About Our Real Estate Agents
Justin Creel, Team Lead & Listing Specialist
With a Bachelors in Accounting, Justin has a natural eye for numbers, details, and market trends. As a top real estate agent in the Pensacola and surrounding area, Justin strives for excellence of customer service with every client he works with. He also has a unique ability to look at each transaction through practical lenses to ensure his buyers and sellers come out on top.
From Justin:
"You can count on me to always do what's in your best interest. I pride myself on being honest, trustworthy, and a knowledgeable specialist in the real estate market. Thus, I will make it my responsibility to help you achieve those goals."
Dawn Hotchkiss, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Dawn has been married to her husband Chuck for 25 years and they have three beautiful young adult children. As a family, they moved around the country with the military until 2017 when, upon retirement from the Marine Corps, they settled back home in Gulf Breeze. Dawn is now our Military Relocation Specialist and having grown up in Pensacola, is a wealth of knowledge of the Gulf Coast.
She has been in sales most of her adult life and cherishes the opportunity to help her clients with one of the biggest purchases they will make. Dawn's motto is "Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting!"
From Dawn:
"My goal as your real estate agent is to make the process as stress free and enjoyable as I can while at the same time working hard to get the best deal, whether a sale of a home or purchase of one, for my clients."
Dustin Hefner, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Dustin is an experienced Realtor in the Pensacola region with expertise in residential homes, investments, and short-term rentals. His strong business background of 16 years has equipped him with exceptional skills in employee development, vendor negotiation, and staffing, as well as providing outstanding customer service and support. Dustin prioritizes communication, punctuality, and helping his clients achieve success. With a passion for fitness and a love for outdoor activities, Dustin enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Donald Cole, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Specializing in luxury waterfront homes and condos, Donald is a Florida native and longtime resident of Gulf Breeze. With more than 15 years in the business, he knows how to navigate any market to ensure that his clients make informed real estate investments. He knows the ins and outs of waterfront homes and condo sales and his ability to effectively negotiate makes him the obvious choice. In his spare time, Donald fancies himself an avid water enthusiast. He enjoys riding his Harley, traveling, golf, scuba diving, and when the Gulf is calm you can find him on his boat soaking up the sun.
Johnny Burgess, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Johnny has spent most of his life in the Gulf Breeze/ Pensacola/ Sandestin area. Johnny combines his knowledge and love for real estate along Florida’s coastline with a true appreciation for the trust his customers place in him. He earns their respect, and oftentimes friendship, by working tirelessly on their behalf, sharing his enthusiasm and local expertise. His customers’ intentions and timelines drive the process as he develops a personalized strategy to get the job done. With strong communication skills and a knowledgeable team behind him, stress is reduced and transactions are fun and enjoyable!
When not working, Johnny loves hunting, fishing, photography and watching his son play sports. He attended Auburn University and graduated from South Alabama with a degree in Business. He has worked for large corporations selling underground utilities and is a small business owner specializing in photography and photo booth rentals.
He looks forward to working with you and sharing his professionalism, and enthusiasm to helping you with your real estate needs.
Joshua Knafel, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Josh Knafel joined The Creel Group after a highly successful career in the automotive industry. Known for his unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, Josh accumulated nearly 300 reviews with a perfect 5.0-star rating. His attention to detail and dedication to clients seamlessly transitioned into his real estate career, where he continues to prioritize exceptional service from start to finish.
Although newly licensed, Josh is far from a novice in the real estate arena. He has personally invested in dozens of properties in Pensacola, gaining invaluable experience and insight through his successful transactions. This hands-on involvement sparked a deep-seated passion for real estate, prompting Josh to pivot from the automotive sector to pursue a career that aligns more closely with his interests and skills.
Josh relocated to Pensacola in 2017 and was immediately captivated by the area's beautiful sandy beaches and high quality of life. The people and ambiance of Pensacola quickly made it feel like home, further solidifying his decision to focus his real estate career in this vibrant community. His passion for assisting both new and seasoned homeowners is evident in every interaction, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Josh is dedicated to rescuing abandoned and neglected dogs in his free time. This compassionate and meticulous approach to both his personal and professional life sets Josh apart as a real estate agent who truly cares about the well-being and satisfaction of his clients.
Josh's commitment to providing top-notch service, combined with his extensive knowledge and personal investment experience, makes him a valuable asset to the Creel Group and the Pensacola real estate market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, Josh's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication ensure a seamless and rewarding real estate experience.
Sarah Peer, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Sarah Peer, a dynamic and accomplished realtor, has made a significant mark in the competitive world of real estate. With four years of experience under her belt, she has distinguished herself as a professional in the industry, specializing in listing agents and providing unparalleled service to her clients.
Sarah has always had a passion for the art of negotiation and the thrill of closing a deal. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in Marketing, she decided to channel her energy and expertise into the world of real estate. Armed with a solid foundation in marketing strategies and consumer behavior, Sarah set out to revolutionize the real estate market with her unique approach and dedication to her clients.
Sarah's journey in real estate began with a vision to redefine the home buying and selling experience. Her commitment to excellence and unwavering professionalism quickly earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor and expert negotiator. Whether working with first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, Sarah's personalized approach and attention to detail ensure that each client receives the highest level of service and support.
Sarah's success as a realtor is not only attributed to her professional accomplishments but also to her genuine passion for helping people achieve their real estate goals. Her dedication to her clients goes beyond the transaction, as she strives to build long-lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys giving back to her community through various volunteering activities, and donating to the Pensacola Humane Society for each home she closes on.
As Sarah continues to make waves in the real estate industry, her unwavering dedication to excellence and client satisfaction sets her apart as a true leader and innovator. Looking to grow your real estate portfolio? Call Sarah today!
Kelly Jones, Listing Coordinator and Licensed Realtor
From the time we get a Listing appointment to the time you sign an accepted offer, Kelly handles it. Kelly has 9 years of experience in the Real Estate field and is licensed as a Realtor in Florida. She enjoys meeting our Listing Clients when she comes out to your home, taking dimensions, hand selecting each photo of your beautiful abode to feature on the MLS, and writing the description of your home. In her free time she loves hanging out with her family at the beach, finding new restaurants and traveling.
Jessica Creel, Director of Operations and Licensed Realtor
Every team needs one person who holds everyone together. For The Creel Group, Jessica Creel is the glue. With a degree in marketing, a background in insurance and extensive real estate experience, Jessica has spent time in every role with our team, starting as the listing manager and transaction coordinator. She is a licensed agent and works to guide, encourage and train all agents and staff. She enjoys camping with her family, riding bikes with her kids, and date nights with her husband!