RICH COMPANY - Key Persons


Abbott Tunstall

Abbott Tunstall is a native of Washington. He attended Washington High School and went on to play football in Newport News, Virginia before transferring to finish his degree at NC State University. He moved back east to start working in real estate directly after college. Abbott worked managing O'Malley Tunstall law firm from 2008-2016, all the while helping those with real estate needs through referral to The Rich Company agents and others. Abbott and his wife, Hillary, moved back to Washington in 2010 and are now raising their four children, Squires, Anne Haven, River, and Forrest in this beautiful area. Abbott's first 4 months with The Rich Company he received the Rookie of the Year award. During his second year, he received the 3 Million Dollar Award from the Beaufort County Board of Realtors for his sales in real estate. Also in his second year, he sold over 5 million dollars, and with that came the 5 Million Dollar Award! Working with the #1 real estate company in our area, The Rich Company, he has experienced one of the most rewarding times of his life. Abbott has extensive knowledge of not only Washington but also adjacent areas in Beaufort County. His love of this community and, of course, the Pamlico River, makes him an excellent choice for marketing properties to their full potential or discovering the best fit for buying a new home. Abbott's IT and marketing experience is also extensive as he possesses the skills to ensure that his clients' properties have a great degree of visibility online and in the community. Abbott's clients can rest assured knowing that they are in good hands with one of the most important decisions in their lives. Call Abbott today and let him introduce you to one of the best treasures in NC or continue your love for this area!

Ashley Webb

Job Titles:
  • Member of St. Clair 's Church of Christ
Ashley Webb is located in the Bath Office. Born and raised in Bath and growing up on the Pamlico River her love for the water and all things involved with the water make her passionate about finding her clients waterfront property. Ashley has worked with her father, a General Contractor for many years, and enjoys remodeling projects and working with homeowners to make their dream home a vision come true. Ashley is an active member of St. Clair's Church of Christ, also a member of the security team, and believes that having a strong foundation in the Lord is the key to success. Her outgoing personality and love of meeting new people will certainly be an asset in helping her clients as they list and sell properties. If you are ready to list or looking for your dream home, give Ashley a call at 252-945-5120 or email her at ashley@therichcompany.com.

Barbara Goodman

Barbara was born and reared in the North Carolina Mountains in Ashe County and gradually made her way to "Lil" Washington in 2009. Her career consists of over 30 years in the field of education having worked with students and parents from kindergarten to college. During her time in Rocky Mount, she was a Real Estate Broker for several years and loved every minute of it. As she resumes her career in real estate with the Rich Company, she looks forward to putting her years of customer service to good use while working with her new neighbors in the Beaufort County area and beyond. Give Barbara a call for any of your real estate needs. Her goal is to make buying or selling a home as seamless and as enjoyable as possible.

Bob Rich

Bob Rich started The Rich Company back in 1972 with his brother Cy Rich. Over the years in expanded the company to include commercial property and a farm and timberland division. He built the current site of the Rich Company in 1988 and it has grown substantially. Bob has been involved locally with anything involving real estate and continues to be involved with commercial development during his semi-retired years. Bob is married to Janice Rich and they share 2 sons and have three granddaughters. He enjoys travelling with his family and keeps busy on the tennis courts and pickleball.

Cathy Waters

Cathy Waters has been a resident of Washington, NC for more than 30 years. She raised her son here in Beaufort County and was also a schoolteacher in the area. She began her Real Estate career in 1981 and has enjoyed helping people find the home of their dreams. Cathy wants to meet your real estate needs. Cathy has been an active member of the Washington Beaufort County Board of Realtors and several civic organizations around Washington. With over 40 years of experience in real estate, let Cathy help you find the right property for you.

Charles Phillips

Charles Phillips came to the Rich Company in 1982 and began selling properties not knowing if this was the place for him. After his first few sales, he knew this was the place for him. He has been involved with The Rich Company in different capacities, including the Sales Manager and the General Manager. Charles still keeps busy with commercial development but at a much slower pace. He is an early riser and you can find him in the office at the crack of dawn. Charles is married to Clarissa Phillips and they share two children, a son and daughter and has one grandchild and one on the way. He enjoys traveling and being outdoors.

Crystal Daw

Crystal has 15 years' experience as a realtor and is also an appraiser. Due to a job transfer, she and her husband Charlie Daw now call Washington, NC home. Crystal grew up in Alabama and has lived and worked in 3 other states. She has excellent real estate credentials and is wanting to establish new clients and work relations in Beaufort County. Crystal along with her husband, have 4 children Kaitlyn, Heath, Braxton and Ella Jean. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, and decorating. She is a board member and a volunteer for a Foster and Adoptive Family organization.

