Tony Harrington’s Leadership in a Landmark Year

BY LEE NELSON
Lee Nelson is a freelance journalist from Illinois. She writes for REALTOR® Magazine, several state  REALTOR® Magazines and websites, and loanDepot.com.

Tony Harrington’s career took off in the skies, working as a flight  attendant, flight service instructor and later as an international  flight service manager for American Airlines. Along the way, he  noticed an interesting trend—many of his colleagues were also  part-time real estate agents, balancing their love for flying with a  passion for property. “I thought it was intriguing, especially the flexibility in their schedule,” says  Harrington, the 2024 president of NC REALTORS®. Now, he’s the managing broker for Corcoran HM Properties in Wilmington.

Harrington earned his real estate license in 1996, just as the internet was beginning to reshape the  industry. “But you still had to come into the office to pick up a key,” he recalls. What began as a  curiosity turned into a full-time career, and Harrington can’t imagine doing anything else. “In my 20s, I saw the world and was able to see something bigger than myself. It’s the same in real estate,” he  says.

Finding His Footing in Leadership
Harrington’s path to leadership in real estate didn’t begin right away. Patrice Willetts, a broker in his  office, was initially interviewed by Harrington when she switched to his brokerage.

“But she ended up interviewing me,” Harrington recalls. “’What are you doing?’ she asked. I had been in real estate 17 years before I did any volunteer work.” Willetts quickly became his colleague,  mentor and the person who took him to his first national REALTORS® convention, an experience that transformed his outlook on getting involved. Willetts served as president of NC REALTORS® in 2013.

“She had been there, and she knows the changes that can happen. She’s been a grounding source,”  Harrington says. “If you get into leadership, find a mentor who is reality-based and  grounded.”

As Harrington became more involved in the REALTOR® community and its associations, he started  to see the bigger picture and the numerous volunteer opportunities available.

Willetts says that if you know this man at all, you know that the term, “It ain’t done till it’s overdone,”  follows him. “Details matter,” she adds. “As impeccable as he is in his attire, I’ve seen him jump into a  dunking booth in a suit and bowtie for an RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee)  fundraiser. He’s even worn an old-fashioned men’s swimsuit for a dunking booth and goes all out for  a Halloween costume party.”

Willetts believes that when someone steps up to serve, it’s important they do it for the right reasons:  to bring focus and serve the organization’s needs.

“Tony does exactly that. The state association and its members can rely on him. He’s always  prepared and doesn’t just wing it,” she says.

Guiding Through Change
Stepping into the role of president was a bit overwhelming at first, Harrington confesses. Immediate  past president Leigh Brown recognizes the pressure. “This is such a stressful year, but he’s worked  so hard to be calm and available, and that’s key,” she says.

Brown’s advice to him was to always bring future leaders along for the journey, ensuring no one is left in. “It’s how we keep the momentum going,” she adds. Harrington understands that leaders often  come in with an agenda in mind. “But quickly, the market will tell you where you are going and how  you’ll react,” he remarks. “It taught me to be calm, patient and supportive to those around me.”

He likens it to his time as a flight attendant. “The passengers are first looking for you, your facial  expression and your reactions if there are problems in mid-air,” he emphasizes. In real estate, the  biggest lesson learned is that the sky isn’t falling. “We will navigate the intricacies in our market, and  we are all in this together. We’ll move through it all one day at a time,” he adds.

One of Harrington’s most fulfilling moments as president has been witnessing the resilience of  members across the state. “There’s been a lot of change this year from the national way of doing  business because of the lawsuit, changes in forms and processes, and changes in the way we  communicate,” he states. “I’m so proud of how REALTORS® are jumping in and moving with the  changes, adopting them and being smart and creative out there. Resiliency is the biggest thing I see across the state.”

Amplifying REALTOR® Value
The statewide public awareness campaign, Our REALTORS® Know, was initiated last October, but it officially launched in April.

“It’s a multi-faceted campaign with print, social media, billboards, airport ads and more,” Harrington  says. “We advertised in every market, highlighting the value of REALTORS®. It’s one of the most  impactful initiatives we’ve put into play.” As soon as the South Carolina REALTORS® saw what their  neighboring state was doing, they asked to come on board.

“We partnered with them on the materials and branding. It’s important for neighboring states to  collaborate, especially since many REALTORS® are licensed in two states,” Harrington explains.  “The campaign runs year-round, and the website, ncrealtorsknow.com, offers resources like videos,  testimonials and real consumers sharing how REALTORS® helped them in their transactions.”

