Bill Cole Jr.

Sales Executive

Bill began his sales career 33 years ago helping people recognize the benefits of regular exercise and proper nutrition habits at a health spa in Lexington, Kentucky. From 1979 to 1986 Bill helped build health clubs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma by pre-selling enough memberships to build the clubs. He also managed clubs in Kansas City Missouri, Decatur Illinois, Indianapolis Indiana, and Bloomington Indiana. In the fall of 1986 he decided to join the sales team at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort helping individuals find their ideal vacation property.

Bill achieved the Rookie of the Year award in 1987 and continued every year thereafter amongst the top salespeople; Bill has consistently achieved great success in resort real estate sales. In 1999, Bill became Broker/Vice President Director of Sales for Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, which at the time was achieving results of approximately $100 million in annual sales. In 2000 the team achieved $245 million in annual sales. In early 2002, Bill was promoted to Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for Playground Destination Properties As Regional Director, Bill directly oversaw four projects along the Panhandle of Florida and Mexico with over a quarter of a billion dollars in annual sales.

While working at Sandestin, Bill also served as a board member of the Sandestin Owners Association. In January of 2004 Bill decided to leave Playground to dedicate more time to Hampton Island Preserve a 4,000 acre private club community in which he is a founding investor.

Bill also has been involved in various community service projects such as coaching football for the Destin Dolphins and pre middle school basketball. He was also the president of the Indian Creek Homeowners Association and leader of the Indian Bayou Reclamation project, in Destin, Florida and a Board Member of the Savannah Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition, Bill has formed a nutrition advisory business with his wife Rene that operates in Pensacola, Florida. Bill is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Florida. Bill and his wife, Rene, live in Destin, Florida. They also are dedicated to bringing organic fruits and vegetables to the people of South Walton county harvested on their farm in north Walton county. Bill and Rene enjoy active sports, preserving historical properties, fitness events, boating, skiing, and being parents of two fabulous young adults Ashley and Tre’ Cole.

Bill holds The National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation allowing him to seek out, understand, and market properties with green features. He is also a Certified Distressed Property Expert.

Bill Mitchell

Broker Associate

Bruce Fults

Sales Executive

Introduced to this area when my dad was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in 1971 I jumped at the opportunity to move from Greensboro N.C. in August of 1984 back to Sandestin. After attending Clemson University, playing football for the Tigers (1975-1980) and as an asst. strength training coach graduating in 1980 (yes a five year plan). After college I worked for the Scott Paper Company and the Burroughs Corp. in sales positions for 3 1/2 years.

On a 4th of July weekend in July of 1984 I visited the area, interviewed for a sales position with Sandestin Real Estate. It has been a terrific experience over the past 28 plus years to live, work and play at a very special place. I met my future wife (Sherrie- Texas gal) here on the resort at the annual Mistletoe Ball. We married in April of 1986 and had our wonderful twin boys Tyler and Chase in May of 1989. They are now attending UCF in Orlando and will graduate in May of this year in Mechanical Engineering and Education respectively. Chase will be married in June in Tampa.

Along with Sherrie and the boys I am fortunate to have my sister, Cindy, in the area and my parents (Jim and Elsie) the two best people I know. Having seen the resort change and grow over the years. I have accumulated the knowledge and experience to specialize in Sandestin and its various real estate opportunities; I am glad to share this with buyers and sellers alike working in a results-based relationship. I look forward to working with anyone having an interest in real estate here at Sandestin and our beautiful area. It is always a Beautiful Day at Sandestin!

Christine Thompson

Sales Executive

Originally from London, England, I joined the Sandestin Real Estate team in 2001. Before choosing to live in this beautiful part of South Walton my husband and I lived in Australia and South Africa finally arriving in the US in 1990. Our travels have taken us to some wonderful places but it is hard to think of many that compare to what we have here in Destin and South Walton.

My son and his wife live in Tallahassee and we have three wonderful grandchildren. The first thing the children want to do when they come to visit Elmo and Papa Dave is go to the Village at Baytowne Wharf, with a visit to the beach coming in a close second.

I have chosen to focus on the Sandestin area, and over the past 5 years feel very fortunate to have helped over 130 families find their piece of paradise and become Sandestin homeowners. With their help I have remained one of the top producing agents. I am equally fortunate to work with an outstanding group of agents and support staff who make up the Sandestin Real Estate team.

