Elevating, Advocating, Communicating With Heart

The number three seems to be John McPherson’s lucky number.

He took real estate classes three times before passing the exam. The same happened with his contractor’s license. But persistence has always been his strong suit, and not reaching the goal on the first try never slowed him down.

That same determination carries into his role as 2025 president of NC REALTORS®, where he’s juggling a full slate: leading a 55,000-member organization, running MKT Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Advantage in Winston-Salem, staying active with clients and managing two residential construction projects as a licensed general contractor.

“I’m a service guy, so I take serving others pretty seriously,” says McPherson, who made a personal commitment to visit all 43 local associations this year.

The goal? To elevate, advocate, and communicate the value of REALTORS® and the REALTOR® association.

“I was a mascot in high school, and I was a cheerleader,” he says. “So, I’m here to elevate, advocate and communicate. My belief is real estate will be fine even with all this going on.”

Leading with Heart

McPherson admits that being president has its challenges, especially for someone who calls himself a people pleaser. “There are a lot of personalities, and they don’t always feel the same way you do,” he says.

That mindset has shaped how he leads—not with ego, but with empathy. McPherson makes it a point to listen first, seek input often and ensure that everyone around the table feels respected and heard. “Throughout my presidency, I have asked the executive team and committees for input. I’m just John,” he says.

That humility stems from a moment he’ll never forget: a one-on-one conversation with the NC REALTORS® president at a 2018 event. “It meant so much. That’s what I try to do—make people know they are worth my time,” he says.

True leadership, in McPherson’s eyes, isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, being teachable and making space for others to lead alongside you.

Even now, while juggling a real estate team and leading the state association, McPherson keeps the focus on the people around him and is appreciative of the support he receives to make things happen.

“Our staff is so over-the-top protective of me and makes sure I’m good,” he says with a smile. “I don’t think one person could ever do this job alone. I truly see how hard they work for this position and for the members.”

Proud Moments as President

McPherson’s year as president has been defined by relationship building, increased communication and a focus on service that reaches beyond his term.

One proud moment came when, thanks to a personal connection, he helped secure a rare visit from the governor of North Carolina to NC REALTORS®’ annual State of Real Estate event. The high-profile appearance underscored the association’s growing influence and helped spotlight REALTOR® priorities on a statewide stage.

As a long-time champion of advocacy, McPherson worked to deepen NC REALTORS®’ presence at the state level. Under his leadership, the association ensured nearly every state-elected official now has a REALTOR® contact, strengthening relationships that will serve members long after his presidency concludes.

He also prioritized member communication, continuing the expanded video and email content initiatives launched by his predecessors. Whether it was updates on key legislative issues or personal event invitations, McPherson helped ensure members received fast, relevant information in formats that met a range of communication preferences. “Transparency and clear communication matter more than ever,” he says. “Our members want to be informed, and they want to trust the information they’re getting.”

His term also included representing NC REALTORS® as the keynote speaker at the Secretary of State’s Electronic Mortgage Closing Conference, where he helped elevate the association’s role in the future of real estate technology and innovation.

For McPherson, these accomplishments aren’t about recognition—they’re about delivering value to the members he serves. “I just want members to know their association is working for them every day,” he says.

Looking ahead, McPherson hopes future NC REALTORS® presidents will continue to lead with transparency, champion affordable housing solutions, and elevate the REALTOR® brand.

“I also hope they’ll keep reminding people why working with a REALTOR® truly matters,” he says.

Impacting Those Around Him

McPherson’s leadership year has been supported by a strong and spirited team, who describe him not just as a leader, but as a trusted friend, collaborator and source of levity.

“He’s kind, wild, compassionate, comedic, serious, committed, authentic to the cause, but most of all, he is one of us,” says NC REALTORS® First Vice President Brooke Rudd. “And yes, he’s known for showing up in a Buc-ee’s onesie. Yep. A real, authentic Buc-ee’s onesie.”

President-Elect Brenda Hayden underscores his inclusive style. “John has a huge heart and love of all people. He is a collaborator, even when they have varying ideals.”

She adds that watching him lead taught her to be prepared for the reality that your leadership style won’t appeal to everyone. “Leadership requires you to make decisions for the benefit of the collective whole, not just a few. I have also learned to have fun along the journey.”

