Meet the Team
With Southeastern, you will find a full-time, driven group of Real Estate Professionals and Assistants who are committed in the Augusta and Charleston Real Estate market! This team truly believes that “who we are in business with matters” which plays an integral part in clients fulfilling their dreams and goals. Learn more about our company.
Kelly Gates | Residential Division Manager
Kelly Gates offers over 14 years of experience in the real estate industry. Kelly is committed to providing excellent service and a Top Notch Marketing strategy that leads to RESULTS! At the end of 2014 Kelly wanted to extend her goals and provide additional service to her clients. She formed a team called Gates and Associates in hopes to continue her growth. Kelly believes in “Together Each Achieves More” – TEAM – so she has surrounded herself with the best in the industry, who help consistently grow the business and provide new levels of service and exposure!
Kelly has a passion for real estate, growing up in Columbia County in a family of Realtors. She learned early on that “going the extra mile” is a key factor in being successful in this industry. Kelly understands the importance of commitment, honesty, and integrity in all that she does. In October 2016, Kelly joined one of the largest commercial and development company in the Southeast as their Residential Division Manager. Kelly believes that education is a top priority for growing her business. Obtaining her ABR- Accredited Buyers Representative and obtaining her Master’s in CSP – Certified New Homes Specialist has helped take her business to the next level. Kelly is involved in Chastain Place subdivision – BEST selling community 3 years in a row and in River Island. She strives to stay on top of the upcoming growth in Columbia County.
Kelly is a member of the National Board of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, and the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors. Kelly is a member of the Sales and Marketing New Homes and won the Gold and then the Platinum level the last few years as well as the highest level of new homes in volume for 2014 with over $16 million. Kelly is a member of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce as well as staying active in her community.
On a personal note, Kelly resides in Columbia County with her GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS, her 2 daughters. Spending quality time with family is important to Kelly, as well as spending time with her horses, competitive horse cutting, and enjoying the beach.
Matt Mills | Senior Vice President
Matt Mills serves as the qualifying broker for Southeastern and is responsible for assuring that the firm and its affiliated licensees comply with the laws and provisions for each state that the company operates in. Mr. Mills is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Greater Augusta Board of Realtors.
As a senior member of the development team for Southeastern, Mr. Mills has been responsible for the development of various commercial and residential projects throughout the eastern United States. On each of these projects, he is responsible for overseeing budgeting, financing, construction, leasing, and sales activities. Mr. Mills earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Georgia in 1997. Prior to joining Southeastern, Mr. Mills was an underwriter/bank officer in the commercial real estate division of First Union National Bank. During his tenure at First Union, he managed a portfolio of real estate loans representing over $130,000,000 in committed exposure for the bank.
Bobby Bentley | Augusta Realtor
As a life-long Augusta resident, Mr. Bentley brings over 30 years of sales and sales management experience to Southeastern’s residential sales team. Mr. Bentley has a wealth of local knowledge and always puts his clients first to make sure that their expected needs and goals are met.
Through the years, Mr. Bentley has served many local boards and committees and he is proud to be one of the co-founders of “Border Bash,” which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s charities. Mr. Bentley serves on the board and is a past president of the Augusta Bulldog & Alumni Club, Inc. He has been married for 37 years and he is a member and Eucharistic minister at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church. Mr. Bentley a member of the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors, the Georgia Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
As a devoted real estate professional, Mr. Bentley will make every effort to ensure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, whether you are seriously interested in getting into the real estate market, or simply just looking, he can help you find the answers to your questions about homeownership or selling your home.
Reed Bentley | Augusta Realtor
As a life-long Augusta resident, Reed Bentley graduated from Augusta State University in 2006 with a Bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Mr. Bentley has been in the Real Estate business for 4 years, and specializes in his broad knowledge of new construction sales, along with the resale market. Reed always puts his clients first to make sure that their expected needs and goals are met.
Crystal Smith | Augusta Realtor
Growing up in Columbia County, Crystal Smith has a vast amount of local knowledge and has seen the area grow and become what it is today. Crystal has significant knowledge and specializes in working with Military families, first time home buyers, and new construction sales.
Crystal is a graduate of Augusta State University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. Crystal first launched into the real estate as a Marketing Director for a top producing Augusta agent. Passionate about the real estate field, became a Realtor to be able to help families find a home and provide the service she feels they all deserve. She believes strongly that it is her duty not only to represent her clients to the best of her ability, but to also educate them throughout every step of the process.
