Photo / Courtesy The Knowles Co.
Keating Pepper
Updated: March 3, 2025
Northeast Harbor real estate firm welcomes new ownership
The Knowles Co., a real estate firm in Northeast Harbor, announced the retirement of Keating Pepper as an owner, effective Dec. 31.
Founded in 1898 by Belle Smallidge Knowles, the company focuses on real estate and vacation rentals on Mount Desert Island and beyond.
Kathy and Bob Suminsby led the business from 1972 to 1994.
Pepper joined the company as a broker in 1988 and became a co-owner in 1994.
With his retirement, co-owners Mia Thompson, the company’s president, and Kate Chaplin were joined by Claire Dorwart, Kitty Barbee and Emily Anne Pepper.
Photo / Courtesy The Knowles Co.
Mia Thompson
Dorwart joined Knowles in 2024 as business manager. Barbee serves as CFO. Both are now part of the ownership.
Photo / Courtesy The Knowles Co.
Kate Chaplin
Emily Anne is the daughter-in-law of Keating Pepper.
The founder, Belle Smallidge Knowles, was the first woman from Mount Desert to attend Boston University. Thompson and Dorwart are also Boston University alumni.
“Keating’s retirement is a moment of reflection and celebration,” said Thompson. “We honor his years of dedication and look ahead with excitement as our new ownership team carries The Knowles Company into its next chapter, staying true to our principles of professionalism, integrity and community stewardship.”
Photo / Courtesy The Knowles Co.
Claire Dorwart
Photo / Courtesy The Knowles Co.
Emily Anne Pepper
Photo / Courtesy The Knowles Co.
Kitty Barbee
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