Max Phillips was made to sell Real Estate. As a third generation Realtor he was practically born with a "Sold" sign in his hands. Max is a Bradley County native born and raised. A Cleveland High School graduate, after attending the University of Tennessee he returned to Bradley County to follow in his families footsteps and become a Realtor. He received his affiliate brokers license in 1979 and received his brokers license his brokers license in 1981. Straight off Max was a consistent multi-million dollar producer and was recognized as Sales Associate of the year in 1981.

Max learned the real estate business inside and out when he partnered with Ron Murphy to buy Phillips Real Estate in 1984. Max was in charge of recruiting and  training and established the growth of the business from three agents to over twenty. Active in the Cleveland Association of Realtors, Max has held many offices including Board of Directors, Treasurer, Vice president, President, and Past-President. In 2002 Max sold his interest in Phillips GMAC Real Estate to work with Crye-Leike REALTORS. "Harold Crye and Dick Leike are visionaries in the real estate business and their vision is a perfect fit for my goals" Max notes. Not one to let grass grow under his feet, Max has remained in the top 25 in the Chatanooga region and was named Top Producer" in the Cleveland office of Crye-Leike in 2006 and 2007.

What makes Max a good agent? He is a fantastic salesman, but he also prides himself on being honest. Making a deal isn't about the commission to Max it's about the love of the sale and working with clients until they are happy with the deal. One of his best clients has been working with Max for over fifteen years and over that time he's sold him numerous houses and investment properties. "I talked him into investment buying, made him into a multi-millionaire and he's been thanking me ever since!".

Max has been happily married to his wife Courtney for over 27 years.
They have two children; Sloan and Taylor. How would Max spend a perfect day when not at work? "I'd head over to the country club for 27 holes , then go home and cook up a steak and relax by the pool with my friends and family".

Max loves living and working in East Tennessee. His favorite thing? "Definitely the people!" Everyone is so nice and easy to talk to. Longterm friendships are key for Max and he shares one of his favorite hobbies, golfing at the Cleveland Golf & Country Club with a fellow enthusiast that he's known since he was eight years old. Max is a pst Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks #1944 and has served on the Board of Trustees for Cleveland. He is also an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where he is an usher and lay reader.

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 Tupperware. She soon learned that she not only had a knack for it, but truly enjoyed the process of 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 apprentice. 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.