Crystal Smith is a member of the National Board of Realtors, Georgia Association of Realtors, and the Greater Augusta Association of Realtors.
Candace Riddle | Augusta Realtor
With a reputation for placing clients’ needs, goals and objectives at the forefront of every transaction, Candace provides communication, negotiation and management skills in combination with in-depth knowledge of the Augusta area’s neighborhoods and real estate market.
Growing up in the real estate industry, being part owner of a construction company and learning about homes at an early age has its advantages! She brings to the buyers and sellers of Augusta properties the same level of service, dedication and respect for which she was revered during her decades of sales and marketing throughout the area. Praised for client satisfaction and effectiveness as counselor, facilitator and liaison-from property search or listing, through market analysis, to negotiations, escrow and closing she continues serving her clients beyond the close of escrow. Candace is supported by generations of respected, local family presence in Columbia/Richmond County construction, hospitality and public service sectors, resulting in
- Comprehensive understanding of the complex Augusta area real estate market
- An-depth knowledge of local communities, neighborhoods and enclaves
- A proven network of expert vendors for inspections, warranties, repair, lending and more
Candace is also known for her trust and respect by colleagues and clients alike. She is calm, well-grounded and has highly effective communication skills along with perseverance, tenaciousness and attention to detail in service to her clients. She is also a transaction management and negotiation expert.
Candace is married with 3 children and resides in Evans, GA.
Madera Hollowell | Augusta Realtor
Madera grew up just across the river in McCormick, SC and moved to Augusta shortly after finishing college. She has a Financial Management degree from Clemson University, but don’t worry “Dawg” fans because she grew up a die-hard UGA fan thanks to her Dad being a University of Georgia grad. She and her husband, John, live in Columbia County. He is a retired Insurance Agency owner and is an active Real Estate Broker.
Madera became a licensed Realtor in 2009 and started selling full-time in 2010. Prior to her Real Estate career, Madera worked for E-Z-GO Textron for 16 years where she held several positions in the Finance Department.
Customer service is Madera’s top priority. She is a hard worker whose attention to detail, enthusiasm, and professionalism serves her clients well. She doesn’t want you to just be her client, she wants you to be a valued friend for life! She tries to go the extra mile no matter if you are buying your 1st home or your MILLION dollar dream home!
She is a member of the Greater Augusta, Georgia and National Associations of REALTORS. She is licensed in Georgia and South Carolina.
Madera would like to THANK all her current and past clients for their support and trust they have placed in her! She looks forward to serving you when your future Real Estate needs arise.
Please contact Madera at (706) 726-6606 or email her at madera.hollowell@southeastern.company with all your real estate needs.
Autumn Saul | Augusta Realtor
Autumn is originally from Atlanta and graduated from the University of Georgia. After graduation, she spent her time in London working. Autumn’s hospitality experience comes from working in the The Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Sales and Catering, Westin Hotels, and she was also a Pharmaceutical rep for Pfizer. At Pfizer, she managed a territory with over 16 million in drug sales.
Her and her husband, Tommy Saul, both work for Southeastern. They have 3 very active boys, a female golden retriever and 2 bird dogs. Autumn’s hobbies include working out, tennis, travel and spending time with her family.
In 2014, Autumn decided to obtain her Real Estate License where she can use her hospitality experience to make sure her customers have the best home buying experience.
Deborah Wingard | Charleston Realtor
Deborah Wingard comes seasoned with numerous years of experience and expertise in both business and real estate. She graduated top of her class in 1983 from the University of South Carolina with a BS in Business Administration. For over 25 years she has worked as a top producing agent specializing in the luxury home market in Charleston and surrounding areas. For more than 20 years, she served as a managing member and broker-in-charge of a residential construction and real estate firm.
In 2012 she became a resident of Poplar Grove and quickly developed a passion and firsthand experience for all Poplar Grove has to offer. She is heavily involved in the local community and has been awarded numerous accolades including Woman of the Year and the Association of Realtors award for ethics and realtor representation. She has served as youth minister of her community church and raised funds for various charitable foundations throughout the community. Her passion is working with buyers and helping them find their ‘dream home’ or working with them to build it. Living in Poplar Grove herself, Deborah offers a unique perspective and level of availability rarely seen.
Thomas Wingard | Charleston Realtor
Thomas Wingard graduated from College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Commercial Real Estate. He joined the Southeastern Family Homes team in 2013 as a sales broker. Thomas has broad knowledge and experience in residential construction, project development and sales. Outside of work, Thomas and his wife enjoy serving their community by volunteering with local Middle and High School youth programs.