Coldwell Banker Advantage (CBA) in Fayetteville, a company long recognized for its pioneering spirit, vision and innovation, is celebrating 50 years of serving real estate clients in southeastern North Carolina.

To highlight this golden anniversary, CBA hosted a gala on Sept. 12, 2024. Realtors from across the company gathered at the Carolina Barn at McCormick farms for drinks, dinner and to hear from leadership about how the business has held the Number 1 market share in the region since 1995. 

“As we see this golden anniversary, we need to reflect on what the word ‘golden’ signifies. Gold is known for its purity, its strength and its value. Much like the message our company has weathered challenges, and it [is now] stronger and more resilient. Just as gold shines bright, even under pressure, so to has our company stood the test of time. Over the past 50 years we’ve built a legacy of trust, quality and excellence,” shared Lisa Geddie, president of the Sandhills Division.

Leadership of all levels were in attendance and stepped up to voice their pride in the company and the fantastic people who work there every day. Speakers included: original CBA Founder Murray Duggins, Owner Ralph Huff and Coldwell Banker Seacoast Advantage Owner Tim Milam. President and CEO of Anywhere Franchise Brands Liz Gehringer was also in attendance.

“Every single person gets a hug, or a greeting and a familiar feeling, and yet, this company is the number one company in the entire country. And I think it is just remarkable that you can keep your charm and your grace and your genuine nature and yet be so incredibly successful in business,” shared Gehringer. “And I think it stems from the incredible examples of the leadership team, the examples that Ralph and Linda, the entire team set in the local community and all of you being this incredible face of giving back. You get what you give, and you exemplify that. So I feel incredibly proud to be associated with you, and I thank you deeply for all of the work you do with Coldwell Banker.”

The Fayetteville office has been Number 1 in North America six times within the Coldwell Banker franchise system. 

Coldwell Banker Advantage operates two offices in Fayetteville, on Raeford Road and Yadkin Road, near Fort Liberty. Additional regional offices include Western Harnett County (Cameron), Sanford and Southern Pines/Pinehurst.

The company has a rich history which has been shaped by real estate trailblazers. Founded in 1974 as United Realty by developer Murray Duggins, the company has been managed since 1981 by Ralph Huff, who bought the business in 1990.

“When I bought Coldwell Banker, they had 3.5% market share, and by 1990 it had 10% market share and it was number 1 in the market with 1,000 transactions,” recalled Huff while sharing a full history of the company. “But today, Coldwell Banker has 15% [market share]... That’s the difference between doing the things that we do and growing, and staying up with the market and always being on the cutting edge [versus] sitting back and doing nothing.”

Huff and Suzanne Pennink merged in 2005.The Coldwell Banker Advantage franchise has grown and is thriving under various owners and leadership, from the coast to the Triangle to the mountains of North Carolina, as well as parts of South Carolina and Virginia.

“We were able to see our potential. We had to do some hit and miss here and there,” recalled Owner and CBA Broker Suzanne Pennink. “We have wonderful training, and we try to think of everything we can do within reason to make your lives as easy as possible because selling real estate is not for the weak hearted. And I think I have to say to all of you, thank you so much for being the professionals that you are. You make it so much fun to be in the office with you and to see our success.”

Ralph Huff, Tim Milam and Gary Rabon are the core partners in Coldwell Banker Seacoast Advantage, which has 60 offices, 2,000 agents and 24,000 transactions totaling $7 billion in sales annually – those phenomenal numbers make it the largest Coldwell Banker franchise nationally. 

“I always tell people we’ve been under one company for the last three years. We’ve done as many as 27,000 transactions. But we all put our pants on one leg at a time. We're not any better than anybody else in the other company, we just talk about what we do and look forward to what we’re doing,” shared Coldwell Banker Seacoast Advantage CEO Tim Milam. “The number one thing that is easy for us to attract other good real estate agents and other good managers and owners and partners is the fact that we have the best people. I do believe in my heart that we have the very best people in the business, and I'm very proud of that.” 

“We’ve grown into an industry leader, thanks to the dedication of each and every one of you, our journey has been paved with hard work, but also with moments of brilliance where the company has truly shined. While we honor the past, we also look forward to the next 50 years and as gold symbolizes wealth and success, I am confident that our future will be brighter. We will continue to innovate and grow, building on this strong foundation. As we celebrate with this golden anniversary, I am filled with gratitude, not only for this incredible milestone, but for the people who have helped to make it all possible,” concluded Geddie.