Today we’d like to introduce you to John Powell.
Hi John, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been involved in the local commercial real estate landscape for more than 30 years. My father owned a small office building when I was growing up and I got a taste of real estate by working on fit ups a few summers. I also got to type up a few leases for the various office suites and created budgets for him to properly track rental income and operating expenses. Years later while I was in college, he assembled 125 acres near the Raleigh Durham International Airport to create a business park, and I learned how a land assemblage was pieced together. I also learned about the importance of covenants and restrictions to protect and govern the development within the park. After getting my real estate license, those properties became my first listings and with my marketing background I began to create successful marketing platforms around the offerings. A few years later in late 1992, I opened my own Commercial Real Estate company and soon added a few brokers and a full time marketing assistant. Over the years I’ve been involved on every side of the transaction and have also been involved on the development side with new ground-up build-to-suit projects. The entrepreneurial spirit has always been close to my heart; I enjoy being an owner, a teacher, and a mentor. I still love representing clients to properly craft strategic solutions to fit their needs. I mainly focus in the industrial and office sectors and also enjoy land assignments for both platforms. Today SVN Raleigh has 18 people on the roll with 13 advisors in production and we intend to grow. We are blessed to be located in one of the most vibrant markets in the country and feel the journey ahead will be fruitful!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No journey over a 30-year career can be consistently smooth; I’ve endured multiple economic recessions! The blessing has been the consistent theme that the Triangle Region has typically remained insulated and has been one of the stronger markets during a downturn. I’ve always felt we were the last ones in the pool and the first ones out, so to speak, during a downturn compared to other parts of the country. I feel we all learn more from difficulty than from success and one the the best things I’ve learned is to be debt free, to keep resources in the bank, and to surround yourself with loyal people who are consistent leaders no matter the current economic cllimate.
We’ve been impressed with SVN Raleigh, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We were formerly know as Phoenix Commercial Properties based in Raleigh, NC. Over the years we’ve been named “Raleigh’s Best” Commercial Real Estate firm multiple times. We were on such a good path as an independent boutique. We relocated and expanded out office in the summer of 2025. We felt the time was right to consider aligning with a larger national flag and on December 1, 2025 we launched a complete rebrand and became SVN Raleigh. We are now part of the SVN network with more than 200 offices across the country and more than 2,200 advisors who focus on delivering strategic solutions to their clients. The Core Value we hold dear align perfectly with SVN and we are already enjoying the spirit of collaboration throughout the network. Our culture has set us apart from the competition for years and now the SVN platform gives us additional momentum! I call everyone in our office “an individual ingredient in our recipe for success”. As long as we continue to add the proper ingredients to our recipe, we will consistently deliver amazing results to our clients. This mindset has worked for years and we are so excited about the road ahead form the entire SNV Raleigh TEAM!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people over the years! I have an incredible wife who for almost 35 years have been my biggest supporter and my loudest cheerleader! In addition, my father taught me the importance of having ethics and integrity be your compass for life! Its so easy to be a great guy when things are going well, but the true test of a man is how he reacts when his back is against the wall! When you get squeezed everyone see’s what’s really inside you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.svnraleigh.com
- Instagram: @johncpowell61 (personal) and @svnraleigh (business)
- LinkedIn: John C Powell