Eric Fitzgerald

Eric is a native of Martin County, being born and raised in Williamston, working in and around agriculture and farming all his life. Eric is also the owner and operator of a small family-owned pecan processing business called Crossroads Pecans. He is a member of Christian Chapel Church of Christ and an active member of the board. During the summer months, you can find him and his family at their place in Swan Point enjoying life on the Pamlico River. Eric has a passion for real estate and would love to share his ideas on renovations and remodeling. He will take the time and effort to help you choose the right home or property for your family. Being a family man, he understands the importance of finding that perfect piece of paradise. If you are interested in listing or purchasing any property, give Eric a call at 252-661-1842 or by email at eric@therichcompany.com. You can look at our website for all your real estate needs, www.therichcompany.com.

Genevieve Gillis

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Staff

Georgia Atkins

Georgia Anne is a lifetime Beaufort County resident that has always appreciated the beauty and uniqueness of "the original Washington." She loves this town and the surrounding areas, and she wants to share all its characteristics with others. Her love for people shines through in everything she does, and she really wants to help them find that "just right" property. She is ready to show you the great properties available on the water as well as properties in and around Beaufort County. Georgia Anne attended Salem College and East Carolina University. Her business experience consists of working in the banking industry and in retail sales. She has also owned several businesses with her husband Tom. Georgia Anne lives in Bath, NC on the water and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren as well as her family. She is an active member of the community with several local civic groups and social clubs. Her friendly personality is present in all that she says and does. She truly lives the Golden Rule-"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Come visit her and let her share her love and knowledge of this wonderful area along with helping you with all of your real estate needs.

Heather Osborn

As a native of Washington, NC Heather Osborn is dedicated to providing excellent customer service. A highly trained and experienced Broker, willing to help you achieve your real estate goals. She is committed to guiding you through a stress-free process, with the latest market trend information and advice. Heather's extensive knowledge of the local real estate market keeps you well informed and confident you are making the right decisions. You will feel confident knowing you are her top priority and receive the fullest professional attention and consideration you deserve. Contact Heather Osborn at The Rich Company for quality proven results.

Jay Martin

Job Titles:
  • Agent
Jay is a native of North Carolina and has invested nearly 20 years of his life in Washington and is proud to call Beaufort County home. Jay graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1984 and also received a Masters of Divinity in 1991. He wears both the hat of pastor and realtor and has found a wonderful complimentary balance in both vocations. He pastors the Church of the Good Shepherd here in Washington. Jay has been a licensed Real Estate broker since 1984 and has been a multi-million dollar producer consistently in buyers and seller's markets. He served the Washington Beaufort County Board of Realtors as President in 2012. Jay loves being an ‘agent' in the purest sense of the word - serving his clients as he would folks in his church, with care, with undivided attention, and with the relentless pursuit of their best interests. Jay and his wife Jeanne have four sons who have flourished in Beaufort County Public Schools. All four sons are Eagle Scouts and have attended UNC. Jeanne teaches nursing at East Carolina University and she and Jay are very involved in community life and love to write new chapters in the ‘story' of this magnificent corner of creation! In times of challenge and uncertainty, Jay is the ideal agent to be a ‘non-anxious' presence in the process of finding and acquiring a haven of a home in the midst of any storms!

Juliette Sykes

Juliette has over 13 years of experience as a real estate broker in Beaufort County and the surrounding areas. She is a lifelong native of the area, also having 28 years of working experience in Human Resources at several major manufacturing facilities in Washington. Working closely with people and meeting their needs is what Juliette is enthusiastic about.

Laura Gerard

Originally from Connecticut, Laura has made Washington, Beaufort County her home for the past 24 years. She is married to Walt Gerard who owns a local company, Gerard Seed Company, and Riverside Grain. Together they have 4 children, Marisa, Madison, Bailey, and Walt V. During her downtime, she enjoys sports, shopping, and decorating. Because of her love for the outdoors, she has become an avid runner, having run in 2 marathons in the past. Laura attends First United Methodist Church and is active in the community. Along with the encouragement of her family and after raising her four children, Laura decided to pursue her own career and become a real estate agent. Over the years, she and her husband have done major remodels and have enjoyed flipping homes. She delights in staging houses and could certainly help a new home buyer pick and choose their perfect dream home. Laura has a love of the water since she has lived on the water most of her years here. Showing clients, the waterfront, and the great outdoors that Washington and Beaufort County have to offer would make her a good agent choice. Give her a call, 252-495-5414 if you are interested in listing or selling your home. You may contact her via email: laura@therichcompany.com.

Lauren Atkins

Lauren Atkins is a realtor serving clients out of our Washington, NC location. Before starting her career in real estate, she gained 15 years of marketing experience in the professional services industry. She believes great communication is key to helping her clients achieve their real estate goals. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an investor, she looks forward to guiding you through the buying or selling process. An Eastern North Carolina native, Lauren graduated from North Carolina State University and lived and worked in Raleigh, NC for 16 years. In 2020, Lauren and her husband Thomas moved to Washington, his hometown. They have three children, Wallace, Thomas, and Penn. The beautiful waterfront, thriving downtown, and relaxed hometown atmosphere are a few of the things Lauren loves most about Washington. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of the area with you. You can call her at 252-450-0490 or send her an email at lauren@therichcompany.com for all your real estate needs.