Deborah Hale

Broker Associate

I first lived along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico when I was three years old and have been blessed to live on or near the beaches of the Emerald Coast most of my life. I attended University of Montevallo and University of Alabama and worked for several years as a news reporter in television, radio and newspaper. One of my first memories of Sandestin was as a local news reporter covering a Beach Boys concert in 1981. What a treat to see the Beach Boys singing on the beach. Now that was a beach party! This area was just beginning to grow back then. We fondly recall the days when there were no traffic lights from the Destin Bridge to Philips Inlet.

What I love about South Walton County and Sandestin is the true Southern charm of the area and its people, so much like Alabama and South Carolina where I grew up and went to school. This area truly attracts some of the best people on earth. Though South Walton has grown with an amazing array of entertainment, dining, shopping, education and medical facilities, the friendly caring atmosphere has never changed.

I fell into real estate when my husband enrolled me into a real estate class in 1982. Working in general real estate in the beginning of my career, I sold homes in Navarre, Destin and all along County Road 30-A in Walton County. In 1985 I accepted an opportunity to work at Sandestin. Now that Sandestin Real Estate has expanded its borders, I relish the opportunity to once again help buyers and sellers all along the beautiful Emerald Coast. My customers appreciate that my 30 years of expertise in both new real estate development and residential resale and listing, as well as my lifetime of experience living in the area can be invaluable to helping them find their perfect home or sell their Florida property.

My late husband Bill and I moved onto Sandestin in 1988 just a few years after I joined the Sandestin Real Estate team. Bill�s cat Duke and I still live at Sandestin. Through the years I�ve assisted hundreds of people in finding a resort home. The best benefit is that many of these owners have become dear friends as well as neighbors. I appreciate the lifestyle afforded by living at Sandestin. I love that on the spur of the moment I can meet friends for lunch in the Village at Baytowne Wharf, power walk on the beach or join my fishing buddies at the marina.

Looking back, I have so many memories of seeing Sandestin grow and mature, much as my business has grown over the years. Whether it was that Beach Boys concert on the beach years ago or opening night of the Village at Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin has been the back drop of so many of my life experiences. I never take for granted how fortunate I am to call Sandestin Real Estate my workplace and Sandestin my home.

Deborah Horaist

Broker Associate

Elizabeth Forsythe

Sales Executive

After graduating from the University of Georgia and starting a career in real estate in Atlanta, I found myself leaving city life every chance I got. My escape was to the beautiful sandy white beaches of the Emerald Coast where I had long vacationed with my family. Each time, it became more difficult to return home. I found myself dreaming about how I could make a permanent move to Northwest Florida. Fate stepped in and it is while on one of those escapes I met my now husband, who had himself recently moved to the 30-A area from Chicago. After marrying in WaterColor overlooking stunning Western Lake, we are now fortunate enough to call 30-A "Home."

With my background in real estate, my love for the beauty and uniqueness of the Destin and 30-A area, and my strong desire to share that with others, coming to work for Sandestin Real Estate was a natural fit. Sandestin Real Estate has a long history of being one of the most reputable and top producing real estate companies along the Emerald Coast. I feel extremely lucky to be part of the team. I now know that there is definitely something to be said for loving where you live and loving what you do!

It is my goal to serve my clients with integrity, honesty, attentiveness, and excitement. Real estate transactions can be stressful. However, it is my desire to make that process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible!

My dream of living in paradise has come true, now let me help you!

Gary Bowman

Sales Executive

When I decided to move to Destin I really wasn't that familiar with the area. I am an explorer by nature so I made it a point to explore everything and everywhere. Including all the coastal communities along 30A. From Destin, Miramar Beach, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, Camp Creek, Watersound, Alys Beach, to Rosemary Beach. I discovered the charm and what makes this area so very special. It's also why people keep coming back. Including myself! If you have never visited the area I highly recommend you do so. You will be glad you did!

Whether it's our glorious white sandy beaches, emerald waters, sunrises, sunsets, golf, tennis, biking, fishing, boating, dining, shopping, or simply relaxing. There simply isn't any place as unique and gorgeous as The Emerald Coast. It's so beautiful!

I had the pleasure of joining the Sandestin Real Estate team in 2007. I say pleasure because it took 4 years of perseverance to finally obtain the position. It is one of the most regarded Realtor positions in the State of Florida. I had wanted to be a part of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort since I moved to the area in 2001. Sandestin is my "Rudy" for those of you familiar with the movie.

