About John Hinnant

Born and raised in New Hanover County, John graduated from Laney High School in 1989. While earning a Bachelor of Science in History from Lees-McRae College (Banner Elk, NC), John played soccer for 2 years, founded a student environmental organization and was elected student body president as a senior.

John built, owned, and operated the Underground Sandwich Shoppe in downtown. Given his passion for his community, he was a leader with the Downtown Business Alliance, and served in multiple leadership roles with Wilmington Downtown, Inc (“WDI”).

After selling his restaurant, John remained involved with WDI while beginning his real estate career as an appraiser. In 2007, John was named President/CEO of WDI. During his 6 years on the job, he assisted more than 50 companies and over 500 jobs that located in downtown. During that time, over $600 million in private and public sector investment occurred in Wilmington’s Central Business District, all of which was part of the City’s Vision 2020 Plan. John excelled at site selection with small businesses and hotel developers.

Beginning in 2008, John was also a part of the “big board” with the NC Azalea Festival, and provided the leadership and vision to move the street fair from Water Street to Front Street, a signature event that still attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. He also led the growth of the Downtown Sundown Concert Series in cooperation with the City of Wilmington. The success and growth of the series helped to generate support for the much-needed renovations to the Hugh Morton Amphitheater (Greenfield Lake Amphitheater).

John entered Commercial Real Estate in 2013 with Maus, Warwick, Matthews and is now the Vice President of Eastern Carolinas Commercial Real Estate. 

As a nationally recognized leader with F3 Nation, an international network of peer led workouts for men, John served as event chair of the organization’s 10 Year Anniversary hosted in Wilmington in October of 2021. Since joining F3 in 2017, John has lost more than 40 pounds and transformed his life for the benefit of his family and community. He leads workouts, men’s Bible study meetings and group discussions on leadership (Q Source) for F3 Cape Fear.

Presently, John serves as Chair of the New Hanover County Parks & Gardens Advisory Committee.  Married for 23 years (Jamie), he has two children Connor and Ava. He can often be found walking or running with his dog Bubs through downtown Wilmington. His home is governed by two cats (Ozzy and Prince). He also enjoys exploring the barrier islands of New Hanover County onboard the family boat, The Costly Cure. 

John values the process of being prepared for the expected, while being ready for the unexpected. Known for his ability to remain calm under pressure, his life’s purpose is to always serve as a resource to others so they may prosper and have their lives enriched through meaningful connections. His entire career and adult life have been filled with a network of people who have benefitted from connections made by John. And John has been greatly enriched by the many relationships that have helped John provide for his family.