts, shipbuilding, tourism, and offshore energy—provides a relatively stable base. SuperTalk Mississippi Media+1

So what does this mean for 2026? Economy isn’t accelerating dramatically, but it is moving forward. That translates into employment and income gains— albeit modest—which are key for housing demand.

Real Estate Outlook: Mississippi

Gulf Coast

Demand & pricing

Recent data show a mixed but slowly improving housing picture:

• The statewide median home price in Mississippi rose about 4.5 % year-over-year as of September 2025, to roughly $263,400. Redfin

• On the Gulf Coast in Gulfport, the median list price in June 2025 was about $234,900, up ~2.1% from the prior year. Rocket

• Yet, more broadly the Gulf Coast market is described as “showing encouraging signs of stability and strength” as it heads toward 2026. Gulf Coast Woman Magazine

• Importantly: the region remains affordable relative to many coastal markets, enabling some in‐migration and second-home interest. searchthegulf.com+1

What to expect in 2026

• Moderate home-price appreciation: Given the incremental growth in incomes and employment, and the region’s affordability, price appreciation in the Gulf Coast region is likely to stay in the single‐digit range (perhaps 2%–5%) in 2026.

• Greater sales activity: As rates ease a bit (nationally) and local jobs remain stable, more buyers may enter the market. This means increased volume rather than sharp price jumps.

• Affordability remains a plus: For a broader pool of buyers—retirees, remote workers, relocating families—the Mississippi Gulf Coast remains a compelling option.

• Housing supply and inventory: Inventory in the Gulf Coast markets appears to be improving (buyers have more options than during the peak inventory-tight environment). expectrealty.com This rise in supply may temper price escalation.

• Risks from insurance & coastal exposure: A wildcard for coastal Mississippi is the cost of insurance (wind, flood, storm risks), which remains elevated, and could act as a brake on both pricing and buyer enthusiasm.

Investment / submarket strategy

• Focus on value buys: With modest price growth expected, best returns may come from properties with solid upside (for example:

minor renovations, good location, proximity to amenities or water access) rather than speculative plays expecting large appreciation.

• Rental demand and second homes: With tourism and coastal amenities in place, there is potential for short‐term rental or second‐home markets—especially if insurance and regulatory environments remain stable.

• Avoid overheating: Because growth is moderate, chasing highly‐priced luxury segments may carry higher risk relative to more reasonably priced homes.

• Location matters dramatically: Submarkets close to jobs (ports, ship‐build yards) and infrastructure (transportation, amenities) should outperform more remote areas—especially because affordability is already a tick stronger here.

Risk Factors & Considerations

• Storm & climate risk: A major hurricane season or escalating insurance costs could undermine demand or inflate carrying costs for coastal properties.

• Interest rates: While national expectation is of slight rate relief, a surprise uptick would suppress buyer demand or push some buyers out of the market.

• Economic dependence on a few industries: The Gulf Coast region’s economy leans heavily on shipbuilding, defense contracts, tourism and marine industries; any disruption in those (budget cuts, trade tensions, natural disasters) could impact local housing demand.

• Insurance and carrying costs: Affordability goes beyond mortgage rates—the cost to insure a coastal home (wind, flood) can erode net returns or buyer budgets.

Final Take

For 2026, the Mississippi Gulf Coast real estate market is positioned for steady, not spectacular, growth. Expect more transactions, modest price gains, and favorable comparative affordability. The key will be selecting properties that align with stable demand‐drivers (jobs, water access, amenities) while managing risk (insurance, storm exposure, economic shocks). For sellers, the market will become more active—but pricing must be grounded in realistic expectations rather than boom-era optimism.

Natalie

Epique Realty GRAHAM

NEW MODEL MOMENTUM

BY JESS WELLAR • PHOTOS BY BRIAN WRIGHT

“I know what it takes to build a successful real estate career because I’ve walked that path myself, the long hours, the growing pains, and the small wins that eventually turn into big victories,” Natalie Graham begins. “That’s why I’ve made it my mission to pour into others, to teach new agents not just how to survive in this business, but how to truly thrive.”

Epique Realty arrived in Mississippi in January of last year, and the throttle hasn’t lifted since. Natalie serves as Designated Managing Broker across their six Mississippi offices — MS Gulf Coast, Oxford, Hattiesburg, Brandon, McComb, and Southaven — already guiding a bench of over 100 agents.