I bring several years of custom home building and real estate experience to our team. It was that experience, my love for the area, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, and my clients that propelled me to the 2010 Agent of the Year with Sandestin Real Estate, an accomplishment I am very proud of.

I am originally from St. Louis (GO CARDINALS!!!) and I am an avid golfer. I now call Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort home. Hopefully, someday you will be able to call our area home too. Give me a call!

Greg Kohls

Sales Executive

Jason Green

Sales Executive

Originally from Kentucky, I am proud to have worked and lived at Sandestin since 2006. In 2010, I moved to the Sandestin Real Estate team, managing the long term rental division. It was an invaluable experience to meet a lot of great people, to learn the resort and the nuances of each neighborhood. In late 2011, I transitioned to the Sales Division of Sandestin Real Estate. As a graduate of the University of Kentucky, I am a huge college basketball fan. As a former nationally ranked and Division I tennis player, I am extremely competitive. Other interests include: golf, running, reading, and watching most sports.

Jennifer Howard

Sales Executive

As a native of New Orleans, the Destin area was “our beach” from my earliest memories. Some 25 years ago, I chose to make Destin my home. My knowledge of the area and its history are a resource for my customers.

I lived overseas for about eight years before returning to the U.S. and settling on the Emerald Coast. Continuing my career in journalism, I worked for a local newspaper for several years before founding Visible Ink, my public relations and marketing company. The lion’s share of our clients were in the real estate industry, and we grew to work with developers and builders around the country. The market change in 2006 sparked me to activate my Florida Realtor’s license, and I have successfully worked with numerous buyers and sellers over the past five years to achieve their real estate goals.

My commitment to you as my customer: to be informed, knowledgeable and creative; to be attentive and communicate regularly; to be energetic and enthusiastic in assisting you.

Jessica Jones

Broker Associate

Having spent vacations from a young age along these sugar white beaches, I witnessed the remarkable growth of the Emerald Coast firsthand.

I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in International Relations and gained valuable experience in market research consulting for multinational corporations while travelling the globe. In 2002, I planned a “temporary” hiatus to spend a few months in Destin with my family and decided to extend my stay.

I began my real estate career as a property manager for exclusive resort properties, moved on to work for my father’s construction firm, and have enjoyed selling real estate along the Emerald Coast since 2004. These experiences, combined with holding a license as a Certified Building Contractor and a Real Estate Broker’s license, allow me to assist my clients to make unique and knowledgeable decisions about their real estate transactions, whether for personal use or as an investment. Call me today to buy, sell, or upgrade your piece of paradise!

Jo Stewart

Sales Executive

A former senior banking executive in Washington, D.C. Jo moved to Sandestin three years ago. After only one year in real estate she ranked as one of the top selling real estate agents in the area reflecting a combination of her banking experience and a natural feel for the special neighborhoods of Sandestin and Scenic 30-A. A resident of Burnt Pine she specializes in single family luxury homes.

John Skinner

Sales Executive

Judith Christman

Sales Executive

My stated mission in real estate is to help clients make informed decisions about their real estate sales and purchases, whether for personal use or for investment. I am a former corporate attorney, and it is both my nature and my training to become fully informed before embarking on any financial venture. I approach my clients’ transactions with the same care and diligence.

I was born in Boston, raised in the Detroit suburbs, educated at the University of Michigan and its Law School, employed as an attorney for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn and Owens-Corning Fiberglass in Toledo, and then transplanted to the South soon after starting a family.

My husband and I met in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan and have been married for over 35 years. Our daughter, a Vanderbilt graduate, earned an MBA at Wharton and is now a corporate consultant in Chicago. Our son, a Dartmouth graduate, lives and works in Washington, D.C.

We raised our family in the Atlanta suburbs and like most Georgia residents, trips to the Destin area became a spring and summer tradition. We transitioned from vacationers to serious real estate investors in 2000. I dedicated myself to learning about the Destin market and found that many of my friends followed my lead in making their real estate investments. When my husband and I had the opportunity to relocate to Sandestin full-time in 2004, I decided to pursue a career in real estate.

My focus became the Sandestin market where I have been one of the top producing agents every year. To best serve my network of clients and my portfolio of excellent, high-end listings, I joined the team at Sandestin Real Estate.