NC REALTORS®’ theme for 2024 is Discover, Grow, Lead, which emphasizes the vital role REALTORS® play in the housing industry. “Coming into this year with national lawsuits, we quickly  realized more than ever that REALTORS® needed to scream from the rooftops our value when  talking to consumers and the value we bring to the profession,” he states. “We needed to internally  grow the services and programs offered, and we have so much offered from the state and national  levels. If we don’t grow, we become stagnant.”

Harrington also stresses the importance of leading by example, living by the Code of Ethics and  educating the next generation of REALTORS®.

“We’re seeing record numbers of new members across the state,” he continues. “With better education, our REALTORS® are more equipped to handle the market’s ups and downs. Some years  are good, and others are just okay—you have to plan for both.”

John McPherson, NC REALTORS® president-elect, credits Harrington for his dedication to shaping  the right narrative for members and the public. “He has traveled the state to be there for the  membership,” says McPherson, Broker at Coldwell Banker Advantage, Winston-Salem. “The issues  he has tackled this year probably should have been over a several-year period, but came all at  once.”

McPherson describes Harrington as a “great” president with a calming presence. “He’s taught me  patience. He’s caring, giving and I look forward to seeing him finish the year strong,” he says.

Building International Bridges
Harrington played a key role in launching the NC REALTORS® Global Network, a subcommittee  under the association’s Economic Development Committee. Due to its rapid growth, the network is  set to become a freestanding committee in 2025.

“At its core, the network is designed to make the global real estate market more accessible, profitable and ethical for NC REALTORS®,” says Jason Gentry, current chair of the Global Network and a  Global Real Estate Advisor at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty in Charlotte.

Gentry, who has known Harrington for about five years, reflects on their connection. “While it’s a  newer friendship for me, it feels like I’ve known Tony for ages,” he says.

This year, they attended the MIPIM Conference in Cannes, France, the largest international real  estate event in the world, representing 90 countries and over 20,000 delegates.

“Traveling with Tony to such a prestigious event always reminds me to show up: well-dressed,  prepared and polished—but authentic,” he states. “Tony has a way about him that is engaging no  matter what language one speaks or customs they follow, which is particularly important when you  are speaking to an international audience.”

Gentry adds that he’s learned a lot about real estate from Harrington, including the mantra “don’t  stop.”

“Tony is the guy who puts in 110 percent effort until the very last second. He’s a true business  visionary,” he adds.

“Tony is a natural connector, always thinking outside the box on how relationships can be meaningful, whether they lead to business partnerships or just new friendships in the business.”

Championing REALTOR® Advocacy
This year, the topic of insurance rate hikes resurfaced, as it does every few years. “Because of the  coastline and flood areas, we were fighting a big fight with flood insurance and insurance in general,”  he states. “I live on the coast, and when the rate suggestions came out from the insurance commissioner, prices were going up 99 percent in my area. That’s just an example of what coastal  areas face.”

The NC REALTORS® advocacy team quickly lobbied and issued a call to action, and members  responded. “Fortunately, the insurance commissioner heard us and had it removed. We have not  seen that rate increase. We are waiting for further conversation,” he says.

Harrington emphasizes that NC REALTORS® advocacy and legislation efforts directly impact  members’ bottom lines, from taxes on services to various fees in certain regions.

The association’s website offers a financial calculator where agents can input their annual earnings  and transaction volume to see exactly how much they’ve saved from these advocacy efforts. “It’s like  an aha moment. I realized where my money was going to help legislation and to help real estate  causes,” he adds.

Finding Balance
Outside of work, Harrington and his husband, Edward Alexander, have been together for 28 years  and live in Wilmington with their 10-year-old Corgi, Watson. Harrington fondly reflects on their shared interest in collecting McCoy pottery and his time as president of the national McCoy Pottery  Collectors’ Society.

“They are amazing individually, but even more wonderful together,” Gentry says of Harrington and  Alexander. “And Tony’s bowtie—legendary.”

As a kid, Harrington competed in speed skating and water skiing. “It was fun,” he recalls. These  days, he finds joy in his work and his many volunteer efforts.

“If I’m not working, I’m volunteering,” he says. Harrington is actively involved in local organizations,  including a theater group, animal rescue and food banks. “There are a lot of different arenas we get  involved with,” he adds.

Passing The Torch
Harrington’s advice for future leaders is clear: lean on your staff and listen to your members.

“Leadership is about how you react to adversity. Your members are watching,” he says. He hopes to  leave behind a sense of calm and assurance for the future.

As his tenure draws to a close, Harrington remains optimistic about the future of NC REALTORS®.  “Not everyone will be happy with every decision, and that’s okay,” he says.

“What matters is that we keep moving forward, together.”