Agents

Don Bass

Donnie was born in Alabama, and raised in Florida. His previous experience is in the Construction field where he was licensed in four states as a Plumbing Contractor for 14 years.

When Donnie and his wife sold their business in Central Florida, Donnie began a career in Real Estate because of the possible investment opportunities, as a house flipper. Then he decided to start on his 5 year goal to retire in Western North Carolina, Sylva area. Donnie’s currently licensed in both Florida & North Carolina. He looks forward to serving you as your Real Estate Consultant.

Jenn Best, Agent Leadership Council Member, ABR®

Hello, I am Jenn Best. Jenn is short for Jennifer and it’s what my friends call me. My ties to Haywood County are life long, having lived here as a girl, I returned over a decade ago, when I married my husband.

The most important things in life are usually not things; instead its people that are important. My important people are Daniel-my husband, our son-Chance, and my step son Nathan. My family gives me reason and purpose; they are my big “why.”

My background is strong in marketing and advertising sales. After 5 ½ years at home with my son, I returned to the workforce building a career in real estate. I can honestly say next to being a Mom, it’s the best “job” I’ve ever had. It’s an honor to help a family find a home or sell one that creates their personal wealth.

I am a licensed NC Real Estate Broker, a member in good standing with National, State and Local Realtor® Associations and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative. As a member of a realtor team we can assist you with both residential and commercial endeavors. Remember The Best Team - Your Best Choice in Real Estate.

Robert “Bob” Brannon

Robert “Bob” Brannon likes calling North Carolina home. He served in the Navy, played football and soccer for the Tar Heels and retired with the rank of Major in the US Air Force Reserves. He is a Director Emeritus of Home Trust bank, has served as Rotary President, member of Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Chairman of Waynesville Parks and Recreation, Chairman of the Task Force on Recreation for the Town of Waynesville, and Chairman of the Save the Lake Logan Committee. He has been a champion of many endeavors towards the growth and development of WNC and has dedicated his life to helping preserve the beauty of our mountains and the quality of life that we all enjoy! Bob and lovely wife, Liz, make their home in Waynesville.

In his professional career, he was the Recipient of the First Realtor of the Year Award presented by the Haywood County Board of Realtors. He served as Past President for the Haywood Board of Realtors, as well as, Region 10 Vice President at the NC Association of Realtors, and was one of three realtors responsible for founding the Multiple Listing Service for the Haywood Board of Realtors. He serves presently as the Operating Principal for the new Waynesville / Maggie Keller Williams.
His personal philosophy of positive attitude, service, and honesty dovetails with the Keller Williams mission statement which is: to build careers worth having, businesses worth owning, and lives worth living. He brings his knowledge, experience, and heart for service to the Keller Williams family. Let him help you call the North Carolina Mountains home.

(Submitted by daughter, Lynn Brannon Lasley and fellow KW professional)

Billy Brede

Hey there, I am Billy Brede and Haywood County is my home. My wife and I have raised our family here in Haywood County; to come back to the small town roots that I grew up with as a boy in rural New Jersey. I have been married to my wife Diane for twenty-eight years and we have three children. The oldest is Becky who is 22 and is in the United States Air Force. The middle child is Josh who is 20 and is a junior at Western Carolina University’s Honor’s College of Engineering. The youngest child is Heather who is 18 and is a freshman at Haywood Community College.

We have four horses, two dogs, and five cats; we have a love of animals. We attend Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church at Lake Junaluska. Besides all the other things I do, I’m also very active in my community. I have been Co-Chairing and Chairing the Maggie Valley Planning Board for the past four years and have just been oathed in for an additional three years. I am a big believer in taking an active role in community service work and support our local organizations volunteering in various capacities.

