Our faith guides everything we do—our family, our business, and the way we serve others. It’s the foundation of who we are, shaping every decision we make.

 

When we got into real estate, we knew we wanted to do things the right way—leading with integrity, putting people first, and prioritizing giving back. Our purpose only deepened when we began taking mission trips, especially to Cuba. 

 

In Cuba, we saw entire communities with almost nothing—homes barely standing, families rationing food, and clean water nearly impossible to find. We spent hours on boats, in wagons, or walking for miles just to reach villages that were in desperate need of help. When we arrived, the people were so overjoyed and simply wanted people to pray for them.

 

That kind of faith changes you. No matter how difficult their circumstances, they welcomed us with kindness and an unshakable belief in God’s goodness. We went there to serve them, but every time, we came home feeling like we were the ones who had been changed. Those experiences reinforced everything we believed about life, about business, and about why we are called to serve—not just through our church, but in everything we do, including real estate.

 

We never set out to be REALTORS®. Both of us worked in telecommunications—sales engineers trained by big names like IBM and Xerox. But when Dino’s mother, a longtime broker, needed help with her business, especially with large land sales that required walking big properties, Dino stepped in. Before long, we were both in real estate, working together as a team with a shared vision: to build a business rooted in service and putting people ahead of profit. Our faith has always been the driving force behind that mission, giving us the perspective to offer hope, stability, and support to those facing major life changes.

 

We started our real estate careers strong, specializing in selling farms, lake homes, and residential properties. Then the market crashed. Between 2007 and 2010, the market was in shambles, businesses were shutting down and uncertainty was everywhere. Despite that, we kept going. We trusted God and believed that no matter how hard things seemed, we would make it through. And we did. 

That season only strengthened our commitment to doing this business the right way. Dino’s mother always told us, “If you chase money, you’ll lose yourself. But if you put people first, the success will come.” And she was right. We believe that the Lord brings the right people to us. Sometimes, a client is going through an exciting new chapter, but other times, they’re facing loss, divorce, or uncertainty. We never know why someone ends up at our table, but we do know it’s our job to serve them—whether that means helping them navigate a complicated sale, offering a prayer, or simply listening. No matter their situation, we treat every client with the same care, because we believe that’s exactly what we’re called to do. With every transaction, we give a portion to causes close to our hearts, making sure each sale has a lasting impact that goes beyond buying and selling.

 

We have a beautiful home on Dale Hallow Lake and enjoy spending much of our free time outdoors riding horses, boating, duck hunting, and caring for our dogs and cats. We cherish time with our friends and family including two children and five grandchildren.

 

We are blessed to have a life filled with purpose, surrounded by faith, family, and the people God has tasked us to serve. Whether we’re selling a million-dollar lake home or a small country property, our goal remains the same—to treat every client with the honesty, care, and dedication they deserve. And as long as we’re in this business, that will never change.

 

Our approach to real estate is rooted in trust, service, and a genuine commitment to the people we help. We handle all aspects of real estate, from waterfront homes to fixer-uppers, with the same level of dedication and care. Our approach is personal—we know that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions in life, and we take that responsibility seriously. We invest heavily in marketing, professional photography, and strategic advertising to ensure our clients get the best results. With decades of experience, strong negotiation skills, and a commitment to clear, responsive communication, we guide our clients through every step of the process with honesty and expertise.

 

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to building real relationships, not just closing deals. Over the years, we’ve walked alongside families through both exciting milestones and life’s toughest transitions, earning trust through genuine care and dedication. We are grateful that our clients not only trust us with their own real estate needs but also entrust us to serve their family and friends. Whether buying or selling, our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, providing guidance, honesty, and support every step of the way.

 

Sincerely,

Dino Cates Principal Broker 931-510-6233 Office 931-823-7717 Dino@CatesCrossRoads.com www.DinoCates.com Serving the Upper Cumberland Area since 2002

Catherine Cates Principal Broker 931-510-6234