In 2024 alone, her fledgling offices closed $111.5 million while serving 543 property owners, (over 1,500 to date) with eight Power Award recipients among her agents. It’s impressive growth with guardrails: coaching, compliance, and a tech-forward backbone that’s officially scaled Epique Realty to all 50 states. And there’s plenty of international growth on the horizon — Canada recently opened its first branch,, and the booming brokerage eagerly anticipates an IPO in 2026.

Roots And Resolve

In 2023, Natalie has just tallied her fifth ICON award. So why jump from a former brokerage where she was already winning? She didn’t have to — she chose to.

“I was so excited for this opportunity that knocked,” she elaborates. “Complacency and fear are the two worst things to be stuck in and growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. I tell my agents that all the time.”

Natalie wasn’t recruited so much as convicted. “I saw someone I worked with previously that I held in high regard come to Epique so I started to do my own research and digging deeper because I was curious,” she explains.

She flew to Houston, met the corporate crew over a Christmas Grinch party, and trusted her intuition.

“It felt like the missing piece of the puzzle,” she recalls. “And when the stars aligned, I had that good feeling in my gut that it was meant to be.”

Together, we show up fast, and keep showing up, until our communities are back on their feet.”

The Pivot

Before real estate, Natalie learned to steady the biggest days of people’s lives — first as a wedding consultant, then as a retail manager. She thought law school might be the long game; then life redirected. But her real pivot came from a personal experience.

“My journey to real estate began with my first home purchase,” she remembers. “My husband and I, very young and without an agent, bought a foreclosed home directly from a bank.”

A grant error by the bank and a hard-earned lesson later, she had

her ‘why’ while family nudged her along the real estate path, too. She quit her management role to go all in a decade ago and immediately the work seemed familiar.

“It felt like all the life experience I had previously and all of my professional training laid the foundation for real estate,” Natalie smiles.

“I became a Realtor because I understand firsthand how complex and overwhelming the home-buying process can be,” she continues. “Being able to support people during one of the most important decisions of their lives is what makes this career so meaningful to me.”

Culture Counts

Natalie’s leadership style is clear: equip, overcommunicate, and be reachable. She also wears plenty of hats — co-chair on Epique’s Executive Advisory Board, Founding Member Board, and a regular on national speaking stages — while her husband, Josh (also a licensed Realtor), handles compliance and commercial land acquisitions alongside his executive role with BBP.

Meanwhile, Epique’s impressive benefits list keeps ballooning. They offered 18 benefits to agents when Natalie first joined two years ago, with over 90 benefits today — including healthcare and RX coverage, mentoring for life, vision and dental, stock, revenue share, billboards, and much more.

Day to day, the culture still feels close on purpose though. “What we’ve built together is more than a business, it’s a family,” Natalie says. “Our agents know they can call at any hour, and someone will always pick up.”

The belonging shows up in real life recognition as well: the inaugural awards ceremony held on the lake with a DJ, a nationwide pool party (Biloxi represented locally), and a Mississippi cruise already scheduled for next March.

Life In Motion

Born in Mississippi, Natalie grew up in Louisiana before returning to her beloved home state to put down roots at 17. She has a soft spot for local businesses, mountain trails, and anything outdoors, while family is her anchor.

“I’m blessed with my loving husband, Josh, of 20 years and three amazing children, two of whom are Irish twins,” she quips. Their son, Braylon, is a junior and a ballplayer; while daughters Brielle (7) and Breleigh (6) keep their schedules busy. The Graham household mascots are also impossible to miss. There’s Gumbo the Snorkie, Ace the Goldendoodle gifted by a client, and Jellybean, a 12-ounce marmoset.

“I can’t imagine my home without my three little rascals,” Natalie laughs. “But Jellybean rules the roost!”

Off the clock, it’s family and friends time, workouts, travel, and great food. Giving back isn’t an afterthought for Natalie though, it’s built into how Epique Realty operates.

Through Epique Cares, the company supports agents and families in crisis with donation matching. NEMO mobilizes volunteers and supplies after disasters and their annual Back-to-School drives outfit thousands of students. In October 2024, Natalie personally led a Hurricane Helene fund in North Carolina that raised nearly $30,000.

