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Meet The Team
Marnie Pate
Partner
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 361-749-6000
- Cell Phone: 361-460-0250
- Fax: 361-749-5337
Marnie, friendliest face in the office, is our owner. Marnie is a Real Estate Broker and well-respected member of the Port Aransas community for 35 years. Marnie invests her time into her community through volunteer work and by being on the Board of Trustees for the Port Aransas Independent School District and Vice-President of Animal Friends of Port Aransas. She is a pet parent and all-around animal lover. She is also a grandmother of three!
Christi Knoll
Partner
- Email: [email protected]
One of the newest owners of Port A Escapes since December 2023, Christi brings a global oversight of all operations... seeing the big picture and how each department affects the other is one of her chief strengths. We like to joke that Christi" reserves the right to change her mind," and in a constantly changing business that's a great quality to have!
She and her husband Charlie and their two children, Caleb and Carter, have enthusiasm for fitness, fishing, and basketball.
Charlie Knoll
Partner
- Email: [email protected]
Charlie is also one of the newest owners as of December 2023. His honesty and understanding of the real estate and vacation rental markets is second to none. In addition to his role in Port A Escapes, Charlie has been a licensed Realtor/Broker with Coldwell Banker Island Escapes for 23 years.
He and his wife, Christi, are raising their two sons just over the bridge in Flour Bluff.
Terry Cox
Partner
Terry has been part of Port A Escapes since day one. Terry has a storied real estate career of well over 35 years with Coldwell Banker Island Escapes. Affectionately known as "Bossman," he is well-known for his honesty, integrity, hard work, and determination. His passion and drive for the business is only surpassed by his passion for his family.
Harry Collins Jr
Office Manager
- Email: [email protected]
A proud member of our team since 2015, Harry is our office manager. When he isn’t assisting guest or solving problems, he’s out hunting or attending one of his kids’ games. Harry loves a good joke and is a favorite of our Winter Texans.
Nic DeLao
Director of Operations
- Email: [email protected]
Nic is our esteemed Director of Operations. After starting as an inspector in 2022, Nic has quickly moved through our ranks. Nic is our biggest team player, if something needs to get done, he will rise to the occasion to accomplish it. Nic is always available to help if anyone needs it. In his spare time, Nic runs a successful business in carpet cleaning. He is also a fitness fanatic. Like so many in our office Nic and his fiancé, Maddy, are avid pet parents. If you ever see a blur of black curls, that’s probably just their dog Sophie.
Elaine Peterson
Director of Owner and Guest Relations
- Email: [email protected]
Elaine is our Director of Owner and Guest Relations. She joined our team in 2024 and has been vital to our success since! Elaine is also a real estate agent and the President of the GFWC in Ingleside. Elaine is a mother and spends a good deal of her time with her family. She one of our office’s biggest coffee enthusiasts and can often be found making a new cup. Elaine has the best stories, especially from her time working in the state’s capital.
Sarah Biggs
Reservations Manager
- Email: [email protected]
Meet Sarah! Sarah B is our Reservations Manager and a valued member of our Port A family! She started out as Front Desk in 2014, working hard for going on 11 years! She is a proud pet parent to 2 cats and a very sweet Doberman named Cuda. In her off time, Sarah is crocheting projects, big and small. Sarah works remote but is always present with her big personality!
Niki Peterson
Bay Tree Manager
Started out in our Owner and Guest Relations department, Niki is now, proudly, the manager of our Bay Tree office. She is cat mom of 2, Fen and Han. In her off time, Niki has a Bachelor’s in Applied Arts and Sciences and is pursuing her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Lucy Siller
Housekeeping Assistant
Sage Viator
Savannah McGrath
Melissa Murphy
Owner & Guest Relations
- Email: [email protected]
Melissa is our Senior Reservationist and Social Media Coordinator. Beginning in 2020 as a Reservationist and Front Desk, she has proven herself as a dedicated member of our team. Her coworkers would say she is a fierce and loyal friend. You can always count on her to help. After office hours, Melissa spends her time taking care of her father. She is a writer, artist, and fellow coffee enthusiast.
Sara Mendoza
Administrative Assistant and Onboarding Specialist
- Email: [email protected]
Sara is a dedicated member of our team. She is our Administrative Assistant and Onboarding Specialist. She has been an integral part of our team since 2020. An avid DIY-er, she loves a project! Sha is also a proud mom of 2 kids and 3 fur babies. Between her love for her family and the arts, she also has a love for music. If you’re walking past her office, you can often hear her radio, always set at 93.9.
Derek Palmer
Maintenance
Meet Derek! He is our HVAC certified member of our maintenance team. He has been an esteemed member of our team since 2022. Derek is a devoted father of 3 and spends all of his time outside of work with his family. He coaches for all the sports his kids are involved in with his wife.
Rudy Garcia
Maintenance
Our specialty maintenance man since 2023. A project needs getting done, Rudy will do it! From carpentry to painting, Rudy is your guy. He enjoys travelling and being with his family.
Angel Larson
Reservations
Angel has been a valued member of our reservations team since 2023. She is always a sweet smile and charming voice with our guests. Angel loves to help and strives to offer the best to our guests. Angel holds a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Administration. Angel is a dog mom and loves going for drives on the beach with her husband.
Angelica Rodriguez-Mendez
Reservations
- Email: [email protected]
The first welcoming face you see when entering the Port A Escapes office, Angelica is our Front Desk Reservationist. When she’s not in the office, she can typically be found at one of her kid’s sporting events. In her free time, Angelica enjoys a family beach day or relaxing at home with her 3 kiddos. She is also an avid reader, currently building an at home library.
Tasha Smith
Reservations
- Email: [email protected]
Beginning this passed May, Tasha is the newest member of our reservations team. She is a writer in outside of the office and enjoys spending time with her dog. Being a free spirit, Tasha loves a good road trip and meeting new people.
Randall Brewer
Maintenance
Jaeden Carroll
Maintenance
Lorenzo Lopez
Laundry Supervisor
Amanda Carr
Laundry Team
Cynthia Ayala
Laundry Team
