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Chris Respess Owner/BIC

As a native of Eastern North Carolina, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in farms, large land tracts and commercial real estate as well as the residential housing market throughout the entire region. Chris spent many years deeply immersed within the agricultural community during his youth. This agricultural background helped him develop a passion for land that has led him into an exceptional land and commercial property based real estate career path.

Chris’s knowledge of different land and property types is extensive therefore providing his clients with an enormous base of information. One of Chris’s many strengths is his ability to be personable and bring buyers and sellers together in deal negotiations.

Chris understands the value and potential uses of the various properties available for commercial development in the area and has graduated from Coldwell Banker Commercial University. He continues to grow in his knowledge and brings additional depth and breadth to his new company for Commercial & Land Entity.

Chris has invested in continued training and development and has a proven method that provides full service real estate solutions to his clients. Chris decided after much thought that teaming with the national brand of United Country provided Respess Real Estate an advantage in marketing that no other firm offers in the area.

Partnering with United Country also brings an endless array of resources to his clients in Eastern North Carolina.  Chris is currently the United Country timberland expert for Eastern North Carolina.

Chris resides in Washington with his wife of twentyeight years, Suzanne and his two daughters. Chris and his family are members of Church of the Good Shepard.

Chris is also a former three-term board member of the Washington Girls Softball League and participated as a softball coach for eight years in this area. Chris and his wife are active Committee members of Young Life on the Pamlico. Chris enjoys giving back to his community and sharing his love of Eastern North Carolina.

Ricky Clayton Broker

Ricky Clayton has worked as a farm and wildlife manager for more than 22 years. During this time, he has managed hunting properties in the counties of Hyde, Pamlico, Tyrell, and Bertie. Ricky’s love of the outdoors began as a young boy growing up in Washington, North Carolina. He began hunting with his dad when he was six years old, and he learned to fish while spending summers with relatives in Hyde County. Becoming a Cub Scout at age 7 instilled his love of all things outdoors. Ricky continued into Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout at age 16. Growing up in Beaufort and Hyde counties and residing for a time in Bertie County, Ricky is well acquainted with Eastern North Carolina. Through his experience in farm and wildlife management, he has designed and maintained impoundments and food plots for clients including Canal Wood and Whitetail Farms, and he manages a private hunting property in Bertie County. He also continues to guide waterfowl, deer, and bear hunts in Eastern North Carolina. Additionally, he has been locating properties for clients and guiding hunts in Kansas for more than ten years. Because of his extensive background and knowledge, he knows exactly what to do to assist you in finding your ideal hunting property. Ricky resides in Washington with his wife Trish.

Beth Wilder Broker

As a Washington resident for over 25 years, Beth loves Eastern North Carolina and all the region has to offer. She graduated from NC State with a BA in Mass Communication with a Public Relations concentration and a minor in Journalism. In 1991, Beth was recognized with an Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award. She’s worked for more than 25 years in television reporting as an award-winning journalist. Today, she is ready to help you write your own story and buy or sell property. Beth lives in Washington with her husband, Jack, and three children. She enjoys spending time with her family, community service through serving on several local boards, and relaxing on the Pamlico River.

Brittany Van Staalduinen Broker

Picott Harrington Broker

Picott Harrington is a native of Eastern North Carolina, growing up in the small town of Lewiston in Bertie County.  Much of his youth was spent exploring the fields and swamps of his family’s farm on the lowgrounds of the Roanoke River.  These experiences shared in the woods with friends and family fostered a deep love of the outdoors.  Picott saw at an early age the importance of wildlife management and land conservation while learning from his father how to be a good land steward.  His lifelong exposure to the outdoors and all it has to offer fuels his desire to share his enthusiasm for nature with others. 

Picott resides in Washington, NC with his wife, Lynn, and daughters, Suzie and Claire.  After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill, Picott embarked on a career in homebuilding.  Picott is president and owner of JPH Builders, Inc.  As a licensed general contractor, Picott specializes in residential construction in Northeastern North Carolina.  With his skill set, Picott enhances the United Country-Respess Real Estate team in its efforts to provide exemplary service in assisting all its clients achieve their goals.  By combining his construction background with the knowledge he’s gained as an outdoorsman and landowner, Picott has the ability to help take his client’s vision in creating the perfect recreational property and make their dreams a reality.

Jade Hollowell Office Manager

Jade Hollowell is the Office Manager & Marketing Coordinator at Respess Real Estate, where she oversees daily operations, manages office-wide marketing efforts, and provides notary services as a commissioned NC Notary Public. Since joining the team in 2023, Jade has brought organization, creativity, and professionalism to every aspect of her role.