Lydie Jennings

After an exhaustive search, Lydie Jennings and her husband, Archie, chose Washington as their new home some twenty years ago. They have three children. They have renovated their downtown historic home and invested in residential and downtown commercial properties. Lydie has vacation rental properties and short-term furnished rentals available in the area. Over the years, she has become skilled and knowledgeable about the Washington/Beaufort County real estate market and dealing with contractors in the renovation process. These experiences have led her to a career in the real estate business. Providing "top-notch", friendly service is important to Lydie. She listens carefully to her clients' needs and uses her experiences and connections to find the properties best suited to their individual needs. She will gather information for you about the schools, recreation, entertainment, and resale value of the prospective homes and properties you chose to consider. Lydie is able to connect you to a team of area professionals in the fields of mortgage financing, inspection, and repair, pest control, legal services, accounting, moving, and decorating. She will lead you through the entire process in an organized way to ensure a smooth closing. Lydie loves sharing Washington with others and looks forward to helping you discover the area! She is proud of her part in making Washington a better place because her clients choose to live here. Whether your interests lie in investment properties, a second home on the water, or finding the perfect home, contact Lydie.

Nan McLendon

Nan McLendon has over 35 years of real estate experience in Beaufort County. She has the knowledge and experience to help you in buying the home of your dreams, an investment property, or a commercial building. Nan is originally from Raleigh but met her husband Chris while working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Together they chose to move from Washington, DC to Washington, NC upon getting married. Little Washington had all the charm of waterfront towns on the Eastern Shore but was much more affordable! Washington, NC reminded Nan of the way Raleigh, "used to be" when she grew up there, plus it has a gorgeous river! She and her husband raised 3 children, Kit, Knox, and Nancy Stewart in the best place possible to grow up! Nan has been actively involved in the community since her arrival. She is particularly proud of being part of the original group that started the Little Washington Sailing School. Nan has also been actively involved in the Washington Tourism and Development Association, Beaufort County School Business Advisory Council, First Citizens Bank Board, Committee of 100, First Presbyterian Church, Young Life, and Young Lives. She was the 2014 Realtor of the Year and twice President of the Washington Board of Realtors.

Rosie Lilley Smith

Rosie will work diligently to represent buyers and sellers in order to get them the best possible buy and/or sell. If you want a real estate agent that will have your best interests in mind, Rosemarie Lilley Smith is the one to call. She has proven over the years that she is always working to be a Top Producer. "Success isn't owned. It's leased and rent is due every day."

Sandy Deans

Sandy Deans has worked with The Rich Company since 1994. She has experience in listing, selling, and managing homes and commercial properties in the area. Having resided in Beaufort County her entire life she knows Eastern North Carolina and surrounding areas well. Sandy and her husband Sammy are active in their church where Sandy serves on the Vestry and several other committees. They have 2 children and 2 grandsons. If they're not out supporting their grandson's sports activities, you can find them on their boat, usually entertaining family and friends. Sandy was awarded the 2022 "President's Award" by The Rich Company" for having the highest increase in sales. Please consider allowing Sandy to help you discover the area and find the perfect home or property to build your dream home. Sandy is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and would love the opportunity to assist you.

Shana Parker

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager

Sonya Selby

Sonya Selby grew up in Southern Georgia and moved to Beaufort County as a teenager. She married her high school sweetheart and has made Bath, NC her home for more than 35 years. As a resident of Bath, she is familiar with the area and the neighborhoods that could be appealing to you. She and her husband Jerol also host the annual Bath High School Preservation Oyster Roast and open their property to some 450 folks from across the state. Sonya loves music and enjoys singing and finds joy in helping others. Sonya is excited and ready to assist you with your home buying and selling needs. If it is time to find your forever home, she can make it happen. Her guidance during the process will make the transition smooth and her expertise in local real estate will help you get the best price for your home. Give Sonya a call at 252-945-6917 or email her at sonya@therichcompany.com. She will be available at our Rich Company Bath Branch, which she is now the Broker in Charge, to assist you with your real estate needs.

Tim Mordecai

Tim Mordecai is a Washington, NC native. He currently resides in Bath, NC, and has been a real estate agent for over 25 years. Prior to his real estate career, he was a full-time farmer in Washington County on his family's farm. His background in farming has helped and assisted many people in listing and selling their farms, timberland, and hunting tracts. He has also worked hard and become a multi-million-dollar producer for many years. Eastern North Carolina offers lots of farmland, timberland and hunting tracts that are available in the area now. Beaufort County and the "Original" Washington is situated on the banks of the Pamlico River and the Tar River and easily accessible from many points in Beaufort County. Call Tim for any of your needs in selling or buying large tracts of land and let him help you pick the perfect spot for hunting.

Tom Atkins

Job Titles:
  • President / General Manager / Broker - in - Charge