Coldwell Banker Advantage agent Alex McFadyen was awarded RISMedia’s inaugural “Rookie of the Year” award on Friday Nov. 11 at the annual conference of the National Association of Realtors.
According to RISMedia, McFadyen was chosen out of hundreds of nominations from across the United States. MacFadyen was recognized as one of 10 finalists in late October.
McFadyen, 27, was announced as the honoree by Jennifer Dixson Hoff, president of Colibri Real Estate, sponsor of the award during a ceremony at the Rosen Center in Orlando.
“I’m honored and a little surprised,” said McFadyen in a press release. “It feels good to be recognized for all the hard work of the past year.”
McFadyen’s win was based on achievements for his clients in 2021. He closed 86 unitsfor $19.7 million in production for the year. In 2022, he is presently at 81 units and $22 million in closed sales.
After winning the honor, McFadyen recognized his mentors, including company CEO Ralph Huff and president of the Sandhills division, Lisa Geddie. He also thanked Alan Tucker, his Fayetteville broker-in-charge, now general manager for the Southern Pines office/director of marketing; Malcolm McFadyen, a long-time, top-producing broker at CBA who is his uncle, and CBA trainer Megan Gerber. Alex McFadyen spoke of growing up among the business. Another uncle, Bill McFadyen, works in commercial real estate.
Alex earned his real estate license in the final semester of his senior year at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He believes his degree helped better prepare him for a career in real estate. He graduated with his bachelor’s in communications with a minor in business administration in December 2019. One month later, he went to work for Coldwell Banker Advantage in his hometown of Fayetteville, N.C., the #1 Coldwell Banker franchise in North America.
When asked the key to his success, he replied, “Always put your clients first, to make sure their interests are met, that they’re making a good investment. And grow your relationships.”
McFadyen said he jump-started his business by notifying family and friends that he had become a licensed real estate agent and by reaching out to persons who had listed their properties as For Sale By Owner. He established trust, and the business began steadily
growing through referrals.
“Being selected as a top 10 finalist is a phenomenal achievement in itself. We are so proud of Alex for being chosen for such an honor as the Rookie of the Year,” said Lisa Geddie in a press release. “Alex has embraced all the tools and training that Coldwell Banker Advantage has to offer. Most importantly,
he shows up every day ready to do what it takes to be successful.”
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
