Team Sea Star | Sea Star Realty

You are here

Name and Title

Robert Gates

Broker-In-Charge & Owner

divider

Weight: 
0

Charles Robert Gates, Jr., Rob, has a Civil Engineering degree from Clemson University. After graduating college, Rob started his career in the construction industry, where he successfully operated a road and underground utility business.

Rob's background also includes starting, owning and operating a residential and commercial development company, a trucking business, a commercial landscaping operation and a pine plantation farm. These businesses completed projects throughout South Carolina and included working with several nationally recognized builders and contractors, in additional to countless federal, state and local municipalities. Some of these clients included Ginn Development, Essex Homes, Honda Motor Company, Verizon, SCE&G, University of South Carolina, SCDOT, US Department of Housing & Urban Development, City of Columbia, City of Georgetown and many others.

Real estate transactions were heavily involved in Rob's construction and development businesses, which quickly lead to a real estate career also. Rob and his wife, Dawn, began investing in property in Garden City Beach and Pawleys Island in the early 2000's. Their properties in Litchfield Beach were always the first choice for rest and relaxation. Soon the love of Pawleys Island, brought Rob and his family here permanently. After serving as broker-in-charge over sales for a small firm in Garden City Beach, Rob's entrepreneurial nature led him to start his own brokerage firm right here at home on the Grand Strand.  While serving as broker-in-charge, Rob has gained experience in working closely with clients and banks to solve problems with distressed properties.

Let Rob assist you in your next real estate venture, whether it be a primary residence, a second home, a rental investment, a residential or commercial development, or a recreational tract.  

Name and Title

Dawn Gates

Owner & Realtor

divider

Weight: 
1

Dawn Bowden Gates has a Graphic Communications degree from Clemson University.  After graduation, Dawn started her career in the printing and marketing industry, where she worked in design and sales.

Her husband's strong background in engineering led them both into the construction and development business.  Dawn continued her marketing and design work for their construction, trucking, landscaping, and development businesses.  Dawn became a SC licensed contractor and served as the CEO of their construction business, where she earned certification as a Woman-Owned Business Entity.  Dawn, along with her husband, Rob, quickly and successfully built their construction business to hold an Unlimited SC Contractor's License and was honored two consecutive years with the Contractor of the Year Safety Award.  While in the construction and development business, Dawn built an impressive client list that includes many nationally recognized companies, such as Honda, DuPont, Verizon, SCE&G, US Steeplechase Association, FedEx, Walgreens, Piggly Wiggly, Arbys, Zaxbys, and many more.

Being heavily involved in numerous residential and commercial development projects, Dawn became a licensed Realtor so that she could handle the land acquisitions as well as marketing and selling of the finished product firsthand. Her property acquisitions included real estate along the coast of SC, including Garden City Beach and Litchfield Beaches.  Dawn has also served as manager for two Home Owners Associations, one of which included over 100 properties.  Owning numerous beach home rentals in the area over the past decade afforded Dawn the opportunity to learn the vacation rental business firsthand from an owners perspective.  Dawn has been a client of many Realtors in the area as well as most of the Property Managers, which made her quickly realize there was a need for something better and led to the start of Sea Star Realty.  Dawn and Rob's love for the area landed them comfortably in North Litchfield Beach where they are raising their two children.  Dawn is proud to be a founder, owner, and Realtor for Sea Star Realty.

Contact Dawn today to hear how her property management approach is unique with the homeowners interest at the forefront. Dawn would also be happy to show you around the area and use her vast experience to help you market and sell your property or acquire the property that best fits your needs and desires. Dawn has been the top selling agent in Surfside Beach since 2014, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication. 

Name and Title

Taylor Hayslett

Office Manager
Contact Taylor Hayslett
(office) 843-235-2031

divider

Weight: 
2

Taylor Hayslett is a licensed property manager with many years experience in the vacation rental industry.  Her extensive knowledge along with the highest level of professionalism that she exudes, quickly earned her the position of Office Manager for Sea Star Realty.  Taylor is always eager and available to assist guests and property owners alike, from insuring guests have a memorable beach vacation to advising homeowners of strategies to maximize rental income.  Outside of work, Taylor enjoys shoe shopping and beach days with her husband and children.

Name and Title

Stephanie Petersohn

Reservationist
Contact Stephanie Petersohn
(office) 843-651-1000

divider

Weight: 
4

Stephanie Petersohn is a member of our office team that assists guests and homeowners alike.  Originally from New York, Stephanie fell in love with South Carolina when visiting and made the big move south a few years ago. With over 10-years experience in customer service, Stephanie offers sharp communication skills and attentiveness to our clients.  In her free time, she loves to read, listen to music, explore the area and spend time with friends and family.

Name and Title

Airanna Perez

Licensed Property Manager
Contact Airanna Perez
(office) 843-235-2032

divider

Weight: 
6

Airanna recently joined our Sea Star Realty team. Being a South Carolina native, Airanna graduated from Georgetown High School in the spring of 2021 and is continuing her education with a major in business, as well as actively pursuing becoming a licensed property manager. Her outgoing personality and eagerness to learn the real estate business quickly earned her a position at Sea Star Realty. Airanna enjoys assisting and showing constant availability to guests to ensure they have a memorable vacation. Outside of work, Airanna enjoys shopping, going to the beach, reading her bible, and spending time with family.

Name and Title

Sarah McKenzie

Reservationist
Contact Sarah McKenzie
(office) 843-651-1000

divider

Weight: 
6

Sarah is a South Carolina native with over 10 years of experience in the vacation rental industry.  Using her local expertise, Sarah enjoys working with guests to make their stay unforgettable.  Spending time with her family, friends, and puppy at the beach, movies, or watching football are some of Sarah's favorite things to do outside of work.