Our Exceptional Group
Meet the staff
We have the knowledge and skills to exceed expectations; we’re here to work with you and also like getting to know you.
Scott B. Umstead
Scott has a natural enthusiasm and love for his work and his clients. He takes on legal matters with a sense of purpose and with the sole thought of achieving your end. With 30-years in active practice, you can rest assured your legal matter is in experienced and caring hands. He provides a very personal experience to every client to ensure each person feels valued, welcome and well-served. Scott has been a proud resident of Myrtle Beach since 1969 when he moved here with his family as a boy.
Following graduation from The Citadel (1982) and the Wake Forest School of Law (1985), he served three years as a criminal defense and legal assistance attorney with the U.S. Army in Ft. Hood, Texas (1st Cavalry Division), with some service in Germany. Upon completion of military service (1988), Scott returned to Myrtle Beach and entered private practice with a very successful litigation firm until opening his own firm in September of 2000 when real estate became another featured area of practice. In addition to supporting a variety of animal charities, Scott enjoys spending time with his dog (Dean), reading, music, exercise and life’s quiet pursuits.
the Staff
Kim Mallett
Real Estate Closer
15+ years experience. Kim is a master of organization and detail and runs transactions with the precision of a marching band. She approaches every situation thoughtfully and with remarkable scholarship. In fact, Kim is largely responsible for many of the “backstage” operations of our office and is an “idea person” like few I have met. Kim made Myrtle Beach her home 20 years ago after growing up in Connecticut. When private time allows, she tends toward creative things – art, outdoor photography – and, of course, time with her family (especially her young son). Kim holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Coastal Carolina University.
Dean Umstead
activities director
Dean spends his work days watching over us, swiping unattended lunches and generally being a joy to his dad. His happiness is always in a state of overflow. When he arrives home, it’s time for a few laps around his obstacle course, games of “where’s the chicken,” a nap on the couch and whatever else he can think up. Dean thinks his life is perfect exactly as it is — he wouldn’t change a thing.
Debbie Rose
Real Estate Closer
25+ years experience. Originally from Georgia, Debbie has been a Myrtle Beach resident for almost 30 years and has been a real estate closer for an amazing 30 years (yes, we said 30!). She enjoys animals of all kinds (is there really anything better?!) and spends her free time on the beach, playing brain-teasing puzzles or watching the Myrtle Beach baseball team. Debbie holds a BBA in Management from the University of Georgia.
Karen Paganini
BookKeeper
25+ years experience. Karen has been working with attorneys throughout her career and we are lucky to have her. A Myrtle Beach resident for the last 20 years, Karen is an “old car” enthusiast and loves spending time with her family.
Michelle Zalucky
Litigation/Real Estate Paralegal
20+ years’ experience. Michelle has been with us for almost 10 years and is a true wonder of production, detail and leadership. She’s whip-smart and leans into every task (yes, every single task) with her whole self. When she’s not afire here at the office, she’s doing really great things with her sons and finding ways to help folks who need her. Michelle has an A.S. in Business Science – Paralegal Studies.
Leighann Spivey
CLIENT CONCIERGE
Leighann is a Whirling Dervish of energy and production (and good fun!). She gracefully presents our office to the general world through Google, Facebook and other postings and is always in the middle of producing another educational video or article for our agents and clients. And when she goes home, she somehow re-doubles her energy — her private time is spent with her beautiful daughter and little kitten or heading into a honest-to-goodness workout at the gym. Leighann is a proud alumna of Coastal Carolina University and holds a B.S. in Business Administration.
Debbie Meekins
Real Estate Assistant
10+ years experience. Formerly a retail banker from Delaware, Debbie switched to real estate ten years ago and has definitely found a home. She spends her free time with her grandson or pursuing her very serious passion for furniture restoration.
Sarah Walser
contract reception
Sarah is a joy to all of us. After 20 years in customer service, she entered the paralegal program and we were extremely lucky to grab her when she graduated. Sarah is engaged in every facet of our office and helps us function in a thousand ways. She and her husband are truly best friends — they’re pretty much always riding jet skis, going to car shows or having quiet dinners together.
Kellie Stull
Real Estate Opener
Kellie is a work force in herself – you should see it! Over 10 years, she climbed the ranks of another excellent local business and we count ourselves very, very lucky to have her. Her quiet nature conceals a burning furnace of intellect and a sprinter’s mindset. She has a great career in front of her. In her off time, she’s pretty constantly with her family, friends and, maybe best of all, her dogs! We love Kellie!
Jenn Roach
real estate closer
10 years experience. In just 10 years, Jenn is already at the top of the field — it is a testament to her quiet concentration and real desire to be the best. Though her office whirs with activity, she somehow works without making a sound and has an inward energy we all envy. Jenn was born and raised in Myrtle Beach and finds her greatest happiness in her son and her parents. She holds an Associates Degree in General Studies.
Ashley Kurth
Real Estate Closer
15+ years experience. Ashley has 15 years of “adult” experience in real estate, but it really began for her at the age of 15 when she worked alongside her mother (also a real estate closer). Along the way, she earned a BS in Paralegal Studies at Liberty University and, from all of this, has depth of technical ability and creative thinking that is truly a rare commodity. Ashley’s private life is vibrant and happy – she spends most of her time with her ex-marine husband and three wonderful children. If you knew her children, you would know what great parents she and her husband are. Ashley works quietly and handles everything with grace and good humor.
Kaylee Rossbach
receptionist
Kaylee is one of those people who really does believe in helping others and it shows all day long. Formerly, she was an Oncology Esthetician in New Mexico, but moved to South Carolina to be near her family (we think that’s nice!). Her bubbly and quirky personality adds a sense of charm and humor to the front office. When she’s out of the office, she focuses on her family, fitness, and her best friend and dog, Sunny. If you want to see pictures of Sunny, she has a million of ‘em!
Joe Umstead
activities director
Joe spends his days watching over his dad. Once he’s secured the perimeter, he asks to have his heated blanket turned to high and rolls onto his back in case anyone feels like giving him a nice rub-down. When he clocks out, his thoughts turn to peaceful napping, hearty meals, evening massages and watching television on the couch. Joe is one of the gentlest souls in creation and believes all people are good and kind because that’s always been his experience — he really hopes he gets to meet you.
Rigby Umstead
Rigby Umstead (2002-2018)
