
Robert Alex Baker
Fund Manager & Owner
Robert “Alex” Baker is the founder and fund manager of Coastal Equity Group, a private lending firm specializing in ground-up construction financing for 1–4 unit residential properties. With a strong background in finance and over half a billion dollars in funded real estate transactions, Alex combines deep market knowledge with an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver smart, fast, and flexible lending solutions.
He began his real estate career in the fix-and-flip space, personally renovating homes and learning the business from the ground up. That hands-on experience shaped his approach—focused on understanding the needs of investors, solving problems creatively, and executing quickly. Today, Alex continues to lead active projects across the Southeast, while building long-term relationships with developers, brokers, and capital partners.
When he’s not structuring deals, Alex enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and spoiling his dogs. His approach to life and business is fueled by one guiding belief:
“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally—it comes from what you do consistently.”

Gracee Boots
Head of Operations
Gracee Boots, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, graduated with a B.S. in Finance from the College of Charleston in 2020. She joined Coastal Equity Group shortly after and has spent the past five years growing within the company—working her way up to Head of Operations through hard work, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
With a strong background in finance and marketing, Gracee plays a critical role in streamlining operations, supporting project execution, and optimizing internal systems across all departments. She also assists on the development side of the business, helping oversee new construction projects and aligning teams to ensure successful outcomes.
Gracee is known for her proactive mindset, attention to detail, and ability to bring structure and strategy to fast-moving environments. Outside the office, she’s an avid traveler, self-proclaimed foodie, and enjoys discovering new experiences wherever she goes.

Kent Liggitt
Head of Capital Markets & Originations
Kent serves as the Head of Capital Markets & Originations at Coastal Equity Group, where he leads efforts to structure, manage, and scale the firm’s lending operations. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Kent graduated from Wofford College in 2019 with a degree in Finance and a minor in Economics.
With a strong foundation in both retail and commercial banking, Kent brings deep expertise in borrower credit analysis, portfolio structuring, and secondary market transactions. His experience allows him to navigate complex credit environments while aligning capital sources with Coastal Equity Group’s strategic lending goals. From deal origination to investor relations, Kent plays a central role in ensuring the firm’s offerings remain competitive, compliant, and tailored to market demand.
In his current role, he provides borrowers with professional guidance throughout the lending process, while also managing the relationships and reporting that support the company’s capital markets initiatives.
Outside of work, Kent enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring Charleston’s food and music scene, and staying active through golf and running. A recent passion project has been cultivating his own garden, where he’s learning to grow herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants—a hobby that reflects his patient, hands-on approach both personally and professionally

Rachel Coke
Marketing & Business Development
Rachel Coke serves as the Marketing & Business Development Associate at Coastal Equity Group. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she earned her degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Marketing from the University of South Carolina.
Rachel brings a unique blend of corporate accounting and marketing experience to the team, allowing her to approach branding and client engagement with both creativity and precision. She plays a key role in developing and executing marketing strategies that enhance Coastal Equity Group’s presence across platforms and support business growth.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, and exploring Charleston’s vibrant culture. Her passion for storytelling and eye for detail make her a valuable part of the Coastal Equity Group team.

Ashley Wharton
Post-Closing Manager
Ashley serves as the Post-Closing Manager at Coastal Equity Group, where she plays a key role in loan servicing and construction draw management. With a B.S. in Marketing and a Minor in Real Estate from the University of Alabama, she brings a strong blend of organizational skill and industry knowledge to the team.
Since joining the company, Ashley has become an integral part of the operations department—overseeing post-closing compliance, managing draw schedules, coordinating payoffs, and ensuring smooth communication between borrowers, construction teams, and treasury. Her keen attention to detail and deep understanding of construction workflows make her a trusted point of contact throughout the loan lifecycle.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley is passionate about real estate and project management, particularly on the construction side where she excels in navigating timelines, budgets, and site coordination.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending weekends exploring new cities with her boyfriend, and trying out the latest foodie spots. Whether she’s on a job site or planning her next getaway, Ashley brings energy, precision, and heart to everything she does.

Kaila Andrews
Financial Analyst
Kaila Andrews joined Coastal Equity Group as a Financial Analyst in August 2024, following a standout internship with the company earlier that spring. Originally from Hartsville, South Carolina, Kaila graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Finance.
During her time in college, she was actively involved in the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and volunteered with Ronald McDonald House Charities, showcasing her dedication to both leadership and community.
Now based in downtown Charleston, Kaila brings a detail-oriented mindset and fresh perspective to our financial operations, supporting deal analysis, reporting, and investor communications. She’s already making an impact with her strong work ethic and eagerness to learn.
Outside the office, Kaila loves exploring Charleston’s food scene, relaxing at Folly Beach, and spending time with friends and family. We’re thrilled to have her on the team and excited for everything she’ll bring to Coastal Equity Group’s continued growth.

Wyatt Boelens
Business Development Associate
Wyatt Boelens is a Business Development Associate at Coastal Equity Group, where he brings a diverse background in sales and client relations to the world of real estate finance. Originally from Bolton, Massachusetts, Wyatt graduated from Bryant University in 2020 with a degree in Communications and Business Administration.
His career path has spanned a wide range of industries—from door-to-door sales in high school to working with IoT and AI data management solutions for Fortune 500 companies, as well as digital product sales for late-stage startups. This breadth of experience has equipped him with a strong foundation in communication, adaptability, and client service.
Wyatt has long had an interest in real estate and is excited to channel his skills into an industry that aligns with both his passion and professional goals. He’s known for his enthusiastic approach, strong work ethic, and natural ability to build lasting relationships.
Outside of work, Wyatt is a self-taught musician, passionate history buff, golfer, and lifelong athlete. He brings the same dedication and energy to his personal interests that he does to his role at Coastal Equity Group.

Kristi Sereno
Advisor

Gant Hill
Advisor
Gant Hill, CCIM, is President and Principal Broker of Gant Hill & Associates (formerly Venterra Realty), founded in 2003, specializing in enhancing the best interests and outcome of its clients that own, invest, lease and/or operate real estate.
Gant has overseen millions in both client and personal acquisitions, as well as the sale or purchase of many high-profile commercial and residential properties in the Louisville, KY, area, of which includes the $19,500,000 sale of The Prospect Village Shopping Center to its anchor, Kroger.
Having served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute, based in Chicago, IL, and as the Region 7 Vice President, overseeing the CCIM chapter activities in seven Midwest Chapters, Gant takes his leadership role seriously.
Gant was named as one of the “Forty Under Forty” by Business First of Louisville in 2004 and nominated to the Leadership Louisville Class of 2008.

Interested In Joining Our Team?
Coastal Equity Group is always looking to mentor and develop someone who wants to join this fast pace industry. Our team works closely together and has developed a positive everyday work culture.