SMC Broker Panel 2026

Description

The Cape Fear Sales and Marketing Council presents the 2026 Broker Panel Breakfast 

Growth Under Pressure: Aligning Housing, Infrastructure, and Demand 

Hear insights on growth and the challenges that come along with it from local experts in our market, so you can be prepared for what's coming and communicate opportunities with your clients and colleagues. 

Featured Panelists:

Alan Degen, Division President - Wilmington, New Leaf Builders
A self-described “construction guy”, Alan has a true passion for the craft of homebuilding.
Growing up in northwest Ohio, construction was the family business; he spent summers working on residential projects with his Grand-father, Father and Uncle. Upon earning a Construction Management degree from The Ohio State University, he pursued a management position with a roofing and siding company in Myrtle Beach, SC. After transferring to Charleston, it was time to pursue the true passion of home building with New Leaf Builders in 2012. During his years with New Leaf Builders, Alan has held many positions: Project Manager, Purchasing and Estimating Manager, Operations Manager, and now leads New Leaf’s first expansion outside of Charleston as the Division President for the Wilmington Division. A dedicated and driven leader, Alan takes a hands-on approach to ensuring that all New Leaf projects are delivered with the seamless, high quality experience that is New Leaf Builders is known for.

John Nichols, Public Utilities Director, Brunswick County 
John is the Utilities Director for Brunswick County, a coastal retirement and vacation destination in one of the fastest growing areas in North Carolina serving a peak population of over 300,000. Prior to joining the utility in 2006, he worked as a consulting engineer specializing in water quality, water quantity, hydraulics, utility design, roadway design, and erosion control for primarily municipal and state clients. John received his BS in Civil Engineering from N.C. State University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and is a Professional Engineer and Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control. John was recently recognized as part of the 2020 Wilmington Biz 100 for contributions to southeastern North Carolina’s economic growth and is on the American Membrane Technology Association’s Board of Directors, currently serving on its Executive Committee as Secretary. 

Tim Milam, Owner/CEO, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage
After purchasing Coldwell Banker Sea Coast in 1997, Tim has, with hard work and perseverance, created one of the top performing companies in the Coldwell Banker system. For 26 consecutive years, his company has been the #1 market leader in Southeastern North Carolina, and a member of the Coldwell Banker International Chairman’s Circle. For the past five years, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage was named the #1 affiliate company in North America for Coldwell Banker and in 2025 achieved over $3.4 Billion in closed sales volume and 8,200 closed transactions in the Wilmington region, and over $6.6 Billion in closed sales volume and over 16,500 closed transactions in all offices in North and South Carolina. At every Sales meeting Tim leaves his Agents with some very wise advice, which is “to do something nice for someone each week”. He leads by setting a stellar example of doing what is right. Tim adopted a motto years ago from a Motivational Speaker at a Coldwell Banker National Convention, which is “Attitude is Everything”. When asked about his success, Tim will always give the same answer, “our people are the very best of the best.” 

Thank you, sponsors!

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