Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Macon Sumner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Macon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
While many things come to mind when I look back on how my parents raised me, one of the most impactful lessons they taught me was the importance of helping others. From an early age, they instilled in me the belief of “do what you can to help others,” and they lived by example. Growing up, my parents encouraged me to give back in ways big and small, and our involvement in church provided additional opportunities to serve. I went on multiple mission trips across the U.S., where we helped build homes for families affected by hurricanes. These trips were eye-opening and taught me the value of hard work, compassion, and making a difference in others’ lives. One of my most rewarding memories of helping others was in the summer of 2023 when I worked as a personal surf instructor for WB Surf Camp. Part of my job involved leading stand-up paddleboard tours along the channel. Once a week, I had the privilege of working with the Special Olympics, helping athletes experience SUP tours and surf days. It was incredibly rewarding to watch these athletes push themselves out of their comfort zones, try something new, and absolutely love it. Seeing their joy and determination reminded me of the power of encouragement and support, and I left each session feeling inspired by their resilience.
These experiences have had a lasting impact on me, shaping not only my approach to life but also to my real estate career. My parents’ guidance taught me that helping others should be a priority, whether I’m out on the water or guiding clients through one of the biggest decisions of their lives. My goal in real estate is to be more than just an agent; I want to be a supportive presence who not only provides value but, truly cares about my client’s needs and is dedicated to making a positive difference for them. That motivation to help and uplift others is something I carry with me daily, and it all started with the values my parents instilled in me.
Macon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC, and I love everything the area has to offer—its coastal charm, friendly communities, and rich history. Before becoming a real estate agent, I gained valuable experience in customer service and sales, which has shaped my approach to working with clients today. I prioritize listening to my client’s needs and tailoring my services to ensure they feel confident and supported throughout the home-buying or selling process. After high school, I had the opportunity to play Division II lacrosse at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, NC. After two years of collegiate sports, I transferred to UNCW, where I earned a B.A. in Management and Leadership. During that time, I saw my mom, Brooke Sumner, transition into real estate—a field she’d always been passionate about. Seeing her build her business and connect with clients, I often tagged along to open houses and meetings. I saw firsthand how rewarding it was for her to help families find homes, and that experience was pivotal in shaping my career path
After graduating from UNCW in 2024, I knew real estate was the right choice for me. I quickly earned my license and joined Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage, the leading brokerage in the region. I provide residential real estate services, assisting clients in buying and selling homes in and around Wilmington, NC. My goal is to make each transaction as smooth and enjoyable as possible, whether I’m helping first-time buyers or seasoned investors.
What sets me apart is my commitment to building authentic relationships with my clients. I understand that buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions someone can make, and I approach each client with that in mind. Additionally, I’m proud to bring a true locals’ knowledge of Wilmington and a background in management to my real estate practice, giving my clients a unique perspective on the market and the guidance they need to reach their residential or investing goals.
Ultimately, I want potential clients to know that I’m here not just to facilitate transactions, but to be a trusted advisor and advocate for them. I’m dedicated to providing a seamless experience, and I take pride in being part of this great community that I’ve always called home.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
While this story happened well before I became a real estate agent, I often look back on it when faced with adversity and believe it helped me grow as a person. In 2019, I was preparing for my senior year in football and lacrosse. During spring football practice, on the last day, I went up for a pass and came down, buckling my knee and completely tearing my ACL. It wasn’t until later that I fully understood the severity of my injury and the recovery process. If you don’t know, an ACL tear requires intensive reconstructive surgery and a 9-12 month period of recovery and rehab. I quickly found out I wouldn’t be able to play my senior football season and might miss lacrosse as well. Throughout my childhood and high school years, sports had been everything to me, and realizing that my last year of potentially playing was gone was a devastating and unfamiliar feeling. Determined to recover, I committed myself fully to rehab, working hard just to be able to walk normally again. Over time, I progressed from walking to slowly starting to run. After what felt like years, I fully recovered in six months and began preparing for my 2020 senior lacrosse season. Then COVID happened, and the season was canceled shortly after it started.
Looking back, I’m grateful for this hardship, which taught me I am capable of going beyond what I initially believed possible. I pushed past my limits and fully recovered in time for my senior year. Real estate is a career filled with highs and lows, and getting started can be a long and discouraging process. This experience taught me patience, resilience, and a mindset of persistence that I carry with me today. Just like in real estate, where not every deal closes and not every day goes as planned, I learned to adapt, stay focused, and keep moving forward despite setbacks. Recovering from my injury prepared me to handle the challenges in my career, reminding me that hard work and determination can turn obstacles into achievements. In real estate, my ability to push through and maintain a positive outlook helps me connect with clients and find solutions, even when things get tough. It’s a lesson I live by daily.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
While I don’t consider myself a reader, there are a few books that stand out that I would highly recommend to anyone in management or real estate. The first is <i>Ninja Selling: Subtle Skills. Big Results</i> by Larry Kendall, a transformative guide for anyone in real estate or sales who wants to succeed through genuine connections and service rather than aggressive selling tactics. Kendall, a seasoned real estate professional, shares a structured approach that focuses on enhancing client relationships and delivering value in a way that feels natural, not forced. At its core, the “Ninja Selling” philosophy is built on trust, empathy, and the art of listening. Kendall outlines strategies for building rapport, understanding clients’ needs, and guiding them to make decisions that align with their goals—all while remaining relaxed and authentic. Instead of pushing for a hard close, Kendall emphasizes cultivating relationships, which in turn leads to referrals and repeat business.
The book also provides actionable frameworks on managing energy, setting daily intentions, and keeping a positive mindset, making it both a personal growth and professional development tool. Kendall’s principles are easy to follow, and he combines theory with real-life examples, which spoke to me and was very captivating.
The second book I would recommend is <i>Extreme Ownership</i> by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin which is a leadership guide drawn from the authors’ firsthand experiences in combat. Willink and Babin, both former Navy SEAL officers, use stories from their missions in Iraq to illustrate fundamental principles of effective leadership, teamwork, and responsibility that apply to any organization or team. While I personally don’t have any direct ties to the military, I found this book very captivating and informative. The central concept of the book is “extreme ownership,” which means taking full accountability for everything in one’s sphere of influence, regardless of circumstances. Willink and Babin argue that strong leaders accept complete responsibility for outcomes, empower their teams, and cultivate a culture of trust and discipline. They also explore strategies for managing high-stakes situations, simplifying complex issues, prioritizing goals, and maintaining alignment within a team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msumner.seacoastrealty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maconsumner_realestate/profilecard/?igsh=OXhnOTdsdHVycjEx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14dsF5mApj/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macon-sumner?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Chrissy Teal Photography Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G9G1zmZqG/?mibextid=LQQJ4d Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissytealphotography?igsh=ejJ6Y2pzMmMxNnRy Website: https://chrissytealphotography.com/ Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17qgy8bhTo/?mibextid=LQQJ4d