Meet the Staff
Again and again, people comment on how friendly and knowledgeable our staff is here at The Headwaters. You don’t have to take our word for it, though, just read what others had to say about their experience. Give us a call and find out what it’s like to work with a no-pressure, helpful, and friendly staff. We look forward to you joining our growing family!
John Haynes, Developer
With over 19 years of real estate experience including appraisal, corporate land acquisitions, residential development and resort property sales, John feels his myriad of experiences have been a single journey leading to this one development. His deep Christian faith has instilled in him the conviction that he is merely a steward of the land, not its owner. The result is that he takes great care in seeing that the property is improved with an attention to detail, not often found in other similar developments. Furthermore, just as important as it is for him to provide residents with world class amenities, is his desire to see them utilized by owners and guests coming and going, making new friends and bringing life to these stone and timber frame community buildings. John has been happily married since 1987 and enjoys raising his twin boys here in the High Country.
Linda Kromer-Cramblit, Sales and Administraton
Linda was born and raised in South Florida. She graduated in 1986 from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale with a degree in Commercial Art/Advertising & Design. She spent 14 years as Art Director and Production Manager in the manufacturing sector. She relocated to Banner Elk in 2001 with her husband Jay and their two children.
Tarry Crockett, Sales
With over 20 years in the Resort and Real estate Industries from the coast of Maine to the West coast of Florida, Tarry Crockett believes firmly in serving not selling. Tarry’s welcomed serving style, he says, allows him to also relax and enjoy discovering what a family’s life long dreams and goals are and, if Headwaters is right for them, assist in making those dreams become an everyday extraordinary reality.
Mark Kranich, Sales
Mark is a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and, before joining our staff at The Headwaters, he worked very successfully in private community property sales for Celebration Associates/the Homestead Preserve in Virginia and Albemarle Plantation in northeastern North Carolina. Prior to that he was in both sales and corporate sales management with Northwestern Mutual where he earned both the CLU and ChFC designations and was extensively involved in the charitable estate planning market. In his spare time, Mark enjoys hiking, golf, racquetball, Bible study/church involvement and serving as a Volunteer Instructor for Crossroads Bible Institute, a correspondence-based ministry to prison inmates around the country. Being a business school alum and avid University of Wisconsin Badger fan, he also loves college sports. Mark and his wife Cindy, a Virginia native and William & Mary graduate, make their home in Banner Elk.
Douglas Young, Sales
Douglas grew up in western Pennsylvania which explains his passion for sports. He still enjoys participating in organized sports but loves the outdoors too. After graduating from the University of South Florida, he accepted a position with a hospital management firm working in Florida and California before pursuing a career in real estate. The beauty of the mountains combined with its outdoor recreational activities lured Douglas to this area nearly ten years ago. His first visit to Headwaters occurred in 2007 while he was working as a community advisor/consultant for private mountain communities in Western North Carolina. Douglas feels the great values offered at The Headwaters will exceed your expectations, as evidenced by the testimonials he’s had the joy of hearing since joining the team.
Sam Storey, Landscaping
Sam is a neighbor of The Headwaters. His influence has done more for turning this rough gemstone into a diamond than any one team member. It is his eye for landscaping and his extensive knowledge of the forest that has transformed the grounds into what one sees today. Over and over, guests at The Headwaters ask, “Who does your landscaping?” He does far more that just landscaping. Having grown up in the shadow of the land that is now The Headwaters, he has all the experience and contacts to get most any job done in a professional manner. It is a blessing to have someone of his caliber and integrity on The Headwaters team.
Josephine Haynes, Administration/Human Resources
Josephine Haynes is the wife of John Haynes and mother to two twin boys, Scott and Michael. She oversees the administration staff, hiring of new employees and assists with the day to day operation of the Welcome Center. While growing up in the mountainous country of Japan as the daughter of career missionaries, she developed a great love of the mountains and now enjoys calling the High Country home. Her presence in the office helps convey the “family oriented” atmosphere that is sought after at The Headwaters.
Ann Chinault, Information Hostess
The first person many visitors meet is Ann. She is our cheerful host at the Information Office in downtown Banner Elk. You will find her full of local knowledge and helpful directions to the best places to eat, shop and enjoy while in the area. She moved to the High Country in 2003 with her husband Ray from Tampa, Florida. During her 23 years in the medical field, she vacationed in the mountains and now loves calling them home. She also enjoys the fact that her daughter and grandson live nearby.
Carol Simpson, Administration/Front Desk
Carol was originally from Charlotte. She worked many years in the legal and financial fields before moving to the beautiful NC mountains with her husband. She is mother of three and has a precious 18 month old grandson. Carol enjoys spending her free time with her family which also includes two dogs.
Tonja Blalock, Administration/Front Desk
Tonja is a retired school teacher of Avery County. She is the wife of Lewie Blalock and they have three children. Tonja’s daughter, Kelli, is a pharmaceutical representative and is married to Art Williamson. They are the parents of Tonja and Lewie’s three beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Ava, and Wit. Tonja’s son, Lance, is the owner of Blalock Electric and is married to Jessi Rose Tatum. Tyler is a student at Mars Hill College, in Mars Hill, NC.
Linda Jane Fincke Nixon, Administration/Front Desk
After retiring from teaching elementary school, Linda moved to Banner Elk and has lived here for the past twelve years. In addition to working at Headwaters, she volunteers in the Cancer Resource Center at Cannon Memorial Hospital and substitute teaches in the local area schools. She enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking, and spending time with dear friends and family.