Karen Hartley Fillingim

Sales Executive

This year I am celebrating 27 years with Sandestin, 14 of them with Sandestin Real Estate. Over the years, I have been involved in both new development and residential resale of resort homes, condominiums and homesites, becoming an expert in assisting both buyers and sellers. I have since expanded my expertise to include all communities in Destin and South Walton.

I am so lucky to have grown up in this area and have the beautiful white beaches of the Emerald Coast as my backyard. I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in finance (War Eagle!) and headed back to Sandestin to begin my career in 1985. In those days, highway 98 was a two-lane winding road and the company had an employee cafeteria as there were not any restaurants in the area close enough to eat and get back to work in an hour time frame... my how times have changed for the better -- I enjoy all the amenities that now abound in the area - not just the beaches, bike and walking trails and activities, but the good food and shopping too!

I am married and my husband, Dave is a passionate golfer and enjoys the game, when he is playing well, of course. My son, Trey, likes to hit the links, too, and loves anything to do with the beach and the water. He is spending his time in Tuscaloosa now, attending the University of Alabama.

I look forward to putting my experience to work for you.

Karen Phillips

Sales Executive

I am one of those rare "natives" of the Destin area. When I was a child, Destin was a quaint fishing village. In fact, my favorite memories are the times spent fishing with my parents. It has been amazing to watch Destin and South Walton grow into one of Florida�s most popular destinations.

I treasure that I have been able to raise my daughters here where they have enjoyed the same childhood I experienced. The girls are grown now, with one in college and another blessing us with two grandchildren. Spending time with our grandchildren keeps us young.

My husband Terry and I enjoy the benefits of living on the water in Destin. We spend our free time boating, fishing, jet skiing and walking along the Destin Harbor.

I came to work at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in 1988 and own a resort property at Sandestin; the resort is truly my second home.

Over the past 24 years it has been my pleasure to help customers find their own bit of paradise at Sandestin. My experience helps me to assist them in finding the perfect place for them and their families. I love the fact I am a part of ensuring they will have as many wonderful family memories as my family has enjoyed by living here.

I am happy to assist buyers and sellers in Sandestin, Destin, South Walton and Niceville. I look forward to helping homeowners, condominium owners and investors find the perfect resort property in Destin and South Walton County.

Linda Quinlan

Sales Executive

I first entered the Real Estate business in 1994 and specialized in the Crystal Beach and Destin markets. I listed and sold so many properties in Crystal Beach that I became known as "The Queen of Crystal Beach." I fell in love with the area and like so many of my clients, I made it my home and purchased two other investment properties there. As time went by some of my clients began to show interest in other markets; so when I was offered a position selling Pre-Construction Condominiums I jumped at the opportunity to learn a new type of market!

A few years later I was notified of an opening at Sandestin Real Estate selling the Pre-Construction project, One Beach Club Drive. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to show and sell Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Again, like so many of my clients, I moved and made it my home. I also invested in several real estate opportunities. I have taken more classes, learned about short sales and how to sell foreclosurers so that I may better serve my homeowners and clients.

I feel that I have enough experience selling all types of properties now and not be just a real estate agent, but a consultant to my clients and friends whether they are purchasing or selling. I welcome the opportunity to help you find your "piece of paradise" along our southern beaches.

My philosophy is that "real estate is all about relationships, not commissions." I treasure my relationships with my clients and if you are looking for an agent that cares about you, please contact me.

Peggy Brown

Sales Executive

I have lived and worked at Sandestin since 1983, the veteran of the staff and the token "Yankee". I feel fortunate to have been able to see this community grow from one golf course and a dirt road to the beach to the vibrant place it is today.

Russ Noblitt

Sales Executive

I have been buying and selling real estate in the Destin / Miramar Beach since 1995. Since that time I have a great appreciation for the beauty, the people, and the lifestyle that we enjoy here on the Emerald Coast. From the pristine beaches to the outdoor activities to the shopping and dining choices, this area truly has it all!

In 2008, after a 30 year sales career in another field I decided to become a Realtor and help others realize their dreams of owning their own piece of paradise. I joined Sandestin Real Estate in the fall of 2010 and immediately was impressed with entire team of real estate professionals that are here.

I serve customers from Destin to Rosemary Beach. I look forward to helping buyers, sellers, and investors achieve their real estate goals here on the Emerald Coast.