
Helen Adams Realty is excited to announce the transition of Julie Sullivan Valbuena to Broker-in-Charge of the Ballantyne office.

Originally from Boston, Valbuena has called Charlotte home for over 15 years and raised three children here. Her extensive network, fresh perspective, and teamwork mentality will help the Ballantyne office soar to new heights.
Valbuena joined Helen Adams Realty as a REALTOR® over three years ago at the firm’s Randolph Road office. “Since the day Julie joined us she has gone above and beyond to connect with others and find ways to help and provide value to those around her,” says President, Jeff Adams. “She is a natural leader, a true people person, and she is passionately driven. We're thrilled to have Julie take this position and know she will lead our Ballantyne agents towards many more successful years ahead.”
It is evident that Valbeua is passionate about coaching others towards success. Cara Shields, Broker-in-Charge of the Randolph Road office, was able to experience that firsthand in working with Julie early on in her career. When asked about this transition, Shields said, "Julie easily relates to our agents and our clients at the office and in the community. She is constantly focused on ways to help our agents and our company become better. I am excited to have her join our management team and work alongside her in this new capacity."
Geri Mullinix, Broker-in-Charge at the Fort Mill office says, “Julie brings a fresh perspective to the Broker-in-Charge position since she was a Helen Adams agent previously. She uses our technology, marketing, and business tools regularly and can quickly assess what changes would be impactful for agents in the future. Her friendly and welcoming personality makes Julie approachable and a joy to work with.”
Echoing their sentiments, Julia Bumgarner, Broker-in-Charge of the firm’s Lake Norman office says, “Julie will no doubt lead the Ballantyne agents to even greater successes in the years to come.”
Transitioning from his current role as Broker-in-Charge at our Ballantyne office, Mike Thornburg will assume the role of the company’s Talent Development Coach full time, assisting new agents at the firm as they launch their careers.
“We put our agents first so that they can put their clients first,” said Adams. “Having strong leaders in the Broker-in-Charge roll and across all of our staff positions means we can provide the support that keeps our agents a cut above the rest. Agent engagement, support, and training are paramount to ensuring our agents are positioned as trusted advisors in their communities.”
Helen Adams, a sixth generation Charlottean, founded her residential real estate company in Charlotte in 1975. Her achievements as an entrepreneur and community leader laid the foundation for a thriving, multi-office real estate business that is now run by second and third-generation family members. After more than 45 years as a leader in the Charlotte marketplace and beyond, Helen’s standards of excellence are the guiding principles for the firm, which provides a traditional, relationship-based experience with a cutting-edge approach.
Helen Adams Realty is proud to be woman-founded, family-owned, and locally operated. Click to learn more about the firm’s strong history and deep roots in Charlotte.
Getting to Know Julie:
So why real estate? What led you into the industry?
Real Estate has always been an interest for me. When I first moved to Charlotte in 2003 I took the Real Estate Course and contemplated starting my own business but at that point, I had three small children at home and made the decision to stay home with them. Once they were older and mostly independent, I rushed right back to start my Real Estate career! Plus real estate runs in my family - I have a brother who owns a firm in Nantucket!
What’s your favorite part of the business?
My favorite part of this business is helping people reach their goals! I have a background as an athlete and coach so I have a team mentality and love to work towards group success. Being a little competitive doesn't hurt either
What's your favorite part of the Ballantyne area?
Ballantyne is definitely a hidden gem of the Charlotte area. The neighborhoods are established, the schools are excellent and it's a comfortable and accessible distance to the hustle and bustle of the city. It's exciting to see the growth and enhancements coming to the Ballantyne area!