OUR LENDING TEAM

Robert Alex Baker

Fund Manager & Owner

As the Founder & Fund Manager, Robert Baker is responsible of overseeing the entire
operations of Coastal Equity Group. After years of being a real estate investor
expanding over multiple states, Robert founded Coastal Equity Group in 2018. He
created a private equity fund to lend fix and flip and bridge loans to local real estate
investors. The needs and opportunity quickly grew to growing the fund and diversifying
the portfolio of loan programs to what Coastal Equity Group is today. As the Fund
Manager, Robert oversees all transactions from compliance to trading. His leadership
and mentorship have allowed his clients and employees to evolve in the private lending
industry at a fast pace and scalable level.

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Gracee Boots

Head of Operations

As a founding member of Coastal Equity Group, Gracee Boots leads operations with a wealth of experience. Gracee graduated from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Finance and also minored in real estate & marketing. Her prior experience in the hotel and property management industry helped her land an internship with CEG in college. With roots in Nashville, TN, and Florence, SC, she brings a Southern perspective and “charm” to her work. Gracee’s expertise shines through in her development of loan programs and departments, including a streamlined underwriting process ensuring compliance. Having funded over $200M in loans, she earns borrowers’ trust with her ethical service. As a licensed real estate agent, Gracee ensures Coastal Equity Group delivers exceptional service while prioritizing compliance and operational efficiency.

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Kent Liggitt

Head of Capital Markets & Originations

Kent, originally from Columbia, SC, now serves as the Head of Capital Markets & Originations at Coastal Equity Group. He graduated from Wofford College in 2019 with a degree in finance and minor in economics. Kent has an extensive background in retail and commercial banking which has allowed him to strategically navigate borrowers’ credit requirements and secondary market transactions. At Coastal Equity Group, Kent offers professional guidance and oversees loan management to ensure smooth processes for borrowers and properties.

Rachel Coke

Marketing & Business Development

Meet Rachel Coke, the latest addition to Coastal Equity Group! Born and riased in Nashville, TN, Rachel earned her degree in Strategic Communications with a minor in Marketing from the University of South Carolina. With a background in corporate accounting and marketing, she brings a detail-oriented approach to her role as our Marketing & Business Development Associate. Rachel is dedicated to elevating our brand across platforms and driving client engagement.

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Ashley Wharton

Post-Closing Manager

Since joining Coastal Equity Group, Ashley has assumed the role of Post-Closing Manager. She oversees the day-to-day loan servicing tasks and ensures timely disbursement of draw funds. Holding a B.S. in Marketing with a Minor in Real Estate from the University of Alabama, Ashley excels in managing post-loan closing compliance requirements and nurturing relationships with our treasury board. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Ashley brings her expertise to the post-closing department, handling draws, servicing, payoffs, and more with precision and professionalism.

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Kristi Sereno

Advisor

Kristi Sereno is from Erie, Pennsylvania. After working nine years in the Florida real estate industry, she bravely decided to open Haven Title in August of 2015. Through repeat business and word of mouth, Haven Title has become very successful. The biggest thing that separates Kristi and her self-made company is their customer service, communication and their ability to close files not only FAST but accurate. In 2017 Haven Title was presented with an award from First American Title Insurance Company recognizing them as a Top 10 Agent for Performance of Excellence in 2017.

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.