We met one weekend at a bar in Pine. What started as a casual encounter grew into a 7-year friendship—eventually evolving into a strong business partnership.

 

Robert: My interest in real estate started in high school. I was into landscape design and even built retaining walls for my family and friends. I had plans to go to college to study landscape architecture, but everything changed when I found out my dad had cancer. Not wanting to be too far from home, I put my career plans on hold.

 

I was 20 when my dad passed away. At that age, I didn’t know how to handle grief, and I watched as some family members shut down. It was tough, but staying social and talking to friends helped me move forward—along with keeping busy. I started a career in the insurance industry, which is still going strong today—25 years and counting. I began speaking with clients and solving issues. Eventually, I became an auditor, and the company moved me to Phoenix.

 

As I settled into the valley, my passion for houses returned. I had wanted to get my real estate license for years, and in 2015, I finally did. The first 2 years were tough, but over time, my business flourished. I later transitioned into investigating fraud claims for the insurance company—specifically businesses trying to commit fraud—while continuing my work as a REALTOR®. These days, I balance my career with working out at the gym, spending time with friends, my partner Mitch, and absolutely adoring my 3 dogs: Holden, Harlie, and Hayden.

 

However, life had another surprise in store. I started driving up to Pine on weekends, and that’s where I met Christy 7 years ago—at a bar! Over time, as I spent more time in Pine (now splitting my time 50/50 between there and Phoenix), Christy and I became friends. Over the years, teaming up felt completely natural.

 

Christy: I teamed up with Robert at a critical time in my life. I was a REALTOR®, but honestly, I wasn’t enjoying it. I loved the job itself, but it was taking up so much of my time that I lost my work-life balance, missing important moments in my children’s lives. When my daughter said, “What do you mean you can’t be there for my prom pictures?” It

 crushed me. Something had to change.

 

Before real estate, I’d had experience in the business world. My high school sweetheart, Chris, and I moved from California to Arizona when I was 21. I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years, raising our children, Kenna, Trent, Samantha, and Brody. Destiny called when my brother asked me to join the family business. My dad owned a company that distributed medical eye equipment, and after my brother took over, he invited me to open stores in Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. It was intimidating at first but an incredible experience. I stepped into leadership—learning that a team is only as good as its leader—learned to listen, be open to ideas, recognize where I was falling short, and motivate my team.

 

When the company was sold, I became a real estate investor. I started buying and flipping homes and got my real estate license so I could sell my own properties. Yet, my career took on a life of its own, and soon, I was 

helping clients move to Pine, AZ. I teamed up with Robert at the perfect time—just when I was looking for balance, which I now finally have.

My jam is my family. Chris and I have been married for 35 years, and we enjoy hunting together—a precious family ritual. You’ll also find me at rodeos or hosting parties at my house (happy hour starts at 4 pm!). I’m delighted to call Pine my home and love being involved in its community.

 

Real estate doesn’t have to be complicated and we’re here to make the process as easy as possible. Our priority is truly understanding our clients so we can provide tailored solutions and secure the best deals. We serve as a one-stop shop for selling homes in Phoenix and purchasing your dream home in the mountains., working with a top lender to find the best financing options. With strong local connections, we have a trusted team of

 vendors—plumbers, cleaners, electricians—ready to handle any real estate need, which can be difficult to find in the mountain communities. Many homes in Pine are off-the-grid, and we’re well-versed in their unique maintenance and requirements.

 

One of our biggest strengths is availability. Clients have access to both of us, ensuring that if one of us isn’t available, the other steps in. We stay in constant communication, responding promptly to keep things moving. Robert primarily handles showings, while Christy focuses on paperwork, ensuring inspections, titles, and contracts are processed efficiently. Whether it’s residential real estate, luxury homes, or land, we’re honored to make every transaction seamless and stress-free.

 

Sincerely,

 

                                               

Robert Gaetano                                                 Christy Mikesell

REALTOR® | LIC# SA661580000                    Transaction Coordinator

Cell 480.980.7969                                              REALTOR® | LIC# SA692134000

rgaetano@hsmove.com                                  Cell 480.632.1258

BuyandSellwithRob.com                                 christymikesell4@gmail.com