Our Team
The team behind the work.
The Principals
Thomas & Laura.
Two names. One team. The same standard on both sides of the practice.
Thomas Echea
Founder · REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA
I founded E+E Group. Licensed in Fort Lauderdale since 2009, Compass Founding Agent in both South Florida and North Georgia — the Blue Ridge office opened in 2019. I work both regions — Las Olas in the morning, a mountain cabin by dinner. I don’t show up for every showing at every price point — but someone trained and coached by me, who works the way I do, does. The team operates to a standard I set and hold.
Laura Elleby
Co-Principal · REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA
I’ve walked the creeks of Blue Ridge and the docks of Las Olas, sat across kitchen tables from families on both sides of the practice. When Thomas is on one coast, I’m on the other; when we’re together, we’re both there. The standard doesn’t slip because someone trained to it is always present. Not overflow. My half of the practice.
Co-Principal · E+E Group
The Agents
The REALTORS® under Thomas and Laura.
Every agent below is personally trained and coached by Thomas to work exactly as he would — held to the same rhythm Thomas and Laura set across every listing, every showing, every closing.
Drew Dillard
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA
Drew is a multi-generation native of Fannin County. Very few Real Estate Agents get to say they have both grown up in the Blue Ridge mountains and experienced the incredible growth throughout the region. After graduating from Berry College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and Management, Drew and his wife, Anna, built a successful business in retail with locations across North Georgia and Tennessee. After expanding this business, he received his real estate license in 2016 and began working for Re/Max of Georgia’s number 1 agent. In 2020 he joined the number 1 producing mid-size Re/Max team in the USA, where the team sold over 100 million dollars in 2021 and another 100 million dollars in 2022. With years of experience working with the very best Real Estate Agents in the area, Drew is excited to bring his local knowledge of the area to help buyers and sellers.
Drew specializes in Gilmer County (Cherry Log & Ellijay), Fannin County (Blue Ridge, Epworth, McCaysville, Mineral Bluff, & Morganton), and Union County (Blairsville).
He looks forward to helping you find the perfect full-time, second home or investment property. Explore all that the area has to offer from Carter’s Lake, Lake Blue Ridge, and Lake Nottely, to the Cartecay River, Coosawattee River, and Toccoa River, to mountain view properties or beautiful wooded lots.
Aurielle Billings
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA
I am a student of life, optimistic and outgoing, and married to my soul mate Ryan. We are living our dream life in the mountains of Blue Ridge Georgia! Blue Ridge was meant to be our home. We came here for the outdoor adventures, for the slower pace of life, and the opportunity to build our real estate careers. Since being here, it has been nothing less than a dream come true.
I am always curious to learn something new and passionate about becoming really good at it. I have a bachelors degree in psychology, I am a certified birth doula, a health coach, and a real estate agent with my amazing husband as my partner. One of the coolest parts about working as a real estate agent is the opportunity to work as a team with my husband! We are best friends, and it has been a true blessing to get to experience one another as business partners. Something else I have come to admire about being a real estate agent, is all of the experience I have had over the last eleven years as a working/learning adult is that all of those experiences, moments, and lessons support my role now as an agent.
Our favorite days are lake days — surrounded by the mountains and cool fresh air — riding with our dogs in our boat over the clear blue lake. We love to embrace everything that this town has to offer. Camping on the islands on the lake, hiking the many trails around, campfires at the cabin, hunting, hot yoga at my favorite studio and juice bar, and I especially love finding new locally owned places to eat! This town makes us feel alive and we absolutely are inspired and motivated to help others find their home here.
I love real estate! It’s an exhilarating and joyful experience. Real estate provides an opportunity to connect, grow, create, explore, invest, love — with people and the world. What a cool job we have!
Ryan Billings
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA · License #416913
I am an optimistic, grateful, and motivated person. Every day is a blessing and an opportunity to learn and grow. I enjoy sharing these opportunities to grow, love and learn with my amazing wife Aurielle. It was a dream come true for us to live in the beautiful town of Blue Ridge. We came here for the adventure of outdoors and to work together as a team in real estate.
I am motivated to excel in my career as a real estate agent. My background started in golf where I worked in turf management, coaching and playing. Golf is a great game because it teaches you to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses in order to grow. I have carried this understanding through all aspects of life but especially in my career. As I begin this new chapter of real estate I am encouraged by the added strength of being able to work alongside my wife as a business partner. Together we are inspired and motivated by the team that we work with, the E+E Group and Compass Real Estate.
