OUT & ABOUT IN WNC

Our agents have been out & about! From helping build communities up through service to celebrating with clients, below are a few fun highlights to share from our “Company News Feed.”

Welcome Courtney Dills!

As a lifelong resident of North Carolina, I have extensive knowledge of the area and the unique challenges faced when living “in the mountains.” Prior to Real Estate, I have experience in all areas of construction, including site prep and septic installation.

An avid outdoorsman, sharing the beauty of the area has always been a passion. Being a mother and grandmother myself, I’m family driven and would love to show future residents the wonderful opportunities that life in the Smokies has to offer.

Q&A with Courtney

Q&A with Courtney

Q: We admire your involvement in local community organizations. Are there any special outreach opportunities or recovery efforts in the Bryson City area that you would like to highlight?

The effects of Helene will be seen far into the future. The immensity of this catastrophe brought to light the heart of our fellow Americans and the tenacity of the Appalachian people.

In the immediate wake of this disaster, I was terrified to know that my children were in Greene County, TN. They took quite a bit of damage. Their grandmother lost her house along with a lifetime's worth of pictures and keepsakes. My emotions were quite mixed when I learned that my 22-year-old daughter had joined search and rescue efforts in Erwin,

TN, but her decision solidified my own.  I was privileged to work alongside some members of the Cajun Navy 2016 and a fantastic group of folks that came from Davie County North Carolina and volunteered their equipment, resources, and time to come help strangers. Seeing people meet their neighbors for the first time, after they "lived up the creek" from one another for over a decade. Meeting people who had very few resources themselves, that brought everything they had, to give to someone who had nothing. The men that drove across the country because someone shared a prayer request at church in Oregon. The local woman who lost the entirety of her new business, cleaned out the muck, closed the doors and has invested everything she has left in personally helping individual families. I could go on because I'm a gatherer of stories. It has been a very humbling experience to say the least.

The land and the people here are forever changed. I would say what's really highlighted though, is that humanity has hope. There are good people everywhere and the times that are the darkest bring out the most light.

Q: You were born and raised in North Carolina— what unique qualities of this region do you think make it extra special?

A: Growing up in Western North Carolina afforded me the opportunity to really connect with nature. As a child, being indoors was considered a punishment and shoes were only worn regularly when school was in session. I still loathe wearing them. Summers were spent on the riverbanks fishing, swimming and camping with the extended family, as well as working in my grandfather’s extensive garden. I feel

uniquely privileged that I have such an “old school” upbring. Integrity and hard work are simply a way of life.

Being raised with my brother and male cousins, I was regularly the only girl in the bunch and had no option but to keep up. Whatever the boys were doing, I wanted to do it better. Due to this, I have worked in every aspect of construction. From operating heavy equipment clearing house sites to putting the finishing trim on the inside, I have firsthand knowledge, resources and contacts to assist in every step of the process of home building as well as handyman services for already constructed homes. And I know all the cool hiding spots!

Q: If someone had one weekend to spend in Western North Carolina, what are your top three recommendations for exploring the area?

A: If I were coming to Western North Carolina for only one weekend, I would start a day drive by visiting Judaculla Rock in Cullowhee NC. Covered in 1,500-year-old petroglyphs, this ancient soapstone contains more petroglyphs than any other known boulder east of the Mississippi and was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. From there, I would follow 107 S to Cashiers for lunch at the Cashiers Valley Smokehouse because who doesn’t love a good brisket! Leaving from Cashiers on 64 W leads to several of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Dry Falls where you can walk behind the waterfall for a very different perspective. Most Saturday nights, one can easily find live music at many of the breweries around the area. My personal favorite is Native Brews Tap and Grill in Cherokee, NC and I’m looking forward to the Bryson City location opening soon!

Q: What’s your go-to activity when you’re not working?

A: When I’m not working, I’m outdoors. From hiking the many trails around to simply swinging in a hammock on a riverbank, I can think of nothing better than enjoying the beauty that epitomizes this area.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote or source of inspiration?

A: I have two mottos that I strive to live by: “If you are going to do something, DO IT RIGHT.”

“Every day is a holiday, and every meal is a feast.”

The first is from my dad who passed away when I was eight. He always stressed the importance of putting your best effort into any undertaking and seeking knowledge in the event you don’t know what you’re doing.

The second is from my Pop. I am so fortunate that my stepdad is one in a billion. He has been through many physical hardships including a broken back and yet he maintains the best attitude. My Pop exemplifies gratitude and determination. This saying and his tenacity has pulled me through some of my hardest times and weakest moments.

At the end of the day, I’m grateful to all those that have helped push me on my way, particularly "The Great Oak Tree."