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Address
The Galleria 9626 N. Kings Hwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

Pinnacle real Estate Academy

Meet Our Team

OUR MISSION: Our goal at PREA is to the raise the standard of education in Real Estate and to provide the latest tools, information, and technology while upholding the utmost customer service to our students.

Pinnacle Real Estate Academy commits to bringing you top quality Instructors and Guest Speakers for all of our courses.
Not only in-person but online too!

Photo of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy Team

Rich Christenbury

Rich moved to the eastern South Carolina area in 1991 and
earned his real estate license in 2004. Rich has 20 plus years of
experience in medical sales, and real estate sales. He has worked
as both a real estate agent and broker in charge and is currently a
full-time broker in the North Myrtle Beach area. Rich enjoys
helping buyers/sellers navigate the real estate sales process.

 

As an Instructor, Rich looks forward to helping students learn the
fundamentals of the real estate process and imparting his sales
experience to new South Carolina real estate professionals.

 

Kris Fuller

Kris Fuller has been licensed since 2006 and is a full-time licensed professional REALTOR and Instructor.
Her goal is to help clients and students through understanding the buying and selling process from
beginning to end. She specializes in Residential Real Estate, First Time Home Buyers,
2nd Homes/Resort Properties, and Investments in the Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.

Chris Kavanagh

As a real estate professional and company trainer/coach, Chris
serves as an agent for single-family homes and condos all along
the Grand-Strand with a primary focus in Horry County. His goal is
helping clients maximize their real estate ventures.

Chris moved to Myrtle Beach from Rockland County, N.Y. in 2005.
Anyone that knows him recognizes he is a huge animal lover,
especially dogs. He received his South Carolina real estate license
in the summer of 2011.

Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Coastal Carolinas
Association of Realtors and graduate of Leadership Grand Strand,
both nine-month programs that develops a corps of informed,
committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic
leadership for the Grand Strand area. He is a member of the
National Association of Realtors and the South Carolina
Association of Realtors.

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Jennifer Nicely

Jennifer Nicely is a mother of a pre-teen boy, french-english bulldog, and a dynamic entrepreneur, speaker and author with a lifelong passion for real estate. She has been in the industry since 2004 and counting. She loves sharing her knowledge, teaching others what she knows and helping people achieve their goals of success through education.

 

In 2012, after many years of working in the field as an agent, broker-associate, sales manager, speaker and property manager; it was time to open her own school – Pinnacle Real Estate Academy. As CEO/BIC/CDEI of this innovative company, she oversees all aspects from curriculum development to actual teaching in our classrooms

 

She is a licensed real estate professional with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, North Carolina Real Estate Commission and Georgia Real Estate Commission. She received training from the Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors and graduated in their 2019 Leadership program. She completed a 7 year apprenticeship between 2004-2011 with one of the top teams in the country, as well as studied marketing at UNC Charlotte. In addition to her designations above, she also holds the GSI (Gold Standard Instructor), CDEI (Certified Distance Education Instructor), ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), e-Pro, SPS (Strategic Pricing Specialist), and C2EX (Certificate of Excellence) designation. She was the recipient of the REALTOR Image Award in 2022.

 

She has attended numerous professional development courses and conferences including; the NC New Instructor Seminar, National Association of Realtors annual conference, REEA (Real Estate Educators Association, local and regional division), NSA (National Speaker Association), and she maintains her Instructors license by attending a full day conference biennially in SC and annually in NC.

 

Jennifer’s goal is to be an effective instructor by making sure her students are engaged with the content being taught. Her teaching philosophy is centered around the idea that people learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. This belief guides her through each lesson plan she creates for Pinnacle Real Estate Academy.

 

Jennifer currently serves on numerous committee’s and boards; Sea Haven (non-profit organization for homeless youth), Co-Chair of RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee), CCAR Legislative Committee, YPN Local (Young Professional Network committee of CCAR), SC YPN (SC State Young Professionals Network Presidential Advisory Council), President of the Grand Strand Women’s Council of Realtors and was the recipient of the 2022 Realtor Image Award.

 

In addition to her real estate career, Jennifer is a co-host on the TV show, Getting Real With Real Estate. Every November, she heads up volunteers to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need at the Boys and Girls Club. Every October she volunteers for Special Needs Family Fun Day for people with disabilities. And every August she heads up the School Supply Drive to supply over 300 children in need with all of their school supplies. In her spare time she invests in real estate, property management and loves to scuba dive and travel all over the world.

Dan Disano

Dan is a proud life-long resident of the Carolina Coast. With his family’s business background, Dan knew early on that marketing and business would be his career paths. In college at East Carolina University, Dan held leadership and marketing positions with the Student Government Association while organizing recruitment programs for prospective students.

