Mother-daughter duo share leadership of North Carolina real estate firm

Lucia Cooke and her daughter Allison Zimmerman are implementing a long-term succession plan at their North Carolina real estate firm, Cooke Residential, which serves the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. The transition involves moving toward a shared leadership structure, with Zimmerman taking on the role of broker in charge while continuing to co-own the business with her mother.

Zimmerman stated that the succession plan has been in development for the 22 years she has been in the real estate industry, with the ultimate goal of her taking the reins. She described their relationship as an "incredible working partnership" built over two decades, noting she has observed her mother in the business since she was five years old.

Cooke's own path into real estate was not direct; she initially earned a master's degree in education and considered becoming an appraiser. However, a part-time opportunity in real estate led her to a full-time career, holding positions with companies like REMAX and Prudential before establishing Cooke Residential in 2014. She recalled feeling anxious about launching her own firm independently but found immediate success in their first year.

Last year, Cooke Residential reported approximately $32 million in transaction volume. The mother-daughter team plans to continue working together and focus on recruiting new agents who align with the company's core values. Zimmerman previously served as broker in charge at a local REMAX office.

Both Cooke and Zimmerman emphasized the importance of trust and continuous education in business succession. They have both pursued advanced training, including Zimmerman's participation in a yearlong program at Harvard University, to stay abreast of industry changes, including the impact of artificial intelligence and online data.

The firm's development also involved the family patriarch, Cecil Cooke Jr., who was a co-owner and played a significant role before his death in June 2025. He had prior experience in mortgage lending and with homebuilders, and it was at his suggestion that the firm began professionally staging homes and implementing innovative advertising strategies, such as a mailed magazine, even during market downturns like the 2008 crash.