My background is a Bachelors Degree in Construction Management/Civil Engineering and I come from a long background of Home Builders/Contractors. I have performed Construction Consulting for the past twenty-four years, overseen the construction of numerous real estate ventures and projects for lenders and investors, developed a subdivision locally for a Partnership, and been active in all aspects of construction and real estate. I bring to the table a great deal of firsthand experience and knowledge regarding land, the design of subdivisions, and the construction of homes. Haywood County is my home and I look forward in assisting my Clients in finding the right property that fits their needs and budget and understanding the market conditions to affectively market the property for my Sellers.

I’m excited about being a part of The Keller Williams Realty Team here in Waynesville/Maggie Valley and believe in the saying “The heart is the first feature of creative minds”. I look forward to assisting my Clients with professionalism, education, and affective tools of comparison to make the best choice.

Cary Feldman, Agent Leadership Council Member

Hi! My name is Cary.   I was raised in the wonderful state of New Jersey.  At the age of 23 I moved to sunny South Florida.  During my working career I’ve owned businesses, developed subdivisions, built new construction homes and sold real estate.   After 30 years I heard the mountains calling. 

My wife Carol and I spent the better part of 8 years researching N.C.  In October of 2000 a friend suggested we check out a small town called Waynesville.  The trip turned out to be the turning point of our search and our lives.  We fell in love with the town and more so the people.   And here I am selling real estate, building new constructions and developing subdivisions again.

I’d like for you to share in the joys of mountain life and friendly people like my wife and I.  Give me a call; let’s talk about what you’d like to do.  You won’t regret it!

Chris Forga

I am proud to be a Haywood County native. I know how fortunate I am to have been born and raised in what I believe to be the most beautiful place on the face of the planet. I am intimately familiar with Western North Carolina and all that these glorious mountains have to offer.

I have been involved in the real estate business to some degree since 1984. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Montreat College. I am an experienced business woman dedicated to quality service.

My involvement in local organizations provides me with an opportunity to give back to this community that I love. I am currently a member of Altrusa International of Waynesville and I serve on the Haywood County Community Foundation. I have also served and continue to support the board of the Haywood County Schools Foundation. I am most passionate about my support of the Tri-County Shrine Club.

For fun, I love spending time with my family. I have seven sisters and two brothers and many nieces and nephews. I love working out to improve my physical fitness, and riding my Harley-Davidson Springer to improve my mental fitness. I enjoy meeting new people and this profession allows me the opportunity to enjoy all the things I love.

Lisa Friedman

An avid traveler and aspiring gourmet cook, Lisa embraces the philosophy that a person must be ready to seize opportunities when they come, for some of the best chances in life are those that are least expected. Lisa holds both a Bachelor's degree in Biology & a Master's degree in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling. She was a school teacher in Florida prior to seizing one of those windows of opportunity and relocating to Waynesville, North Carolina with her husband, Jason, and their spirited Doberman Pinscher, Scout. In addition to serving as a real estate broker for Keller Williams, she works alongside her husband and family in real estate development.

Daphne George

Hello, I’m Daphne.  Being born and raised in Haywood County and having 31 years in land surveying in this area gives me valuable experience to help with your real estate needs.

I love being a mother and a grandmother.  Both my kids live in the county.  My son Travis, his wife Boni and children Autumn and Etham live close by.  My daughter Kim will graduate from Western Carolina University and mary Chris Marion this year.  I also have a small baking/catering business called “Duck’s Delights.”

The beach is great and other places to visit are, too, but I never tire of these mountains and this area.  Western North Carolina is a great place to live.  Contact me and I’ll share it with you!

Stan Holden, Agent Leadership Council Member

Stan was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He went on to earn a Doctorate in Physics and to become a University Professor and Director of Research at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He later left academic life and moved to Houston, TX to do full time consulting for the major oil companies.

Stan and his wife Diane decided to move to Maggie Valley after spending a two week vacation there. They were looking to escape the heat and humidity of Houston and to find a place to eventually retire. They fell in love with the beauty of Western North Carolina and its easy, laid back life style. They enjoy the quality of life in the Maggie Valley/Waynesville area. Stan wanted to share this wonderful life style with others, so he became a real estate agent. When the opportunity presented itself he became a Keller Williams agent so that he could better serve his clients.

