Our Team
REALTOR® | BROKER | OWNER | CONSULTANT
cookseyandcompany@gmail.com(325) 669-7667
Vance is third-generation owner of his family-owned business since its founding in 1948. Born and reared in Abilene, Texas, Vance earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from Hardin-Simmons University. As an avid learner, he continued on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from Abilene Christian University. Vance holds the Graduate, REALTORS® Institute (GRI) designation and has served in various leadership roles within the Abilene Association of REALTORS®, most humbling, as its President in 2005. Similarly, Vance was named the Association's REALTOR® of the Year in 2009. Vance especially enjoys working with first time buyers and representing senior buyers and sellers, and as such, he is recognized by the National and Texas Associations of REALTORS® as an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and as a First Time Buyer Specialist. Vance and his wife, Mary, are enthusiastic supporters of the fine arts, performing arts, education, underserved families, and the advancements of Dyess Air Force Base. He has served as President of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Abilene, President of the Hardin-Simmons University School of Music Foundation, appointed member of the Hardin-Simmons University Board of Development, and Officer of the Abilene Philharmonic Association Foundation Board of Trustees. Other community efforts, in which Vance and Mary participate, are the Abilene Preservation League, the Community Foundation of Abilene, the Cultural Affairs Council of Abilene, United Way of Abilene, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee. As a devoted advocate for fair, equal, and affordable housing, Vance is a working member of the Texas and West Texas Homeless Networks and the Basic Needs Network of West Texas.
Vance strives to maintain a healthy balance in all aspects of his life, beginning with the spiritual health and general well-being of his family and himself. Cooksey & Company, REALTORS®, LLC, has remained non-franchised, by design, for over 70 years. Vance learned well, from his elders, that satisfying real estate transactions are built upon mutually satisfying and trusting relationships with those whom we are fortunate to serve.
REALTORⓇ, Accounts Manager, TRLS
lauragragg@yahoo.com - Accounts Managerlauragragg.realtor@yahoo.com - Realtor
Laura was born in Abilene and raised in Midland/Odessa. She lived in the DFW metroplex for 14 years before moving back to the Abilene area and settled in Clyde in 2002. With a background and education in Accounting, Laura joined the Cooksey and Company team in 2016 as our Accounts Manager. She is also a licensed REALTOR; her primary focus is working with investors and investment properties. Laura is active in her church home, Cowboy Up with Gods Word, in Clyde. She has been the music minister and singer since 2009. Desiring to teach her two sons’ practical skills she started a home maintenance contractor business in 2007. She worked closely with Cooksey and Company of many of our rental properties and preparing homes for sale. She transitioned this business to part time after her sons were grown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and seeing the world.
REALTORⓇ, Leasing Manager
cookseyandcompanyrealtors@gmail.com - Leasing Managerccrun325@gmail.com - Realtor
(325) 668-8537
Born and raised in Abilene, Celia Gesting has spent a lifetime serving Abilene. She has enjoyed a fulfilling career in the arts and nonprofit management and fund development. Celia has played violin in several symphonies in the southwest and toured much of Western Europe as a symphony musician. She transitioned her career to real estate sales in 2016 because she loves to help homebuyers and sellers imagine and realize new possibilities. Celia can tell you what is great about Abilene because she has lived here and has been active in the community. She can help buyers envision the aesthetic potential in homes, as well as the practical uses. She remains involved in the arts and community in various roles as a volunteer. Celia holds a BA in Music from Abilene Christian University, is licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission, and holds the Graduate, REALTORS® Institute (GRI), and Senior Real Estate Specialist designations. She is a member of Wednesday Rotary of Abilene, and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
REALTORⓇ, Builder, PhD
(325) 269-1482
Ronald Blevins graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a Music Education Degree with emphasis on piano performance. He has since been involved in many career pathways prior to entering real estate. In addition, Ronald is a builder here in the Abilene area with Zone 7 Builders. Other skills useful to the industry include being a private pilot and flight instructor. As such, he can take you for an aerial tour of your property, if desired. Being a realtor, plus being a builder, affords a unique perspective. Ronald is also an insurance inspector, minister, piano teacher, accompanist, and manages a non-profit ministry entitled Course For Life that seeks to write and distribute discipleship materials around the world. Ronald’s wife, Cindy, assists Ronald in the building business and also in ministry.
REALTORⓇ
russellrouton007@gmail.comRussell is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University with a BBA degree in business management. Russell and his wife DeLane have three children and 3 grandchildren. Russell has moved back to the Abilene area after moving to the panhandle 22 years ago. Russell has over 8 years experience in banking, and then served more than 30 years in the telecommunications field. Over his career he has served on school boards, senior citizen boards, involved in Lions Club International as a past president, and is an ordained deacon. Russell would be more than happy to help you find your dream home.
REALTORⓇ
(325) 669-2707