About Us

Where Our Story Began

In April 1928, T.E. Johnson announced the opening of his real estate office on the second floor of the Woolworth Building in downtown Winston-Salem.

His business included homes, building lots, business property, rentals, property management, and insurance.

Even then, T.E. Johnson was not new to the profession. The original announcement stated that he already had nineteen years of practical experience handling residential and business rental property for individuals, corporations, and estates throughout Winston-Salem.

The Business Grows

By 1933, T.E. Johnson & Sons was already expanding. A newspaper announcement introduced a new real estate sales department alongside the company's established rental and property management business.

The advertisement stated that T.E. Johnson had been continuously engaged in Winston-Salem real estate for twenty-five years and described the rental and property management operation he launched in 1928 as one of the largest in the Twin City.

It also introduced the next generation. Ray B. Johnson and T.E. Johnson Jr. had joined their father in the business, while Jesse Z. Pfaff was selected to lead the new sales department.

A Sweet Piece of Winston-Salem History

One of the most memorable chapters in the company's history involves Krispy Kreme founder Vernon C. Rudolph.

In 1937, Rudolph came to Winston-Salem looking for a location where he could begin producing and selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts. T.E. Johnson Realtors showed him a small storefront at 534 South Main Street, across from Salem Academy and College. The space measured approximately 18 by 60 feet.

Rudolph rented the property and began producing yeast-raised doughnuts for wholesale delivery to local grocery stores. The smell of fresh doughnuts soon attracted people passing by, and he began selling directly to customers.

That small Winston-Salem operation became the beginning of an internationally recognized company. T.E. Johnson & Sons is proud to have played a small but meaningful role in helping Rudolph establish his first Winston-Salem location.

Successive generations of the Johnson family have continued the company's Winston-Salem real estate and property management legacy.

Six people associated with T.E. Johnson & Sons have served as President of the local REALTOR® association.

The number shown in the 1958 city directory became 722-6133—the same main office number used today.

T.E. Johnson & Sons was represented among the original leaders of WSRAR's Property Management Division.

From 200 West Third Street to Today

Historic signs and city directories show T.E. Johnson & Sons operating from 200 West Third Street with the telephone number PArk 2-6133.

As Winston-Salem's telephone system changed, that familiar number became 722-6133. Today, the company can still be reached at 336-722-6133.

The company now operates from 920 West Fifth Street, continuing a recognizable local presence while using modern systems to serve property owners and residents.

Helping Advance Professional Property Management

In September 1976, the Property Management Division of WSRAR was formed to promote professional training and establish ethical standards for people managing residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Phillip Johnson of T.E. Johnson & Sons Realty was among the division's original officers and directors. The founding group also included representatives from several other longstanding Winston-Salem real estate firms.

Part of the Profession. Part of the Community.

Historical city directories document the company's involvement with the Winston-Salem Real Estate Board and professional property management organizations as early as the 1930s. Later records show membership in local, state, and national REALTOR® organizations, the Multiple Listing Service, and other professional associations.

Across generations, members of the T.E. Johnson & Sons family and team have continued that tradition through professional leadership, civic involvement, and service throughout Winston-Salem and Forsyth County.