Ron Kwiatkowski

My career in real estate began in 2004 with Keller Williams Realty. In 2007 I entered into a partnership to open a Keller Williams Realty Center in Waynesville/Maggie Valley, NC. I am a permanent resident of Haywood County and a full time REALTOR/Broker.

My wife Jenny and I have been married since 1985. I am the father of five children and grandfather to four grandchildren. Born in Michigan, I have been a resident of North Carolina since 1980. I got here just as quick as I could. I am a 4 year veteran of the Viet Nam era serving in the USAF. I attended Saginaw Valley State College, in Saginaw Michigan, earning a career as a Manufacturing Engineer. I worked most of my engineering career in the heavy metal industry, fork-lift truck & commercial bakery equipment. When it comes to sports I am very active in golf, tennis and racquet ball. Tournament bass fishing and racquet ball were serious hobbies for many years.

Shirley Kelley, Agent Leadership Council Member

With almost 3 years of experience in Real Estate and over 25 years in other fields, including banking and human resources, I have a strong business background that continues to help my real estate business grow.

I believe in our KW motto “Committed to Community Service” and serve on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am active in my church, Maggie Methodist, singing in the choir and participating in the UMW group.

I have taken over 150 hrs of continuing education, in addition to classes provided by Keller Williams. I believe training is the backbone of experience.

I am married to my best friend, Keith. We moved to Jonathan Creek in 1999 and built our dream home! We share our home with our two Chocolate Labs, Maggie & Molly. We have two grown sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law, and 4 precious grandchildren – 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter!

My personal motto is “No Moosin’ Around” which means, I take your real estate needs seriously. Call me and together we’ll find your Home in the Mountains!

Rebecca Kerslake

I was born and raised right here in Haywood County. I count myself lucky in sooo many ways, I am married and we have three beautiful children. We have a fourth child (a four legged one) who is a big bullmastiff named Jake.

Being able to live and work where I grew up is such a blessing, we enjoy all the activities these mountains have to offer, our favorite activity is going boating on the beautiful lakes scattered in and around WNC and N. Georgia, although all the seasons here are beautiful, I am just a kid at heart and summer is my favorite.
In 2004 after being a stay at home mom for a long while I decided to follow a friends encouragement and pursue a little dream of mine which was becoming a realtor, and I am so glad that I did!

Real Estate is challenging and satisfying to me. Whether I am helping someone find their first home or sell their fourth home I don't think I will ever grow tired of this profession.

Gina Kinder, Broker In Charge, Agent Leadership Council Member

Hard work, dedication and reliability are my promises to you.  Having been in the Real Estate business since 1988, I know what it takes to get the job done.  I am passionate about and well versed in all areas of Real Estate.

Having the right tools to make an informed decision regarding purchasing and/or selling property is vital.  I am dedicated to providing all pertinent information necessary to help Buyers and Sellers in making this decision.  Knowing where to get answers is my job!  Being detail oriented and having a good relationship with local agencies assures that my clients have the most up to date data in their education process.www.ginakindersells.com

Being actively involved in the community is an important part of my life.  As a volunteer in many organizations, I can assure you that there is no better place to be than in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.

Whether you are relocating to the area, moving across town or a native, it would be my privilege to help you with all your Real Estate needs.  I specialize in residential, commercial, land sales and development.

Yvonne Kolomechuk, Agent Leadership Council Member

Since beginning my real estate career in 1985, (in Waynesville & Haywood County) I pride myself for my persistence and hard work. Those assets have helped me be a consistent top producer for those 23 years. In that time I have seen a lot of changes, not only in the real estate industry, but also in this beautiful area that I’ve called home for almost 30 years. Keeping abreast of those changes and how they relate to my clients and customers is an important aspect of my job, and one I take very seriously. I have served the Haywood County Board of Realtors in every office, including President, and was named REALTOR of the year, a real honor for me. I feel I have the respect of my peers and I strive to work well with everyone in the industry. Always being involved in the community as a volunteer, or otherwise, keeps me abreast of new developments and issues affecting this area.

