Brad Allen
CEO/PARTNER
After becoming a Realtor®, I quickly teamed up with my now partner, Mary Lane Sloan, to form The ART of Real Estate with the idea that one agent cannot be productive in real estate and give the level of service that the client deserves. Out of the formation of this idea, paired with hard work and ingenuity, we began to expand our team, keeping in mind that quality must equal quantity. Through the development of this team, I became the Broker-in-Charge when Mary Lane and myself decided to take our team’s systems, values, beliefs and brand to create The ART of Real Estate brokerage. By building on our core values of being a client-centered team, we have an extensive core staff, that includes a Listing Coordinator, Closing Coordinator, Client Care Coordinator, Videographer, Photographer and a Lead Coordinator, that helps our agents maintain the customer service our clients deserve while selling a high volume of homes.
Being raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, I grew up very accustomed to the hustle and bustle of the touristy town. With my first job washing dishes at a local restaurant, I developed a very powerful work ethic and learned just how well effort and hard work can pay off, when combined with customer service. I pursued my undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina, during which I fell in love with Columbia and decided to settle in and build some roots. Upon graduating, I was determined to create my own path in life, no matter what that was. It was then, that I discovered just how well my talents in marketing and problem solving blended very well with the real estate industry.
Maybe it was my years of working in customer service combined with my drive to always learn and master innovation that has allowed me to stay one step ahead of the competition. I use hard work and determination to find new ways to integrate technology with competitive sales tactics to drive the modern real estate industry of the future.
Accolades and Awards
South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority – Commissioner (Governor Appointed and Senate Confirmed Position)
2013 Realtor Magazine, 30 under 30
Consolidated Multiple Listing Service – Vice President
South Carolina CRS – Leadership Chair 2017
CRS Magazine Peer to Peer Spotlight June/July 2016
South Carolina Association of Realtors – Parliamentarian 2017
Downtown Presbyterian Church – Clerk of Session
Agent Mentorships panel speaker – Inman Connect New York 2017
Emerging Technologies panel speaker – National Association of Realtors Broker Summit
Mary Lane Sloan
PARTNER
Being a lifelong resident of Columbia, having grown up in the heart of Shandon, has given me a vast knowledge of the area and deep sense of pride for my community and it’s wellbeing. My daily focus is to better the lives of others whether in a real estate transaction, service opportunity, or leadership role.
It was my love of a close-knit community that led me to Presbyterian College, where I obtained my degree in Elementary Education before returning to my hometown. After spending a few years working as a teacher, I quickly developed passion for real estate after buying investment properties with my husband. Through my own buying experience, I saw a true need for change in the profession. I knew that buyers needed more than a chauffeur and sellers needed more than a sign in their yard. By utilizing many of the skills that made me effective in the classroom, such as diligence, patience, problem solving, organization, and a positive attitude, I was able to help guide buyers and sellers, from all walks of life, through the home buying and/or selling process. I know first hand that buyers and sellers are looking for not only a sharp negotiator, but also a professional who can offer sound guidance, a patient ear, and the ability to stay level headed under pressure.
I love living in Columbia, and I am passionate about community service and community involvement through local organizations such as The Columbia Junior League, Presbyterian College Young Alumni Board, The USC Dance Board, The Midlands Homelessness Coalition. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, exercising, spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and of course, watching the Gamecocks play football. Columbia is and will always be my home, and I am proud to have the opportunity to help make it yours.