Max Phillips started his real estate career in 1979 as an affiliate broker with Phillips Real Estate. From 1979 to 1984 he was a consistent multi-million dollar producer and was Sales Associate of the Year in 1981. In 1984 he and Ron Murphy bought Phillips Real Estate from Samye Jean Sloan and Bill A. Phillips. From 1984 to present Mr. Phillips was owner/broker in which he was a consistent multi-million dollar producer. He also was in charge of training/recruiting in which he built the company from three fulltime agents to twenty plus. In June of 2002 an agreement was reached for Mr. Phillips to sell his interest in Phillips GMAC Real Estate. “ I decided to sell my interest in my company to pursue other real estate endeavors,” added Phillips.

Max Phillips is a native of Bradley County and graduated from Cleveland High School. After attending the University of Tennessee, he received his affiliate broker’s license in 1979 and received his broker’s license in 1981. Max was recognized as the Cleveland Association of Realtors ‘Realtor of the Year 1985”. He has held the following offices in the Cleveland Association of Realtors: Board of Directors 1983-1985, 1994-1996, Treasurer 1986, Vice President 1987, President 1988, and Past-President 1989. Phillips is a graduate of Realtors Institute (GRI) 1981, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) 1988, and Certified Real Estate Instructor 2000. He is past Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks # 1944 and held the office of Chairman of the Trustees of the Elks. Max has served on the Board of Directors for Cleveland, Sertoma Club. He is a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in which he is an usher and a lay reader.

Crye-Leike, REALTORS ® have been in business since 1977 and is # 1 in the Mid-South. They have over 2,200 sales associates. “Harold Crye and Dick Leike are visionaries in the real estate business and their vision is a perfect fit for my goals” said Phillips. Crye-Leike, REALTORS ® Cleveland office is located at 4627 North Lee Highway. Phone number is 473-9545. Max has been with Crye-Leike, REALTORS ® since 2002. He has always been ranked in the top 25 in the Chattanooga Region. Also, was“Top Producer”in the Cleveland office for 2006 and 2007.

Max Phillips has been happily married to Courtney (Adams) Phillips for over 27 years. They have two children, Sloan, 22 and Taylor, 16. Max is an avid golfer when not working, and also enjoys cooking and a good poker game. But, put in his own words, “I am an expert at selling any kind of dirt.”

Jannis Sams went down a few different career paths before she found the one that clicked, picking up skills along the way that help make her the great realtor she is today.  After Graduating From Lee University where she majored in Education and receiving her Masters at Alabama A&M, Jannis taught Elementary school for seven years. As a teacher she learned how to work with a wide variety of personality types and nurture relationships with patience and a good heart.

Jannis first tried her hand at sales selling jewelry and Tupper ware. She soon learned that she not only had a knack for it, but truly enjoyed the process and finding a perfect person for her merchandise and perfect merchandise for her customers! Jannis had a chance to prove how hardworking she is when she managed a restaurant. The fast paced work environment prepped her for an amazing career in real estate.

"People warned me that it was hard work" Jannis says about when she first decided to go into Real Estate "and I said I have taught children to read, organized and planned sales systems, and managed a restaurant for long hours dealing with every kind of crisis known to man!! I am not afraid of a little hard work!"

Jannis is a Graduate of Realtors Institute (GRI) and a Certified relocation Expert. What does she think makes her a great agent? "I love working with people, I'm a great listener, I have a lot of patience and I'm not going to waste people's time. I'm motivated to find out what people need and get the job done!" Jannis remembers one of her favorite clients that she won over in her first year. "He wanted someone who would do more than put a sign on the lawn, and that's what he got!". Over the years Jannis has worked with this client on numerous occasions, buying and selling properties, their relationship had gotten so close that her daughter even became the babysitter for their child.

Growing up in Scottsborough Alabama, Jannis considers herself a true country girl at heart.  Jannis moved to Cleveland Tennessee 28 years ago with her husband Tim and immediately fell in love with Bradley county. She loves being close to the mountains, Taking her dog Rosco on scenic walks and enjoys watching the seasons change.  She also loves the small town feel and how safe it is, "it is the best place to raise a family" she says. And if you need a little bit of extra excitement, Chattanooga is just a short drive away.

Jannis has been happily married to her husband Tim for 30 years. They are proud parents to their son Bryan 24, who graduated from Bradley High, joined the Marines and met his lovely wife Marie in the Marine Corp.  He is currently in an electrician appreticeship. Their daughter Brandi, 20 is currently working at Cafe Roma, while attending Cleveland State and deciding what path her life will take.

When not at work Jannis enjoys a simple life, sleeping in, drinking coffee on the back porch, reading a book or watching a movie are her favorite ways to spend her free time. It's not all quiet time for the Sams though, "we love entertaining friends" Jannis says, she also enjoys the dynamic services at her church, the South Cleveland Church of God.