Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Patterson
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is all about family, a love for real estate, and a bit of adventure thrown in! I grew up bouncing between a small town south of St. Louis and a golf course community in the Phoenix desert. My dad was a WWII pilot, former POW, tire dealer, and entrepreneur—never a dull moment with him! My mom was a fabulous real estate agent, and watching her connect with people and help them find their homes was so inspiring that I ended up following in her footsteps.
I started out in advertising after graduating from Drake University, diving into the world of big brands at Leo Burnett in Chicago. I worked with Hallmark, Delta, and GM, but it was buying our own 100-year-old home in downtown Chicago that pulled me into real estate for good. That experience was so exciting, I just knew I had to make it my career, so I got my broker’s license in 2003.
Before long, my husband and I decided to move to Atlanta to be closer to family. My dad was facing some health challenges, including Alzheimer’s, and being together became the priority. My mom and I decided to build something special together and launched the Cole Team. We had to start from scratch in Atlanta, so we got creative, focused on service, and became a team known for both heart and innovation. Nearly 20 years later, we’ve built a brand we’re so proud of and are constantly pushing to be the best real estate team in Georgia (and we’ve been named just that in our county for 10 years running). We’ve connected with the top national groups and real estate peers to keep our vision strong.
These days, between work and family, life is pretty full. My husband Keith and I have four kids, ages 14 to 20, and they keep us on our toes! Our oldest is at the University of Georgia studying ecology and entomology—GO DAWGS! They’re diving into the world of bugs and the environment, and it’s amazing to see their passion for it all. Our oldest son, now looking at colleges, is all about guitar and jiu jitsu, putting his heart into everything he loves. Our middle daughter is a natural marketing whiz, bursting with creativity and fresh ideas. And our youngest goes to a wonderful high school for neurodiverse kids, bringing so much joy and a unique perspective into our lives. I’m incredibly proud of who they’re all becoming…but I still wish we were all under the same roof. Then there’s our dog and cat, who are absolutely family members, too. When I’m not working, I love working out at Move & Breathe Yoga or relaxing in my nest on the couch. You may also find me volunteering at Brown’s Bridge church with my youngest or planning our next family adventure.
At the end of the day, family is what gets me up every morning and drives me in this work—helping people find a place to call home. For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than that.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s definitely been a journey, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I must have a knack for chaos! Over the years, I’ve faced some personal challenges that have shaped me and the way I approach both family and business.
One of the hardest experiences was losing my dad. He was such a huge influence on me—his entrepreneurial spirit, his resilience, and his humor were guiding lights in my life. Being with him through his health struggles, especially Alzheimer’s, was incredibly difficult, but it also taught me the importance of family, empathy, and showing up for people. That experience changed my perspective on what “home” really means, making my work in real estate feel even more personal.
And, of course, juggling a business with four kids is its own adventure! Each one of them is a unique character, and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but the balance is no easy feat—especially with our youngest, Nolan, who is high-functioning on the autism spectrum. I’ve learned to embrace the unpredictable moments, roll with the surprises, and appreciate the quiet ones even more.
Then, there’s the ever-changing real estate market itself. We’ve navigated everything from economic downturns to fast-paced booms, and through it all, staying resilient and adaptable has been key. Real estate is a little bit like life—full of twists, turns, and curveballs you just can’t predict. But I’m grateful for every lesson along the way, and honestly, I think I thrive on the challenges.
In the end, these experiences have made me who I am. They’ve fueled my drive, my passion, and my commitment to helping others find their place in the world, no matter how chaotic the journey might be!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At the Cole Team, we like to think we do things a little differently! Real estate isn’t just a transaction to us—it’s a full experience, a story, and a chance to create something memorable for our clients. We’re passionate about helping people find their perfect place, but we’re also all about making the journey as enjoyable and unique as possible. We know that every home and every client has a story, and we aim to bring that story to life in creative and meaningful ways.