What impresses Hayden most? “He doesn’t let ego get in the way of progress,” she says.

Immediate Past President Tony Harrington says McPherson’s gift lies in connection. “He wanted to fully engage with members and make sure every person felt like the most important person in the world. His knack for deflating a serious situation with a joke is his chess piece, and he plays it well.”

These voices reflect more than admiration—they paint a picture of a leader who listens, collaborates and brings joy to even the toughest days.

Clients for Life

McPherson’s impact extends well beyond boardrooms and Zoom calls. Rene Christensen of Thomasville met him at an open house early in his real estate career.

“At the time, I was engaged and had my home listed with another REALTOR® for six months with no showings and poor communications. The listing was about to expire, and I was frustrated with the lack of interest in our house,” says Christensen, founder of Training Them Wisely, a family discipleship ministry, and author of 20 books and resources.

When she hired McPherson, everything changed. The house sold quickly—marking his first home sale—and came with its fair share of challenges.

“He was sued by a buyer trying to back out of the deal and get their earnest money. It was a tough situation, but he rose to the occasion and handled it with integrity and determination,” she states.

A few years later, with a newborn and growing family, Christensen gave McPherson a new task: sell the house in one week and avoid the chaos of showings. He delivered. Since then, she and her husband have bought two more homes and sold another with him. She’s referred him to friends and family, including her parents, sister and mother-in-law.

“Though I have many friends who are REALTORS®, John is our lifelong choice. He’s not just our REALTOR®; he’s our friend,” she says. “We reach out to him for advice. My daughter babysat for his daughter, and he regularly checks in just to see how we’re doing. John isn’t just good at what he does—he’s exceptional in how he treats people.”

Family, Craft and Community

That people-first mindset is rooted in a lifetime of experience. Born in Michigan, McPherson moved often growing up, living in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and eventually settling in North Carolina. Those frequent moves helped shape his adaptability and laid the foundation for a life of service.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Appalachian State University and an MBA from WinstonSalem State University. His leadership journey started early, serving as president of his college fraternity, and has since expanded to include numerous roles with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Most recently, McPherson represented North Carolina on NAR’s Membership and Board Jurisdiction Committee.

Twice, he’s been named Best Real Estate Agent by WinstonSalem Journal readers. Yet it’s his role at home that has most profoundly shaped him.

McPherson became a father later in life, and his daughter, Laura, has completely reshaped his perspective. He often jokes that he worries about her constantly, but being a girl dad has softened him and inspired new ways to connect. Their relationship is rooted in creativity and shared curiosity. Laura, an avid sewer, taught him how to make bow ties, while McPherson introduced her to his growing love of woodworking.

“Woodworking started with my wife and me building a swing bed for our condo in the mountains,” he says. That initial project sparked something. Soon, McPherson was making gifts for friends and family, and building out a home workshop complete with a laser cutter and 3D printer. “I’ve never wanted to turn it into a business. It’s just about doing something fun and meaningful with the people I care about,” he says.

That love for learning, service and creativity all trace back to his father, who worked into his 80s and led with quiet but powerful integrity.

McPherson spent his early years working in his family’s magazine and wholesale book business, managing 10 stores by the time he was 22. He also began investing in condos at a young age.

“My dad believed in hiring the best people, period,” he says. “He saw people for who they are, not what they were.”

In one of his most meaningful Camel City Chat podcast episodes (oh yes, he does that too!), McPherson interviewed his father. “We were just hanging out, talking about the old stories,” he says. Not long after, McPherson held his dad’s hand as he passed away peacefully.

To honor his father’s memory, his family began a new holiday tradition to travel together. In recent years, they’ve explored Iceland, London, Amsterdam, Paris and Italy. “My daughter is going into sixth grade, so I figure I’ve only got six of these trips left for sure,” he says with a laugh. “And it gets me out of putting up a Christmas tree.”

A Year to Remember

Looking back, McPherson says the opportunity to serve as NC REALTORS® president has been humbling and unforgettable.

“I just feel so lucky to have been the president of our association this year,” he says. “I hope the members feel that I have done the job to their expectations.”

As he reflects on his legacy, McPherson hopes to be remembered by his family, his colleagues and his community as someone who led with heart.

His favorite quote? “Caring is the first step, because no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.