My zest for life revolves around the love of my work and my family, including my three children, Keith, Amy and Cindy, and the ones who keep me young; grandchildren Anna, Will, and Sam. Playing guitar and singing, whether at Church, or just around the campfire is one hobby that keeps me grounded. Boating on nearby lakes, hiking with the grandchildren or just relaxing on the deck at home, the beauty of this area still astounds and amazes me. I never take it for granted and am dedicated to help keep the pristine majesty of the area in tact, while making sure you too can enjoy its beauty.

Let me show you how much fun buying, selling and living in the Mountains can be!!

Lynn Lasley, Agent Leadership Council Member

Born and raised in the Tar Heel State, the Mountains are my home. I obtained my B.S. Ed in Theatre and a Literature degree with teaching certification. While growing up, both my parents were realtors in Haywood County where they successfully owned and operated Brannon and Associates Realty Company until their retirement.

From my husband, Tom, a third generation Master Green builder is from Charlottesville, Virginia. I inherited 3 treasures; Tommy, Colin, and Caitlin, had a career in ministry and then decided to refocus my ministry. I have enjoyed being a realtor for a number of years, and live here in the mountains with my husband, Tom, my 6 year old joy, Roselyn.

I believe my exposure to seasoned realtors and builders, my own educational and experiential background, combined with my personal skills and desire to be in a service oriented profession makes me well suited to this kind of career. I chose Keller Williams because the corporate beliefs coincide with my own; character, integrity, commitment, communication, and a “win-win” philosophy. Keller Williams is a great “family” team like environment in which to belong. Family, friends, and giving back to the community are important to me. So if home is where the heart is; my heart is home in these mountains with Keller Williams and in helping others find a home, while building relationships that last a lifetime.

Keith Mastin

Keith Mastin, one of our newest recruits at Keller WIlliams, has been working with the WNC Nature Center for the past 8 years as their Education Curator. Using his knowledge of environmental impacts and green way living, he hopes to assist those who are actively searching for a "green" approach to their real estate ventures. His professionalism in public service includes educating children for 17 years, coordinating Elderhostel programs for over 10 years, and working with both livestock and wildlife for over 35 years. Keith is comfortable with hard work, dedicated objectives, and a committed search for the best. Contact him at (828) 400-3842.

Mark McCracken

Mark is a native son of Haywood County whose family traces their roots to the area for over 8 generations. Upon graduating Furman University in Greenville, SC with a B.A. in History, Mark joined a real estate development firm in Asheville where he excelled in both sales and marketing. Mark recently joined Keller Williams Waynesville, Maggie Valley to be closer to friends and family and to return to the area that he has always called “home”. Mark enjoys playing golf, following UNC athletics and vintage clothing.

Patrick McDowell, Agent Leadership Council Member

Haywood County native, Patrick McDowell, has lived in the Waynesville his whole life. Married to wife Sherri for 19 years they have 2 daughters, Sydney 11 and Mia 6. A local (family) business owner for many years, Patrick is civic minded, serving on the Waynesville and Haywood County Planning boards, and is very proactive in the First Methodist Church of Waynesville.

A graduate of Western Carolina University, he worked in the family office supply business for a number of years then decided that real estate is where his career path would take him. It was a good decision; Patrick has been a top producer for over 8 years, and his clients and customers consider him not only their “Broker” but their friend. Recently being honored with the distinction of serving on the “Agent Leadership Council” of the Waynesville-Maggie Valley, Keller Williams office, is another sign of his dedication to his profession.

“My mission is to provide the highest possible service available to buyers and sellers by guiding them through the complexities of buying and selling their home.”