 

After graduating from ECU in 2019, he moved back to Calabash, NC on the Carolina border and held multiple positions within the Brunswick County government before becoming a marketing assistant with the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority.

 

Having recently received his North Carolina real estate license, Dan was excited to merge his interests in marketing and real estate by joining the Pinnacle team as the Director of Marketing. Dan also really enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.

Ben Lee

Ben Lee is a professional Real Estate Agent in North
Myrtle Beach, SC. Ben received his Real Estate license
in 2014 and moved to North Myrtle Beach shortly after
to start his career as a Realtor. Prior to getting into the
industry he owned and operated Ben Lee Construction
from 2003-2008.

Ben is a volunteer extraordinaire. He has volunteered
with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Special
Olympics, and the Humane Society. Ben was also an
assistant golf coach between 2009-2013 and a
volunteer basketball coach between 2015-2018. When
he’s not volunteering or coaching sports, he enjoys
fishing and playing sports himself.

Melissa Urso

Melissa Urso, moved to Myrtle Beach with her family in 2007. She is
fluent in both English and Italian, which she has taught at the High
School and College level for over 20 years. In addition to teaching
languages, Melissa has traveled extensively throughout the world
and enjoys experiencing other cultures firsthand.

Melissa’s passion for Real Estate began in 2008 when she became a
licensed agent. Melissa has always been interested in the world of
real estate and knew that it was where her future would be. In
2017, Melissa obtained her Broker-In-Charge license with Pinnacle
Real Estate Academy. Her dedication to her clients’ needs combined
with her knowledge of the market make it easy for clients to buy and
sell their home quickly. Melissa is grateful for all the opportunities
that have come her way throughout the years-from being a Florida
licensed agent. South Carolina licensed agent and now most
recently a North Carolina licensed agent.

Victoria Green

Victoria Green is a dedicated professional and lifelong resident of Myrtle Beach. Her academic journey began at St. Andrews Catholic School and continued at the Academy for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology (AAST), where she demonstrated her intellectual prowess in the STEM program and the Pre-Medicine major. Her commitment to community service, developed through initiatives like canned food drives, altar serving, choir performances, and the “Teddy Bear Clinic,” highlights her dedication!

Victoria’s noteworthy academic performance and community involvement earned her memberships in esteemed societies such as the National English Honor Society, The National Honor Society, and Beta Club, as well as the Health Occupations Students of America. Her exceptional ACT scores led her to the distinguished Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program and acceptance to Clemson University.

Intrigued by the world of real estate since her childhood, Victoria decided to embrace her passion after a year at Clemson University. Raised by and around Realtors, she had a unique insight into the industry, which fostered her insatiable zeal for real estate. With her father’s inspiration, she began her journey towards licensure in 2022, enrolling in Pre-Licensing and Advanced Principles classes at Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, where she is now currently employed.

As a future real estate agent, Victoria is committed to providing superior customer service, reflecting her genuine care for the well-being of her clients. Contact Victoria at Pinnacle Real Estate Academy for expert guidance on your real estate education needs.

Beth Williamson obtained her license as a Realtor® in South Carolina 23 years ago, and a few years later as a Broker. She first joined Century 21 Bratcher in Conway, with what she says was a wonderful starting place, under the leadership of the late Larry Bratcher as her Broker-In-Charge. He encouraged local board involvement, attending state and national conferences, always learning and growing, and earning designations. Beth took that advice, earning her
CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) and GRI (Graduate of Realtor® Institute) designations very
early in her career, with many more designations to follow.
Beth has always been passionate about education and fostering professionalism within the real
estate industry and has served for several years on the Professional Education Advisory Group
with Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors. This year she is serving as Co-Chair. She is also on
the Board of Directors for the Women’s Council of Realtors Grand Strand as Membership
Director. She co-leads a monthly WCR Mastermind group, on the National level, for small
brokerages.
Beth was recently appointed to serve on the 2024 Board for the Carolinas Chapter of the
Realtor Land Institute and is at her final step in earning the acclaimed ALC designation
(Accredited Land Consultant).
Beth has been in a business partnership with Sammie Jo Lewis for 15 years. Together they
formed Core 1 st Realty Group in Aynor. This relationship is very special to Beth. Their 15 year
partnership ranks at the very top of accomplishments of which she is most proud. Because their
focus areas have been predominately acreage, farm tracts, and homes west of the waterway, in
Horry and surrounding counties, they trademarked The Rural Girls™ a few years ago.
Most recently, Beth traveled with members of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy to Las Vegas to
the REEA Conference (Real Estate Educators Association) and she earned the GSI designation
(Gold Standard Instructor) which gave her many new tools to help her be the very best
educator to the students entrusted to her. Beth is very excited to be on the team at Pinnacle
because of the high standards Jenny Nicely has set in the quality of education to be provided by
her instructors. Pre-licensing is the very first introduction for the student’s future in real estate.
Beth is committed to setting a firm foundation for which the Pinnacle students will be able to
build a successful career, should they choose to do so.
Beth has worked hard to balance this colorful career with plenty of family time. She has a family
that means everything to her. Beth says her husband is the funniest and sweetest man on the
planet and she knows God hand picked him for her. They have been married for 18 years and
she says they have been among her most joyful years of her life. She has two handsome adult
sons that she is immensely proud of, two absolutely beautiful daughters-in-love, and two
fabulous dogs. They all love boating and traveling together.
Beth is also a writer. Her book, “I Just Want to Pee Off the Porch” chronicles life as a rural
Realtor® filled with humor and truth. It will be available for purchase in the coming months.