Before joining the world of real estate, Jade spent over a decade working in healthcare, including 10 years in inpatient pharmacy and time as a Neurophysiology Technologist. She holds two associate degrees: one in Electroneurodiagnostic Technology (2016) and another in Medical Office Administration (2022). Her unique blend of clinical, administrative, and customer-facing experience gives her a sharp eye for detail and a warm, professional approach. Jade also spent five years in salon management, where she fine-tuned her leadership and multitasking skills⎯something she brings with her every day in her current role.

A lifelong Eastern North Carolina resident, Jade has been married to her husband Lee for nearly eight years. Together for sixteen, they are proud parents to two sons, Waylon and Levi.

Thad Roberts Broker

Thad Roberts has been lucky to call Coastal North Carolina home for most of his life. Having grown up near the Neuse River in Pamlico County, Thad has spent his entire life enjoying the Eastern NC lifestyle. He has been full time in the real estate business right here in Eastern North Carolina since 1986.

After graduating from North Carolina State University in 1978 with a B.S. in Wood Science & Technology, Thad worked several years working with Weyerhaeuser Company in Plymouth and New Bern. 

Thad then joined Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company in 1986 where he was a sales consultant in numerous waterfront developments located near many of the coastal towns such as Washington, Aurora, New Bern, Oriental, Beaufort, Merrimon, South River, Belhaven, and Bath.

Thad is a member of the National Association of Realtors, North Carolina Association of Realtors, Washington/Beaufort County Board of Realtors, the New Bern Board of Realtors and the Realtor Land Institute. Along with his wife Lisa, Thad lives on a farm right here in Beaufort County NC.

Samantha Polk Broker

Samantha is an Eastern NC native, and resident of the beautiful town of Bath. She has a profound love for the waterfront and historic properties that stretch alongside the Pamlico Sound. With her knowledge of Beaufort County and all it has to offer she is the perfect agent to help you buy, sell or invest. As a REALTOR, Samantha is committed to providing her clients with the highest quality of service. 

Alexis Linson Broker

Justin Giles Broker

As a native of Eastern North Carolina Justin grew up in the rural community of Pungo; located about halfway between the towns of Plymouth and Belhaven. An area steeped in agriculture and wildlife; Justin from a young age was involved in outdoor activities. From hunting and fishing to camping with the local scout troop, Justin went on to earn the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts. With an interest in the environment, Justin went on to increase his knowledge in this area by earning an Associate’s Degree in environmental science at the local community college. Transitioning from education to application, Justin has been involved in the timber industry for twenty plus years.

            Justin now resides in the rural area of Pinetown with his wife Blair and three young boys. With his vast knowledge and background of different types of land conditions, Justin would like to help you. Whether it’s purchasing that perfect location to build your dream home or want to sell that existing property, Justin can help in all your real estate needs. Give him a call today. “Let me help you accomplish YOUR DREAMS.” 

Terry Mills Broker

I’m a Nash County native and was raised on a small family farm.  My passion for agriculture led me to NC State where I obtained a degree in Agronomy Crop Science and Business Management in 2003.  After graduating, I worked as a loan officer for Ag Carolina Farm Credit where I helped customers achieve their goals by purchasing various types of properties.  In 2010, I returned to the family farm, which I own and operate with my brother.  We have been able to grow and expand our farm by purchasing multiple farm and timber properties.  Recently, my wife and I have had the opportunity to purchase investment/rental properties.  This strengthened my interest in Real Estate and inspired me to obtain my Real Estate License.

My wife, Kelly and I live in Spring Hope with our son, Davis.  We enjoy being outside whether it’s hunting, watching Davis play sports or just relaxing at Lake Gaston. I would love the opportunity to help you find the exact property or home that meets your needs and help makes your dreams come true.

Bryan Sawyer Broker

Bryan Sawyer, Real Estate Agent / Broker®

United Country Respess Real Estate 

As a Native of Beaufort County, Bryan learned at an early age he possessed a passion for real estate when he purchased his first tract of land. 

While advancing through Corporate America, Bryan obtained his B.S. in Business Management & Organizational Development from Mount Olive University. His passion to learn led him to obtain his NC General Contractors License where he co-owned a residential building company for six years in Washington, NC. Bryan managed multiple residential construction projects throughout those years and still maintains an active GC license. In addition, he purchased multiple land parcels and co-developed a rural small rural subdivision just outside of Washington. With am urge to succeed Bryan continued his education and passion to serve others by obtaining his Real Estate Brokers License. Notably, he has achieved the distinction of being a Multi-Million Dollar Producer.