On The Horizon

Natalie and Josh already lead an organization nearing 400 agents nationwide through strategic partnerships. The road map ahead includes more business travel, more speaking engagements, and many more lives changed — without losing the family rhythm at home.

On retirement, Natalie doesn’t flinch: “If I ever officially retired you would find me on an island somewhere living my best life!” she chuckles. “But seriously, I don’t think it’s ever in the cards; I could certainly see myself being more handsoff down the road since I wear so many hats, but I love what I do and the sky is still the limit in this business.”

“Together, we show up fast, and keep showing up, until our communities are back on their feet,” she affirms.

“We returned from Cabo and are going to Banff, Canada next year with my business partnership, GPC (Grove Partnership Connections),” she shares. “Up next, we have 100 people coming to Biloxi for another partnership event with Brokerage Agnostics; there are speakers coming in from all over the country and I’m really looking forward to it.”

CONTACT US!

For questions or comments, contact Natalie at (601) 744-6454 or msbroker@ epiquerealty.com

MARK CUMBEST

Cumbest Realty, Inc.

A PILLAR & A PURPOSE

From the Louisiana state line to Alabama, and as far north as Hattiesburg, Mark Cumbest’s influence stretches across every corner of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, affectionately referred to as “Cumbest Realty Country”— shaped by more than 50 years of dedication and impact.

Born in the old Pascagoula Hospital in 1953 and raised in Cumbest Bluff, Mark’s roots run as deep as the oaks of coastal Mississippi. “I’m a seventhgeneration Jackson Countian,” he shared. “My ancestor, Simon Cumbest, settled in what is now Moss Point in 1791.”

Even Mark’s education always remained in Mississippi. “I was in the first first-grade class of the ‘new’ East Central School in 1959, after the Wade and Hurley schools closed the prior year,” he recalled.

“I graduated from East Central High School in 1971, and later from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1975.”

His journey at USM in Hattiesburg began with a major in General Business, until his junior year, when he was able to switch his focus to Real Estate and Insurance.

“That was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made,” Mark stated. “I’d always been fascinated with the real estate brokerage business, and I liked that I didn’t know anyone who worked in the industry at the time.”

That opportunity offered Mark a chance to start fresh—earning his success. Equipped with the right people skills, a love for serving the public, and a strong educational foundation, Mark was more prepared than he realized for the career ahead.

“The company I worked for focused on residential—an area I didn’t enjoy,” added Mark. “I couldn’t wait to take the broker’s exam and start my own company.”

After taking the exam, Mark received a phone call from the Chairman of the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, Mr. Harry Joachim. “He told me, ‘In all my years on the commission, I’ve never known anyone to make a perfect score on the broker’s exam… until today.’” Mark had done just that—achieving a perfect score and starting Cumbest Realty—setting in motion the career he’d always dreamed of. Disciple of Devotion Few embody devotion like Mark, whose fifty-year career and community involvement stand as proof of his loyalty.

“In 1980, I was elected as the youngest President of the Jackson County Board of Realtors,” he said. Introduced to the Realtors Land Institute, he recognized an opportunity to elevate his expertise beyond his USM degree. Mark invested nearly $30,000 in educational courses to earn the prestigious Accredited Land Consultant designation in 1983— the youngest to ever achieve it.

“I went on to serve as President of the Mississippi chapter of the Realtors Land Institute in 1986, and was honored with the prestigious National Land Realtor of the Year award in 1991,” Mark recalled.

His leadership continued shining—becoming National President of the RLI in 1995, was named Mississippi Realtor of the Year in 1997, and in 1999 became

“I knew focusing on Land and Commercial real estate would give me a chance to stand out,” Mark shared. “This became even more apparent during the mandatory 12-month period where I worked for a real estate brokerage office after passing the Mississippi Real Estate Salesperson’s Exam in 1974.”

the youngest inductee into the Mississippi Realtor Hall of Fame.

In 2005, Mark was appointed by the Governor to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, where he served for 13 years, including three years as Chairman. Mark became the first Mississippi Commissioner to complete the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials’ Commissioner College. Governor Haley Barbour appointed him to the Governors’ Commission for Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal to guide the state’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina. After the BP oil spill in 2010, he was appointed to the Go Coast 2020 Commission, which advised the Governor

on how to best invest oil spill recovery funds.

His commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed—distinguished by decades of recognition statewide and nationally. In his local Board of Realtors, he received the following awards for 11 years of the 15-year program: Top Lister, Top Seller, and Top Producer in the Commercial Category. In 1989, he was inducted into the Million Dollar Club Roundtable. Mark received the Realtor of the Year award five times and received the Realtor of the Year award from the Mississippi chapter of the RLI four times.

In 2002, Mark was in the first class of recipients of the Top South

Mississippi Community Leader Awards presented by the Sun Herald and was inducted into the Roland Weeks Leadership Hall of Fame. He was named to Leadership Jackson County’s first class in 1989.

In 2008, he was among the first recipients of the 4-Ever Young award by Coast Young Professionals.

His brokerage, Cumbest Realty, was named to Who’s Who In Mississippi Business by the Mississippi Business Journal in 2005, and in 2009 was among the first recipients of the Anchor Award, in its category, by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce.

Directors since its inception. He’s even been elected a MS Delegate or Alternate to four Republican National Conventions.

Springs Methodist Church, Mark continues to serve as Finance Committee Chairman on the Administrative Board, as Church Historian, and as a member of the church orchestra.

Servant of The Savior

For Mark, success isn’t measured in trophies or titles; it’s based on a Biblical principle found in Psalm 37:4, which reads, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

“I strive each day to live my life in complete alignment with God’s will for my life,” Mark shared. “I work like it’s all up to me, but I pray like it’s all up to God. I’ve found when I do this, success follows every time.”

IN 1980, I WAS ELECTED AS THE YOUNGEST PRESIDENT OF THE JACKSON COUNTY BOARD OF REALTORS.”

That same devotion that fuels Mark’s professional success also drives his enduring commitment to his community. “I was the 2015 Grand Marshal for the Hibernia Irish Society,” he shared.

After graduating from USM, Mark served as Chairman of the Business Advisory Council for the College of Business for two years and on the Board of Directors for the USM Foundation for three. In 2006, he was inducted into the USM Alumni Hall of Fame.

Mark has served on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board and as the Gulf Coast Business Leader appointment for the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriters Board of

With real estate, Mark saw all the opportunities he’d have to help people attain their goals of real estate acquisition and liquidation, and that same drive is present in him today.

As a born-again Christian, Mark has a strong desire to introduce everyone he sees to the love, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ.

“I’ve read the Bible from cover to cover 38 times, and currently working on 39,” he shared.

A powerful truth Mark has realized in his life is that which is found in Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?”

“I can honestly say that I have the same passion to excel, the same drive, and the same enthusiasm to do a great job for my clients as I did 50 years ago,” he said proudly. Mark even goes the extra mile for his clients by praying for their success.

For Mark Cumbest, three other things are certain: he’ll never stop following God, he’ll continue being the best father to his two wonderful sons, Grant and Reid, and he’ll always follow his purpose as a pillar in the Mississippi Gulf Coast community.

ChrisLain

For Realtor® Chris Lain of Coastal Realty Group, a career in real estate wasn’t something he had planned—but it turned out to be the perfect next chapter.

After a successful career running multiple businesses and serving two terms as mayor of Savanna, Illinois, Chris and his husband, Jubie, decided to make a life change. They packed up their lives in the Midwest and moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast just over four years ago.

“I had taken some time off from my previous career and was really doing some soul-searching,” Chris recalls.

“I started interviewing with a few municipalities down here, but I realized that chapter of my life had run its course. I wasn’t looking to go back into that type of environment.”

It was his mother who sparked the idea that would change everything. “She said, ‘Have you thought about real estate? I think you’d be really good at it,’” Chris says. “I started reading about it, did

some research, and decided, yeah, this might be it.”

So, he enrolled in classes, studied hard, passed the exam on his first try, and earned his license in November 2023.

“It was exciting,” he says with a smile.

“Starting something completely new

in your 40s can be scary, but once you embrace it, you realize that your success in real estate really depends on you.”

Finding the Right Fit

As a newcomer to both the career and the Coast, Chris wanted to find the right environment to learn and grow. After

interviewing several brokerages, he found his home at Coastal Realty Group.