Photo of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy Owner Jennifer Nicely

Jennifer Nicely CEO/BIC/Instructor/CDEI

Jennifer Nicely is a native North Carolinian and lived in the Charlotte area for 10 years where she sold real estate.  She currently resides in North Myrtle Beach with her son and dog.   Jennifer has been in the Real Estate industry for over a decade and has held several titles throughout her career including; Realtor/Broker, Broker In Charge, Instructor, CEO, Owner of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, Marketing Director, Office Manager, Closing Coordinator.  For 6 years she was a part of a team who had 20+ years of experience.  While she was pregnant she held a position with corporate Prudential in the Denver branch where she taught classes for new and veteran agents. 
 
Jennifer is a successful business woman who has grown a start up business to a six figure company and is hired to speak and train Real Estate Firms along with one on one training.  She has a special interest in entrepreneurship, teaching and running and developing businesses. Her high-touch style of service and her on-call attitude to responding to customer and student needs have made her the successful business woman she is today.  From lake/ocean front homes, in-town estates, to small town single family homes, Jennifer prides herself in knowing the Real Estate industry.  As an active community volunteer she has worked and supported community efforts in areas of welfare of the homeless and hungry, foster organizations, welfare of animals, business development and currently holds a seat on the YPN, Education and Leadership Committees within her local Realtors Association.  She is an active board member of the organization Sea Haven in North Myrtle Beach/Little River area which was founded to help homeless children between the ages of 13-17. 

Chris Kavanagh Director of Education/Instructor/Realtor

As a real estate professional and company trainer/coach, Chris serves as an agent for single-family homes and condos all along the Grand-Strand with a primary focus in Horry County. His goal is helping clients maximize their real estate ventures.
 
Chris moved to Myrtle Beach from Rockland County, N.Y. in 2005. Anyone that knows him recognizes he is a huge animal lover, especially dogs. He received his South Carolina real estate license in the summer of 2011.
 
Additionally, he is a graduate of Leadership Coastal Carolinas Association of Realtors and graduate of Leadership Grand Strand, both nine-month programs that develops a corps of informed, committed, and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand area. He is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the South Carolina Association of Realtors.
 
Photo of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy Instructor Melissa Urso

Melissa Urso Instructor/GSI/SC & NC Broker

Melissa Urso moved to Myrtle Beach with her family in 2007. She is fluent in both English and Italian, which she has taught at the High School and College level for over 20 years. In addition to teaching languages, Melissa has traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoys experiencing other cultures firsthand. 
 
Melissa’s passion for Real Estate began in 2008 when she became a licensed agent. Melissa has always been interested in the world of real estate and knew that is was where her future would be. In 2017, Melissa obtained her Broker-In-Charge license with Pinnacle Real Estate Academy. Her dedication to her clients’ needs combined with her knowledge of the market make it easy for clients to buy and sell their home quickly. Melissa is grateful for all the opportunities that have come her way throughout the years-from being a Florida licensed agent, South Carolina licensed agent and now most recently a North Carolina licensed agent.
 
Photo of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy Instructor Rich Christenbury

Rich Christenbury Instructor/GSI/Realtor

Rich moved to the eastern South Carolina area in 1991 and earned his real estate license in 2004. Rich has 20 plus years of experience in medical sales, and real estate sales. He has worked as both a real estate agent and broker in charge and is currently a full-time broker in the North Myrtle Beach area. Rich enjoys helping buyers/sellers navigate the real estate sales process. As an Instructor, Rich looks forward to helping students learn the fundamentals of the real estate process and imparting his sales experience to new South Carolina real estate professionals.
 
