John Rice opened Blue Ridge Realty in 1981, and the company has consistently been a leader in the development and sales of mountain homes and land ever since. In 2014, John passed the ownership of the company on to his son, Todd Rice, and Bill Aceto.

John loves the land and takes pride in developing properties and communities with the least negative impact on the environment. He believes that with patience and careful planning, man and nature can coexist aesthetically and ecologically. His past developments include Little Creek, Hickory Ridge, and Falcon Crest in Valle Crucis; and Yonahlossee Resort and Club and Yonahlossee Saddle Club in Boone. He is currently managing the development of Sunalei Preserve, a 600 acre community located west of Boone, NC.

John enjoys playing tennis and is an active sailor racing his boats in both of the Carolinas, Vermont, and the Caribbean.

John has two grown sons and is the proud grandfather of three granddaughters and one grandson.

John is a licensed real estate Broker in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.