“My goal is to be the best REALTOR that I can be and always maintain the highest degree of integrity, honesty, and trust”

Being a native of this great area, I truly believe in Haywood County and what is has to offer. Let me show you “My Home”!

Amber Mills, Call Coordinator

My approach to real estate has been different than most. Before Real Estate I started at the bottom of the working force learning about the importance of customer service; which has been invaluable. Later I moved to vacation rentals and property management. My career has taken many turns and has ended here at Keller Williams. Part of my experience entails being an Office Manager and Licensed Personal Assistant for High Production Sales Professionals, extensive experience in all aspects including contracts/paperwork, property listings, marketing/advertising, transaction closings and working directly with clients to find their home. Previous to Real Estate I worked as Human Resources Director for a construction company, also learning about new construction/ building process.

I’m a Certified IRC 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange Agent, licensed NC Real Estate Broker and a member of various REALTOR® Associations.

I have an AAS Degree in Business Administration where I graduated with honors as well as being a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

I would enjoy working with you and helping you fulfill your future plans and dreams. I have your best interest at heart…never missing a beat.

Mike Monson

Shelda Muirhead

Hello, I’m Shelda Muirhead, and I’m very excited about joining Keller Williams. I’ve been in the real estate business, in some form or another, for about 15 years. After moving from Mississippi to Maggie Valley 20 years ago, my husband and I built our first vacation rental home. After a few years, our neighbors on the mountain asked if I would manage their properties as well. Soon I got my license and started Carolina Mt. Vacation Homes. I still manage some of these original properties. I’ve met lots of people and cherish the friendships I’ve made through these many years.

I’ve been married for 25 years and have 2 grown children. My husband, Scott, and my son, Jake, are building contractors who specialize in log homes. Our daughter, Katie, is a student at Western Carolina University and has been an exchange student in Australia and Mexico. Two years ago we hosted an exchange student from Ecuador. She is still a part of our family even though she has returned to South America. We all love to travel and try to take vacations together every year.

I love animals, especially dogs! I have a Bichon Frise named Bingham, who’s 4 years old. I have no grandchildren so he gets all my love and attention. We also enjoy our goldfish pond. It’s a great place to sit and relax.

We attend Maggie Valley United Methodist Church where we sing in the church choir. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful church family. God is good…… Life is good.

Ron Muse

Born: right here in Haywood co.; High School : Waynesville Township High School; College : U. of Tenn.   BS in Engineering; Commercial General Contracting Licn # 7359  (1974); NC Real Estate Broker # 40929    (1975)

Work experience: In engineering - product engineer in space and missle industry; In construction - builder and developer for 35 years.; In real estate - part time for 25 years.; In community - church, youth, habitat worker; Professional - Founding President of the Haywood Co. Home Builders; Former member of the Haywood Co. Planning Bd; Member of the Waynes. Appearance Commision; Former Lion and Booster Club member.

Jeanne Naber

Jeanne Naber, "The Singing Realtor", has lived in WNC since 1978 when her family moved here from Buffalo, NY.  She graduated from West Henderson High School and then attended UNC-Asheville and A-B Technical College.  She knew this was her home, especially when she moved to Waynesville in 1996.

Along with her Real Estate career, Jeanne sings and plays the guitar throughout Western North Carolina and the Southeast.

Her endeavors include The Biltmore Estate, Bele Chere, Hendersonville Apple Festival, The Breakers in Palm Beach, The Palm Beach Polo Club, The Smoky Mountain Railroad, The Wheels Through Time Museum, Pheasant Hill and Cataloochee Ranch to name a few.

Jeanne is very active in her community, especially when it comes to animals.  She is involved with Sarge's Animal Rescue and Haywood Animal Welfare Association.  Jeanne has been adopted by two dogs, Cosmo and Rayzen, one cat, Elvis and two horses, Fancy and Little Joe.

Jeanne looks forward to helping you in your real estate adventure.

Pearl Riley

Pearl Riley is a native of Waynesville, N. C. and currently lives in the Clyde area. Pearl has been married for seventeen years to her wonderful husband, Fredrick. They have one beautiful son, Tae, who is now six years old.

