Zach Payne traces his roots back to the picturesque town of Dahlonega, Georgia. His upbringing, however, unfolded amidst the rolling hills and verdant landscapes of Cleveland, GA, a place he fondly recalls as home. "Growing up in the north Georgia mountains was a pretty incredible experience – one I wouldn’t appreciate fully until I was much older," Zach reminisces. His formative years were steeped in the world of real estate, with parents deeply entrenched in the industry. "Every family vacation, every road trip, every trip to the grocery store… just about every time we were in the car, the conversation revolved around real estate," he recalls with a smile, highlighting the indelible mark his upbringing left on his career trajectory.  As far as how he likes to conduct business, Zach says with a smile: “I’m a cowboy boots and hat guy, I sell multi-million-dollar homes, but my image is more Ralph Lauren western than suit and tie.”

After graduating from a small private school in Gainesville, Zach ventured into the bustling metropolis of New York City to pursue his dreams at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. "I left a graduating class of 42 and went into a freshman class of over a thousand students, in the biggest city in the country," he reflects. His journey at NYU saw him explore the realms of acting before transitioning to advertising, a decision that would profoundly shape his future. "I figured acting was one in a million… businesses will always need advertising!" he quips, showcasing the pragmatic mindset that guides his career choices.

In 2012, armed with a BA in Visual Communication with a concentration in Advertising and Design from Savannah College of Art and Design, Zach embarked on a path that seamlessly blended creativity with commerce. His foray into the advertising industry laid the groundwork for his eventual transition into real estate. "I think it’s in my blood if I’m being honest," Zach remarks, acknowledging the incredible six generations of real estate ties in his family that drew him to the industry. “Family business can have longevity and legacy beyond a single generation, even if you have entirely different markets and clients,” he notes. His journey took an unexpected turn when family responsibilities beckoned him back to Georgia, prompting a shift towards a career in real estate.

Joining Keller Williams marked the beginning of Zach's illustrious real estate career. Under the mentorship of seasoned professionals, he honed his skills, imbibing invaluable lessons along the way. "Your first years are all about the training," he affirms, underscoring the importance of mentorship in his professional development. As he navigated the intricacies of the industry, Zach's commitment to integrity and client-centric practices emerged as the cornerstone of his approach. "I always try to put myself in my client’s shoes… someone who brings you a solution, not a problem," he emphasizes, epitomizing the ethos of service that defines his practice.

Over the years, Zach's dedication and expertise have garnered him widespread acclaim, earning accolades such as life membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Club and setting records for the highest residential sales prices in multiple counties. He was the number one residential agent in his brokerage by sales volume before he left, and he’s been the number one KW agent many times for the southeast region in volume sold. Yet, for Zach, success transcends mere accolades. "Success is not about how much you have in the bank… it’s about the journey," he muses, embodying a philosophy rooted in humility and gratitude.

Beyond work, Zach's passions extend to philanthropy and advocacy. Together with his wife Jordan, he channels his love for animals into meaningful initiatives aimed at rescuing and sheltering abandoned animals. "We personally rescue and take care of a lot of animals… providing safety, shelter, and love," Zach shares, reflecting on their shared commitment to making a difference in their community.

As he charts the course for the future, Zach remains steadfast in his commitment to excellence and innovation. With the recent launch of PAYNE Real Estate, he embarks on a new chapter, driven by a vision to redefine luxury and elevate the client experience. "We are planning some incredible new projects that are going to be really groundbreaking," he teases, hinting at the bold endeavors that lie ahead.