StayGainesville's Business Owner Spotlight: Craig Wilburn

Craig Wilburn: Leading with Integrity, Service, and Community Impact at Real Brokerage

In Gainesville’s dynamic real estate and business community, few professionals are as deeply rooted—or as widely respected—as Craig Wilburn. A trusted real estate professional with Real Brokerage in Gainesville, Craig is known not only for his market expertise, but for a career defined by service, leadership, and a genuine commitment to people.

Craig’s influence extends well beyond transactions. As a longtime industry leader, community advocate, and family man, he has spent more than a decade helping shape the future of real estate and civic engagement in Gainesville and across Florida.

A Career Grounded in Professional Leadership

Craig’s real estate career is built on a strong foundation of professional involvement and industry service. Since 2009, he has been actively engaged with both the National Association of Realtors and Florida Realtors, contributing time and leadership to support ethical standards, agent education, advocacy, and the long-term health of the profession.

This sustained involvement reflects Craig’s belief that strong real estate markets depend on informed professionals, responsible leadership, and collaboration at both the local and state levels. His experience within these organizations gives him a broad perspective—allowing him to guide clients and colleagues with insight that extends beyond Gainesville’s borders.

Why Real Brokerage

Craig’s alignment with Real Brokerage represents a natural evolution in his career. The company’s modern, agent-empowered model allows experienced professionals to operate efficiently while maintaining autonomy, transparency, and a client-first mindset.

For Craig, Real Brokerage provides the infrastructure to serve clients thoughtfully while continuing his leadership and mentorship work within the industry. The flexibility of the platform supports his belief that real estate should adapt to people—not the other way around.

Leadership in the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce

One of the most significant chapters in Craig’s community leadership is his long-standing involvement with the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce. Over the course of 14 years of service, Craig has worked alongside local business leaders to support economic development, advocate for smart growth, and strengthen Gainesville’s business ecosystem.

In 2024, Craig served as Chair of the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, a role that reflects both his leadership capabilities and the trust placed in him by the community. As Chair, he helped guide strategic initiatives focused on business retention, workforce development, and regional collaboration—efforts that directly impact Gainesville’s long-term vitality.

This role underscores Craig’s belief that thriving communities are built when business leaders actively invest their time, insight, and energy into the places they call home.

Building Leaders Through Mirror Image Leadership Academy

Craig’s commitment to service also extends into nonprofit work through his involvement with the Mirror Image Leadership Academy. The organization focuses on developing leadership skills, character, and confidence—particularly among young people and emerging leaders.

Through this work, Craig supports mentorship, education, and personal development initiatives that aim to create lasting impact far beyond any single program or event. His involvement reflects a core value that runs throughout his career: leadership is not about titles, but about responsibility and example.

A Hands-On, Relationship-Driven Professional

Despite his many leadership roles, Craig remains deeply engaged in the day-to-day work of real estate. Clients and colleagues consistently describe him as accessible, steady, and detail-oriented. He takes the time to listen, explain, and guide—especially during moments that require clarity and calm decision-making.

His approach includes:

Clear, honest communication throughout the process

Gainesville-specific market insight

Strategic guidance without pressure

Responsiveness rooted in respect for people’s time and priorities

This balance of professionalism and approachability is what turns first-time clients into long-term relationships.

A Family Man with Deep Local Roots

At the heart of Craig’s work is his role as a family man. Family provides perspective and grounding, shaping how he approaches both business and leadership. He understands that homes are more than assets—they’re places where families grow, routines form, and futures take shape.

That understanding informs how Craig serves clients navigating relocations, transitions, or major life decisions. He approaches each situation with empathy, patience, and a long-term view.

A Reputation Built on Integrity

Across real estate, nonprofit service, and civic leadership, Craig Wilburn has built a reputation defined by integrity and consistency. He is known for showing up, following through, and leading with principle—even when it requires time, effort, or difficult conversations.

In industries where trust is essential, Craig has earned it through years of steady, values-driven work.

Looking Ahead

As Gainesville continues to grow and evolve, leaders like Craig Wilburn play a critical role in shaping how that growth is guided. Through his work with Real Brokerage, his long-standing service to the real estate profession, his leadership within the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, and his nonprofit involvement, Craig remains focused on one goal: helping people and communities thrive.

His career stands as a reminder that success is most meaningful when it’s shared—and that leadership, at its best, is rooted in service.