Bryan is an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and real estate investor. Bryan, his wife Heather, and two children Gavin & Saylor reside in Bath, NC. 

Bryan’s education, experience, and knowledge of Beaufort County make him a great choice to represent your real estate needs! With years of experience and a deep knowledge of the local market, Bryan is the perfect choice to help you buy or sell your dream home, waterfront property, land tract or farm. You can contact him today at 252-402-5524 or by email at bryansawyerrealtor@gmail.com. Or visit his website at www.bryansawyerrealtor.com to learn more about his services.

Sydnie Alligood Broker

Sydnie Alligood is an East Coast native from the small town of Bath, North Carolina. Home of Blackbeard the notorious pirate and the very first port in the state! 

She graduated mid-pandemic from East Carolina University where she earned a degree in University Studies: Human Approach to Entrepreneurship as well as certificates in Leadership and Entrepreneurship. She worked in leasing and property management throughout her time at ECU and fell in love with the investing aspect of real estate. After graduation, she relocated to Raleigh, earned her real estate broker's license, and became a Notary Public. Sydnie brings from Raleigh, her experiences as a closing coordinator for a residential brokerage in the Triangle and as a disposition agent for an investor-priced property marketplace. 

Since returning to live in Beaufort County, she has collected experience as the maintenance coordinator for a multi-owner property management company in Pitt County and is now working full-time as a Realtor with United Country-Respess Real Estate and Property Manager with Respess Management Company.

Sydnie is passionate about small businesses, small towns, and sunsets. She brings a look-at-the-bright-side spirit into every conversation and a desire to make every person she interacts with feel important and heard. 

She believes that real estate is so important because it connects us all! Everyone deserves somewhere to live that makes them feel safe, comfortable, and proud. If you are looking for a Real Estate Agent who will stop at nothing to find you that perfect home or next investment property for the portfolio, then you’ll be in great hands with Sydnie Alligood!

Wayland Spruill Broker

NC Licensed Real Estate Broker | Land & Commercial Specialist

Wayland graduated from Elon College in 1996 with a B.S. in Business Administration and returned to Bertie County, NC to join the family farming business. In 2001, he began operating his farming partnership, gaining hands-on experience in land management, timber, and agricultural operations.

In 2005, Wayland became a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker, focusing his business on commercial properties, farmland, and timberland. His deep roots in agriculture and firsthand knowledge of land ownership allow him to offer valuable insight and guidance to clients navigating complex land and real estate transactions.

Wayland is committed to keeping his clients informed and involved at every stage of the process. His goal is to ensure every client feels valued, confident, and well-equipped to make decisions throughout their transaction.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughters.  He also enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, yoga, boating, and hunting.

Matthew Perry Broker

Matthew is a lifelong native of Beaufort County, where he lives with his wife Georgia and their son, Brycen, on a small family farm.  From an early age he developed a passion for all things outdoors, nurtured by both his father and grandfather. Although he has been blessed to travel the country, he will be the first to tell you nothing beats home and an Eastern North Carolina sunrise.  His passion has only grown with the opportunity to share the outdoors with his son and how to properly manage the land and wildlife they hold so dear.   

 His love for being outdoors led him to North Carolina State University where he obtained a degree in Agronomy/Crop Productions.  After graduating he returned home to the family business where he worked for fourteen years.  Through the support of his family and encouragement from friends he decided to pursue his dreams with Respess Real Estate, who hold the same passion and values that he has.  Matthew would love to show you what makes Eastern North Carolina so special and will work tirelessly to help navigate the path to your dream property.

John Fleming Broker

John Fleming – Real Estate Broker | Eastern North Carolina

John Fleming grew up on a family farm near Scotland Neck, North Carolina, where he developed a lifelong connection to the land and rural communities. A graduate of NC State University (2002) with a degree in Agricultural Business Management, John returned home to continue the farming tradition. Together with his brother, he built a successful row crop operation that has given him firsthand knowledge of the value, challenges, and opportunities tied to agricultural land.

Now living in Tarboro, John combines his deep agricultural roots with his passion for real estate. As a broker, he focuses on helping clients navigate the buying and selling of farmland, rural properties, and other investments across Eastern North Carolina. His goal is simple: to make the process straightforward, stress-free, and aligned with each client’s needs.

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathleen, and their two daughters, Molly and Carson. You’ll often find him on the softball field helping coach Carson’s team or outdoors exploring—from the fields of Eastern North Carolina to the trails of the Appalachian Mountains.

With both personal and professional experience in agriculture, John offers clients more than real estate expertise—he brings genuine understanding of land uses and commitment to helping them make the right decisions for their long term investment.