The Company’s core value has always been to provide superior customer service to every client. Operating under the name IL Group, with more than 25 years of experience providing financial institutions with customized insurance products and services, the Company has continued to successfully develop its core business by maintaining a deep understanding of each client’s unique needs.
With this strong foundation, the owners continued to expand the core lines of business. In addition to the financial institution markets on a national level, new lines of business include products for independent insurance agents and real estate professionals.
In 2016, the company made the decision to round out the IL Group’s services to include a new real estate division: IL Group Real Estate. To further expand into this market, IL Group Real Estate & its rental division, Alabama Beach Vacations, became Crye*Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate & Vacation Rentals, becoming part of the 3rd largest privately held franchise in the country.
David Stidham, President – Crye*Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate & Vacation Rentals
With more than 30 years of experience in the mortgage and insurance industries, David currently serves as president of Gulf Shores, Alabama based IL Group, which includes Crye*Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate & Vacation Rentals, formerly IL Group Real Estate and Alabama Beach Vacations. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, his career started at a large regional bank, a private mortgage banking firm, and then partner and now owner of an independent insurance consulting firm. In addition to his insurance career, he is also a licensed realtor and is leading the Company’s Real Estate Division in identifying new opportunities to help consumers find their very own piece of paradise.
In 2003, David, his wife and 3 children relocated to the Alabama Gulf Coast to enjoy the laid back coastal living lifestyle. He and his family now live in Orange Beach and enjoy spending time watching the local wildlife and the natural beauty that abounds in this area.
Mike Steward, Qualifying Broker ~ Crye*Leike Gulf Coast Real Estate & Vacation Rentals
Mike Steward has joined IL Group Real Estate and Alabama Beach Vacations as qualifying broker. Steward graduated from the University of South Alabama in 1990 and earned his Real Estate license in 2007, followed by his Broker license in 2009. Steward has more than 12 years of experience in real estate and property management and brings a wealth of knowledge to IL Group Real Estate and Alabama Beach Vacations. Steward will be leading the Company’s efforts to expand its real estate and vacation rental divisions.
Steward owns and continues to operate Vision Fox Business Consulting, a division of Vision Fox, LLC, which opened its doors in September 2018 and assists businesses that are seeking growth or preparing for acquisition and also works with more than 300 franchisors in 26+ industries to help locate talented entrepreneurs that are seeking to launch businesses in available territories.