About Us
Sheila Gianatos knows what it means to build in a time of change. Growing up in wartime England, she learned resourcefulness and an unshakable belief in her abilities. Coming to the US, she embraced change in her new lifestyle and growing family in a new land.
Sheila has always believed in planning and training as a way to ensure success in any endeavor. Early in her career, she spent many years teaching productivity to established business professionals. In 1978 she tailored these strengths to a career in real estate. Working as an agent allowed her to learn the ins and outs of the business from the ground floor. Later, she wrote the book on career development for the newly merged Prudential Carolina Real Estate.
Having over 30 years of real estate experience allows Sheila to empower her agents with her level of knowledge. Sheila Gianatos believes that she is only as good as the agents in her office. This allows her agents the confidence and knowledge to excel. The service that they provide to their clients not only meets but exceeds their expectations. Their professional development is the bedrock that her success is built upon. Known as a broker willing to go the extra mile for her agents, she conducts coaching classes, in-office training, and a full mentoring program for agents at all levels. The end result delivers an experience mutually beneficial for both the seller and the buyer. Lifetime relationships are built and clients feel as though they have attained a valuable and trusted adviser in their agent.
Jacquie Russo, listing coordinator of the West Islands office, originally from New York, and of Italian American heritage, came to South Carolina eleven years ago and worked in the hotel/resort industry in a sales/service capacity where she gained valuable experience in customer service and a commitment to excellence. She has been a part of Carolina One Real Estate for two years. Jacquie works for the Folly Road office as coordinator for this website contributing with the writing of blogs about our area. As listing coordinator of the West Islands office she assists the agents with the marketing efforts for their listings to ensure quality service for our clientèle.
Rhenda Bishop, office manager of the West Islands office, James Island resident for all of her 33 years. She loves being the mother her 5 year old son. Rhenda really enjoys the Charleston summers, going to the beach, boating and local county parks. She has been a part of Carolina One Real Estate for nine years. Rhenda, as office manager of the West Islands office, processes sales, listings, and closings. Also, Rhenda participates in our coaching and mentor programs in order to insure the success of all our new agents. She also provides support for all of the agents in order to provide top notch service.
Debbie Dean grew up in Mt. Pleasant and has enjoyed calling the Lowcountry home ever since. Raising three children in Summerville, she was involved in her community for many years, especially as a volunteer for the Flowertown YMCA swim team.
When her first job as a mom was complete, Debbie began her second career at Carolina One Real Estate. She has been known to all as the “voice” of the West Islands office for the past nine years. Aside from the warm welcome you’ll always receive from Debbie, she acts as the assistant to the Broker-in Charge and coordinates communication between clients and agents.
Satisfying a life long dream, Debbie relocated to Folly Beach. In her free time, Debbie can be found exploring Folly Beach. In her free time, Debbie can be found exploring Folly on her golfcart or the many creeks in her boat. Watching the seasons change in the marshlands on her ride to and from the office is just one of the many blessings in her life. This happiness is reflected in the smile in her voice as she says, “Good morning, Carolina One Real Estate, this Debbie, how can I help you?”
Jay Costa believes in service. His commitment to the community can be seen in his hard work for the James Island Optimist Club, his devotion to the work of his church and the time he has spend coaching youth sports.
The one thing that Jay does not do is to commit to something when he can’t give 100% to the endeavor. Follow through on a commitment is his bedrock. And if you’re lucky enough to be working with Jay to buy or sell a house, you’ll find that in business he holds himself to the same high standards.
Jay is a professional in the true sense of the word. He has never settled for average. Once he received his real estate license in 1991, he began educating himself to become a broker. He achieved this in 1993 and has continued to improve his skills throughout his career. Presently he seconds Sheila Gianatos as Assistant Broker of the West Islands office.
Before our name change to Carolina One, Prudential Real Estate, the parent company of what was Prudential Carolina Real Estate presented Jay with the Legend Award for his consistent position in the top 6% of agents nationally.
Jay does believe in pursuing balance in his life. As important as his career is to him, he manages to spend quality time with his family. An avid waterman, Jay is happiest out in his boat with wife Mandy and his three children.
For Jay, the commitments he has made have given him a richness far beyond the obvious. It’s rare to find someone successful in so many aspects of his life and someone who enjoys them all.
If you would like to get in touch with Sheila, or the West Islands Carolina One Office in general, please either give us a call or fill out the form below.
