Meet Our Team

828-260-2089
aliphillips@skybest.com

Alison has been in the High Country since 1992. She graduated from Clemson University in 1987 in elementary education and received her masters degree in 1988. Alison taught elementary school for 10 years before deciding to stay home with her three young children.  Having received her broker's license in 2005, she formed The Summit Group with Marsha McManus. Pulling together their talents and knowledge, The Summit Group is founded on integrity, respect, trust and the genuine desire to represent our Sellers and Buyers in the best way possible.  Alison's objective is to make sure that all clients receive exceptional, knowledgeable, and personalized attention that enables them to make the best informed decision concerning their real estate goals.She and her husband John, who grew up here, have numerous contacts to help ease the real estate process. Alison is very attentive and listens to the needs of her clients. She is passionate about her work and whether buying or selling, she wants to represent you! Current member of the High Country Board of Directors 2018-2019.

828-260-2490
mhmcmanus@skybest.com

Marsha first came to the Boone/Banner Elk area in 1979 as a Biology Naturalist student at Appalachian State University.  Like many others, she never left.  Having lived in different regions of the High Country for the past 43 years,and being involved in many different business endeavors, she has lots of knowledge and history of the region.

For 25 years Marsha worked as an artist and owned her own company, Spring Beauties.  She hand-crafted local wildflowers out of recycled aluminum printing plates.  By being a member of the local Galleries and also participating in craft shows, she was able to be an 'at-home Mom' for her 2 children, Anna and Jamie.  Anna currently works as a NICU travel nurse in Knoxville, TN and  and a NICU nurse in Johnson city too.  Jamie and his wife traveled the country for 2 years with his travel nurse wife, Shannon Canterbury.  They then returned to Banner Elk, Jamie got his real estate license and is a Broker at The Summit Group. His wife is in school to be a Nurse Anesthetist.  Marsha also owned SnowBird Wreaths as a partnership with Joyce Boone for 27 years.  They create fresh Fraser Fir Christmas Wreaths that are decorated, gift-boxed and shipped all across the US.  Most of their customers are companies that send them out as gifts.

Marsha  raised Arabian horses and Bloodhounds during the 1980's- early 1990's.  She owned a 55 acre farm in the Deep Gap area of Watauga County.  Her husband, at that time, secured a job as a Biology Professor at Lees McRae College and that is what brought her to sell the farm and move to Banner Elk.  She is currently married to David McManus, who has also lived here for 40 years, and owns McManus Farms and Landscaping.  He went to Lees McRae College and never left the area. 

The Summit Group Real Estate was formed in the spring of 2005 and  is owned by Marsha and Alison Phillips,.  Having met at church, Arbordale Presbyterian, these friends knew the area and knew most of the people living here.  Pulling together all our talents and knowledge we formed a Real Estate Company that is founded on respect, trust and the genuine desire to represent our Sellers and Buyers in the best way possible.

828-387-5571
emilyfarthing51@yahoo.com

Emily grew up in Jacksonville, Fl and in 1969 married a native of Watauga county.  She has lived and worked in the area since that time.  She has 2 grown children.

Emily previously worked in banking for almost 30 years and knows the community well. 

Her talent lies in listening to the client and getting to understand what is needed. In that way it is a win-win for all parties involved.

828-260-8322
zcssummit@gmail.com
Zoe graduated from  Appalachian State University in 1998 with a  B.S. in Industrial Psychology. She is a seasoned sales and service professional with 18 years of experience. Previous owner of  Maple's Leather Furniture,  a online and retail furniture company since 2005. She handled all sales for her company , with a strong background in advertising. Zoe started Maple's Leather Furniture from the ground up and has established herself in the industry and with online web presence. She is responsible for all advertising utilizing paper as well as all social media outlets.  She also has experience with outside sales working as a sales consult for a waste solutions company from  2012-2014.

Her  strengths is her personality ; her belief in what she is doing resonates. She is sincere in offering service and accountability for her business practices.  She is adept in hearing a clients needs and providing them with the correct options. Multi-tasking is her key, having a successful business, consulting in outside sales and raising a family. She knows how to thrive in a fast paced environment. She loves being a part of the mountain community, serving as Chair woman of planning board for The Village of Sugar Mountain, Past President 2020 for the Multiple Listing Service for the High Country, and volunteering at Banner Elk Elementary PTO. Featured as one of Top 50 agents in the High Country 2018.

828-260-5528
jamescansummit@gmail.com

My name is James Canterbury, but everyone calls me Jamie. I'm 31 years old and proud to call the Blue Ridge Mountains home. I was born and raised in Avery County and graduated from Avery High School in 2013 before heading to East Tennessee State University, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing.

After college, I married my high school sweetheart and began my career in the financial and mortgage industry, gaining firsthand experience with home financing, asset management, and the behind-the-scenes mechanics of real estate transactions. While living and working in Knoxville, my wife and I realized that a traditional nine-to-five life in a big city wasn't the path we wanted to follow. Instead, we took a leap of faith—leaving our jobs, selling most of our belongings, and spending two years traveling the country full-time in an RV. That experience deepened our appreciation for community, lifestyle, and what truly makes a place feel like home.

