Mike Berk is still getting settled into his new office and home, but his enthusiasm for his new role as CEO of Longleaf Pine REALTORS® is already in full swing. Just a few weeks into the job, the association management veteran sat down with the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal to talk about what brought him to southeastern North Carolina, his vision for the region’s real estate community and why he’s ready to finally try real grits.

Q: So you’ve been in association management for about 25 years. What drew you specifically to working with REALTOR® organizations?
A: It’s funny—I actually got my real estate license back in 2011 while I was working as an association executive for a statewide organization in Pennsylvania. I was a REALTOR® for 10 years while doing association work, and I just loved it. I loved real estate, and I really loved working with realtors. So I decided, why not combine the two things I’m passionate about? I took my first REALTOR® association job up in Burlington, Vt. Beautiful area, but those winters? Let’s just say I was ready for a change.

Q: Let’s talk about your vision for the work ahead. What do you see as the biggest opportunities for the region’s real estate market right now?

A: I think our chief role here as association staff is to build relationships within the community and focus on how we can best prepare our members to support their clients. The real estate market has been tight, and I think by providing education and resources, we can help our members navigate forward to what we hope will be a shift to a more balanced market. If we give realtors the tools they need, that helps them serve their clients better, which ultimately helps the community.

One thing I’ve found everywhere I’ve gone is that realtors are probably among the most giving people in any community. They’re involved, they give back, and when I was doing my research on Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, I loved seeing how involved this association is in the community. That culture of giving back really resonated with me.

Q: Can you give an example of how the association helps members serve their clients better?
A: Over the past year or so, the real estate industry went through some major changes due to national lawsuits and settlements. It really changed the way our members have to engage with their clients. What we’ve done—and what I know they did here at LPR as well—is continue to update members, make them aware of changes and help them identify best practices to thrive in what I call the “new normal.”
A lot of that comes down to education and connecting members with content area experts who can help them better serve their clients. The real estate industry is always changing and adapting, with the introduction of new rules, regulations and licensing requirements. The association is perfectly positioned to help members get through transitions like these, and support realtors who have always been good at adapting.

Q: How do you plan to connect with your 2,400-plus members across five counties?

A: That’s actually one of the things I’m most looking forward to. I’ve already been to a couple of events—had a luncheon just yesterday. My goal is to reach out proactively and get to the offices to meet with members.
I love going out and meeting people, so I’ll be scheduling time to do that—and I won’t be going alone. I’ll bring some staff with me so we can approach our goals as a team, and let members know that this is their association and we’re here to help. We’re also thinking of planning some open houses here at our office, especially for newer members. I want to make sure they feel like they have access. I don’t want to wait for people to come see me. You have to be proactive.

Q: What has surprised you most about the region so far?
A: Honestly, not much has surprised me because it’s lived up to my expectations—but in the best way. The atmosphere of welcome has been incredible. Members, other association executives, local realtors from around the state reaching out to me—it’s just been great. You really do feel welcomed. I’ve met a few people in the broader community, and I’m looking forward to connecting with the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and other organizations, meeting elected officials and government leaders. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and it’s made for a really easy transition.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that wouldn’t be in your official bio.
A: Well, I’m a big believer in volunteering in the community. That’s how I like to get to know a place and see where there’s a fit for me to get more deeply involved in nonprofits and charitable causes. I’m also a huge sports fan—particularly ice hockey and baseball. I’m really looking forward to taking in a Fayetteville Woodpeckers game this year. I love minor league baseball. There’s just something special about it.
I also love golf, though I’m not the best at it. But I love getting out on the golf course and just relaxing. And I’ve got two adult kids—one here in North Carolina and one up in Pennsylvania—so I’ll be spending time visiting them.

Q: Have you tried Cheerwine yet?
A: Not yet! I need to. I’m learning about all these North Carolina staples. We were talking about grits the other day, and I mentioned I’d tried them once. Someone told me that where I tried them—that wasn’t real grits. So I’ve got some exploring to do, especially when it comes to Southern food and culture.

Q: What is the next item on your agenda?
A: I haven’t had much time yet, but as the weather gets warmer, I’m looking forward to getting [into] downtown Fayetteville and really taking advantage of everything this area has to offer. There’s so much to learn and visit—places of interest, restaurants, local businesses. I’m excited to dive in and experience it all. It’s all good so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

Q: Last question—and this is important: What’s your morning drink of choice?

A: I’m not a coffee drinker, actually. Never developed a taste for it, even in college. When I need caffeine, it’s usually a Diet Coke or Diet Pepsi. But when it’s chilly out, I’m a big fan of hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream.

Mike Berk began his role as CEO of Longleaf Pine REALTORS®, Inc. in November 2025. The association represents more than 2,400 members throughout Cumberland, Hoke, Harnett, Scotland and Robeson counties.