“I didn’t know many people when I moved down here, so I was looking for a brokerage that fostered camaraderie, growth, and mentorship,” he explains. “Coastal Realty Group had that open, collaborative feeling I was looking for. It just felt right.”

That sense of support paid off quickly. In just his first full year, Chris closed $2.4 million in volume—and then more than doubled that the following year, reaching $6.6 million and finishing among the Top 10 agents in his brokerage. “I’ve always been a goaloriented person,” he says. “I set the bar high for myself, and this year I’ve far exceeded my goals.”

Loving the Work—and the People

What keeps Chris motivated is the variety and human connection that

come with the business. “Every day is different,” he says. “You’re constantly learning, meeting new people, and growing in ways you didn’t expect.”

Roughly 90% of his clients are out-ofstate buyers relocating to the Mississippi Gulf Coast—a niche that combines his local expertise with his passion for helping people find home. “I get to introduce people to this area every day and show them what I love about it,” he says. “That’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

He often draws on his leadership background and communication skills honed as a small business owner and mayor. “When I was in office, I learned it’s more about listening than talking,” Chris reflects. “I’ve carried that lesson into real estate. I’d hope people describe me as calm, levelheaded, loyal, and honest.”

Life Beyond Real Estate

When he’s not meeting clients or touring homes, Chris and Jubie are soaking up everything coastal life has to offer. “We live less than a mile from the beach, so we love to walk our dogs, Henry and Riley, and watch the sunset,” he says. “We’re also big fans of the local art festivals—and I’ll admit, we’re happyhour experts on the Coast,” he adds with a laugh.

Chris also finds peace near the water, a lifelong passion that dates back to his days as a competitive swimmer. “I’ve always been drawn to the water,” he says. “If I’m not at work, there’s a good chance I’m in the pool or somewhere near the beach.”

Family is another source of joy. After decades apart, his parents recently relocated to Ocean Springs, Mississippi. “We hadn’t lived in the same state since 1994,” he says. “Now we can have

Sunday dinners again and just spend time together. It’s been wonderful.”

And Jubie—who works as a freelance graphic designer—plays a big role in Chris’s business success. “He’s been incredibly supportive,” Chris says. “He handles all my social media and marketing, which is such a huge help. We make a really good team.”

Words of Wisdom

For those just starting out in real estate, Chris offers thoughtful advice born of experience. “Come in with an open mind,” he says. “Find a good mentor. Listen to experienced agents—not to imitate them, but to learn from them and then make it your own. That’s how you find your rhythm.”

He also reminds new agents that perseverance pays off. “Real estate rewards the effort you put in,” he says. “It’s a full-contact sport—

show up every day, stay focused, and never stop learning.”

Looking Ahead

Now entering his third year in real estate, Chris is energized for what’s next. With a growing client base, a thriving business, and a deep love for the Coast, he’s more confident than ever that he’s found his calling.

“I love what I do,” he says simply. “This career allows me to meet incredible people, share my love of this community, and help others start their next chapter here. That’s success to me.”

I SET THE BAR

HIGH FOR MYSELF, AND THIS YEAR I’VE FAR EXCEEDED MY GOALS.”

MICHELLE Southern View Media MURRILL

Southern View

Media’s husband and wife duo Michelle Murrill, CEO, and Brad Murrill, VP of Digital Media, are November’s Spotlight Vendor for Mobile Bay Real Producers.

Their success is an exceptional endorsement of homegrown hard work, drive and talent.

Michelle attended USA where her father, Dr. James Swofford, taught (and still teaches) economics for the Mitchell College of Business.

“I got my degree in communications with a minor in psychology in three years by going over the summers. My husband Brad and I also got married at the start of my senior year in 2003.” Murrill said.

As high school sweethearts Michelle and Brad had their first daughter, Kaitlin, in 2001. They both also worked full-time, with

“IN OUR MIND, WE WANT TO WRITE OUT THAT DIGITAL STRATEGY FIRST SO THAT WE CAN THEN COME UP WITH A COPY AND CREATIVE SECONDARY STRATEGY.”

Brad initially attending the University of Alabama and then transferring to Coastal Alabama Community College.

Michelle had a singular focus on her future at a very young age, wanting to be an entrepreneur before even knowing the term.