Photo of Beth Williamson. Instructor at Pinnacle Real Estate Academy

Beth Williamson Instructor/Realtor

Beth Williamson, a seasoned Realtor® and Broker with 23 years of experience in South Carolina’s real estate industry, has built an impressive career marked by early achievements and continuous professional growth. Starting her journey at Century 21 Bratcher in Conway, Beth swiftly earned her Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Graduate of Realtor® Institute (GRI) designations, followed by many more. She is passionate about education and professionalism in real estate, serving on the Professional Education Advisory Group with the Coastal Carolina Association of Realtors and as Membership Director on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Council of Realtors Grand Strand. Beth also co-leads a WCR Mastermind group for small brokerages and is on the brink of earning the prestigious Accredited Land Consultant (ALC) designation.

In addition to her educational and professional contributions, Beth has a 15-year business partnership with Sammie Jo Lewis, forming the Core 1st Realty Group in Aynor. Her commitment to education recently led her to the REEA Conference in Las Vegas, where she earned the Gold Standard Instructor (GSI) designation. Beth is dedicated to providing a strong educational foundation for Pinnacle Real Estate Academy students.

Balancing her professional life with a rich family life, Beth describes her husband as the funniest and sweetest man, with whom she shares two sons, daughters-in-law, and two dogs. They enjoy boating and traveling together. A writer as well, Beth’s book, “I Just Want to Pee Off the Porch,” which captures her experiences as a rural Realtor®, is set to be released in the coming months.

Photo of Pinnacle Real Estate Academy Instructor Tricia Tennyson

Tricia Tennyson Instructor/Realtor

Tricia became a licensed Agent in 2014. She is currently licensed in Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina. She is a graduate of Ohio Dominican University. Tricia holds the following Realtor designations: C2EX, AHWD, ePro, and CRS. She also holds a Real Estate Mentor and Executive Coaching Certifications.

Her passion is to protect the rights of homeowners and is a dedicated Major Investor in RPAC. Tricia moved to North Myrtle Beach in 2022 after owning here and vacationing here for over 14 years. She has two adult children, Taylor and Matt, and is a major sports fan. She resides in the Crescent Beach area with her husband Scott.

Dan Disano Director of Marketing

Dan is a proud life-long resident of the Carolina Coast. With his family’s business background, Dan knew early on that marketing and business would be his career paths. In college at East Carolina University, Dan held leadership and marketing positions with the Student Government Association while organizing recruitment programs for prospective students.

After graduating from ECU in 2019, he moved back to Calabash, NC on the Carolina border and held multiple positions within the Brunswick County government before becoming a marketing assistant with the Brunswick County Tourism Development Authority.

Having recently received his North Carolina real estate license, Dan was excited to merge his interests in marketing and real estate by joining the Pinnacle team as the Director of Marketing. Dan also really enjoys playing golf, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.

Victoria Green Administrative Assistant

Victoria Green is a dedicated professional and lifelong resident of Myrtle Beach. Her academic journey began at St. Andrews Catholic School and continued at the Academy for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology (AAST), where she demonstrated her intellectual prowess in the STEM program and the Pre-Medicine major. Her commitment to community service, developed through initiatives like canned food drives, altar serving, choir performances, and the “Teddy Bear Clinic,” highlights her dedication!

Victoria’s noteworthy academic performance and community involvement earned her memberships in esteemed societies such as the National English Honor Society, The National Honor Society, and Beta Club, as well as the Health Occupations Students of America. Her exceptional ACT scores led her to the distinguished Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program and acceptance to Clemson University.

Intrigued by the world of real estate since her childhood, Victoria decided to embrace her passion after a year at Clemson University. Raised by and around Realtors, she had a unique insight into the industry, which fostered her insatiable zeal for real estate. With her father’s inspiration, she began her journey towards licensure in 2022, enrolling in Pre-Licensing and Advanced Principles classes at Pinnacle Real Estate Academy, where she is now currently employed.

As a future real estate agent, Victoria is committed to providing superior customer service, reflecting her genuine care for the well-being of her clients. Contact Victoria at Pinnacle Real Estate Academy for expert guidance on your real estate education needs.

Colleen Mason Administrative Assistant

Colleen Mason joined the Pinnacle Real Estate Academy team as an Administrative Assistant after a storied 36 year career with the United States Postal Service in Baltimore, Maryland. While with the USPS, Colleen worked in a variety of branches including: Mail Processing, Customer Service, and Financial Account Management. While Colleen was with the USPS, she also ran two businesses of her own focused on helping businesses with their record and office organization to improve functionality.

Colleen previously held a real estate license in Maryland and enrolled with Pinnacle upon retiring from the USPS and taking a leap of faith moving to Myrtle Beach with her dog, Kobie, in 2021. She is now a licensed real estate agent in both North and South Carolina. Colleen also has two amazing children who currently reside back in Maryland. Her hobbies include decorating, creative painting, and writing (she is currently working on writing and publishing her own book). Colleen enjoys meeting and assisting new people when she can and firmly believes that you should “never stand still, always keep moving” in order to grow personally and professionally.

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