Chris Roper
A Realtor with a Heart for Community and a Passion for Helping Others Achieve Their Dreams
In the bustling town of Wilmington, North Carolina, a young boy named Chris Roper was born with a spark of curiosity and a deep connection to his roots. Growing up in the charming town of Burgaw, he experienced the warmth of a tight-knit community and learned the value of compassion, integrity, and service. These foundational values would shape his journey as he set out to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others through his career in real estate.
Chris's path to becoming a successful Realtor® was not a direct one. After completing his education at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he earned a degree in Political Science, he embarked on a career as a high school social studies teacher. His passion for education shone through as he dedicated himself to shaping young minds and inspiring his students.
However, life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. The allure of the IT industry beckoned, and Chris found himself transitioning into a local IT startup in Wilmington. As he navigated the ever-evolving world of technology, he honed his skills in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
It was in 2020 that Chris felt a calling to real estate. The acquisition of the IT startup by a Fortune 50 company opened his eyes to new possibilities. He yearned for a career that would allow him to build lasting relationships, help people achieve their goals, and create something of his own from the ground up. Thus, his journey as a realtor began.
With a passion for serving others, Chris obtained his real estate license in 2020, marking the start of a new chapter. Reflecting on his decision, Chris shares, "I loved the idea of starting up a new business that would allow me to help people and build lasting relationships. I also loved the idea of building something of my own from the ground up."
His early real estate career saw him join the Buddy Blake Team, immersing himself in a collaborative and supportive team environment. However, Chris had a burning ambition to establish himself as an individual agent and eventually build his own team. In early 2021, he made the bold leap to Century 21 Sweyer and Associates, now known as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Premier Properties. Here, he found the perfect environment to thrive, surrounded by a culture that aligned with his values and a leadership team that nurtured his growth. Chris speaks highly of one of his current mentors stating, “One of the things that I love about BHHSCPP is that I am surrounded by some of the best agents in the business. There have been many folks in my office that I have learned from and that have mentored me along the way. More specifically, my Broker-In-Charge Clinton Howlett has been a wonderful resource for me over the past 2 years. Clinton and I have weekly business coaching sessions and these sessions have been invaluable to my development as a Realtor. Clinton is exceptionally knowledgeable about all aspects of Real Estate. His ability to stay cool and deliver under pressure is something that I really admire.”
Throughout his journey, Chris has garnered recognition for his exceptional performance as a realtor. In 2022, he received the BHHS President's Circle Award and the Company Shooting Star Award, acknowledging his dedication, commitment, and outstanding results. These accolades serve as a testament to his unwavering work ethic and his genuine desire to provide exemplary service to his clients.
But beyond the awards and achievements, Chris's true fulfillment lies in the human connections he forges. For him, there is nothing more rewarding than helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. As Chris emphatically states, "There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone successfully navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. I get chills every time I have the opportunity to put keys in my buyer's hands for the first time or drop off a proceeds check to a seller. It’s a wonderful feeling and something I never take for granted."
In addition to his career, Chris is deeply rooted in his community and actively involved in various organizations. As a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Burgaw, he devotes his time and efforts to enriching the lives of the youth in the area. His commitment to community extends further with the launch of "Hometown Connections," a web video series highlighting small businesses and nonprofits in Burgaw. Through this platform, Chris showcases the heart and soul of his beloved hometown, shedding light on its charm and the people who make it thrive.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Chris finds solace and joy in his family life. He shares a loving bond with his wife, Kelly Jarrell, whom he has been happily married to for nearly 11 years. Together, they recently welcomed their newborn daughter, Sadie Rose Roper, into the world. The joy of parenthood has brought an even deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment to their lives. Chris and Kelly share a love for travel, exploring new restaurants, and indulging in their shared passion for live music, particularly jam bands and bluegrass.
Amidst his busy schedule, Chris remains grounded in his roots as a farmer, assisting his father in operating a small generational family farm in Pender County. This connection to the land and the values instilled in him during his childhood continue to shape his perspective and fuel his drive to make a difference.
When asked about his hobbies and interests, Chris's face lights up with enthusiasm. Alongside his love for live music and travel, he finds solace in staying physically active, whether it's through running, cycling, or exploring the great outdoors. He also shares an intriguing secret not often found in his online bio – he is an avid vinyl record collector with a personal collection of over 500 records.
Through his remarkable journey, Chris Roper has learned invaluable lessons and gained wisdom that he readily imparts to aspiring real estate professionals. He emphasizes the importance of putting clients and people first, providing exemplary service, and staying focused on serving others rather than chasing transactions and numbers. For Chris, success lies in the impact he has on the lives of others, and his dedication to caring for his clients shines through in every interaction.
As he continues to build his real estate business, Chris envisions a future where he can retire and split his time between the mountains and the beach, two places that hold a special place in his heart. However, his dreams extend beyond personal fulfillment. Chris aims to leave a lasting legacy of hard work, kindness, and friendship. He wants to be remembered as a great father and husband, someone who made a positive impact on the lives of those he crossed paths with.
In closing, Chris Roper's story is one of resilience, determination, and a genuine passion for helping others. He embodies the spirit of a true professional, dedicated to his clients, his community, and his own personal growth. With each transaction, he leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those he serves, and his unwavering commitment to service is an inspiration to all. In the words of his favorite quote by Jim Valvano, "Don't ever give up, don't ever give up," Chris Roper continues to forge ahead, making a difference and leaving his mark on the world of real estate.