Montgomery Alabama Real Estate Company
About The Hat Team
Sandra Nickel, REALTORS has developed a unique and innovative Team Approach [The HAT TEAM] to real estate that is producing not only tremendous customer satisfaction, but record results as well!
So put the HAT TEAM talents and expertise to work for you!
Biographies
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Sandra NickelRainmaker
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Phone: 334-834-1500Send Sandra a message.With a real estate career spanning more than four decades, Sandra Nickel has built a reputation for professional excellence, dedicated service, and a deep commitment to the Montgomery community. In October 2026, Sandra was inducted into the Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing her outstanding achievements, distinguished service, and lasting contributions to the real estate profession.
As founder and CEO of Sandra Nickel, REALTORS® — The Hat Team — Sandra leads one of the River Region’s most innovative real estate teams. Colleagues recognize her as a top professional, but Sandra describes herself as a “rainmaker,” always working to connect with new clients and stay in touch with past ones. She believes lasting success comes from building relationships, sharing knowledge, and putting clients first.
Since beginning her real estate career in 1981 and founding the Hat Team in 1993, Sandra has continued to expand her knowledge and expertise to better serve buyers and sellers. She holds the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation, earned by a small percentage of REALTORS® nationwide. While she takes pride in her professional accomplishments, she is especially proud of the talented team she has built and their shared commitment to providing clients with attentive, collaborative service.
Sandra’s approach to real estate is grounded in a strong code of ethics: loyalty to clients, honesty in every interaction, cooperation with fellow professionals, and respect for the relationships that make this business work. Over the years, she and her team have helped thousands of people find homes throughout Montgomery’s distinctive neighborhoods, from charming cottages and bungalows to historic homes and grand residences. She has particular expertise in Midtown Montgomery and the character-rich communities that make the area special.
Sandra’s dedication extends well beyond real estate. She has long supported local nonprofits and community initiatives, including the Capri Theatre, Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, and the Archibald Senior Center. She has also helped organize historic home tours, collected coats and blankets for people in need, and supported neighborhood leadership efforts. Recognized by the City of Montgomery as a Lifetime Community Advocate, Sandra continues to invest her time and energy in strengthening the community she calls home. She currently chairs the board of HandsOn River Region.
Sandra’s induction into the 2026 Montgomery Area Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame celebrates a career built on experience, integrity, service, and lasting relationships.
Jim NickelCFO, Business Manager
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Phone: 334-834-1500Send Jim a message.You know the diagrams you see of gears turning? Well, Jim Nickel is “the big gear” at Hat Team, REALTORS. He very quietly goes about the business of the business, making sure that bills are paid and systems are functioning. As data base/financial manager, you may not see his name very often, but you see his imprint everywhere.
When he’s not at his desk driving his computer, Jim can be found following politics and sports. He’s passionate about both. He listens to 50s/60s classics, and some country. He’s also a jam-up cook and he loves to barbecue just about anything.
Jim has given up his love for motorcycling and golf, but he also loves the dogs, and they follow him around to the point that his wife Sandra often refers to him as “the Pied Piper of Midtown.”
Jim grew up near St. Louis, Missouri, served in the Air Force for more than four years and has lived in Montgomery since 1964, excluding seven years.
Billy YoungProduction Manager, Seller Specialist
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Phone: 334-834-1500Send Billy a message.Billy Young is our Production Manager and Lead Listing Agent and has been in the real estate industry since 1999. Billy loves helping people navigate one of the largest monetary transactions of their lives. Making people happy is at the top of Billy’s list of “things to do” and he accomplishes that goal on a regular basis with his dedication to making sure his clients have a stellar experience when buying and/or selling. His plethora of professional awards and accomplishments in real estate are just a small indication of the expertise and success he has built in his career as a Realtor.
Originally from the Phenix City/Columbus area, Billy moved to and has called Montgomery his home since 1986. Billy attended Troy University where he graduated with a degree in psychology. With his natural ability to listen and innate desire to make people happy, he found real estate to be the perfect fit. Since entering the world of real estate, he has obtained a number of REALTOR designations, and has graduated Howard Brinton’s Buyer Specialist University, Listing Specialist University, Team University, and Leadership University.
When he’s not focusing on his clients’ needs, he enjoys pursuing other passions like cooking and entertaining, traveling or relaxing at water's edge. A true “foodie”, he loves to cook and has been told he serves some of the best food in Montgomery! Billy gives back to his beloved community working with local organizations like MAO (Medical Advocacy & Outreach), the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Montgomery.