What sets us apart? One big thing is our commitment to innovation. We’re known for embracing video and creative content that draws people in from near and far—literally. We love producing videos that capture the unique essence of a home, so much so that viewers can practically feel like they’re walking through it, no matter where they are. We’ve had clients hop on a plane to see a home in person after watching one of our videos! Our marketing isn’t just about showing a property; it’s about highlighting in a creative way all those details that make it special. We want potential buyers to experience the charm, the lifestyle, and even the feeling they’d have if they were living there. Just check out a compilation of our most favorite moments from this year, and you’ll see our approach in action! [https://youtu.be/YNRWKF8bh0M?si=Bm3_vYcZqjiYci72](https://youtu.be/YNRWKF8bh0M?si=Bm3_vYcZqjiYci72)
We’ve always believed that every home has a “wow factor,” and it’s our mission to make sure that comes across in our marketing. Whether it’s through high-energy videos, unique angles, or immersive storytelling, we’re committed to going above and beyond in showing each property’s best side.
And our clients? They’re everything to us. Many come back again and again, whether they’re buying, selling, or sending friends and family our way. This repeat business means so much to us, and we love finding ways to stay close to our clients. Throughout the year, we host parties, giveaways, and special events to show our appreciation and stay connected. It’s our way of saying thanks and making sure our clients know they’re part of the Cole Team family.
In short, we’re here to do more than just sell houses; we’re here to create connections, highlight what makes each home extraordinary, and make moving to (or from) Georgia as seamless as possible. When you work with the Cole Team, you’re getting a partner who sees the big picture and never loses sight of the details. We’re here to make dreams a reality and, hopefully, make the process a little fun along the way!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see real estate moving in some exciting and challenging directions, driven by technology, evolving market trends, and a rising demand for more tailored experiences.
One of the biggest shifts will be in how homes are marketed. Virtual and augmented reality, along with advanced video technology, will continue to play a huge role in creating immersive experiences. Buyers today already want to feel like they’re inside a home before ever stepping foot in it, and that demand is only going to grow. I think we’ll see more real estate teams embracing high-end videos, interactive tours, and maybe even VR experiences that allow clients to explore a home from anywhere in the world. Our team loves to push the boundaries in this area, so I’m excited to see how it all evolves.
With all this tech, the role of an agent is being challenged but is more important than ever. We’re here not only to offer guidance but to navigate the complexities of an industry that’s always evolving. The overwhelming amount of information available now can leave clients with more questions than answers, which makes our expertise, local knowledge, and commitment to their best interests crucial. Technology is great, but it doesn’t replace the insight that comes from years of experience and personal connection.
Sustainability will also take on a bigger role. As more people look for energy-efficient homes and eco-friendly features, we’ll see a trend toward properties that reduce environmental impact and promote healthier living spaces. This shift is already beginning, and I expect it to become a major factor in home design and buyer preferences over the next decade.
Breaking through the noise is definitely one of our biggest challenges, especially when it comes to reaching potential buyers across the country or even around the world. Today’s market is saturated with information and listings, so we have to go above and beyond with our marketing to make each home truly stand out. That’s why we focus on pushing our marketing to be as creative and engaging as possible. From high-quality videos to virtual tours and social media campaigns that capture attention, we’re all about showcasing each home’s unique story in a way that resonates. It’s not just about showing the property—it’s about helping people experience it, even if they’re halfway around the globe.
At the end of the day, we’re here to do more than just sell houses; we’re here to create connections, highlight what makes each home extraordinary, and make moving to (or from) Georgia as seamless as possible. When you work with The Cole Team, you’re getting a partner who sees the big picture and never loses sight of the details. We’re here to make dreams a reality and, hopefully, make the process a little fun along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ColeTeamRealEstate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cole_team/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColeTeamRealEstate
- Twitter: https://x.com/Cole_Team
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingintheAtlantaSuburbs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cole-team-with-real-broker-alpharetta
Image Credits
https://www.jonmichaelsullivan.com/