“I can first remember saying to somebody in fourth grade that I wanted to be a business owner and didn’t know what the word ‘entrepreneur’ meant yet. My dad, who is an economist, would say that the math added up to be a business owner.” Murrill said.

The first opportunity for the husband and wife team to realize their dream of business ownership availed itself quickly.

“My husband was working for his parents’ glass company that catered to new construction builders. They decided to retire and wanted us to buy it. This happened in our early 20’s and we bought the business from them in 2006 and ran it for two years.” Michelle said.

After two years attempting to turn around a struggling company, while learning a lot, the duo decided to dissolve the business and look for opportunities elsewhere.

Brad soon found work in the HVAC industry in Charleston and the family moved there in 2009 after the birth of the second child, son Maddux, in late 2008.

Murrill initially was a stay-athome mom after the move, but after three months soon realized that something was missing and started their second business venture; momsofcharleston.com

“The website listed all the places where kids could eat

free, to have birthday parties, where to take piano lessons, do gymnastics or any other after-school extracurricular activities. It had a calendar of community events and it had a home school section for those groups, among other services.” Michelle said.

The venture was well received and she broke even on profit before the website was even launched. Roughly a year later she sold the business to a larger company in the online publishing space.

In 2010 another unexpected obstacle arose when Brad severely injured his back on the job and was unable to work. Not long after, the

couple decided to move back to Daphne with their burgeoning family to tap into a larger network of family and friends to find and create more opportunities for themselves.

Michelle soon found work at Yellow Pages in Mobile while Brad stayed home to take care of the children and recover. Long term plans, however, were to replicate the start-up business model that had been so successful in Charleston.

The dream, modified and tweaked over time, was realized in 2015 when they rolled out their third enterprise called Southern View Media.

“We had some clients in our network that had immediate needs that couldn’t be met by other businesses and so we launched our company in June of 2015. Our logo is a seahorse because we’re a family business. The seahorse means a lot to us. They are monogamous, and the dads carry the babies. Seahorses help their community and we want to protect, build and grow our community.” Michelle said.

Experiencing successful growth out of the gate, Southern View Media also changed the local paradigm in terms of their service model.

“We’re proud that we’re digital first. There are many traditional agencies around but not very many in our space. What that means to us is that we’re doing our own Google ads and Facebook ads. Traditional agencies often outsource that work to us. We get a full picture and put together a full strategy for our clients. In our mind, we want to write out that digital strategy first so that we can then come up with a copy and creative secondary strategy.” Murrill said.

In 2019 their third child, son Hudson, was born and the company didn’t skip a beat

with the onset of COVID-19, accelerating in 2020 after surpassing $1 million in sales and opening Pelican Promotions to provide branded apparel and trade show booth products.

In January 2021 the couple opened Murrill Properties and promptly purchased the 12,000 square-foot Daphne Square center as their new office space on the Eastern Shore. The property management company also oversees Daphne Circle for its owner.

In terms of giving back to their community, Southern View Media has also

“FIRST, MAKE SURE THAT YOU WRITE OUT YOUR PROCESSES FROM DAY ONE. SECOND, KNOW WHY YOU’RE DOING THIS SO YOU CAN CLEARLY EXPLAIN IT TO OTHERS. FINALLY, MAKE SURE IT’S

SOMETHING YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT OTHERWISE YOU’RE WASTING YOUR TIME.”

established the successfully sold out Eastern Shore Expo in 2018 (a counterpart to the Mobile Expo) in partnership with the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, as well as setting aside 4,000 square-feet of Daphne Square to establish Baldwin County’s first co-working space.

Michelle also serves on the board for Bras for a Cause Gulf Coast, the Small Business Drs. and the American Autism Center.

For those inspired by Michelle and Brad’s story, good advice was given.

“First, make sure that you write out your processes from day one. Second, know why you’re doing this so you can clearly explain it to others. Finally, make sure it’s something you’re passionate about otherwise you’re wasting your time.”

The future is bright for a firm that now boasts 15 employees and has 80% of its footprint in Alabama, South Mississippi, South Louisiana, Florida panhandle with the remaining 20% of clients spread out across the country.

FAQ

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 Gulf Coast Area. We pulled the MLS numbers (by volume) from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022, in the MS Gulf Coast market. 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 $5 million in 2022. The list will reset at the end of 2023 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.