In 2020, we returned to the High Country, where my roots and passion naturally led me into real estate. Growing up in these mountains gave me an intimate understanding of the land, the communities, and the nuances that make each property unique. Today, I specialize in residential homes and vacant land sales, helping clients navigate everything from first-time purchases to complex mountain properties with confidence and clarity.

In 2022, I was honored to be recognized as one of the Top 50 Realtors, an achievement that reflects my commitment to my clients and to doing business the right way. I'm known for being easy to work with, detail-oriented, and highly responsive, and I take pride in building lasting relationships—not just closing transactions.

I also bring a strong, trusted network of local lenders, contractors, inspectors, surveyors, and other service providers who are ready to step in whenever questions or challenges arise, during or long after the purchase. Whether you're looking for a primary residence, a mountain retreat, or the perfect piece of land, my goal is simple: to make the process smooth, informed, and genuinely enjoyable while helping you find a place you're proud to call your own.

828-964-6384
alainakate@gmail.com

Alaina is a Watauga County native and grew up in the Bethel community. Alaina graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Business Management. Her strong family ties and love of the High Country have kept her in the mountains. She has lived in Banner Elk since 2008.

Alaina worked in banking for 13 years before working in real estate. Her knowledge of banking and familiarity with the area will work to your benefit whether you are searching for a new property or selling an existing property. Her goals are to remove obstacles and find solutions which promote successful outcomes for her clients. She will work hard to deliver the result you seek.

828-789-9112
aaronbarlowbe@gmail.com

With a positive and cheerful demeanor that's infectious, Aaron is here to make your real estate experience not only successful but also enjoyable. As a firm believer in the power of positivity, he approaches every transaction with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to help clients find the perfect property to call home.

When Aaron isn't busy assisting clients in achieving their real estate goals, you'll find him hard at work at his local sandwich shop, serving up lunch and talking about football. Owning a business in the community has taught him the value of hard work, dedication, and providing exceptional service – qualities he brings to every aspect of life, including real estate.

But that's not all – Aaron is deeply involved in the local community, serving on both the Banner Elk Planning and Zoning Committee and the Architectural Review Committee. Aaron is also an avid hiker and snowboarder, taking full advantage of the breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures that the mountain community has to offer.

Quite often, Aaron can be found on a baseball field, coaching little league, middle school ball or simply, his son. There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching young players grow and succeed, a passion that mirrors his approach to real estate – nurturing growth and celebrating achievements.

Above all, Aaron’s greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his family. Understanding the importance of finding a home that not only meets clients' needs but also fulfills their dreams, he’s committed to helping clients find the perfect place to create lasting memories with their loved ones.

So, if you're ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to find your slice of mountain paradise, connect with Aaron Barlow! With his expertise, passion for small-town mountain life, dedication to exceptional service, and experience as a local business owner, he’s here to make your real estate dreams a reality. Let's make it happen together!

Realtor | Founder Sea to Summit Group
p 954.610.0956
e trichellehenry@gmail.com

My name is Trichelle Henry and I am proud to represent buyers and sellers in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina as a realtor with the expert team at the Summit Group of the Carolinas.

After nearly 20 years of joyful experiences in Banner Elk, Boone, Blowing Rock and the surrounding areas, I love sharing this special place with friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

Whether you're buying or selling a private vacation escape, an STR income property or land for future development, you can count on me for marketing savvy, detailed analysis and genuine recommendations based on your specific wishes.

With over 20 years experience in real estate in South Florida and Banner Elk, I'm the realtor connecting South Florida to the High Country.

Have you been dreaming of having the best of both worlds? You can own on the BEACH and in the MOUNTAINS. And the BEST NEWS... each property can be earning income while you are not using it. Allow me to explain further how we can make Sea to Summit Life reality for you!

828-773-6846
tysonseitz@gmail.com

My name is Tyson Seitz, and my journey in the mountains began in 2004 when I moved to Boone to attend Appalachian State University. From the moment I arrived, I fell in love with the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and knew I had found my new home.

Originally from a farm in central North Carolina, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. During my time at Appalachian State, I took full advantage of everything the mountains have to offer—spending as much time as possible exploring, hiking, and skiing.

After graduating in 2008 with a degree in Criminal Justice, I made the decision to stay in the High Country—a decision I’ve been grateful for ever since. I became actively involved in the community, serving with the Foscoe Volunteer Fire Department and later working as a road deputy with the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office.

In 2018, I transitioned from law enforcement and started a landscaping business, which I continue to own and operate today. My passion for helping people and staying connected to the community naturally led me to real estate.

The feeling I had when I first moved to Boone is the same feeling I experienced when joining the Summit Group—I’m home. This mountain community means a great deal to me, and I would love the opportunity to help you find your place here. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply looking for a great place to eat while you’re in town, I’m always here as a resource.