A background in business development, graphic design, and investment properties has proven invaluable in Scott Franko’s work as a real estate broker for Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Treasure. He has always been fascinated with real estate, making Scott’s work in both residential and commercial real estate today a culmination of his experience in economic development as well as marketing and branding.

A professional in brand design and sales and marketing for 30 years, Scott has done a lot of work within the real estate industry and has been an investor himself. His work with Treasure began when he was consulting on his own with branding and community engagement projects in the area then transitioned to a full-time position as Marketing Director, then becoming a licensed broker working with homeowners and in the commercial real estate market.

Scott explains that Treasure’s brand has been “built on 30+ years as a leader residentially with an emphasis on the island and surrounding communities close to the island.” The organization has created that niche for themselves throughout the years and it is what Treasure is built on. His work now is targeted on helping the company grow beyond residential, becoming the face of the company when it comes to commercial real estate.

Economic development in the greater Topsail area is one of Scott’s primary areas of interest and expertise. He serves as the board chair for the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and chair of that organization’s economic development committee. He also serves on the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development (JOED) board of directors.

Involvement in the community is important to Scott. That includes participation on the Tourism Development Authority of Pender County, the Tourism Advisory Committee of Onslow County, the Rotary Club of Sneads Ferry, and the Share the Table Capital Campaign Committee. 

Scott’s interest in commercial real estate and in business development activities stems partly from his own experience as a business owner and investor. He explains that he has “been on the other side of the table,” as his business worked with commercial developers. As an owner himself, he bought land and put tenants on it. That experience has helped him tremendously in his work with developing areas in Holly Ridge, Hampstead, Sneads Ferry, and on the island.

Commercial real estate often takes time, Scott emphasizes, and is a process of developing relationships, understanding needs, and doing all of it in a responsible way. Scott says he enjoys the “opportunity to work on a diverse realm of projects,” working with land owners, developers, and people who are looking to buy. He might work with retail businesses or help owners with leases. He emphasizes, “you have to be the expert and specialize in commercial.”

Scott adds that “getting to know landowners is fun. There is a lot of land available right now that has been in the family for generations.” He particularly enjoys being on the front end of the conversations with real estate developers and landowners, to “put the land to the use that it needs and going about it in a responsible way.” An important aspect of his work is developing “relationships with landowners and with developers and providing my expertise.”