Award winning team. We are the best in NC.
Meet Our Team
Our award winning team of instructors is consistently ranked some of the best in North Carolina. We are dedicated to helping every committed student successfully achieve their real estate educational goals!
Scott Gibson
Director of FM Center for Real Estate Studies, Vice President/Sales Manager
- Scott grew up in Atlanta, Georgia but moved to North Carolina while attending Appalachian State University. He has a Bachelor's degree in Music.
- Prior to real estate, Scott worked for BB&T on the Mergers and Acquisitions team responsible for training employees on systems and products.
- Scott is consistently recognized by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission for his students outstanding exam performance on the state exam.
- In addition to teaching classes for the Fonville Moriey School of Real Estate, Scott serves as a Coach in Fonville Morisey's new agent Launch program.
- Licensed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission to teach Broker Pre-licensing, Broker Post-licensing, and Continuing Education classes.
James Martin Cassady
Broker Associate
- Marty Cassady is a native of the Martinsville, Virginia area and has lived in the Triangle since 1997. He is a Virginia Tech alumnus and spent many years in Blacksburg before relocating to North Carolina. Marty was drawn here not only by the Triangle’s vibrant economy and housing market, but also by the music, arts and culture our area offers.
- Marty brings to the real estate industry three decades of experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, and sales, plus a background in broadcasting and journalism. He has worked for the Durham Herald-Sun, the Carrboro Citizen, the National Press Photographers Association, and WUNC-FM. He has done free-lance media consulting, directed marketing and promotions for two regional video rental chains, and worked in music and book retailing. His first job after college was as a radio announcer, and he still does radio for fun today, as a volunteer DJ for Durham’s WXDU and Hillsborough`s WHUP.
- Marty’s thoughts on how his work experience applies to real estate: “Everything I’ve ever done has involved customer service and client relations to some degree, and I’ve always been very proud of the level of service I’ve been able to provide. The keys are caring about your clients and doing what you say you`re going to do.”
- Marty is also an instructor with the FM School of Real Estate. He comes from a family of educators; both his parents were public school teachers (although his father left teaching and went into business at a fairly young age) and his maternal grandmother was a teacher as well. His brother is a university professor. Marty says: “A lot of what we do in real estate is educating buyers and sellers, and helping them through a complex transaction. In a way, it`s teaching. It`s also a constant learning process, as we are always continuing our own education. This is something I really enjoy and find rewarding.”
- Marty and his wife Phyllis, an Orange County native, live near Hillsborough with their dogs, cats, and backyard chickens. They divide their time between family, friends, and trips to the Virginia mountains or their condo at Carolina Beach. They are as likely to be seen at Cat’s Cradle or the Carolina Theatre as on one of the local golf courses. Marty is a Hokies fan, of course, and Phyllis roots for the UNC Tar Heels, but they make it work.
Denise Stewart
Instructor
- Excited to buy or sell a home? Not sure where to start? Curious as to what all of the terms mean that you have heard floated around you – due diligence, earnest money deposit, offer to purchase and contract? Nervous about making such a large investment?
- Allow me to partner with and guide you through the process. My job is to ensure you understand the process of buying and/or selling a home, feel comfortable with the process, and have all of your questions answered and concerns addressed. It is my privilege to both accompany you and advocate on your behalf during the purchase or sale.
- What does the process look like when you work with me? We will meet at the office in a private conference room where we can discuss the details and the steps to take to have a successful relationship. We will discuss your goals, your needs, and your timeline and I will happily answer any questions you have. Because I work for Fonville Morisey, I can also provide additional contacts for you to make the process even smoother. For instance, we have an in-house lender, insurance agent, and home warranty options. While you can always use your own providers, my experience has been that clients enjoy being able to put a face with a name when the process itself can already feel somewhat overwhelming. Buying and selling a home are exhilarating experiences – if you want it to be! Yes, there are quite a few terms and a lot of things to know about both processes, which can seem daunting at times – it’s also the time when you have the ability to decide what you aspire to have in a home – location, size, and amenities – so you can begin creating your own memories and living in your sacred space, whether it’s to work, rest, or play!
