ROCKINGHAM – Although the U.S. housing market took a turn for the worse and saw one its lowest dips in prices in 2008, much like the rest of the economy, it has resurged and with it, new agencies are looking to stake their claim.
And one of those agencies is Wilkes and Associates Real Estate and Rental Properties, which opened its doors last week and is ready to give Richmond County a “personal touch” to buying, selling and managing property.
Richmond County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the new real estate agency and new business owner, Candi Wilkes, 32, of Cordova, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its location at 629 East Broad Avenue in Rockingham.
The ceremony opened with a welcome and an expression of gratitude from Emily Tucker, the President of the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce.
“We have done a lot of ribbon cuttings in the last 12 months, and it’s nice to start the month of February with another one,” Tucker said. “You are joining a group of entrepreneurs who are really building Richmond County, so we thank you for your commitment.
“As you look around, you can see that you’ve got a good support here in Richmond County,” Tucker continued to a packed room. “Our business at the Chamber is to connect people in business, so we are here to support you as well.”
Ken Hartley, the Board Chairman of the Chamber, Herb Long, Richmond County Commissioner, and John Hutchinson, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Rockingham, also delivered remarks, each giving Wilkes words of encouragement and support.
“We are thankful for people like you Candi, having a passion and finding a way to turn it into a business. We wish you nothing, but much success,” said Hartley.
“Industry is coming to the county, so I think you will see people coming in and looking for property and homes. You have a lot to look forward to,” Long expressed.
“We are glad you made Rockingham your home and so excited for you making this leap. The city always want to be a good partner for our business owners, so please don’t hesitate to reach out,” stated Hutchinson.
Wilkes, a former real estate agent with RE/MAX Southern Realty, has been in the real estate business for five years and is excited about her new venture.
“Never did I imagine five years ago that it would turn out to be this, but it’s flourished into something amazing and I’m just thankful and blessed for it,” Wilkes explained.
Last year, Wilkes had her best year in sales and that gave her the gumption to make the leap.
“I have always wanted to have my own business, and I also want the flexibility to spend more time with my children, so I figured what better time than now,” Wilkes stated.
Her husband, Joe Wilkes, 30, shares in her excitement.
“It has always been a dream of hers and now she has made it a reality,” he said.
Wilkes also expressed gratitude and thanks for her tribe and support team in real estate here in Richmond County. All of her former co-workers from RE/MAX Southern Realty were in attendance, including former boss Jamie Moss-Godfrey.
“They are such a great group of women and pillars of support that I can lean on and I look forward to us deepening our friendship and growing our businesses together,” Wilkes concluded.