My wife and I enjoy floating the Toccoa River, boating on lake Blue Ridge, hiking trails to waterfalls and overlooks and back packing through any of our National Forest lands. When we aren’t hard at work chasing our dreams we feel rejuvenated by the beauty that surrounds us here in Blue Ridge.
I enjoy real estate so much because I get to connect and relate with amazing people who have lived and want to live in Blue Ridge for the same reasons why I love this town.
Ronald Zamora
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA · License #440452
Ronald has been happily married for 34 years and is the proud father of two boys. After moving from the busy life of Miami, he and his family have cherished farm life in the Blue Ridge Mountains for the past decade. They are grateful to be part of this wonderful community that feels like a big family. Originally from Costa Rica, Ronald now calls the Blue Ridge Mountains home.
Ronald’s passion for real estate emerged after a 30-year career in the produce industry. An Agricultural Engineer by training, he brings a unique perspective and a commitment to sustainable practices. Ronald is passionate about helping others find their dream homes in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. His dedication to hard work, integrity, and customer satisfaction ensures you are in good hands and Ronald will do anything he can to make your buying or selling process seamless and enjoyable.
He enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the mountains, taking care of his animals on their farm, and staying active around his property. He loves engaging in community activities and relishes the tranquility of farm life. His favorite pastimes include mountain hiking, enjoying local produce, and spending quality time with his family.
Mariyah Martin
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA · License #449658
I may be new to the world of real estate, but I’m no stranger to homes. As a second-generation builder, I’ve spent the past six years working alongside my father as a general contractor—transforming ideas on paper into beautiful, livable spaces. Through that experience, I discovered that no one could represent our homes better than the person who helped build them. In 2024, I decided to take that passion a step further and earned my real estate license, allowing me to guide clients from blueprint to closing with hands-on expertise and genuine care.
Kathy Conger
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA
With over 30 years of experience in the sales arena, Kathy Conger brings a deep understanding of negotiation, client service, and results-driven strategies to every real estate transaction. Her success is built on a strong work ethic, proven performance, and an unwavering commitment to her clients’ goals.
As a local market expert and dual-licensed agent in both Tennessee and Georgia, Kathy offers valuable insight into pricing, trends, and opportunities across multiple markets. Her primary focus includes the North Georgia Mountains, the Nashville area, and Center Hill Lake in Tennessee, allowing her to serve buyers and sellers seeking everything from luxury homes and lake properties to primary residences and investment opportunities.
Kathy is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, where she earned a degree in Marketing—an education that continues to shape her strategic, client-focused approach to real estate.
Known for her professionalism, integrity, and dedication, Kathy is a trusted partner who works tirelessly to deliver exceptional results throughout every stage of the buying and selling process.
Lucy Small
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA · License #427711
I’m a seasoned real estate advisor specializing in the North Georgia Mountains, with deep expertise in the Blue Ridge, Georgia market. Dedicated to guiding buyers and sellers through every step of the transaction with personalized service, strategic insight, and local knowledge. Whether you’re purchasing a mountain retreat or selling a property, I strive to ensure a seamless and successful real estate experience.
Lewis Stewart
REALTOR® · Compass FL + GA · License #429955
I am a retired Chief Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, where I proudly served for over 20 years in the Security Forces career field. After transitioning from military service in 2005, I began my career in real estate and have since developed a strong foundation in both residential and commercial transactions, with a focus on military and corporate relocations.
My background in leadership and operations—including being recognized as Headquarters Special Operations Command Senior NCO of the Year—has shaped my disciplined, client-first approach. I hold degrees in Industrial Security/Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s in Business Management, and an MBA, which allow me to bring both strategic insight and business expertise to every transaction.
When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy playing golf, boating, fishing, and spending time with my family.
Support
The people behind the paperwork.
The rhythm on every transaction — communication, coordination, care.
Nichole Daves
Team Manager · E+E Group
Meet Nichole, Laura’s assistant and Team Manager to E+E Group. Nichole grew up in Blue Ridge and started her real estate career a few years ago. As a homeowner in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, she is passionate about helping others find a home where she has made hers. Relaxing summers on the lake and being in the company of her family and friends are her favorite ways to spend her time.
Nichole’s experience and enthusiasm for building professional relationships while helping clients on the path to homeownership is one of the things she loves most about her work.
Leandro Ponce
Executive Assistant · E+E Group
Debbie Davis
Executive Assistant · E+E Group
“The house doesn’t make its own first impression. I do.”
Thomas Echea
Working with us.
Whichever of us you meet first, you’re meeting all of us.