Pearl worked at Blue Ridge Paper Products (formerly Champion International) for 10 years. When her son Tae was born, she stayed at home with him until he started school. At that time she decided to pursue her career in Real Estate.

Pearl enjoys helping others achieve their goals in buying or selling homes. She plans to further her career in Real Estate with other designations and has set goals to achieve for herself.
She looks forward to being a part of the Keller Williams team and building great success along the way.

Jimmie Steele

Jimmie Steele is an N.C. licensed real estate broker with many years of experience.  He has served as Broker-in-Charge of two independent real estate brokerage firms, including one that he co-owned.  He built that firm into a viable entity in the Charlotte residential real estate market.

Jimmie has built his name on giving clients fair, honest, and exceptional service and focuses on the best interest of his clients.  Jimmie strives to give service well beyond the expectations of most buyers and sellers.

Jimmie is now a full time resident of Maggie Valley, N.C. and has joined with  Keller Williams/ Waynesville to assist other agents with the time consuming and endless paperwork involved in real estate transactions.

Tamara Stout

Until recently, real estate was only a hobby for me.

Since 1983, I have worked full time as a speech-language pathologist and learning specialist. After completing my Bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and my Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University in speech-language pathology, I spent a short time working in Birmingham, AL, before moving with my husband to Honduras for a year. After returning from Honduras, I worked in New Orleans, LA and Biloxi, MS for a year until we finally returned to the Atlanta area, which is where I grew up. At that time I began my private practice in language-learning disabilities, and completed my PhD in learning disabilities. After twenty plus years of a successful practice, I decided to devote my energies full time to my love of real estate.

I recently completed my first year in real estate and what an interesting year it's been! Many would say this has been one of the most challenging markets they can remember, but my theory is, if I can succeed in this market, I can succeed in any market. During the past year, I completed the 90 hours of coursework and passed the exams to become a broker, and grossed almost two million dollars in commission.

Although my permanent home is still in the Atlanta area, we own a home in Maggie Valley and are there frequently. During the winter months, you're likely to see my husband and two teenage boys on the Cataloochee ski slopes where they are members of Ski Patrol. I am fortunate to be able to work with the many talented agents at Keller Williams. One of the reasons I joined Keller Williams was to be able to give my clients the piece of mind that there was someone always there for them locally. We work closely to be able to provide you with service locally as well as extensive marketing within the Atlanta area.

I value hard work, integrity, and perseverance and will you those attributes to help you buy or sell a home. My goal is to provide you with the utmost in customer service so that I can become your Realtor for life. Call me so we can discuss your real estate needs.

Bonnie Williams

Bonnie Williams came to the mountains every summer as a young girl and every summer she cried when it was time to leave.  She always knew she would be back.

Her background in retail prepared her for a career in real estate.  “I love sales but I am not a high-pressure sales woman.  I believe my role as a broker is to listen to my clients needs.  Only then can I educate and guide them so that they make an informed decision.”

Bonnie’s personal belief system and generous nature are a perfect fit with the belief system of Keller Williams.  Her first love is community service.  She currently works on the Haywood County Board of Realtors Community Service Committee and is actively working on projects such as Baptist Broyhill Childrens Home Easter and Christmas parties, American Breast Cancer Society, United Way Day of Caring, and The Salvation Army, just to name a few.  “I just love the way people in this area are so giving”.

“I believe the result of each sale is a ‘new neighbor’ in our small mountain community”.

Jodie Wood

I am a native of Haywood County.  Besides working for Keller Williams, I also work as a Certified Personal Trainer at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. I have a beautiful wife, Ashley Wood. In my spare time I love to draw, workout, and listen to my wife sing at Carolina Nights Dinner Theater, in Maggie Valley. My wife and I also share a love of animals; we have 3 Chihuahuas, a Yorkie, a Shiztu, and a cat.