- Leverage the experience I have as both a Realtor® and a Certified Professional Coach in supporting you in finding the home you desire. As a Realtor®, I have assisted individuals looking for condos, townhomes, and single- family homes all over Wake County. As a Certified Professional Coach, I support individuals in transition – career transitions, relationship transitions, and transitions into or out of their homes. With very few exceptions, moving into a home is one of the largest and most stressful transitions a person can make – and I do not take my role in the process lightly. Allow me to walk you through the process and if you’re new to the area, please allow me to introduce you to this wonderful part of the country. Call, email, or text me to see if we’re a fit.
Thad Lewallen
Instructor
- A Winston Salem, NC native, Thad has been teaching at Wake Forest University’s School of Business as an Adjunct Professor for over 15 years. Thad has practiced real estate in NC since 1978 and has experience in both residential and commercial real estate as well as real estate development and property management.
- Thad has an entrepreneurial, family held business background manly focused in strategic management, sales and marketing.
- He holds a Business Administration degree from Lenoir Rhyne University and is currently enrolled in a Master of International Business degree at UNCG.
- He operates Lewallen Management, LLC which consults in the Real Estate and assists persons with their daily money management needs. He is a member of the Association of Daily Money Managers and is a mentor with Forsyth Technical Community College’s Small Business Center where he consults with small entrepreneurial startup businesses.
- Thad spends most of his free time in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and competing in AKC Hunt Tests with his Labrador Retriever.
Dennis Miller
Instructor
- As a licensed North Carolina real instructor for over 20 years, Dennis brings a wealth of real estate knowledge to the classroom. Having sold over $300 million in new homes, Dennis has been among the top new home sales representatives in the country.
- Dennis has a BBA from the University of Houston, and an MBA in corporate finance from Strayer University. Beside teaching for Fonville Center for Real Estate Studies, Dennis has also been a college professor for over 20 years
- Dennis is married to his lovely wife, Connie. He has three daughters, and eight grandchildren. He earned his Black Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do in 2002.
Sam Pyrtle
Broker Associate
- North Carolina native - Born in Eden, NC and attended N.C. State University from 1988-1993.
- Worked in the hospitality business for 10 yrs - specializing in the management of small luxury hotels. Worked for the renowned Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada, FL and the world-class Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands.
- Resident of Raleigh, NC since 2003
- Resident of Islamorada, FL for 7 yrs
- Resident of Miami, FL for 3 yrs
Pam Young
Instructor
- A native North Carolinian, Pam is originally from the Western portion of our State and currently lives in the semi-rural town of Archer Lodge with her husband Michael and their rescued black Lab, Clyde.
- In addition to being a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker and certified Instructor, Pam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development.
- Having worked in senior management in both the public and non-profit arena for over 25 years, Pam has been a full-time Real Estate Broker and business owner since 2015.
- Pam has built her business and reputation on honesty, transparency, resourcefulness and commitment to the client and values the uniqueness found in each person and their individual needs.
- Being a breast cancer survivor, Pam realizes how life can change unexpectedly and embraces the importance of each day and enjoys finding the best in any given situation.
Rod Eller
Senior Vice President/Regional Manager
- Rod oversees the Triangle, Triad, and Southwest Virginia regions. With his leadership, the company and its agents have grown their business and achieved success in each market area. Rod has extensive experience in real estate, leadership, and coaching after working in the industry for over three decades.
- In his role with the company, Rod oversees the leadership team in recruitment, retention, business development, and sales productivity.
- In addition, Rod has worked with Roberts Business Group as a senior consultant where he helped organizations and individuals improve performance and engagement in the areas of leadership, sales, and client service.
Rob Silvia
Branch Services Director
- Rob provides technical support, training, and marketing support for the Triangle region. His vast knowledge in these areas makes him an asset to the company and our agents.
- Rob is also a collaborator with the award-winning Success Path team at Long & Foster.
- Rob has a comprehensive knowledge of numerous real estate tools, including MoxiWorks, RealScout, ActivePipe, Spacio, Testimonial Tree, and many more that agents use to improve their business. He is paramount in educating the company’s agents on ways to use tools to capture business opportunities.
Martha Castellanos
Branch Administrator
- Martha is responsible for the administrative functions of the school. She handles student registrations, class submissions to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, and provides administrative assistant to the school’s Director.
- Martha has served in many capacities with the company over many years. She has worked in multiple locations across the company’s footprint. Her excessive knowledge makes her an invaluable team member for not only our students but also for our staff.
- Martha handles student’s questions, concerns, and all school related inquiries. She is the first point of contact for all students of the FM Center for Real Estate Studies.