Billy Young is professional, knowledgeable, a man who knows what he wants and is not afraid to go after it, and always wants the best for his clients. Ask any of Bill's 400-plus clients, and you'll hear things like "I always knew he wanted only the best for me." That's Billy: professional, knowledgeable, and 100% dedicated to making sure his clients have a stellar experience when buying or selling. Nothing gets in the way of that - nothing!
Lauren KeenBuyer Specialist, Associate Broker
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Phone: 334-834-1500Send Lauren a message.Lauren Keen is Associate Broker for Sandra Nickel’s HAT TEAM in Montgomery, Alabama. Originally from Lexington, KY, Lauren graduated from Auburn University and worked in Washington DC before settling down in Midtown Montgomery in 1996.A focused, driven, and organized member of the Hat Team since 2003, Lauren is a conscientious, respectful, smart, and straightforward competitive buyer and listing specialist. She has been praised by clients for her professional guidance and diligence in assisting them with all of their needs in the homebuying and selling process. Lauren truly loves helping people achieve their goal of buying or selling and her 20 years’ experience gives her a competitive edge with negotiation and problem-solving skills.When not working hard for her clients, Lauren enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and 3 Boykin Spaniels. Her favorite part of Montgomery is the Old Cloverdale area where she supports local businesses. While someday she would like to live at the beach full time, right now she is happy to travel to visit family and friends and to go on beach vacations. Lauren is a vital member of our Hat Team who always has her clients’ best interests at heart!
What clients say..."Our experience with Lauren was absolutely top notch, and we could not have asked for a better friend and guide throughout the buying process. If we had to do it all over again, we would absolutely choose Sandra Nickel Realtors and Lauren without a second thought."- Luke Lucas, 3171 Cloverdale Rd"Thank you so much for all your help and advice in buying our first home. We are so lucky to have had you as our Realtor – and thanks for bearing with us with all our questions. We look forward to staying in touch!" - Melissa and Adam Warnke, Montgomery"From the moment that I walked into that open house on LeBron at the beginning of the year, you have been incredibly helpful and accommodating of me and my very particular (although hardly defined) specifications for the home I was looking for. I never once felt like I was hassling you (although I am certain I did) and that truly meant the world to me during an impressionable and extenuating time." - R.B. Walker, MontgomeryAli BertschyBuyer Specialist
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Phone: 334-834-1500Send Ali a message.Ali Bertschy, Buyers Specialist, joined the Hat Team in 2021! Originally from Wisconsin, Ali completed a nursing degree in Kentucky, where she was on the Dean’s List and was part of the President’s club at her college. After working in healthcare for almost 15 years, Ali wanted a change and obtained her real estate license. As a self-described “go-getter”, Ali’s favorite part about working in real estate is meeting new people. She loves getting to know her clients and assisting them with finding their next home or investment property.
Ali is flexible with her time to make sure she is available to go house hunting when it is convenient for her clients. Her work ethic and organizational skills ensure that her clients will successfully get to the closing table and receive the keys to their new home!
When not working, Ali stays busy with her twin girls Gracie and Charlotte. She also enjoys gardening, listening to podcasts and playing cribbage. Her favorite parts of Montgomery are the Historic Districts, and she loves walking around Cloverdale and the Garden District.
Ali is proud of the work she did in healthcare, and she is now channeling her energy into growing her career in real estate. With her resourcefulness and engaging personality, Ali is a wonderful asset to the Hat Team and all those lucky enough to work with her.
Jesus “Lalo” ColoaBuyer Specialist, English & Español
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Phone: 334-834-1500Send Jesus “Lalo” a message.Dedicated, driven, and ready to help you navigate the real estate market with confidence! As a proud member of the Montgomery Area Association of Realtors, I bring a fresh perspective and a strong work ethic to every transaction. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, my goal is to make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful.
Being bilingual in English and Spanish, I’m here to assist a diverse range of clients and ensure that everyone feels informed and empowered in their real estate journey. Outside of real estate, you'll find me in the gym pushing for a new PR, trying out new recipes, or spending time with family and friends.
HalleOffical Greeter
1067 Woodley Road Suite 1MontgomeryAL 36106 US
Send Halle a message.Halle, our resident kitty, is our other greeter and she just loves to meet new people! You can usually find her asleep in her chair, sitting in the middle of someone's work or perched on the front desk awaiting visitors.
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